SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
(Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas)
The Communicator 2018 VOL. 7—December Isabel Olsen, Director 2017-2019
Message from SCR Director…
For this winter issue of The Communicator, I would like to give
recognition to the individuals and garden clubs that diligently
work with youth and instill the importance and satisfaction that
gardening gives us. Working with young gardeners is a positive
and gratifying experience for garden club members. It is an
opportunity to inspire our future gardeners to explore the wonder
and beauty of nature. Kudos to the clubs and individuals that have
invested their time and resources for the youth in their
communities.
The Keeping In Touch November issue featured seasonal holiday
project of garden clubs throughout America. On page 18, Morning Garden Club of Roswell New
Mexico was featured for decorating the Southeastern Historical Museum for the past 40 years
with Christmas decorations that they supply. It is so rewarding when one of our clubs from
SCR is recognized nationally for their projects. Speaking of projects… the SCR Director’s
Project deadline is creeping (leaping) closer. There is still time for garden clubs of every state
to submit their application. We have extended the deadline to January 15, 2019. One deserving
club will receive a high quality marker and one club from each state will receive $200.00.
These will be awarded at the SCR Annual Convention on April 13, 2019, so good luck to all
garden clubs!
Last month two of our garden clubs celebrated their 70 year Anniversary, Hondo Garden Club
of Hondo Texas and Uptown Garden Club of Albuquerque New Mexico. Congratulations to
those club members for their legacy and years of presence in their communities.
As 2018 comes to an end, let’s reflect on the projects and accomplishments that we as garden
club members have so proudly shared in our communities. Thank you all for the many ways
you PLANT AMERICA and make the South Central Region such beautiful states!
Wishing everyone joyous holidays filled with special memories.
Isabel
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Former Presidents (and current) of New Mexico Garden Clubs,
along with NGC President, Nancy Hargroves.
Texas Garden Clubs with NGC President, Nancy Hargroves
TGC Member of the Year, Lee Taylor of Hondo
Garden Club, Texas
Purcell Gladiolus Garden Club of Oklahoma and they are touring the Mid AMERICA Technology Center.
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NEW MEXICO STATE PRESIDENT, Barbara Vance
Plant America – Grow New Mexico!
Fall was a busy time – attending the NGC Fall Board Meeting in Or-lando, Florida and then taking information to New Mexico’s five Dis-tricts. Our members were active contributors of horticulture and designs for flower shows, County, and State Fairs. Our late October NMGC Fall Board meeting was particularly enjoyable, up in the mountains in Alto/Ruidoso. It started with a Small-Standard Flower
Show “Los Colores de Otono” (“The Colors of Fall”) put on by New Mexico Judges Coun-cil. Many top winners in horticulture and design sections and attendees were interested to see what grows in the difference areas of our state. In addition to this show – most en-joyable – a power point presentation “Witches, Turkeys and Reindeer” presented by Nancy Hargroves, NGC President, inspiring us to go home, look at our container gardens and a change of plant/s and different accessories - adapt to a different season.
The Flower Show School series concluded in late November. Continuing next year: Envi-ronmental School and Gardening School. Clubs planned special Anniversary parties for 50-60 years existence, with many members still active in the club and participate in pro-jects and community efforts. Planning continues for our 70th Annual Convention to be held in Las Vegas, New Mexico, April 3-4-5, 2019 with the theme “High Country Garden-ing” referring to the varied elevations where our members live and garden. We all hope for a “wet” winter after years of drought.
Youth Gardening continues. Pecos Valley Youth Club members entered the Eastern New Mexico State Fair and won many ribbons. They grew vegetables – cleaned and cut them up and created a Crafts Cooking Soup. They painted an old garden elf for the butterfly garden at the Zoo and worked on fall wreaths incorporating corn husks and fall decora-tions. They keep busy making small bouquets of flowers for a senior center and made peanut butter pinecones for the birds. Blooming Gardeners have been active – planted a tree at the State Fair - made bird feeders and planted a garden at the Ronald McDonald Garden. A special Thank You to our members who work and guide our Youth Clubs.
2018 YOUTH BIRD CONTEST, Mardi McKenzie
Male Ruby Throated Humming bird On an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper , You can paint. use markers. colored pencils, crayons . Please send Mardi ONLY the first place winners in each age group.
