The Camellia Connection “Camellias, the Queen of the Winter Garden” Spring, 2015 Issue ~ Volume 4 CAMELLIA DISTRICT IV OFFICERS Director Avernell Rogers 1205 Westwood Dr. Valdosta 31602 229-244-2618 [email protected] Co-Director Genie McCook 793 Zion Hope Rd Tifton, GA 31793 229-3869990 [email protected] Recording Secretary Helen Huddleston 225 Spring Ridge Rd Thomasville 31792 229-227-9896 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary Sherri McLeod 109 Hillside Retreat Circle Dublin 31021 478-2723796 [email protected] DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE My Dear Classy Camellia Ladies, What inspires you? clean water, and Perhaps it’s fresh air, positive change. Its greener choices, everything matters. The little things you do make a big difference in GCG Camellia District by “Growing Georgia Green” 2013-15. What inspires me? It has been your friendship, your leadership and for the many times you have said one little word when I needed it most; Yes! Your positive support has made the two years as the Camellia District Director a special time in my life and I give you thanks for making the Classy Camellias a class act for 2013-2015. Our officers have fulfilled their duties with a “working together spirit” and sharing their leadership skills. Treasurer Ximena Holcombe 2605 Rolling Road Valdosta 31602 229242-4800 [email protected] Parliamentarian Naomi Gerson 718 Allison Park Macon 31210 478-4710622 478-737-4388 (C) [email protected] Chaplain Dee Knox 5854 U S Hwy 41, N Hahira 31632 478-2723796 [email protected] Photo of officers with Camellia District Banner Sherri McLeod (AKA The Fairy) Corresponding Secretary not pictured above The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. has much to offer our clubs in promoting the mission statement: Education-Conservation-Beautification. With your help our district has sponsored five classes in basic design, 2 in Moultrie and 3 in Thomasville, giving new opportunities for creating beauty for our homes. Betty McKissick, State Certification of Basic Design Instructors provided “Inspiration” to a group of master designers and we have 3 new Instructors certified in Camellia District. Congratulations to Barbara Jones, Genie McCook and Marge Willis. Way to Go Girls! Our State President, Suzanne Wheeler challenged the Classy Camellias to sponsor an Environmental Studies School consisting of 4 schools with a study course on issues regarding our: Living Environment, The Land, The Air and The Water. Two of the schools were hosted in Valdosta and two in Tifton. NGC Members from South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida and Georgia have participated and soon we will have 18 new ESS Certified Consultants. Thanks to Renie Faulkenberry, State Chairman, Vickie Johnson and Virginia Pennington, District Chairmen for giving freely of their time to make this a success. But, most of all, thanks to Suzanne for Inspiring me to take the challenge to make my grey matter grow! The Councils of Camellia District have hosted Inspiring and educational District Board meetings involving our clubs and members in service to others: Thomasville hosted a Fun-Food-Flowers meeting using “recycled” miniature brown envelopes for name badges, burlap table covers and a designers choice of newspaper flowers to lead the way for “Growing Georgia Green”. Tifton Council held the winter meeting when it was sleeting and snowing in South Georgia. Dublin hosted the August meeting featuring green pine branches and the two Dublin students who attended the 2014 Wild and Wonderful camp “Inspired” us with their reports on protecting and learning of Georgia wildlife and the stars and elements of our planet. January 2015, we returned to my home town, Valdosta! The Dogwood Garden Club, Valdosta hosted the wrap up board meeting by featuring the Youth programs. They provided a DVD program “Keep It Clean” featuring Sonny Schroyer, actor introducing students to the wonders of “Cash for Trash”, a recycling opportunity featuring Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl in the wilds of a South Georgia pine forest. The clubs with winners of the 2015 WO-SB were presented with District Citations and “green funds” for the students’ participation. Councils and Clubs were presented with copies of the republished booklet, GCG & Willie Watershed which was originally produced by our own Karen Hendrix and Ximena Holcombe. Just a short year ago, the GCG Convention was hosted in Macon by our Classy Camellias, and I must say, Macon Council really put on a weekend to remember! Now it is time for us to travel to Jekyll Island to celebrate “A Coastal Magic” and install our new district officers for 2015-17. Marie Andrews, Director-elect will Inspire us with new opportunities as we plant a new garden of friendship