The Salem Friendship & Garden Club is beginning its 2026 to 2027 season with new members, engaging programs, community service projects, and plenty of opportunities for friendship and fun.
The season got off to an exciting start in September when 16 local residents attended the Club’s Meet and Greet. Several attendees decided to join, helping the Club reach an exciting milestone of more than 50 members in just four years.
Activities Chair Angelica Pierson has planned a full calendar for new and returning members. Four speakers from the UNH Master Gardener program will present a variety of gardening and horticultural topics during upcoming monthly membership meetings. Pierson has also reserved seats for members at four Palace Theatre performances and continues to organize the Club’s popular social gatherings.
Cocktails & Conversation meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month, while Coffee & Conversation brings members together on the fourth Wednesday morning. These casual gatherings provide members with an opportunity to get to know one another outside of regular Club meetings.
Members can also look forward to several favorite annual traditions, including Friendsgiving, the Holiday Luncheon at Black Water Grill, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and the popular all you can eat Cinco de Mayo Taco Extravaganza. Whether gathering over coffee, enjoying a performance, sharing a holiday meal, or celebrating with tacos, friendship and fun are always on the calendar.
Community Outreach Chair Diane Koczat and her committee have also been busy developing a Children’s Education Program. The program will teach preschool and elementary age children about the importance of creating and expanding pollinator gardens that provide food and habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators.
The Community Outreach Committee also ensures that the Club maintains an active presence throughout Salem. Members participate in numerous community events, including National Night Out, Trunk or Treat, the Salem Holiday Parade, and Salem’s Annual Egg Hunt.
This year, the Club is also working to establish a scholarship for students and adults interested in pursuing education in horticulture, conservation, land management, or a related field.
Beautifying Salem remains another important part of the Club’s mission. Members are thrilled that the landscaping project at Michele Memorial Park has received approval from the Salem Town Council. Belko Landscaping is expected to complete the project soon, and the Club looks forward to seeing flowering magnolia trees welcome visitors to the park each spring.
From an idea shared around a kitchen table to a thriving organization of more than 50 members, the Salem Friendship & Garden Club has certainly taken root. What began as a way for people, many of whom were nervous about walking into a room of strangers, to meet others and make new friends has blossomed into something special. Along the way, friendships have flourished, members have given back to the community, and the Club has continued to grow.
If you are looking for a place to fit in, make friends, get involved in the community, and have fun along the way, the Salem Friendship & Garden Club welcomes you. Come grow and bloom with us. No gardening experience is required.
To learn more or become a member, visit SFGC-NH.org or email FriendshipGarden03079@gmail.com.