P R O G R A M S
​
Our Programs Committee acquires the best speakers possible in the area for our General Meetings. You can find them listed in our CALENDAR. We welcome the public to attend these meetings.
​
Internally, the BVGC focuses on programs offered through the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts for our membership. They include:
ALUMINUM TAB RECYCLING PROGRAM for Shriners Hospital
​
The BVGC partners, with other GCFM garden clubs, to support the Shriners Children's Transportation Fund. The pull-tabs found on cans of soup, pet food, soda, vegetables, etc., are 100% aluminum and therefore can be cashed by the Shriners. The proceeds are used to transport children with a parent or guardian free-of-charge to Shriner's Hospitals and provide lodging and food during treatment.​
How can collecting aluminum can tabs make a difference?​
The thousands of tabs collected at the Shriners Hospital in Springfield are periodically collected by a metal recycling company which converts the weight to the prevailing value for aluminum. Then a monetary donation – the value of the tabs at that time – is returned to Shriners Hospital to fulfill one of their many needs.
​
Pull-tabs are collected by the coordinator at all General Meetings.
PLANT - A - TREE - National Garden Clubs
​
BVGC participates in this program offered through GCFM, to plant trees in memory of garden club members.
For a $50.oo contribution to National Garden Clubs, a Plant-A-Tree certificate is received, and a tree is planted in a reforestation program, providing soil protection, watershed protection, soil stabilization, future harvestable timber, as well as beauty and shade for recreation.
Funds for this program are accumulated over the garden club year through member donations, then trees are purchased in May for club members that have passed away over the previous year. Trees are purchased in their names, a special recognition is received, and families are notified of this special tribute
