Birds of a Feather

Now Through April 30th

Our mission is to maintain gardens that are enjoyable, inspirational and used to educate people about gardening and its health and environmental benefits.

Did you know that National Volunteer Month in the United States takes place in April?

This month we are celebrating all our amazing volunteers, with a special shoutout to our Board of Directors. The Board is an important part of the day-to-day function and management of the LLFB. 

Warren Bennis, widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of contemporary leadership, said “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” 

Since 2011 when the first Board of Directors was established, many volunteers have stepped up to serve and to help lead the way. Collaboration is an integral part of the job and we salute all our volunteers – ordinary people producing extraordinary results. 

The faces may change as individuals' needs or lifestyles change, but the purpose and vision always remain the same. A constant collaboration between our leaders and volunteers is an integral part of the management of the Bridge. We salute all our volunteers who give their time, talent and energies to ensure we achieve our mission. Thank You!

Join Our Volunteer Team

The LLFB is a non-profit organization supported by about 50 volunteers who bring a variety of talents, ideas, and backgrounds to support all facets of the Bridge. You’ll find many of our volunteers working in their gardens and chatting with visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are looking for a volunteer experience that offers a diverse range of interests, please come join us at the Bridge. We have a perfect spot for you to bloom! Click for our Volunteer Form.

Kathy Tanner

Board Chairwoman and Garden Co-Chair

"I have been gardening since my early 20’s and volunteered at WingHaven Gardens in Charlotte for 15 years as a gardener, docent, organizer of children’s programs and Chair of the Society Leadership Board prior to moving to Lake Lure." Kathy is a founding member of the LLFB, and you can find her tending the Atrium and the Sun Country Garden.

John Reed

Infrastructure Chair

"I spent 20 years in the hotel business after the military and then went to work for a developer as vice president in charge of building high-rise office buildings." John's building background is a big asset in his role as a member of the Construction Committee for the Education Center.

Debbie Clark

Education Director

"I am a retired Master Gardener from Indiana and North Carolina, environmental science educator, and landscaper and garden writer." Debbie is passionate about education and developing our annual class offerings and special events that are sure to please all ages. An ardent daylily and hydrangea lover, Debbie works in the Shade Country Garden and the Daylily Garden.

Kenneth Tanner

Treasurer

"As a a native of Rutherford County, I remember when the Bridge was just a vision. What a long way we've come!" Kenneth recently retired from a career in accounting and financial software development, making him the perfect fit to manage our monies.

Becky Melton

Database Chair

Becky oversees and manages the database containing information and tracking donations made to the Bridge. '"I am a retired computer programmer and resident of Rutherfordton, and this job allows me the opportunity to volunteer for the Bridge without making the 45-minute drive to work in the gardens." When visiting the gardens, you'll see many of Becky's brick books on display.

LLFB Board of Directors

Members of the LLFB Board of Directors meet monthly for budget reviews and reports from each chairperson. It consists of volunteers who have the skill and dedication in many areas who have come together to consistently guide the Bridge as it evolves and grows. Many are gardeners and manage one or more gardens on the Bridge in conjunction with Board duties. Those who don't "play in the dirt" fulfill a multitude of other jobs so that we can continue providing this treasure we call the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.

Dan Gorman

Garden Co-Chair

"I have a background as a professional landscape designer and am a casual dabbler who married a gypsy soul that led me to this region." Dan's expertise in landscape design is being put to work in revamping some of our garden areas. You can find Dan throughout the gardens or tending the Heather Garden.

Maureen (Moe) Bay

Fundraising Co-Chair

"I owned and operated a luxury custom jewelry store for 36 years and became a certified appraiser and gemologist and sold my business in 2015." Moe provides valuable business expertise to our fundraising activities and has also contributed artwork to our fall art auctions.

Lisa Willis

Volunteer Coordinator

"I have the privilege to meet each volunteer and welcome them to our organization. It is exciting to see them find their special place at the Bridge that coincides with their unique skills, strengths, and interests." Lisa was a registered nurse for 39 years practicing in Maryland before retiring to Lake Lure four years ago. You'll find Lisa working along the Bridge in the Volunteer Garden.

Barbara Meliski

Secretary

"I owned and ran three stores in Chimney Rock Village until we retired. I was mayor and mayor pro tem in CRV for many years." As secretary, Barbara records the minutes of each Board meeting. Each season, Barbara ties the many bows you see on wreaths and other decorations on the Bridge.

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.

Sherry Anderson

Mary Jaeger-Gale

Fundraising Co-Chair

Mary has been a member of Chimney Rock Park's senior management team for the past 43 years and is currently Chairman of the Board for Chimney Rock Management. "I get to look up at the 'Rock' while tending to the Arbor 2 garden on the west end of the Bridge." 

Linda Reandeau

Marketing/Communications Chair

"I first visited the Flowering Bridge in 2018 and after retiring to this area four years ago, I knew it was a place I wanted to volunteer my time." Linda is our newsletter editor and a retired Master Gardener from Illinois and Georgia who tends the River's Edge Dog Garden and the Rainbow Bridge. 

Susie Ellis

Parks & Recs Liaison

"I have been involved with the LLFB from the Founders Circle to the anticipated Education Center and everything in between. More of a mulcher, weeder and deadheader than knowledgeable gardener, I love the magic that the Bridge brings and am blessed to be a part of it. As the Parks and Recreation liaison, I am a go-between for our two organizations reporting progress on current activities as well as long-term plans." Look for Susie in the Swing Garden.

Laura McNeill

Tour Coordinator

"I was a commercial real estate paralegal for a large law firm in South Florida for 35 years and retired spring of 2019. I feel blessed to live half the year in Lake Lure and volunteer at the Bridge." Along with coordinating scheduled tours this season, you'll find Laura tending the Peter Rabbit Children's Garden. Email us to schedule a tour for your club or organization.

Amy Wald

Outreach/Artreach

"I am an artist, love dogs, and could live on chocolate, bread and cheese." A member of the Lake Lure Artists, Amy designed and built the Rainbow Bridge and has created our murals and much of the other artwork you see while visiting the Bridge.

Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to help preserve and maintain the Bridge gardens and to support our new Education Center are always appreciated – and tax-deductible.

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