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TEXAS STATE PRESIDENT, Betty Edwards “Plant America, “Sowing Seeds the Texas Way”
Burr, its cold outside. Hope all are having a great winter. Other than high winds the cold has been nice. Texas is cold just about everywhere. Too bad it’s not snow. Christmas is nearly upon us and then the New Year. Hope that you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. Once a month, from March thru October, the Seminole Garden Club sponsors a free children’s activity booth at the Farmers Market held at the Blumenflor Garden Center. Many of the vendor’s children and children coming to the market with their parents have been learning about gardening thru hands on projects. They have plated succulents and petunias while learning about fertilizing and watering plants, observed wildflowers growing and created wildflower seed bombs to help spread seeds. The children love digging in the dirt and painting and anything else they can do themselves. The Grapevine Garden Club held a poster contest as part of the activities leading to the 21st annual Butterfly Flutterby presented by the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau. The event was held at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens and GGC co-sponsored this educational and fun event. For the fifth year GGC hosted a youth poster contest for grades K thru 5th in the Grapevine Collyville ISD to promote the Butterfly Flutterjy event and environmental education. The theme was Adventures of the Monarch. There were 275 entries from 11 local elementary schools. Some of the winning contest entries were displayed at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens during the Butterfly Flutterby event. Upcoming Texas Garden Clubs Spring Convention will be April 1 thru 4, 2019 in El Paso, Texas. January 4 thru 6, 2019 will be the Environmental School Course 3-Air in Grosebeck, Tx.
SCR LIFE MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN, Doris Jackson
ARE YOU A SOUTH CENTRAL REGION LIFE MEMBER? LIFE MEMBERSHIP $50 + PIN $ 5 = $ 55
Pins are available with a magnet back or standard pin back. All proceeds from the SCR Life Membership sales now go to the $1000 SCR Scholarship given in the second year of a term. I encourage SCR members that do not have an SCR Life Membership to consider purchasing one during this new term. These memberships also make wonderful gifts for honoring members in your Club, District, State or our Region. Order from: Doris Jackson, SCR Life Membership Chairman 316 Venado, Los Alamos NM 87544 505-662-7563 Email: [email protected]
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OKLAHOMA STATE PRESIDENT, Linda Lawson
"Planting Oklahoma for Growth and Beauty"
Season’s Greetings from Oklahoma! This is wishing all SCR members a wonderful Holi-day Season. Oklahoma has been busy this fall. Oklahoma has conducted district meetings statewide. The state board meeting was held in Midwest City. Reports on membership, Special projects, and club plantings were given at the board meeting. Oklahoma has had a number of special events this fall. Oklahoma has held Flower Show School III. This was a great class. South Central District held a luncheon to honor Veterans. The event was host-ed by the Marlow Patio Garden Club. The State President attended . Oklahoma Garden Clubs assisted with a Monarch Watch event with the Oklahoma City Zoo as part of the protect to educate the public on the butterflies plight. The Okemah Garden Club has planted gardens all over their city for food and beauty. T club is really into Plant America.
The Oklahoma City Council of Garden Clubs participated in the Parks Department Tree Lighting Event for the Winter Holidays. The Tulsa Garden Club held A Tea to benefit scholarship funds. Oklahoma Judges Council is having a Holiday Show. Other Clubs are doing other events for Garden clubs in their areas.
Merry Christmas, Joyful holidays to everyone.
PS: Plan on attending the Regional convention. April 12-13th 2019
To Serve As SCR Director and Alternate Director, 2019-2021
Director, Linda Lawson, OK
Alternate Director, Donna Marsheck, OK
Slate of SCR Officers for 2019-2021
Announced at SCR Convention in Houston, TX
(Election will be held during the 2019 SCR Convention)
Recording Secretary, Jan Smith, NM
Treasurer, Sherrie Eoff, AR
Historian, Idalia Aguilar, TX
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OFFICIAL CALL
South Central Region 90th Annual Convention
“PLANTASTIC”
Hilton Garden Inn - Bricktown April 12-13, 2019
328 E. Sheridan
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
This letter will serve as the official notice to all South Central Region members.
