Lorraine Brisson, MS, HTM
Mother Nature continued to be her fickle self forcing the cancellation of the Pops in the Park Saturday evening, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the attendees.
After a brief welcome, our Keynote Dr. Marion Gold, Ph.D. gave an informative presentation on the Mallon Outreach Center setting the tone for the day. After a quick break, it was on to the morning concurrents. It was hard to choose which presentation to attend, but a variety of topics such as networking (always timely), sensory activities, cancer recovery through nature, partnering with other therapeutic fields and solar cookers offered something for everyone. A panel discussion with seasoned HT’s made for an informative dialogue between panelists and attendees. The day ended with the wrap-up of the auction and goodbyes to the new friends we made.
Later on, those of us staying overnight headed out for dinner and conversation in Providence. My chicken curry with rice and aioli sauce was superb.
The next morning we met at the Daggett farm Greenhouse & Gift Shop. It seems no matter how many times I visit the HT program there, I always leave with some new ideas and this time was no exception. Immediately upon arriving I was inspired by the huge wooden flowers on the front of the building. The petals were made of fence pickets. I have been brainstorming ways to incorporate similar wooden flowers into the VA HT program. Now, I just have to figure out how to get my old picket fence from home to work.
After the tour, we drove to the Roger Williams Botanical Center for a guided tour. I had been looking forward to visiting the new greenhouse and was not disappointed. The docents were well informed and offered interesting facts such as the connection between palm leaves and a mathematical formula known as Fibonacci’s Principle, and the three categories of carnivorous plants. We even fed dead crickets to the Venus Fly Traps!
And so, the conference came to an end. We said our goodbyes and headed home inspired to incorporate new activities into our own programs. Isn’t that what it’s all about!