Last week while at the HCP I was amazed at the buzz of activity. It was a beautiful sunny day and the garden was teaming with a busload of visitors, the patio at Nourish was full and people were leaving the gardens with arms full of plants they had bought. It was uplifting to see so many people enjoying the HCP experience!

The HCP has experienced a lot of change these past few years, and the past two months have seen a number of staff changes in the HCP's organization. In May, Jo Ann Braidwood retired after many years as the HCP's financial administrator. Jo Ann was instrumental in keeping our financial house in order and had an eagle eye for controlling costs. Jo Ann was truly dedicated to the HCP often putting in long hours to ensure that things ran smoothly. We wish Jo Ann well in her 'retirement' and I know we'll be seeing her around the gardens.

In June, Roger Charles retired after 6 years as the HCP's CEO. Roger was a catalyst for improving the efficiency and professionalism of the HCP's operations and reaching out to the community to build partnerships and increase community awareness of the HCP. Roger brought a strong strategic vision for the HCP's educational mission and under his leadership the HCP has reached out globally to enhance our international presence and reputation.

Roger's proudest achievement was the Couvelier Pavilion, completed just 3 years after fire destroyed the glasshouse and support buildings. Roger was a great example of a leader who was prepared to roll up his sleeves to do whatever needed to be done - whether chasing deer from the garden or cleaning out a blocked septic system! We wish Roger all the best in his future endeavours.

Laura Biggs, the College Administrator for the past 4 years is leaving in July for a great opportunity at the University of Victoria. Laura is very popular with our students as she is always available to listen to their concerns and provides endless encouragement. Laura has brought a professional level of discipline and organization to the operations of the College and it has been largely due to her efforts and commitment that the College runs so smoothly. We look forward to still seeing Laura around the HCP, as she will continue to teach at the College.

Lisa Ballinger, the Executive Director Operations, will be the senior manager at HCP until such time as the Board recruits a new CEO. In the meantime, Larry Phillips, the Vice Chair and I will be supporting Lisa and assuming some of the CEO's duties.

While it is always sad to say goodbye to long-term staff, we are pleased to welcome two new staff, Deborah Donahue, our new financial administrator and Reggie Illey, who will be taking on Laura's role at the College as well as working in the gardens. Debra and Reggie are already making their presence felt at the HCP and have become real assets to the HCP team.

For our next adventure we are staying on the island- no need for a pre-dawn start! We are going up into the Cowichan Valley for a perfect while-away summer day!

We will leave Victoria at 9 am and head to Duncan and a guided tour of Alderlea Farm; a cutting edge biodynamic community garden that supplies produce to 200 local families. Then it will be a slight zig zag back to Merridale Ciderworks for a private guided tour of the cellars and gardens, a tasting and a 4-course gourmet lunch. A slight nap will be possible as we then make our way to Averill Creek Winery for a guided tour and another tasting. If all this goes to plan we will have just enough time to stop off in Cowichan Bay for an ice cream cone!

Everything is included in the cost of $120.00 (except for extra beverages and the ice cream cone)

Email Jane Tice at communityed@hcp.ca or call the main office directly at 250-479-6162 if you would like to join us.

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