LEESBURG
It’s time to smell the roses, especially at Fountain Lake
Park, where Altrusa International of Lake County dedicated
a rose garden Thursday.
Leesburg City Manager, Ron Stock, in thanking the women of
Altrusa for their gift, said the park is a place for people to
rest, to enjoy its beauty and aroma of the flowers, and to
have calm thoughts.
He likened the park’s oasis to Altrusa’s mission. “Your
outreach program, support for the prevention of domestic
violence, helps women regain control of their lives. You help
give them an oasis,” Stock said. “You have helped brighten
lives, and I encourage you to continue your good work.”
Mayor Bob Lovell said Altrusa’s rose garden gift and a park
bench was “another example of community involvement in the
city,” and he commended club members for their energy,
planning, and implementation of the “beautiful” garden.
The newly planted flowers in the park are Altrusa roses, a
miniature rose that is unique in that the buds and blossoms
change color as they mature and reach a height of 20 to 24
inches over the growing season. It is hardy and
disease-resistant.
The Altrusa rose was hybridized originally by Dawn and the
late Barry Eagle of Southern Cross Nursery in Christ Church,
New Zealand. It is now being garden propagated at the Mini
Rose Garden in Cross Hill, S.C., by Michael Williams.
Altrusa International was formed by Mami L. Bass, a
businesswoman, in 1917. Carman Cullen, Altrusa’s Lake County
president, said the local chapter of the professional women’s
service club was chartered in 1983. The club’s purpose, she
said, is to promote literacy, provide annual scholarships for
women re-entering the workforce and to actively be involved in
the fight against domestic violence.
“Members do make a difference in the lives of women
throughout Lake County and internationally,” Cullen said.
Serving on the dedication committee were Elaine Lovell
(chair), Shari Hough, Rita Clements, Amy Eckert, Carman
Cullen, Lori Baker, and Trudie Logel.
Sponsors were First Federal Savings; Jack L. Lovell and Bob
Lovell; Browne Distributors, Inc.; Simon Seed; Leesburg
Partnership; the city of Leesburg; Florida Power; Leesburg
Regional Medical Center.
To learn more about Altrusa roses, log on to www.altrusa-spartanburg.org,
or call (864) 486-9177. The roses are sold in 50-plant increments.
EXTRA: Altrusa International of Lake County will host a “Hats
Off to Women” symposium 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March
23rd, at Harbor Hills Country Club. Speakers will cover
such topics as humor, motivation, wellness, and healthy
eating alternatives. Tickets are $40 and includes continental
breakfast and lunch. To reserve a ticket or learn more about
the club, call 365-8240. Wear your favorite hat!