in South Georgia. Remember, a happy heart doth good in the Gardens of South Georgia, and I appreciate our District Chairmen in promoting the work of GCG. Now I am looking forward to reading all the Club President’s reports and compiling an Inspiring GCG report of your accomplishments to share at convention. The October 8, 2014 District Meeting was hosted by The Council of Garden Clubs of Tifton at the UGA Conference Center. They welcomed us with the theme of “Flower Power” and the program was given by Patricia Weeks, owner of The Blue Tassel florist. She created fall arrangements that we could use in our homes for the Thanksgiving Holidays. Her designs were given as prizes to the attendees and the Fall Wreath was auctioned raising $100.00 towards our GCG Named Scholarship. Patricia Weeks giving a demonstration Thanks to the District Councils for donating themed baskets for our Fall Fundraiser and to Anita Allen for hosting the Country Store. Gift Baskets for raffle in Tifton Anita Allen at Country Store Mary Tomlinson, Nominating Committee Chairman presented the slate of officers for the 2015-2017 administration and the District members elected them with resounding thanks! These ladies will be installed at the GCG 2015 Convention, Jekyll Island, April 16, Thursday morning breakfast. This will be an exciting time, planning for a new administration while making new friendships under the umbrella of Camellia District, GCG, Inc. Please support our new administration and volunteer by contacting Marie Andrews at [email protected], Phone 229-226-2039, 412 Dillon Road, Thomasville, GA 31757. Marie Andrews, Director, Thomasville Garden Clubs, Inc. Helen Huddleston, Co-Director, Thomasville Garden Clubs, Inc. Genie McCook, Recording Secretary, The Council of Garden Clubs of Tifton Suzan Bennett, Treasurer, The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon In gratitude for your friendship and sharing the love of gardening, Avernell Rogers Camellia District Director 2013-2015 Memorial and Celebration of Life Suzanne Wheeler, GCG President 2013-2015 Dear Friends of GCG, Camellia District, It is with sadness we acknowledge the loss of Suzanne Wheeler and her passing to a Heavenly Garden on February 28, 2015. Suzanne last visited with us at our October 8, 2014 Annual Meeting in Tifton and gave an overview of the Clubs projects and accomplishments as reported in the Club Presidents’ reports. During the morning, the District Directors had an opportunity to have a photo made with Suzanne and our District Banner. Often time’s conversations are shared and she commented how lovely our banner was and that GCG did not have such a banner to place before the members in state meetings and such a banner would be cherished. The District Directors usually provide a gift in honor the President as she completes her administration and in January 2015 at State Board, this Director spoke with my DD Sisters and Martha Price, President-Elect, requested that we give consideration to having a custom made GCG Banner by Artist, Mark Ballard. He is a friend of Naomi Gerson, former DD 2011-2013 and the Artist who made our lovely Camellia District Banner. Each of the seven District Directors were supportive of this gift in honor of Suzanne. Now that she has passed, the GCG Banner will be a memorial of her service over the past several decades. The banner will be presented to GCG and dedicated to Suzanne Wheeler at GCG State Convention, April 2015 in loving memory. Clubs and personal memorial gifts can be made to "The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., Blue Star Marker Fund". Mail to Brenda Griner, Treasurer, 244 Satilla Drive, Brunswick, Ga. 31523 Pictures of Suzanne at various district and GCG functions: More pictures of Suzanne TIFTON COUNCIL OF GARDEN CLUBS The Tifton Council of Garden Clubs held the 12th Distinguish Service Award Ceremony on December 7, 2014 at the First Baptist Church on Love Avenue. The service was to honor outstanding garden club members who have worked personally for beauty through garden club activities, church, civic work and home. A reception was held immediately following the service at the Fulwood Garden Center, form home of Mr. and Mrs. P. D. Fulwood. Mr. Fulwood was a pioneer in vegetable plant science and production. Celeste Bowen and her son, William Bowen, Jr., cut the first slice of the cake celebrating the 100th year of the modified Dutch style home. The home was purchased by the Council in 1985 and has been returned to its early 20th century appearance. The home features a Rufus Porter style mural in the stairwell and foyer. The house is on the Georgia and National Register for Historic Homes. Virginia Pennington, Tifton Council President, Martha Price, GCG President Elect, Avernell Rogers, Genie McCook at the Garden