2011 Reports of
State Presidents (2010-2011)
LAFAYETTE, LA, MARCH 13-16, 2011
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Report
of Deep South Regional Director
Mary Sue Colvin 2011 Deep South Regional Convention March 15, 2011 Lafayette, Louisiana As Deep South Regional Director, this officer has logged a lot of miles over the last two years. Official trips were made by plane or automobile to Houston, Baton Rouge, St. Louis, Palm Springs, Natchez, New Orleans, Chattanooga, Tuscaloosa, Atlanta, San Antonio, and Lafayette. Yet to visit – Ocala, Athens and Washington, D. C. It has been quite an honor to represent the Deep South Region at state, regional and national meetings. Hopefully, there were not too many “Bless her heart” moments on my part – at least not many of which I am aware. Garden clubs of the Deep South embraced our 2009 – 2011 theme: “Together As One – Our Hands and Hearts are P.O.W.E.R.” with enthusiasm and resourcefulness. A year ago at the regional convention, you opened your hearts and hands to those facing or who have faced the challenge of breast cancer by purchasing the DSR Power Angel pins and by sharing your words of wisdom, enlightenment and recovery for our DSR Breast Cancer Survivor booklet. All of the pins have been sold. Garden clubs have made the DSR Bosum Buddy Bags and can now add a booklet to each one for distribution to breast surgery patients in hospitals. The booklets may also be used as greeting cards to be mailed. The DSR Unified Project: “Protecting Our World…Living Green – Living Clean” generated some innovative activities and interesting workshops across the Deep South. Conventions were planned with green themes, flower shows and design programs featured recycled items, the POWER Bees booklet was shared with children, youth camps abounded with green activities, and our regional conventions included many green and clean happenings. We are fortunate to have so many capable and gifted garden club members in the Deep South. It has been a joy serving with you as you have fulfilled your duty as member, chairman or officer. Working with the DSR Officers has been a pleasure and an honor of the highest degree. Each one has talents, skills and knowledge that serve our region well. Serving as Deep South Regional Director is a priceless gift that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks for the memories. Mary Sue Colvin Deep South Regional Director The Garden Club of Alabama  “IN A STATE WHERE GARDENS GROW, GOD WALKS” PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2011 DEEP SOUTH REGION CONVENTION THANK YOU MADAME DIRECTOR. MADAME PRESIDENT THE GARDEN CLUB OF ALABAMA IS DIVIDED INTO 8 DISTRICTS WITH A MEMBERSHIP THIS YEAR, AS OF FEBRUARY 20, OF 3065. LAST YEAR WE WERE RECOGNIZED AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ATLANTA AS 1 OF THE 13 STATES THAT HAD INCREASED OUR MEMBERSHIP. AS I SPEAK WE HAVE A YOUNG MAN THAT RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM AUBURN UNIVERSITY AND HAS ORGANIZED A GARDEN CLUB IN CASTLEBERRY ALABAMA WITH PLANS TO JOIN OUR FEDERATION. ANOTHER CLUB IN CITRONELLE ALABAMA HAS 25 MEMBERS THAT LEFT OUR FEDERATION IN 2007 AND ARE IN THE PROCESS OF PAYING DUES AND RETURNING TO OUR FEDERATION. PAPER WORK IS BEING PROCESSED AND HOPEFULLY WE WILL HAVE ALL PLANS COMPLETED WITH DUES TO NATIONAL BEFORE MARCH 31ST. THE STATE OF ALABAMA HAS NOT ONLY HAD NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS, SEC COACHES OF THE YEAR AND HEISMAN WINNERS BACK TO BACK BUT DURING MY TWO YEARS AS STATE PRESIDENT OUR GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL CONVENTIONS WERE PLANNED, LONG BEFORE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS HAPPENED IN THOSE TWO TOWNS, TUSCALOOSA AND AUBURN. WE WERE HONORED TO HAVE OUR DSR DIRECTOR MARY SUE COLVIN, AS OUR GUEST AT OUR CONVENTION IN TUSCALOOSA. ONE OF HER COMMENTS WAS “I HAVE NEVER HEARD SO MUCH “ROLL TIDE – GO BAMA”. THIS APRIL WE WILL BE HONORED TO HAVE OUR NATIONAL PRESIDENT RENEE BLASCHKE, AS OUR GUEST AT OUR CONVENTION IN AUBURN. I’M SURE HER COMMENT WILL BE SIMILAR WITH OUR CRY OF “WAR EAGLE – GO TIGERS”. REMEMBER LAST YEAR IN MY DSR REPORT IN NATCHEZ MS, I TOLD YOU OF OUR PLANS OF INSTEAD OF BRINGING A DOOR PRIZE TO THE CONVENTION IN TUSCALOOSA, WE PLANNED TO BRING