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Top quality presenters and donations at Garden Gala

The Bentley Library Society and Library Board staged a successful Garden Gala fundraiser at the Bentley Community Hall on June 2.

The Bentley Library Society and Library Board staged a successful Garden Gala fundraiser at the Bentley Community Hall on June 2, in most part because of the generosity of businesses and individuals who donated quality items to the silent auction.

Bentley Library Society treasurer Arlene Tanasiuk reported a profit of about $1,600 from the sale of the 80 or so silent auction items. Another $100 to help with the cost of lunch was realized from the silver collection and a donation.

Guest presenters who volunteered their time were well received.

The first guest speaker for the afternoon was Pat Aldi from Parkland Nurseries wholesale division who spoke about adding color to yards by using colorful shrubs and bushes. Samples were on display.

Janet Rathjen, floral arranger at Blooms flower shop in Rimbey, showed how to make arrangements using perennials from your garden. The arrangement she made was won by Marg Beddoes in a free draw.

Silver Cove employee Stella Cappis from Lacombe rounded off the afternoon with her display and talk on rocks and gems found in Alberta noting that ammolite is found right here in Alberta and is the official gemstone of the province.

The creative decorating of the hall for the gala was once again done by library clerk Vera Boettger and her daughter Nina.

Pastor Greg Rathjen supplied a headset microphone and the use of stand-alone sandwich boards for signage on Main Street.

The community hall board supports the cause and the historic hall seems to be the perfect venue for such an event.

Library society members, assisted by other volunteers, worked hard to make it an affair worthy of everyone’s attendance.

How to increase attendance remains an issue. There was free admission this year. Holding it on the town’s busy Saturday farmers’ market day was tried. Hours were extended.

Organizers would still like to figure out how to draw more people to the gala. If you have any suggestions or comments please call Arlene at 403-748-4429 or talk to any other library society member.

By June Norvila