Laurel Garden Club to Dissolve After 71 Years of Service to the Community
After 71 years of service to the community, the Laurel Garden Club (LGC) has announced the difficult decision to dissolve the organization, effective at the end of 2024. This decision was made following thoughtful discussion at the club’s anniversary dinner meeting, where members voted to formally conclude the club’s operations.
Founded in 1953, the Laurel Garden Club has a long history of contributing to the local community through educational programs, horticultural projects, and environmental advocacy. Notably, the club was the first in Ohio to dedicate both a Blue Star Memorial Marker and a Gold Star By-Way Marker at the same time, a project that took over two years to complete and was installed in Veterans Memorial Park in 2017. This achievement stands as a testament to the club’s commitment to honoring veterans and enhancing the community. However, as is the case with many long-standing organizations, the club has faced increasing challenges in attracting and retaining members and maintaining engagement in an evolving landscape of volunteerism.
In a statement, club officers noted, “The Laurel Garden Club has been a vital part of the community for more than seven decades, and we are incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication shown by our members throughout the years. This decision, while difficult, reflects the changing dynamics of community involvement.”
As part of the dissolution process, the club outlined plans for the distribution of its remaining funds to two organizations that share its commitment to community and environmental causes: Friends of the Brooklyn Branch Library and Gardenview Horticultural Park. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) non-profits, ensuring that the club’s financial legacy will continue to support valuable educational and horticultural endeavors.
The LGC’s recent partnership with the Friends of the Brooklyn Branch Library to co-sponsor a speaker series will be supported through a $500 contribution toward future programs.
Gardenview Horticultural Park, a 16-acre botanical garden and arboretum in Strongsville, was named to receive the remaining funds. Gardenview’s mission is to develop and maintain gardens of rare plants and flowers that provide enjoyment, education, and inspiration to the public.
The Brooklyn Historical Society will serve as the repository for the Laurel Garden Club’s historical archive, preserving its legacy for future generations.
In conclusion, the Laurel Garden Club’s officers expressed gratitude for the members’ years of service and encouraged the community to continue honoring the club’s legacy. “It has been a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated individuals, and we are thankful for the connections made over the years.”
Laurel Garden Club
P.O. Box 44294
Brooklyn Ohio 44144
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