Theta Chapter of the American Gourd society was formed in August of 2007. The Chapter was formed to gather those in Michigan who enjoy growing and using Gourds. MGS members will strive to share the joy and passion of growing and using Gourds with others through communication, educational presentations and displays of their work at venues such as Patch meetings, local and national events whenever possible.

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IMichigan Gourd Society has been blessed with just fantastic weather for the spring. There has been activity of our members teaching in their communities and giving back and spreading the knowledge of gourds Several of our members made the trip to Indiana early April to support their festival. They were gracious and welcoming as always. Julie Glover had three gourders accompany her to their first gourd festival and they were not disappointed. Carrie Cervantes enjoyed her trip also and took in a class that she very much enjoyed.

I am going to share a phrase from our neighbors from Indiana. It's the "The V-Word". I saw this once in one of their newsletters. Volunteerism - I would like to share the MGS's appreciation for everyone's volunteering in Michigan. Whether you are teaching, mentoring new gourders, working at festivals, and assisting at events; you are applauded! These events cannot take place without the members. MGS is and can be what you want out of it. 

We are in need of members & volunteers for future events. If you have a friend or an acquaintance that needs something in their life, reach out and invite them to your home or patch meeting. You can never underestimate what that does for individuals to feel more self-worth and a sense of belonging! Guarding is fun, very nurturing to have new friendships, and have someone mentor your inside creativeness.

I end on this note to our members to have a wonderful growing season & a wonderful summer.
Please contact us to sign up to join MGS via the link on AGS website. Or if you need assistance creating a patch, let me know and we may assist you

Julie Glover
VP Michigan Gourd Society

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Michigan gourders visiting the IGS festival in April, 2012

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NOTE:  If you have a gourd story, a tutorial or anything else you would like to share with us please write it up and send it, along with a short bio, and a photo of yourself … or perhaps we can will find a photo of you!  Remember - there are cameras everywhere!  We will be calling on different members from time to time to give us input with ideas for fundraisers, lists of shows and fairs where the MGS could attend and just to check and see how you are doing.  Check with others in your patches to get input too and encourage them to participate in any way they can.   If there is anything the board can help you with please do not hesitate to call on any of us … we are here to help you and the MGS and we do have speakers who will give talks to groups who are interested.