It was such a joy to have returned to business after our summer hiatus. Anxious to return to beautifying, conserving and educating at the Sudie A. Fulford Learning Center located near the main entrance of East Georgia College. It is such a blessing to have such a beautiful facility in which to meet. The inaugural regular meeting of the Glad Garden Club was called to order on September 8, at 10 a.m. by President JoAnn Trammell and an inspirational message was given by Sylvia Durden which ended in her leading all in reciting the 23rd Psalm as there is always comfort and hope in scripture. Much has happened with members this past year as everyone has been affected by Hurricane Helene all of us have needed strength and encouragement from God to overcome many adversities.
Glad Garden Club has remained very active and has had many informative programs including a visit from our always entertaining "Orchid Lady" Pam Alexander. Not too many people have 54 different orchids blooming at various times. Donna Gaddy also gave quite an extensive program regarding canning and food preservation including resources for purchasing dehydrated foods that have a shelf life of 20 years! In the past year Glad Garden club has received many awards including Outstanding Garden Club of the Year by receiving the highest score on the annual Garden Club of Georgia President's Report and the Standard of Excellence Award in cognition of the club's many accomplishments. The Glad Garden Club has also been working closely with the Veterans at the Library in helping restore the Veterans and First Responders Park as it sustained heavy damage from Hurricane Helene. Club members also plan to participate in Wreaths across America. The Veterans also installed a huge American Flag at Harmon Park and GGC was asked to dedicate a big wreath for the ceremony.
Still somehow this small club still manages to decorate the Emanuel County Medical Center at Christmas and visit local a designated local nursing home to present Christmas stockings and perhaps sing a carol! Along with the roses planted at the hospital that managed to be named "Yard of the Month" by the Seedling Garden Club. Sylvia Durden planted a Crepe Myrtle honoring Arbor Day. We still manage to honor our support of the Sunshine House and scholarship funds for Garden Club of Georgia. And last but I don't think least, we still manage to maintain the entrance signs to the "Crossroads of the Great South"
At our September meeting we were honored to have Paula Karrh, of the Seeding Garden Club to install officers for two years. President JoAnn Trammell was given a pineapple sage for wisdom to lead, Vice President Sylvia Durden was given a Bay for achievement and planning, Treasurer Donna Gaddy was given mint for wisdom with money management and Secretary Carolyn Brown was given rosemary for strengthening memory. We would also like to congratulate the Seeding Garden Club in having a member, Martha Cobb, elected as the new Oleander District Director. Way to go and make Oleander proud!!!
The next regular meeting of the Glad Garden Club is scheduled for Monday, October 13, at 10 a.m.at the Sudie A. Fulford Learning Center
The Glad Garden Club is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., Oleander District.
