Letters From Our Presidents
Fran Ackerly, Incoming President 2025-2027
The Garden Club of Montclair
Dear Members and Provisionals,
I am honored to be the President of the Garden Club of Montclair for 2025–2027. I became an active member in 2015 and as each year goes by, I grow more proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.
I am in awe of what our members’ determination and teamwork can accomplish, as evidenced by the transformation of the Church Street Circle, the successful Bricks Campaign, and the beautiful Avis Campbell Gardens and Triangle Gardens (about to be renamed the Church Street Gardens). This same determination and teamwork goes on “behind the scenes” by the Committees planning and presenting the many varied Club activities and programs.
I am excited as I look ahead to the upcoming year. In 2026 the Garden Club of Montclair will celebrate its 100th Anniversary! Special events are being planned for our members and in our community. I know that together we will continue to move the Club ahead in new directions but always remain true to our mission of Education, Beautification & Fellowship.
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With warmest regards,
Fran Ackerly
Sarah Olson, Outgoing President
The Garden Club of Montclair
​Dear Fellow Garden Club Members and Provisionals,
What a remarkable year it has been—full of growth, change, and exciting accomplishments! We returned to our longtime home at 60 South Fullerton Avenue for programs, meetings, and workshops. Despite some challenges with construction and filming on-site, we adapted smoothly. Although we no longer have our dedicated Garden Club Room, the large properties room has been refreshed and reorganized, thanks to the efforts of our members.​​
We also embraced a major shift in communication, moving away from multiple emails, the printed Yearbook, and the Potpourri newsletter. Instead, we have consolidated communications through our website —streamlining how we share information. Our social media presence has expanded significantly, with engaging posts and reels that showcase our activities and events. We have created a real buzz and have even been featured in the Montclair Local.
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In September, we kicked off the year with a vibrant Small Standard Flower Show. The creative, sustainable floral designs and beautiful horticultural exhibits were a highlight. October brought us another win—our “Mother Nature” scarecrow earned first place and a $500 prize.
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Throughout the year, our Garden Therapy and Youth Committees continued their meaningful outreach, and our garden volunteers worked hard to enhance the Avis Campbell Gardens and Triangle raised beds with new native plants. Thanks to a grant from the Montclair Foundation and our successful BRICKS-to-BRICKS Campaign, we will begin renovating the Avis Campbell pathways this fall for better accessibility.
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Our presence in the community has never been stronger. We participated in local events such as Montclair EarthFest, the Glen Ridge Eco-Fair, and the Montclair Art Museum’s Free First Thursday. We also began collaborating with the town to transform the Church Street roundabout into a native plant garden—our first of several upcoming community beautification projects.
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We closed the year with our Annual Meeting, where we celebrated members and honored The Montclair Foundation and the Placek Family Foundation with Community awards. Our coveted perpetual awards and our Bloomie awards for unsung heroes capped off the event.
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As I step down, I do so with deep appreciation and pride. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this incredible club. I look forward to supporting you as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary together.
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With appreciation,
Sarah