GARDEN CLUB POTLUCK
With a threat of a sprinkle which held off until the business meeting, The Gales Creek Garden Club met at the home and gardens of Sharon Hundley for the annual summer picnic potluck. With a little surprise birthday celebration tucked in for KenErskine, and a tour of the gardens, lots of chatting and eating; we deemed the day a success.
What was missing was you. You know who you are, you who have been meaning to visit or join the club. This is the perfect time; the new club year begins September 18th. We typically meet at the Gales Creek Church at noon on the 3rd Wednesday of each month; with an occasional field trip, member garden tour, plant sale, or work party thrown in. If you have been to Fern Hill Wetlands, notice the Native Plant Garden planted and maintained by our garden club. Different members and guest speakers offer instruction and lectures on a variety of garden related topics, we share garden stories, and we would love to welcome new members.
LILLY CLAN OF OREGON 135th ANNUAL FAMILY REUNION
You read that correctly! David Lilly came to Oregon, from West Virginia, in 1882. He homesteaded the property on Thornburg Road, where his descendant Sandi Evans lives now. Esther Lilly, whose diaries you read in this publication, was the 17th child of David Lilly; which were written about their life on this same homestead. In FlatTop, West Virginia sits a 10 acre Campground owned by Lilly Clan of West Virginia, which in the 2009 Guiness Book of World Records was listed as the largest family reunion in the world. Very few descendants here in Oregon still bear the last name of Lilly, but about 60 were in attendance the last Sunday of July at Shute Park in Hillsboro. The reunion has met at many venues over the years; Balm Grove Park, Camp R&R being 2 in Gales Creek.
Roots for my family, as you can see, go very deep in this valley. This is my passion for keeping you informed of events in our little town. In addition to being a grafted Lilly, my family, Raymond, homesteaded the Thatcher Valley. The property sold a number of years ago, but this area is still home to many Raymonds.
LILY FESTIVAL
Intoxicating….the perfect description for what awaits your visit to the Lily gardens on David Hill Road. the time of publication, you will have missed your opportunity for this year, but for a $3 entrance fee, this is a must do. All your senses are assailed with aromas, gentle music, breezes, beautiful flowers, wine tasting and catering. Truly a pleasurable visit, made more exciting by new lilies that manage to come reside in my gardens each year. Over 250 varieties of lilies are grown, and I have only 5…..so many flowers so little time!
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Hot dogs and hamburgers, door prizes, games, potluck and visiting; the ingredients for a fun evening in Gales Creek. Always on the 1st Tuesday in August, National Night Out occurs in communities across the US; wherever there is a Neighbor Watch Organization. Neighbor Watch, formed to aid in keeping our community safe and happy, hosts this picnic annually. Approximately 100 guests met at the Gales Creek Elementary School, under the covered area, where I, and many others had recess as a child. In addition to residents, always in attendance are our Community Responder agencies. Washington County Sheriffs Office, as well as F.G. Fire Department, with volunteers from the Gales Creek Station were present, to answer questions, and get to know us, those they serve. In response to the recent shooting of 2 of our WCSO deputies, I would like to thank them for their service and send prayers to the Department and the families.
Below: The Gales Creek National Night Out. Photo: Chas Hundley