BOXES WITH PERSONAL ITEMS, DRIED HERBS, APPROVED SEEDS AND FRAGRANCE FROM ALABAMA FOR THOSE MILITARY PERSONNEL FROM ALABAMA THAT ARE SERVING IN IRAQ, KIWAT AND AFGHANISTAN. WELL, TWO HUNDRED EIGHT FIVE BOXES WERE PRESENTED TO NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL AT OUR FORMAL OPENING FOR DELIVERY FROM THE GARDEN CLUB OF ALABAMA, INC. WE ARE STILL RECEIVING PRAISES AND THANK YOUS FOR THIS PROJECT. ALABAMA ADDED $300 TO THE $500, GIVEN BY DEEN DAY SMITH TO EACH DSR STATE FOR PROMOTING OUR REGIONAL PROJECT. WE THEN TOOK THAT $800 AND GAVE $100 TO THE CLUB IN EACH DISTRICT THAT HAD THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE OF THEIR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IN ATTENDANCE AT THEIR DISTRICT MEETING TO BE USED IN PROMOTING OUR REGIONAL PROJECT. NOT ONLY DID WE NOTICE AN INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE AT OUR DISTRICT MEETINGS BUT PRESIDENT’S REPORTS INDICATED MANY ACTIVITIES ON PROGRAMS ACROSS THE STATE CONCERNING “PROTECTING OUR WORLD’S ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES”- LIVING GREEN – LIVING CLEAN. THANK YOU DEEN DAY SMITH FOR HELPING US MAKE ALL THIS POSSIBLE. PERRY GARDEN CLUB OF AUBURN ALABAMA WITH PRESIDENT ANN MILLER WAS IN CHARGE OF FUNDING, SUPPLIES AND COORDINATING THE LEE COUNTY WATER FESTIVAL THAT WAS HELD MAY 13 & 14, 2010 ON THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS. ONE THOUSAND AND NINE HUNDRED 4TH GRADE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ATTENDED THE EVENT. TEACHER PACKETS WITH EDUCATIONAL CONSERVATION MATERIALS WERE DELIVERED TO EACH TEACHER FOR USE IN THEIR CLASSROOM. DEVOTED SUPPORT OF VOLUNTEERS FROM THE GARDEN CLUB, THE CITY OF AUBURN WATER BOARD, AUBURN PUBLIC WORKS, THE WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND THE STAFF AT THE HALEY CENTER ON CAMPUS ALL HELPED TO MAKE THIS A VERY SUCCESSFUL PROJECT. ALL TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS RECEIVED FREE T-SHIRTS TO WEAR. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF OUR HELEN KELLER FRAGRANCE GARDEN IN TALLADEGA ALABAMA AT THE SCHOOL FOR THE VISIALLY IMPAIRED. WE HAVE APPROVED THE TRANSFERING OF $4,000 OF GCA FUNDS TO THE GARDEN FOR IMPROVING SUCH THINGS AS RAISED BEDS WITH RAISED SIGNS IN BRAILLE AND PLANTING OF MANY FRAGRANT PLANTS. I HAVE RECEIVED PHOTOS FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND SCHOOL ADMINISTATIVE OF THIS WORK PROGRESS. ALABAMA CONTINUES TO FUND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 6 STUDENTS MAJORING IN HORTICULTURE, LANDSCAPING OR FORESTRY. THESE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY GIFTS, DONATIONS, RENTAL OF OUR HEADQUARTERS AND OUR ENDOWNMENTS. WE HAVE 6 ENDOWED FUNDS WITH AUBURN UNIVERSITY WITH THE BOOK VALUE OF $315,958 AND THE MARKET VALUE OF $390,067.09 AS OF 11/30/2010. LAST YEAR WE CONTRIBUTED $14,147 TO THE BOOK VALUE. IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR AND PLEASURE TO WORK WITH OUR DSR DIRECTOR, MARY SUE COLVIN, ALTERNATE DIRECTOR, MARGO RACCO AND THE DSR STATE PRESIDENTS DURING 2009- 2011. SERVING AS PRESIDENT OF THE GARDEN CLUB OF ALABAMA, INC HAS BROUGHT ME GREAT SATISFACTION FOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WE AND OUR GARDEN CLUBS HAVE ACHIEVED. I HAVE ENJOYED THIS SPECIAL TIME AND I GIVE LOTS OF PRAISE TO THOSE WHO HELPED ME SUCCEED. THOSE IN ATTENDANCE FROM ALABAMA PLEASE STAND SO YOU CAN ALSO BE RECOGNIZED AND AGAIN I SAY THANK YOU. AMONG THIS GROUP IS THE NEXT PRESIDENT FOR THE GARDEN CLUB OF ALABAMA, INC. JO ANN WADE FROM PHENIX CITY ALABAMA. JO ANN PLEASE REMAIN STANDING AND LET ME AGAIN CONGRATULATE YOU. THANK YOU PRESIDENT ANN DANIELS
 The Garden Club 0f