Please join Oklahoma Garden Clubs, as they host the SCR 90th Annual Convention in Oklahoma City, at the Hilton Garden Inn, on April 12-13, 2019. “PLANTASTIC” best describes the beauty of what we will see, learn and bring home. On Friday we will start with a trolley streetcar day pass that will be included with your full time registration. We will tour Myriad Botanical Gardens with an opportunity for shopping and lunch on your own in Bricktown. In the evening, an amazing program will be given by Allan Storjohann, “The Artful Gardener, Making a New View Using Art in the Landscape”. He has a Master’s Degree in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University, and has been involved in the nursery and landscape business most of his life. On Saturday following lunch a program will be given by Linda Vater, titled “Plantastic”. She is a Garden Lifestyle Expert who appears weekly on a local television program speaking of all things gardening related. Following the Awards Presentation a hands on workshop “Wrap, Pack and Plant” will be presented by Suzy Andrego, and your creation is yours to take home.
Schedule
Friday, April 12, 2019
9:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration
9:15 am - Tour Myriad Gardens and Bricktown (by streetcar trolley, lunch on your own) 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Incoming Executive Committee Meeting 6:30 pm Dinner and Program by Allan Storjohann, “The Artful Gardener, Making a New View Using Art in the Landscape”
Saturday, April 13, 2019 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration
Breakfast on your own
9:00 am Official Opening of 90th Annual SCR Convention
9:15 am General Business Meeting
11:30 am Luncheon (wear your favorite Flower or Pollinator pin) 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Program by Linda Vater, “Plantastic”
1:45 pm – 2:45 pm Awards Presentation
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Workshop ‘Wrap, Pack and Plant’ by Suzy Andrego 6:00 pm Reception for Regional Director & State Presidents – Cash Bar
7:00 pm Dinner, Memorial Service, 2019-2021 Officers Installation
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
SCR CHAIRMEN: Those wishing to report may have three (3) minutes on the agenda. Contact Director, Isabel Olsen no later than April 1, 2019.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING: Friday, April 12, 2019, 2:00 pm. All SCR elected and appointed officers are expected to attend.
Isabel Olsen, South Central Region Director
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APRIL 12 & 13, 2019
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION’S
90TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
You don’t want to miss this Convention. Oklahoma has some
great things planned for you – interesting speakers,
informative workshops, fabulous meals, and fun shared with
special friends.
You will have plenty of free time to experience Bricktown.
Your registration will include a day pass for the Streetcar to
use as many times as you would like. The Bricktown district
is home to more than 45 restaurants, bars, and retail shops,
along with family-friendly attractions, public art, museums,
galleries, and even an urban beach for summer fun.
There will be lots of must-have plants, garden-related items,
and even jewelry available for you to purchase at our famous
SCR Gardener’s Market.
SEE THE REGISTRATION FORM
ATTACHED TO THE COMMUNICATOR!
Contact:
April Pratt
Hilton Garden
Inn, Bricktown,
OKC
────
New Streetcar system will take you door-to-door to all the great
attractions -Myriad Botanical
Gardens, OKC National
Memorial, Bricktown
Canal ────
HOSTED BY
OKLAHOMA GARDEN
CLUBS, INC.
Contact:
April Pratt
405.812.5902
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Ponderosa Pines Jr. Garden Club, Angel Fire, NM were one of the many clubs that received AMES tools from the grant program.
THE YOUTH ARE
OUR FUTURE!
Patio Garden club of Marlow, Oklahoma helping the
you make seed balls … also known to the children as
“Seed Bombs”.
Youth of Searcy, Arkansas ready to plant flowers
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Pecos Valley Youth Garden Club, NM
Home Garden Club of Roswell New Mexico sponsors the Pecos Valley Youth Garden Club. The older youth are making wreaths with natural materials.
The Blooming Gardeners are planting a tree at the State Fair Grounds.
Uptown Garden Club of ABQ, NM sponsors the Blooming Gardeners. The children are making animals figures out of fruit & vegetables.
Smokey Bear Poster for the NGC
Poster contest. Created by a Bloom-
ing Gardener of Albuquerque, NM
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The Grapeland Garden Club of Texas work with Pre- K students at their school where they have their own garden. The children love showing their parents what they grow.
