WESTFIELD/CRANFORD —As part of its commitment to community service, The Rake and Hoe Garden Club, Inc. of Westfield visited The Jardine Academy in Cranford on November 28, and decorated the Holiday Tree with 100 sled ornaments designed by Mary Lou Nolas and made by fellow club members.
The ornaments were inspired by the book “A Sled for Gabo,” by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Ana Ramírez González. Club member Irene Greenstein read the book to some of the students. The book tells of Gabo, who is new to town. When he wakes up to his first snowy day, he wants to go sledding. He soon realizes that he does not have the right clothes or a sled, but with the help of a loving community, he overcomes these obstacles and enjoys his first snowy day. A copy of the book was donated to the school’s library.
The Holiday Tree stands in the lobby of the school and is enjoyed by all who pass by.
The Jardine Academy, operated by the Cerebral Palsy League and approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, is located in Cranford. It provides a comprehensive educational program designed to meet the cognitive and physical needs of children and young adults, ages 3 to 21, with multiple disabilities.
The Rake and Hoe Garden Club is affiliated with the Garden Club of New Jersey and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. The club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at noon at the Shady Rest Country Club, located at 820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains. New members are always welcome. To learn more about the club and its many activities, contact Cathy Becker at cathymbecker@gmail.com or visit the club’s website, rakeandhoegc.org, or Facebook page.
