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40 | OHCC LIVING | JULY 2023 | Save The Monarch Butterfly By the time you read this, the "mystery of the missing mamas" may be solved. But the month of June presented a real puzzle in the Butterfly Sanctuary. While there was LOTS of reproductive activity going on in the Monarch community – half a dozen new butterflies emerged from chrysalis, with more new chrysalis formed each day, and caterpillars were munching milkweed all over the garden. What we did not see was the adult butterflies who were generating all this action. Other than an occasional sighting earlier in the season, those familiar clouds of Monarchs were not in evidence. Fortunately, the reason for this scarcity is no mystery – it was just too darn cold. Butterflies thrive in the sun and they cannot fly at all when the temperature is below 55 degrees. Instead, they hide in protected areas on the ground – in clumps of leaves or under shrubs and plants – until the weather is more inviting. But with a few sunny, warm days, things should return to normal, and we can appreciate their beauty in flight once more. We can at least enjoy the garden itself. In its second year, many of last year's plantings are reaching a stunning maturity, and we have added many new nectar plants to our inventory. If you have not yet visited the garden, make a point to go soon. While all that was happening in the Sanctuary, the Club was hard at work planning for what we think will be the social event of OHCC's fall season – the Butterfly Ball, on Fri., Sept. 22. Mark your calendars – you will not want to miss this special occasion. We will have great food, live entertainment, surprises, raffles, and both silent and live auctions for very desirable items. is will be the major fundraising activity of the year for our club and the Butterfly Sanctuary, so you'll be supporting our wonderful cause while having a great time. Part of our planning for the Butterfly Ball involves gathering donations from residents of items that are auction-worthy – art works, travel tickets, a weekend/week at your second property, wine, gi cards from local businesses, etc. If you can help, please contact Ruth Shafer at ruthellen45@gmail. com, We are relying on your creativity – and generosity – to help us make this a truly exciting event – and, of course, to support our mission of helping to ensure the survival of the Western Monarch Butterfly. ~ Myra Esler, (847) 409-5807, Mke6717@gmail.com Garden Club e summer weather may be hot and humid, but it produces flowers which are the most colorful of the year, perfect for dazzling floral arrangements. With summer entertaining in full swing, the OHCC Garden Club meeting is July 12 at 9:30 am in the AB Hall and is all about learning to make floral arrangements to enhance your next party or simply beautify your space. Our July speaker will be a well-known floral designer and National Garden Club Flower Show Judge, Barbara Weiler. Barbara was named 2021 Women of the Year by Palomar District California Garden Clubs, and is a frequent participant at local competitions and garden shows. Barbara is also a Master Gardener, which enhances her judging skills. She will create four floral designs with garden flowers and inexpensive grocery store flowers. e four arrangements will be raffled off to our lucky members. e OHCC Garden Club has started a private Facebook Group to share gardening questions, knowledge and ideas. If you are a current, paid member of the Garden Club and would like to join, send an email to the Garden Club Member Services Liaison, Diane Bednarski, at dianezbednarski@gmail.com. Not a member yet? You're welcome to join at any meeting and enjoy special members only privileges. Social time and refreshments begin at 9:30 am, and the program begins at 10 am. Be sure to check the share table by the side entrance. ~ Jan Vaccaro