Historic Pullman Garden Club, May 6, 2026

Present: Meg Baldeshwiler, Lorraine Brochu, Andy Bullen, Andrea Conway-Diaz, Anna Fillmore, Sue James, Luke Korzenko, Brent LaRowe, Annie Lira, Mike McMahon, Melinda Moore, Mary Jo Nasko, Sue Schoephoester, Lynn Smith, Norma Zarris

Motion to approve the emailed and posted minutes of the April meeting. m/s/p

The UI Extension lecture on container gardening on April 12 was well attended.

No word yet on the Chicago Park District grant proposal for plants and tools. However, we need an inventory of our current tool stock.

Garden Walk (LS/SJ): Bruce Lange will design this year’s poster. Plant donations are needed for the sale. Artists are invited to participate in the Project Windows exhibit.

Brent participated in the Southeast Community Summit to connect with other organizations. He announced Rosemoor Community Assoc.’s 5K run/walk/ride along 103rd St. on May 15. Motion: to donate $50 to support the event. m/s/p (LB/AF)

Brent noted IDNR will hold a free Wildwood Party on Aug. 29 10 am – 2 pm. Period attire is encouraged.

Brent returned a call to Governor State University, who is seeking a place for students to volunteer.

Gateway Garden (SJ, LS, AF): A committee met with Noah Frazier, an arborist from Openlands, to discuss planting of (free, small) PawPaws, Honeyberries, and Serviceberries in Gateway as part of a food reserve project. Mr. Frazier will design a plan for Gateway based on their meeting. Discussion for creating a welcome sign for Gateway was tabled to July.

Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and T-shirts: Brent will inventory the stock stored at his home and order more in time for the Garden Walk. Discussion: do we want to consider purchasing long-sleeved t-shirts?

Norma’s basement: Andy, Anna, and Brent volunteered to move remaining Club materials to the garage.

Email (Brent): Brent will verify that we are an NFP to secure free access to Google Work Space.

Announcement: Calumet Water Reclamation Open House, May 30 at 10 am.

Ball Seed Tour: Sue J. offered to sign us up for an August tour when it’s posted to the public.

Discussion: Do we anticipate having a Victorian tea in the future?

Motion to adjourn at 8:02 pm. m/s/p (AB/MB)