Center Ladies from Tifton clubs - Outstanding Members 2014 GARDEN THERAPY The Winter Board meeting of The Camellia District IV was delightful, successful and full of things to think about and to achieve. Garden Therapy was right in place. We made felt stockings and other projects for the Christmas Holidays. The people present were given a report and viewed a poster about Christmas projects carried out in their communities. Those projects now completed, it is time for Easter eggs and other choices. It is time to get out the felt and decorations to make beautiful felt eggs and other appropriate projects for the organizations we serve in our communities. Join the Garden Therapy group in your club! If there is not one, start one! You will be glad you did! Sandra M. Davis, Camellia District Garden Therapy Chairman, Valdosta (229) 244-1738 or [email protected] Garden Therapy photos above ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SCHOOL What size foot print do you leave on "Mother Earth"? The Camellia District, GCG hosted The Environmental Studies School III At the Tifton, UGA Center in November and 17 ladies have reduced the Size of their foot print! Does your foot print make a difference in our environmental future? The final class of ESS will feature studies regarding Water and every drop counts! One of the focus projects for 2015-2017 will address Georgia's Water. Plan now to come join us for ESS IV, on March 17 & 18, 2015. The final class will be held at NESPAL, Tifton Campus. See registration form. ESS Pictures Field Trip by boat at Bringham State Park., Adel, GA Avernell Roberts, Renie Faulkenberry, State ESS chair, Eddie Seagle, Virginia Pennington SOUTH GEORGIA NATIVE AND WILDFLOWER SYMPOSIUM It’s that time of year: time to plan a great day of learning new things! Please take a look at the web site and the schedule for the South Georgia Native and Wildflower Symposium, March 25, 2015 ( http://www.sgnpws.org/ ) (Hover over the website and press ctrl + click and go directly to the website). Hope to see you in Tifton! Amy Carter, University of Georgia, Tifton Campus. Congratulations and Thanks SGNPWS Committee! Amy B. Carter, Chairman, Glenda Gibbs, Dana Cheek , Mary Phillips, Pattie Parrish THE GEORGIA URBAN FOREST COUNCIL PRESENTS 24th ANNUAL GEORGIA URBAN FORESTRY AWARDS The Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC), a nonprofit organization with the mission of sustaining Georgia’s green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees, presented its 2014 Excellence in Urban Forestry Awards Program on October 22 at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. This annual awards program rewards individuals and organizations for outstanding work in protecting and enhancing our community forests. One Grand Award was given to each of the following categories: Business, Civic Organization, Education, Greenspace, Media, New Initiative, Streetscape Revitalization, Student, Individual Achievement, and Judges’ Choice. Each award recipient received a framed print of the Athens “Tree That Owns Itself,” from an original painting by artist Barry Nehr, commissioned for GUFC. The South Georgia Native Plant and Wildflower Symposium, a project of the CAMELLIA DISTRICT, Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tifton, received this year’s Outstanding Education Grand Award. Ladies, now is the time to register for the 15th annual symposium to be held at NESPAL, Tifton! Mark your calendars for March 25, Wednesday. The NESPAL building has seating for 100 people, so don’t delay. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Deadline is March 10, 2015. Download registration form at www.sgnpws.org or call 229-3916868, Glenda Gibbs: SGNPWS, 155 Oakland Heights Road, Sylvester, GA 31791. Symposium Cost $30.00, Lunch Box $10.00, Total Fee $40.00: Hope to see you there, Avernell Rogers Pictures of Urban Forestry Award Left picture, Mary Phillips, Amy B. Carter, Chairman, Dana Cheek and Glenda Gibbs receiving the award. Right picture: Avernell Rogers, Camellia District Director and Genie McCook, Co-District Director admiring the award. TABS FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE Thanks to the three Valdosta Clubs; Dogwood, Holly and Magnolia who collected a total of 32 lbs of Tabs recycled at the Camellia District January Board Meeting in Valdosta. Pictured are Jerry Powell, Rita Hightower, Dogwood GC; Avernell & Naomi and Bobbie Lester, Holly Garden Club. PERRY FLOWER SHOW OCTOBER 9 - 11, 2015 "Once Upon a Time" there were GCG Districts known as the “Classy Camellias” & the “Magnificent Magnolias” When these two districts joined forces it was like a fairy tale come true. We invite you to join us October 9-11, 2015 for fun and fantasy as the Georgia National Fair and Camellia & Magnolia Districts