Penguins, bears and snowmen, and an abundance of sparkling snowflakes - what better way to mark a cold January day than to enjoy the warmth of friendship and camaraderie while creating these beloved winter characters that almost exceed the quotient for cute.

Yes, the Boothbay Region Garden Club/Garden Therapy team is at it again! Working with Gregory Wing residents, the team produced some 30 snowmen decked out in black top hats and warm scarves. For extra good measure, penguins with wooly hats and friendly bears in argyle sweaters were added to the mix. Six different snowflake patterns, glistening with sequins, added additional interest to the project which, when completed, resulted in a sparkly ribbon of snowflakes and snowmen stretching across the windows that look out to the back courtyard at St Andrews Village.

According to Garden Therapy co-chair, Nan Jackson, the dangling winter vista brought to mind a few quotes that were added to the whimsical display. "Silently, like thoughts that come and go, the snowflakes fall, each one a gem" by William Hamilton Gibson and another by Vesta M. Kelly that seems particularly apropos to the accomplishments of the Garden Therapy group. "Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things but look at what they can do when they stick together."

Garden Therapy projects provide interactive activities that also help build community for Village residents. Join the Garden Club and join the team! For more information on how you can become involved in Garden Club activities that benefit the community check out the BRGC website at www.boothbayregiongardenclub.org. The BRGC is affiliated with NGC (National Garden Clubs Inc.) and is a member of the GCFM (Garden Club Federation of Maine).