Alva Review-Courier -

Genevieve Farris hosted the February meeting of the Tulip Garden Club in her home on Feb. 9. Farris welcomed her guests to an early Valentine’s Day brunch with a beautifully decorated table featuring a pink cyclamen as a centerpiece; red, pink and white heart-shaped paper doilies; and ruby and white glass tableware. Each member received a charming glass filled with Valentine candies and topped with ribbons and hearts. The brunch consisted of almond chicken casserole, fruit salad, bundt cake, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Coffee and tea were served as beverages. Members present were Mary Ann Crow, Genevieve Farris, Evelyn Hofen, Linda McCoy, April Ridgway, Donna Rhodes and Rhonda Fields.

Linda McCoy, president, called the meeting to order with members reading the Collect. Members responded to the roll call by telling if they had ever seen a Ruby Crown Kinglet. The minutes of the last meeting were read by April Ridgway and approved. Rhonda Fields gave the treasurer’s report.

McCoy opened the meeting with a recounting of the activities the club needed to complete in order to be eligible for the 3R Award next year. Different ideas were discussed but no plans were made.

McCoy then led the group in planning the northwest district meeting to be held on April 1. A theme was chosen, invitations selected, and a program to be presented at the meeting was discussed. Farris shared some ideas for centerpieces and favors from her Pinterest pages. Another meeting was scheduled for Feb. 16 at 9:30 at Alva Public Library to finalize plans.

Ridgway urged members to come to the Senior Citizen Center on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. to help judge the butterfly and wildflower posters along with members of the Petunia Club.

The group discussed forming nominating committees to select officers for the Tulip Club, Alva Garden Council and the northwest district for the upcoming term.

The club discussed taking a field trip to Bustani Gardens in Stillwater later in the spring.

Farris gave the lesson on the Ruby Crown Kinglet. This lovely songbird is one of the smallest in North America. These birds migrate from Mexico to northwest Canada each year. A pair will build a cup-shaped nest and lay 12 eggs each season. They feed on insects, fruits and seeds. Closely related birds are the Golden Crowned Kinglet who are slightly smaller. Other birds to look for at this time of year are the Winter Wren and the House Wren.

Mary Ann Crow won the hostess gift: a decorative birdhouse.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.