present a Standard Flower Show. “Once upon a Time,” in Perry at the Georgia National Fair. "The Magnolia District hosted the 2014 show , A Collection of Treasures". Willie Maxwell - Table Artistry Award Faye Frazier, Show Chairman Youth Award for Pollination with the Wind Hostesses, Julie Groce and Dee Knox welcome visitors to show Youth Award Design BASIC DESIGN CLASS - THOMASVILLE The Thomasville Garden Club, Inc. hosted our final class of Basic Design on January 29 in their newly decorated home. Helen Huddleston welcomed Genie McCook and Barbara Jones, Camellia District Instructors and the 25 attendees. Barbara and Genie gave demos and tips for the Creative Designs and Miniature Designs. The designers provided unique containers to set the theme for their perfect miniatures! Two of the favorites were a miniature mass design of small pink roses and a line design of orange miniature roses set in a pair of nuts, normally used in construction. Just think Nuts & Bolts became a woman's tool to create beauty. The Creative Designs were a challenge for me, but the three yellow roses in a simple black container with a branch of Georgia Pine would have won a top ribbon in any show and it was perfect for displaying in your home. A special thanks to the Thomasville members for providing lunch using recipes from their cook book, "Fun, Food, Flowers" Instructor Barbara Jones giving a demonstration Various designs Genie McCook, Helen Huddleston and Barbara Jones Beautiful creations from the Basic Design Class BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER I write this today with a heavy heart, having just learned that our GCG President Suzanne Wheeler passed away this morning. The Blue Star Marker Program was very special to Suzanne. In support of the program and to have as many markers dedicated as possible during her term, Suzanne graciously offered to help fund a marker for each District from the GCG President’s discretionary funds. Accepting her generosity, Camellia District voted to request permission to place a marker on Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta. After many months of communicating with people in various offices on Moody AFB, the request to allow Camellia District and The Garden Club of Georgia to place a Blue Star Memorial Marker on the base finally made it to Col. Franks, the base commanding officer. Col Franks graciously accepted our offer and the Blue Star Memorial Marker has been ordered. The date for the Blue Star Marker Dedication at Moody is April 8th at 9:00AM. An invitation will be sent via List Serve as soon as the date is set. Please plan on attending not only to show support for and honor our Armed Forces, but to also honor Suzanne, our beloved President, who in partnership on behalf of GCG with Camellia District made the Blue Star Memorial Marker for Moody AFB possible. A By Way Marker, also a “dream” of Suzanne’s and a partnership between GCG and Azalea District will be dedicated on March 15 at 4:00 p.m. at Founders Memorial Garden on the campus of UGA in Athens. If your schedule allows please join GCG and Azalea District at this dedication. As always I encourage you to support the Blue Star Memorial Marker Program and call me if I can assist in any way. Jan Thiese, Camellia District and GCG Blue Star Marker Chairman, (478) 477-650, [email protected]. Scholarship Report Dot Williams, Scholarship Chairman The Scholarship Committee met on February 20, 2015 to award scholarships to deserving Georgia students. Because of your generosity, we are excited to announce that we were able to award $62,600.00 in scholarships to 32 students. Two of these students were submitted to National in hopes they will be awarded a National Scholarship. This is a record number of scholarships awarded, and a record number of renewed and new Named Scholarships. Many heart-felt thanks to those who contributed to the scholarship program by purchasing calendars, becoming a Life Member, purchasing a “Bagging for Scholarship” bag, giving a Patron of Scholarship, purchasing a Jean Givens book, or making a donation, large or small. I am so proud of Camellia District for renewing a Camellia District Named Scholarship for the past few years. I want to thank Barbara and Lynn Jones for sponsoring a Named Scholarship. The students who received these scholarships have not only worked hard to achieve high GPA’s, they are also committed to preserving the earth’s natural beauty, environmental health and education of others in the many fields of landscape, horticulture, historic preservation and other garden-related areas . They all share a common need – they are not able to accomplish their goals and dreams due to family hardships without your help. We can all be proud of how we fulfill our missions through these students. The cycle