2026 Floribunda Award - Marie Susen

For nearly ten years, Marie has been an invaluable member of our club, always willing to step in wherever help is needed. Since joining the club in 2017, Marie has brought energy and dedication to every role she has taken on. Her calm presence and welcoming nature help create the friendly atmosphere that defines our club.
She served as Co-President from 2023–2025, guiding the club with warmth and a strong sense of community. Prior to that role, Marie served as Second Vice President. Over the years, she has served in eight different committees and leadership positions, always ready to lend a hand— whether working in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Marie helped establish the Village Garden Club’s presence at the Dennis Village Stroll in December and has participated in decorating cars for the Dennis Antique Car Show in August. Her many contributions also

include serving on the 2018–2019 ‘Garden and More’ Committee, co- chairing both Hospitality and Publicity, and being a member of the Dennis Pocket Park civic beautification team. If you have ever played a game with Marie, you know she is a fierce competitor, don’t let that calm demeanor fool you! Recently she showed her polite tenacity by calling, emailing, and texting Stephen Orr, ultimately turning two years of conversation into this past May’s successful Open Meeting presentation, done with unassuming grace and quiet strength. Together with her Co-President, Bethany Cassin-Gaita, Marie continued to lead the club forward following COVID, bringing members back together through friendship and shared experiences. From the 2025 Presidents’ Luncheon to their inspired Summer Garden Pop-Ups hosted
in members’ backyards, Marie helped rekindle the joy and companionship that make our club so special. Marie’s steady leadership and dedication make her an integral part of the Village Garden Club of Dennis and a deserving recipient of this
year’s Floribunda Award.

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2026 Floribunda Award - Bethany Cassin-Gaita

Bethany Cassin-Gaita joined the Garden Club in 2022, but the impact she has made in just four years feels greater.  Bethany has been an energetic and welcoming
member of our club, always ready with a smile and a willingness to help. Most recently, she served as Co-President from 2023–2025, guiding the club with kindness, creativity, and a strong sense of fun. Prior to that role, Bethany served on the Program Committee, where she continues to contribute, as well as the Garden Therapy and Youth Gardening Committees. She has also been a member of the Dennis Chamber of Commerce Civic Beautification site for four years.
This year, Bethany took over the Design Study Committee so the club could continue to enjoy design workshops throughout the year. She also serves as Chair of the Technology Committee, where she manages the audio and video for monthly meetings, oversees the club’s online presence, including Facebook and the website, and ensures club communications stay current and connected. Working with the
Publicity Committee, she also creates media for club events, including the annual plant sale and special programs. Bethany also created “Garden Treasures” for the annual plant sale, a part of the fundraiser that continues to grow each year.
Together with her Co-President, Marie Susen, Bethany helped establish the club’s presence at the Dennis Village Stroll and participated in decorating cars for the Dennis Antique Car Show. She was also instrumental in the success of the 2025 Garden Tour, leading the raffle team and securing thousands of dollars in donations.
Bethany’s creativity, humor, and behind-the-scenes dedication help keep our club thriving, making her truly deserving of this year’s Floribunda Award.