On May 6, 2023, the weather was drizzly and a bit chilly but the spirits of Swainsboro and the 76th Annual Pine Tree Festival Parade were not dampened as the marching bands, floats, fire trucks and police cars stepped off to officially mark the celebration of the Pinetree Festival, an industry that has been good to this region of the country. Friday night bands performed in the mist and vendors set-up to provide the wonderful smells and tastes of Swainsboro. The parade went off in the rain, but spirits were high and Glad Garden Club members were more than excited to participate in this grand event. Members Mary Shepherd, Thomasene Flanders, Sylvia Durden, Jeanette Hall, Gloria Mason, Karen C. Van Horn and JoAnn Trammell donned their flowered hats and new Glad Garden Club shirts to be chauffeured in luxury in a Daniels Chevrolet truck by Tammy Durden, Sylvia Durden's daughter. Hours of planning and decorating went into making this truck parade worthy. Mother nature made flowers along with man-made creations adorned the truck from stem to stern and of course, a grapevine wreath decorated with gladiolas, pine and a bow embellished the grille of the truck. Live flowering bushes filled the truck bed along with pine straw and chairs for seating. Members Karen C. VanHorn and JoAnn Trammell had the honor of riding on the tailgate and probably had the most fun of waving to the crowd.
Then on May 9, 2023, the Glad Garden Club held its last meeting of the fiscal year at Watermelon Creek Vineyard in Glennville, Georgia. Owned and operated by Charles and Deborah Tillman. After a presentation by Charles, some members participated in a wine tasting of the various offerings of the Vineyard. Sweet to very dry wines were tasted with a brief history given of each processing. Then members were treated to an assortment of appetizers including Bruschetta, various cheeses, and fresh fruits along with cream cheese and pepper jelly on toasted homemade bread with a balsamic glaze. What fun sharing all those tasty delights. Then members ordered entrees of various salads including chicken, Caesar, and pasta. Various wraps, even a juicy 1/2-pound burger topped with smoked gouda cheese were enjoyed. Members enjoyed reminiscing about accomplishments over the past garden year and plans for the future. Not only has the club continued to monitor and maintain the entrance to "Crossroads of the Great South" but the butterfly garden has been redone at the Veterans Park along with assisting the Veterans at the Library with revamping and renaming of the Pine Brook Nature Park to the Veterans and First Responders Park. A "Christmas" tree has been planted coordinating with Arbor Day and is now thriving in the park due to careful monitoring by Jeanette Hall. Last year the Glad Garden Club participated with the Veterans in the "Wreaths Across America" project placing over 1,500 wreaths on veterans' graves that are buried in Emanuel County cemeteries. Other fascinating and educational programs were enjoyed such as the amazing art of growing Orchids (Phalaenopsis) plus the care and feeding of bees and their production of honey. Members were humbled by the good works done by the Sunshine House and supported them with a yearly donation. They were also honored to have Mayor, Greg Bennett present at what turned out to be an informal town hall meeting. After his presentation, he was open to answer any and all questions asked about the state of and the future for Swainsboro along with his vision for further growth. Member, Gloria Mason, was honored with a Lifetime Membership after over 41 years of dedicated service to the garden club. Members also proudly announced the addition of two new members, Sandra Bailes and Sheila Metz. The Glad Garden Club looks forward to a great future and are so grateful for all the time and hard work members put in.
“Our future's so bright we got to wear shades.” They delightfully shared when discussing their future endeavors.
Members prayed for member Sylvia Durden who will undergo surgery very soon. They ask that you all pray that she has an uncomplicated speedy recovery. “God Bless you Sylvia.”
After dessert, members toured the grand entrance to the vineyard, noting the various plants adorning the entrance.
The Glad Garden Club officially goes on hiatus for June, July, and August, but good Lord willing, they will see you in September with a new slate of officers. Like they’ve said before, if you love digging in the dirt and even if you don't, they heartily invite you to join them in September. Believe me, they will have a place for you. They are a fun-loving, flower-loving, tree-loving, community-loving group and welcome all. Right now, they only have one male member and say that they “are wearing him out”, so they are in special need of men and invite you to bring your husbands, boyfriends, grandfathers, sons, nephews, and male friends. The Glad Garden Club meets the second Monday of the month September through May at the Sudie A. Fulford Community Learning Center on the campus of East Georgia State College in Swainsboro unless otherwise notified. Please contact a Gladiola loving Glad Garden Club member about joining the club.
Until September, the Glad Garden Club hopes you have a wonderful summer spent outdoors!