Dogwood Garden Club of Palestine Texas sponsors Hope Junior Gardeners. They learn the importance of keeping America beautiful by picking up litter in their community. (below)
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TOP 5 IMPACTS OF RECYCLING, Litter/Recycle/Reuse Chairman, Carol Moore SAVES ENERGY & RESOURCES – WE USE FEWER NATURAL RESOURCES SUCH AS TREES, WATER
AND MINERALS WHEN WE RECYCLE. PLUS WHEN YOU EXTRACT AND PROCESS FEWER RAW MA-
TERIALS, YOU SAVE LOTS OF ENERGY.
REDUCES LANDFILLS – RECYCLING MEANS LESS WASTE, WHICH CUTS DOWN ON THE NEED FOR
LANDFILLS AND INCINERATORS.
PREVENTS POLLUTION – EXTRACTING AND PROCESSING RAW MATERIALS CAUSES GREENHOUSE
GAS EMISSIONS – RECYCLING REDUCES THIS POLLUTION
GIVES GARBAGE NEW LIFE – WHEN YOU RECYCLE USED ITEMS, YOU CREATE SOMETHING NEW.
CREATES JOBS – GROWTH IN THE RECYCLING INDUSTRY RESULTS IN THE CREATION OF NEW
JOBS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
GARDENING SCHOOL II
February 8-9, 2019
ABQ, NM
Contact Debi Harrington, Chairman
1228 Landman Dr NE,
ABQ, NM 87112 505-296-8208
ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL 3
January 4-6, 2019
Old Fort Parker, Inc. 866 Park Road 35, Groesbeck, TX 76642
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Sarah McReynolds 254 747 1144
[email protected] Registration, lodging and incidentals.
NGC SCHOOLS OFFERED IN OUR REGION
FLOWER SHOW SCHOOLS
OFFERED IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
• School III, January 17-19, 2019 at the Buckingham, in Houston, TX.
• School IV, September 16-18, 2019, at the Buckingham, in Houston, TX.
For More Information Contact:
Co-Chair - Mary Vacek [email protected]
ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL II
February 21 & 22, 2019
ABQ, NM
Contact Debra Sorrell to register
2632 Cocono Dr SW Albuquerque NM, 87105
505-877-1735 [email protected]
YOU CAN FIND REGISTRATION FORMS For all Educational Schools on the SCR Website.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS 2019
Heather White, M.D., SCR Scholarship Chairman
In odd numbered years at the Annual SCR
Convention, the South Central Region
Scholarship is awarded in honor of the SCR
Director. At the 2019 Annual Convention
in Oklahoma, the Scholarship Committee
will announce a winner of $1000 in honor
of Director Isabel Olsen. The specific
guidelines for the scholarship are the same
as for the NGC Scholarship and the applica-
tion is the same as the NGC Application, available at the NGC Website (http://
www.gardenclub.org, then click Scholarships. Make sure to read both the Instructions
and Application tabs).
The 2017-2019 SCR Scholarship Committee Chairman is Heather White (TX), with
committee members representing each state in the South Central Region. Current
members are Liz Howell (AR), Sally Warner (NM), Donna Marsheck (OK), and Peggy
Moreland (TX). The committee will select one winner from those submitted by the
individual state chairmen in our region – Nancy Voyles (AR), Christine Longthorp (NM),
Mardi McKenzie (OK), and Freda Martin (TX). All applications MUST go through the
state chairman for submission to the SCR Scholarship Committee. Submissions by the
state chairman should either be sent electronically to [email protected]. The
deadline for applications to SCR is February 1, 2019 – the same as for NGC applications.
SCR Scholarships are funded through donations and revenue projects during the term of
the SCR Director. If you would like to donate to the Scholarship Fund, please send your
donation to SCR Treasurer, Donna Marsheck, 402163 W. 2650 Drive, Bartlesville, OK
74006 (918 )440-1325 , marked at
“scholarship fund spendable” in the memo line.
