“The process of maintaining a positive attitude, feeling good about yourself, keeping fit and healthy and engaging fully in life as you age is what positive aging, or the art of aging, is all about.”
On October 26, the Culpeper Garden Club participated with 50 other organizations and community services at the free Art of Aging event, organized by the local Aging Together non-profit, held at the new Culpeper County Field House. The Expo featured a wide variety of resources for both older adults and caregivers that focused on the many ways to stay active, healthy and positive as one ages.
The day before the event, club members gathered to prepare 40 floral arrangements. They used donated pint mason jars and the flowers and greens cut from members’ gardens. Each unique arrangement was deemed complete once a tag with the name of the club and the website was tied on with a satin ribbon.
During the Expo, three shifts of club members took responsibility for talking to interested individuals about the garden club and its various programs and projects, all the while quickly assembling additional small arrangements. The flowers flew off the table as quickly as they could be made! They were the hit of the Expo and brought smiles to many. To the delight of attendees, several members designed stunning, large arrangements while they watched. The large designs were later raffled in the free drawings. As a thank you, the club presented the volunteer event coordinator with a large floral design in appreciation for all she did to ensure the success of the Expo.
In addition to giving out flower arrangements, the supply of garden club rack information cards was almost exhausted. Happily, fifteen individuals signed up to be reminded of the next club meeting and several were very interested in joining the club and getting involved with various outreach projects. A successful day by all accounts.
It’s apparent Culpeper Garden Club members have already learned the secret of the art of aging…. Find people with a shared interest that you enjoy spending time with, give of yourself and share your talents.