Georgia, Inc. A new State Project, we are most proud of in support of this theme was “Back to the Three R’s” The litter team took us back to school to learn the 3 R’s- not reading writing and ‘rithmetic,-- but “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” The focus was youth and recycling education. GCG produced a “Bulletin Board in a Bag” sporting the Garden Club of Georgia logo. The bag contained everything needed to decorate an elementary school bulletin board or a bulletin board in a public library, media center, or church. The enclosure letter had detailed instructions on assembly and included Georgia Department of Education Science Standards. We asked for feedback such as Where was it used? classroom, hall, library, etc. Did it get the attention of students? We also asked for comments, suggestions and the name of the school and county. Thanks to a printing company who also shares a passion for our environment 3000 Bulletin Board Kits were printed and cut for a little over $,4,000. GCG’s goal was to hand deliver the kits by club members to every elementary school in Georgia. One club delivered over 70 kits. The feedback was tremendous not only by the club members that made the delivery but teachers as well. Many club members asked for more kits to be used in different organizations they personally were involved in. Thanks to an overrun by the printer we could accommodate most of the request. We feel this two year project was extensive and widespread. Not only did we touch impressionable and receptive young minds but we opened the door to approaching school’s interest in forming a youth garden club at the school. A second project I would like to share with you is our “Community On my Mind” Civic improvement project. This supports not only Deep South Region but also embraces the National Garden Club,Inc.’s theme “ The World Around Us- Love it- Beautify it- Protect it "This grant exist solely for purpose of funding civic improvement projects conducted by clubs or councils of GCG. Civic Improvement is defined as any project which beautifies or conserves in a community setting and benefits all citizens of the community. Examples include clean ups, landscaping, beautification in a public setting, streetscapes, restoration work in watersheds, and public school grounds. The club or council may apply for one grant annually, for a maximum $200 grant. Matching funds and proof is required. Applicants are urged to seek matching and additional funds from other organizations or groups. A short follow-up report is required following completion of the project. This term there were 24 grant applications for a total of $3,892.00. The projects value was $43,968.53. How is that for a return on your investment in today’s market? The clubs funded the remaining amount through various creative projects and the community. The community value is incalculable as well as value to the individual clubs, The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. as well as the publicity to Georgia Power Foundation who provided the funding to begin this project. The Garden Clubs of Georgia has worked tirelessly to Flourish Our Future by promoting the love of gardening, floral design, educational opportunities with our schools, youth, Scholarship opportunities, Hosting a National Convention, Enlarging the Historic Garden Grant Program, financially supporting The Memorial Garden for the fallen with over $12,500.00 contributed by individual club members and supporting “This Glorious Earth” World Flower Show. Serving as President has been a great honor and one of the greatest joys and pleasures of my life.
 The
Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. I spoke with the Arborist
involved in the project and he informed me
that 3 of the trees were removed because they were growing against two
buildings and were part of random, natural growth and not part of any
planned planting. The plans for the parking garage and dormitory
were
redrawn to save 2 of the oaks. There is a possibility that the
last
tree will be moved. On a positive note about the trees that were
cut
down is that a “Nature Connect” Playground is planned for the ULL Early
Childhood Lab School. In this playground, no plastic equipment
will be
used; instead some of the large branches from the oaks will be used for
obstacles for children to climb on, balance beams, and edging for play
areas and small pockets for nature discoveries. The playground
will
have dirt and sand, no artificial surfaces so that children can
discover the joys of “digging in the dirt”. Our own Live Oak Society celebrated 75 years this term. We have over 6,400 Live Oak trees registered in 14 states. We have registered 441 trees during the past two years. Chairman Coleen Landry works diligently every day to register and help save our beloved Live Oaks. A new project “Freedom
Isn’t Free” was received with great enthusiasm.
