Monthly Meeting -- Last of the Season!
Thursday, May 14, 11:30 am
Ann Arbor City Club
It's all about gardens -- in a bag and on the Walk!
Special Speaker: Shirley Brezzell, 2026 Michigan Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year
Shirley is a native Detroiter and dynamic science educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience and an Ed.S from Wayne State University. She teaches science and social studies at Detroit’s Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Recently named the 2026 Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year, Shirley is passionate about exposing her students to healthy foods through an outdoor school garden she created and manages. Her unique “Garden in a Bag” concept has students planting and maintaining portable gardens in a recyclable bag, enabling them to grow fresh produce all summer long. Vegetables from the garden’s stationary beds go straight to Mackenzie families, helping everyone enjoy fresh veggies and a healthier lifestyle.
Shirley’s dedication to promoting healthy food and edible gardens is impactful. Just ask her daughter Claire Austin, a Farm & Garden member who manages Growing Hope’s Ypsilanti Farmer’s Market. Healthy food creates healthier communities, and this mother-daughter duo are helping make that difference.
Join us to hear Shirley’s inspiring story and see the "Garden in a Bag" idea for yourself -- attendees will leave with the materials needed to make their own!
Also on the May agenda, we’ll vote on officers and budget, preview summer events, and distribute Garden Walk member tickets and promotional materials (posters, postcards, lawn signs). This is our last regular meeting of the season – don’t miss it!
Members, please register for the lunch and program, or program only, by midnight Thursday, May 7. Guests are welcome.
Register Now
Reminder: Bring cans for Flower Therapy!! FT has sessions all summer long. Let’s help them stock up. Please bring clean cans, 10.5 oz or 14.5 oz., for collection.