begins again. In February, 2016, the Scholarship Committee will meet again to distribute funds to students who are in need. I hope that you will continue to support the Scholarship Program. Student’s futures are in your hands. Can we count on your continued support? Scholarship bags and calendars Dot Williams, Chairman Scholarships FAIRY TALES AND HAPPY ENDINGS--A STANDARD PETITE FLOWER SHOW "Fairy Tales and Happy Endings" a Standard Petite Flower Show, will be held at the Federated Garden Clubs, Inc. Center at 730 College Street in Macon during the Cherry Blossom Festival on March 24th (2:00-5:00 P.M., 25th and 26th (10:00-5:00 P.M.). Plan to come and enjoy the Petite show featuring: doll size beds with breakfast trays, miniature table arrangements, vignettes, lighted shadow boxes with reflective designs, hanging kinetic designs, hummingbird swings, miniature wheel barrows, and botanical necklaces. We plan to include dwarf or miniature horticulture. We would love to have your participation if you have horticulture to enter, Monday 1:00-4:00 P.M., Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 A.M.. Please call Elaine Flanagan for Horticulture :478-335-3364. If you would like to enter a design call Bobbie Appling: 478477-3372. There will be a Fairy Party on Tuesday night for children to see the show, dress as fairies if they wish, and learn how to make Fairy Gardens! Call Cindy Little at the Center for reservations at $10 per person.478-742-0921. Refreshments will be served daily. Dolls and clothes, dollhouses, toys and other memorabilia will also be on display. The beautiful Neel Reid exhibit is now on permanent display upstairs. A FEAST OF COLOR: RECENT WORKS BY TOM VENTULETT When: Where: March 22, 2015 – April 26, 2015 State Botanical Garden of Georgia 2450 South Milledge Ave. Athens, GA 30606 Please join us in the Visitor Center Gallery as we exhibit recent watercolors from artist and internationally recognized architect Tom Ventulett. This exhibit is a must see for horticulture enthusiasts and flower lovers. A series of Limited Edition Giclées will be available in the gift shop. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Admittance to the Show is free! SHOW DATES Sunday, March 22, 2015 Sunday, April26, 2015 SHOW HOURS Monday: Closed Tuesday- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. **Please note that the gift shop closes at 4 p.m. on these days ARTIST PRESENTATION Sunday, March 22: 12:30 p.m.–1:15 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. OPENING RECEPTION Sunday, March 22: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. JANUARY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING Often Time we look back in time and find that the issues from yesteryear are just as important today. Thanks to Madlyn Hightower, a long time Valdosta Garden Club VIP and collector of historical programs, we were treated to a renewal of the 1990's "Keep It Clean" program. This DVD was produced by Bob Bradham at VSU and Sonny Schroyer, actor in Dukes of Hazard, to encourage our youth on issues of recycling and how to turn "Trash to Cash- Reduce-Reuse-Recycle". The Dogwood Garden Club of Valdosta made copies of the DVD and provided them to the Camellia District Councils as program material for Youth Garden Clubs. The DVD still speaks to our Youth of today and Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Contest is a great way to get the message to our Youth and Club Members. "Keep IT Clean" will be available to schools and clubs. Please contact Madlyn Hightower, Valdosta Council President for more information. Thanks Dogwood GC , Madlyn Hightower and Inday Bauer for a wonderful program! Club presidents with Citations for Winners of Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl contest Marie Andrews, Director Elect having lunch with district members Mat Hightower with Aaron Strickland KLVB Director and CEO Dogwood Garden Club members hosted the luncheon for the board meeting Special Guests for "Keep It Clean" Program Pictured on previous page: Floyd & Avernell Rogers next to Bob Bradham: Standing, Dr. Robert Bauer & Inday Bauer, District Youth Chairman, Sonny and Paula Schroyer (seated) and Ximena Holcombe Ximena Holcombe Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Posters Inday Bauer and Karen Zahniser, District Youth Chairs, judging the Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Contest posters Thanks to Mary Phillips for serving as Ways and Means Chairman. We have sold insulated tote bags to District, dried okra at Convention, conducted a theme basket raffle at the fall district meeting and in January 2015 she dug white amaryllis bulbs and sold them at the winter board meeting. EDITOR, SUZAN BENNETT [email protected] 478-476-8228
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