Members donated money to fund a Blue Star Memorial Marker at the WWII
Museum in New Orleans. The marker was dedicated June 6,
2010. The
money received was in excess of the funds needed for the Museum Marker,
so members voted to continue the funding and erect a Blue Star Memorial
By-Way Marker at every Military Installation in our state in honor of
our service men and women. This term we dedicated 3 Blue Star
Highway
Markers, 3 Memorial Markers and 2 By-Way Markers, which brings our
totals to 52 Highway Markers, 5 Memorial Markers, and 17 By-Way
Markers. In addition, our members supported the Memorial Garden
for
the Fallen at Dover Air force Base in Delaware by donating $3,600 to
the Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs campaign. Our own Cleanest City
Contest is in its 52nd year and works with Keep
Louisiana Beautiful to instill civic pride and education on
anti-littering campaigns. The LGCF has been asked
to appoint a
member to be placed on Keep Louisiana Beautiful Advisory Council to
their Board of Directors. The LGCF established a new award: Beauty of Life Garden Award to recognize those members who plant gardens to create awareness of breast cancer. This award had been given privately by two LGCF members for the past 3 years and the LGCF voted to make this an on-going state award. A brand new Environmental Studies School began in Lake Charles with courses being held “back-to-back” according to new NGC Guidelines. This school has been a great success! We have 10 consultants thus far. We will have all four NGC schools “up and running” this year. We have documented great success with the Deep South Unified Regional Projects, “Living Green-Living Clean”. Our members have improved their communities, cleaned up our water ways, helped restore our coastline by planting native grasses and learned how to better serve our world. Our LGCF Bird chairman assisted with the cleaning of oil soaked water fowl following the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The LGCF has partnered with “America’s Wetlands” to help encourage awareness and legislation to restore Louisiana’s coast and “Acorns of Hope” a non-profit group to help replant Live Oaks on lands affected by recent Hurricanes. Louisiana’s special “Circle of Roses” Committee was established by Past LGCF President Bera Smith in 1996 to honor our members who have contributed years of knowledge and service to our organization. We have 309 members registered to date and will have recognized 89 special ladies during this administration. We are very proud and honored to have our own Mary Sue Colvin serve as the Deep South Regional Director and Margo Racca as Alternate Director. We thank you for admirably representing us at the National level these last two years. Please accept our heart-felt gratitude. I am pleased to introduce
Mary Jacobs as the next President of the Louisiana Garden Club
Federation. President  The Garden Clubs of
Mississippi, Inc.The 2009-2011 administration has challenged our members to “know, grow and show” in many garden club areas. We provided educational avenues to help us grow as volunteers, including the completion both the NGC Landscape Consultants School and NGC Flower Show Judges School. Our local clubs continue to promote state, regional and national projects in their communities. The NGC project “Golden Days” has been very popular with our clubs, with almost 150,000 daffodils, daylilies and other golden flowers planted since 2009. What a beautiful golden spring we have had throughout our state. Our membership continues to be strong with the formation of three new clubs and one more to be ratified at our annual convention next month. Attendance to district, state and regional meetings has been increased with renewed interest in many areas. This past October, we sponsored a State Competitive Standard Flower Show. Following the theme of “All Aboard”, our members submitted 97 floral designs, 279 horticulture entries and 35 special exhibits. Our “Golden Days’ Chairmen arranged the sale of daffodils and daylilies on the day of the show, with over 45,000 plants/bulbs sold on that one day. Profits from this event are being used to establish a “Presidents’ Garden” at our state headquarters, honoring all GCM state presidents, past, present and future. Five Blue Star Memorial Markers have been placed during this administration with two more ordered. Our devotion to all armed forces continues to be an important emphasis of club members. We KNOW much more, have GROWN as volunteers and have SHOWN our efforts by participating in the awards program. Our state awards committee received 133 books of evidence – 40 of which were forwarded to NGC and 35 to Deep South, along with several Youth entries. Our 82nd Annual Convention is scheduled in April at Lake Tika-a-Khata with the theme of “Listen to the Pines.” It is my sincere delight to introduce our incoming State President, Nancy Moore who will be installed at this convention. Would all members of GCM please stand. Thank you for the opportunity to represent both Mississippi and Deep South as State President.
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Florida Federation of Garden
Clubs, Inc. FFGC
Tennessee Federation of
Garden Clubs TFGC