Jane Leary portrait 2023
Bee Delightful and Thankful

Hummingbird nestSaturday Storytime at LAMIt’s hard to believe the first month of 2024 has come to a close. What has delighted you so far in 2024? For me it’s the hummingbird’s nest right outside my husband Greg’s and my bedroom window. And seeing the joy on the children’s faces when Dee Perry, Regina Hartley and I read “Give Bees a Chance” by Bethany Barton at the Laguna Beach Art Museum’s story time on Saturday, Jan 27 as part of our The Good of the Hive® mural engagement. I’m so grateful they were there as part of the hive. Those two bees really know how to engage with little ones and made the experience extra special as you can see from the photos. We had so much fun we just might take our show on the road!

This is a very exciting time for the Club with the activity surrounding our “The Good of the Hive®” mural and all that goes with it. We are already creating a buzz around town as you can see by these kids enjoying our engraved steppingstones. I can’t wait to see Matt Willey creating his magic right here in our beautiful Laguna!Children at site of bee wall mural

As you’ve all experienced, life can toss in a curve ball now and then. My husband and I were tossed such a ball in December with his diagnosis of lung cancer. He had surgery on January 23 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung and he will likely have some type of follow on treatment. He’s doing extremely well, in fact for those who have met him you would not see much difference. While we do expect him to be here a very long time, this has caused me to re-evaluate our lives together and my priorities. I’m not good at doing anything halfway and need the freedom to be spontaneous in our retirement. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as Club President for the 2023-2024 Club calendar year but have chosen not to run for President for the 2024-2025 year.

I happily toss the gavel to anyone who is willing and able. You will not regret it! I will be here to help you in any way I can and will serve as Past President. I plan to be involved with the Club for many years to come because I need all of you in my life. It’s the love generated by our LBGC hive that has kept me going during this challenging time. It’s what makes our Hive so special and the best way to fully experience it is to join the Board.

See you all on Feb 9!

– Jane Leary