The Morley Library was on the verge of being closed this winter. High heating costs threatened the shut down of the library. A temporary closing was cause enough for concern. The possibility of it becoming permanent was a panic. The Morley Library Association called out for help and the immediate threat was resolved thanks to a group of concerned people. I think the biggest problem was that no one in the community really knew how much help the library needed. We took it for granted or at least I did. I’ve never used the library. I doubt I ever will. Our family ‘needs’ to own every book we read and I’d bet we own more than the little library. But I do want the library to thrive. It’s one of the few community pillars left in our tiny hamlet. It’s a resource that I consider a part of any community’s foundation . That’s a good enough reason to offer what little help I can.

Let’s say ‘Enlightened Self-Interest’ is my motive. Keeping the kids off my lawn by giving them a place to go.

The emergency has been dealt with but now the library faces a number of long standing problems. The building needs all sorts of work done. Just to start there’s a roof in need of repair with a tree in the way that needs to be removed and foundation work needed. Handicap access is a must. Weatherization is begging to be done, new windows, door and insulation would help. We’ll forget the wish list for now.

So what’s the real problem. We all know the answer. It’s funding. While a group of people have taken up the call for help not much can really be done without some financial support. There have already been some generous offers and donations made by others. Unfortunately it’s not enough to do everything needed.

So I’m donating a custom designed perennial flower garden to be raffled off on Mother’s day by the Morley Library Association. $1000. of materials and labor is included. After a walk through the winner’s yard / landscape and a long ‘garden chat’ I’ll get to play.

I promise to have the garden finished by the end of June, 2009 – if not  by Memorial Day. (I’m a busy man in the spring. I usually need to be in 10 places all at once and who knows if I’ll be facing a late start, mud season beyond belief or any other delays)

It’s necessary to limit the range I have to travel. Sorry but it’s – ‘St. Lawrence County Only’. …and that’s pushing my limit. I’d be more than happy to drive farther but travel expenses would devour the garden’s budget.

Tickets will be sold for $5. each. While I’d like to see countless tickets sold even a handful will help the library. Any support is welcome and I promise to make the winner happy no matter what. I know I’ll be happy, getting to create a garden is always fun.

This is the first announcement. I only found out last night that this is a go. So this post is actually the start of my thinking this whole thing through. I’ll post again and I promise not to ramble on so much. But it will happen – someone is going to get a flower garden from a Blooming Looneytic.

Are you felling lucky? Go ahead make my day. Tell me you want a ticket.