**New Leadership, Fresh Vision: Social and Garden Club Plans a Busy Year**

The newly elected board members of the Salem Friendship & Garden Club are already busy at work planning an action-packed year. With fresh faces and seasoned members joining forces, the club aims to foster stronger community ties, celebrate traditional gardening practices, and introduce innovative projects geared to the beautification of Salem.

At the helm is Lorie Ball, the previous and reelected president, who brings a dynamic vision for growth and community engagement. Alongside Lorie, the leadership team will include Kim Cummings (Vice President), Sue Hopkins (Recording Secretary), Carol Demers (Corresponding Secretary), and Deb Ardner (Treasurer). The leadership team is working on a vision board, laying out a roadmap filled with exciting initiatives—from seasonal planting events and community service to guest lectures, theater outings, workshops, garden parties, and a variety of seasonal and holiday social and community activities.

The goals for this year are to plant connections as well as plant gardens. Combining a social element with community service strengthens individual bonds, making the process not only beneficial to the community but also meaningful and rewarding for the membership.

The club’s calendar will feature a diverse range of events, including participation in Salem’s 275th anniversary celebration (Salembration), Salem Recreation’s annual Trunk-or-Treat, and the annual Christmas parade, among others. Additionally, members can look forward to social gatherings that blend a variety of member interests into memory-making experiences.

With an enthusiastic look ahead, the Salem Friendship and Garden Club invites residents to join them, whether they’re seasoned gardeners or simply eager to build friendships over shared interests.

For those interested in membership or upcoming events, details can be found on the club’s website at https://sfgc-nh.org/ or by attending a general meeting. Ordinarily, meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at the Salem Boys and Girls Club, 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH from 12:30 to1:30. For July & August, official meetings are on hold, but you can still join in the summer fun by checking out the website or contacting us at friendshipgarden03079@gmail.com.