Alva Review-Courier -

Donna Rhodes hosted the June meeting of the Tulip Garden Club in her home on June 8. Rhodes welcomed her guests to a summery brunch served on the patio overlooking her garden. The tables were decorated with a lime and lemon color scheme that was reflected in the lovely centerpieces and place settings. Egg casserole, fruit and dip, veggie pizza, and mini cupcakes made up the menu with tea, coffee and water served as beverages. Small flowerpots were filled with trail mix and jelly beans. Party favors were Skeeter Beeter candles.

Some of the poster contest winners were invited to be special guests of the club and were seated at their own table. In addition to the menu, their desserts were gummy bear cupcakes served in champagne glasses. Their favors were hummingbird feeders.

Members present were Mary Ann Crow, Genevieve Farris, Evelyn Hofen, Helen Janzen, Linda McCoy, April Ridgway, Becky Smith, Rhonda Fields and Donna Rhodes. Guests present were Elizabeth Richey, Ricky Ofiu, Cassia Hofen, Kambri Rhodes, Kennedy Crawford, Lakin and Landry Gaddy.

Linda McCoy, president, called the meeting to order with members reading the the collect. Members responded to the roll call by telling their favorite garden memory from the past year. The minutes of the last meeting were read by April Ridgway, secretary, and approved. Rhonda Fields, treasurer, gave her report.

McCoy opened the meeting with a discussion of National Garden Club Week and the club’s plans to promote it by distributing flowers to businesses in Alva. BancCentral, Graceful Arts and Spa Deco received flowers and an article about the event was published in the paper.

McCoy reported on her trip to the Oklahoma State Garden Club convention on June 2–3. She reported that the club had received the 3R Club award, a Youth Garden Grant and cash prize money for both. McCoy and several other district poster contest winners won first place at state as well. The club also received second place at state and honorable mention at regional for their press book. McCoy represented the district at the meeting and displayed the district clubs’ accomplishments with photographs on posters. The club thanked her for her hard work.

The pyramid project was discussed and work on the placement of the hoses and mulch was planned. The club voted to purchase Preen to put down in the walkway to inhibit weeds during the summer months.

McCoy surprised the group by announcing that Northwest District will be hosting the state convention next spring. Immediate plans were made for a further meetings with district officers on June 13 to begin planning for this event.

Committee assignments for the summer projects of Yard of the Month and Blooming Business of the Month were discussed. Rhodes suggested that the club contact Alva High School and find out if the club could help with the planters by the front entrance. Ridgeway volunteered to contact the school and ask if they would like the help.

McCoy introduced her President’s Project for her new term, Penny Pines. She asked the club to bring their pennies to each meeting and donate them towards buying pine trees to be planted in the Washita Forest.

The club members then retired to watch a slide show featuring photographs from the gardens of the club members. Afterwards, club members exchanged their Petal Pal gifts and drew names for their Petal Pals next year. Helen Jensen won the hostess gift: a planter filled with pink periwinkle.

Members were reminded to attend planning meetings, work on projects, serve on committees and enjoy their summer. He next meeting of the Tulip Club will be Sept. 14, with the location to be announced.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.