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Tis’ the Time to Be Spicy, Sherie Clarkson, Herb Chairman
What would winter time be without the wonderful smells and tastes of the many spices used in cooking during this time of year. With the cold temperatures and wintery weather, who does not remember hot spicy drinks and maybe some warm gingerbread after being outside making a snowman. But did you know that these basic kitchen spices are some of the most medicinally potent herbs around. Even though most spices are considered flavor enhancers now, our ancient ancestors were more concerned with survival. Through the years they learned which herbs would help with food spoilage and prevent illnesses. Now we know that many spices have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral compounds that repel many bacteria, fungi and viruses which cause diseases and food spoilage. Here are three of the best-known spices used in cold weather cooking and their medicinal benefits. Health writer, Michael Castleman, author of The Healing Herbs, says that knowing and understanding the medicinal value of herbs is providing many options for maintaining health and treating both minor discomforts and ailments associated with serious illnesses. And unlike some medicines, these spices both smell and taste good, also. Cinnamon (Cinnamonum verum) medicinal history spans centuries and continents. Ancient Chinese mentioned it in herbals as effective for treating gastrointestinal and gynecological disorders. In India, ancient Ayurvedic healers used it to treat indigestion, as well as the ancient Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks and Romans. In the 19th century, American’s eclectic physicians, prescribed it for digestive and uterine problems. Cinnamon enhances the activity of trypsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine. Studies have shown that cinnamon accelerates the breakdown of fats, also. To make a soothing cup of cinnamon tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over ½ to ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a muslin bag and steep, covered, for 10 minutes. One precaution, cinnamon may cause some people to break out in a rash. Cloves (Syzgium aromaticum) is one of the world’s most aromatic spices as well as one of the most useful in medicine, says Castleman. Cloves have long been used by traditional Chinese physicians to treat indigestion, diarrhea and intestinal parasites as well as ringworm, athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Clove oil, which is 60 to 90 percent eugenol, is the active item in some mouthwashes and many over-the-counter medications. A little clove oil applied directly on an ailing tooth and the surrounding gum area can provide temporary
relief until you get to the dentist, Castleman explains. You can purchase clove oil in health food stores and pharmacies. In a pinch, you can bite down on a whole clove, also.
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Tis the Season (continued from previous page)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) was recommended for colds, fever, chills, tetanus and leprosy by the Chinese. Chinese women still drink ginger tea for mensural cramps and morning sick-ness. Chinese sailors would chew gingerroot to prevent seasickness. Ginger’s anti-nausea action relieves motion sickness better than the drug Dramamine, according to Castleman. To prevent motion sickness, take 1,000 mg 30 minutes before travel. To soothe indigestion or an upset stomach, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of powdered or grated gingerroot. Steep, covered, for 10 minutes, then sip the tea. Now that we know some of the medicinal benefits of three of the most popular spices used in the kitchen, here is a recipe that you might want to try. And whether you use these spices in a warm tasty treat or as a medicinal remedy, you can enjoy them during the winter. And since most people have these on hand already, it is an easy thing, also.
Jack Frost Warm-Up A warm apple drink that goes well with gingerbread or pumpkin roll.
1-quart apple cider ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
5 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick
Heat all ingredients slowly over low heat in a 2-quart saucepan for 20 minutes. Remove
the cinnamon stick and cloves. Serve warm topped with orange slices or whipped topping and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMNG EVENTS AROUND THE REGION:
JANUARY 4-6, 2019 Environmental School III, Grosbeck, TX JANUARY 17-19, 2019 Flower Show School III, Houston, TX. FEBRUARY 2-3, 2019 Gardening School II, ABQ, NM FEBRUARY 21-22, 2019 Environmental School II, ABQ, NM APRIL 3-5, 2019 Flower Show School IV - Midwest City, OK APRIL 12-13, 2019 Annual SCR Convention, Oklahoma City, OK SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2019 Flower Show School IV, Houston, TX NOVEMBER 2-4, 2019 Judges Symposium , ABQ, NM
South Central Communicator Editorial Team
Suzy Andrego & Pam Grotts Communicator Email address: [email protected]
COMMUNICATOR ARTICLE DUE DATE COMMUNICATOR PUBLISH DATE
March 1 March 15
June 1 June 15
September 1 September 15
December 1 December 15
The South Central Region Website address: scrgardenclubs.org
To access the Members Section use the password - GROW!
(Don’t forget the exclamation point)
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