submitted by Gweneth Collins
From left: Gail Exum, new president, Ri McGlamery, new VP, Glenda Wilson, new treasurer, and Dania Barnes, new secretary
Dania Barnes and Catherine Nelson hosted Chipley Garden Club at Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 5. President Debbie Mitchell conducted the final business meeting of the club year covering support for Habitat for Humanity, upkeep of the downtown flower pots, and National Wildflower Week.
The highlight of the club meeting was the installation of new club officers. The new officers from the 2021-23 term are President Gail Exum, Vice President Ri McGlamery, Secretary Dania Barnes, and Treasurer Glenda Wilson. Outgoing President Debbie Mitchell informed each of their duties and issued “new garden hats” as signs of their new positions. On behalf of all the retiring officers, she thanked members for their wonderful support over the years.
In other business, Youth Chair Linda Pigott requested members begin gathering dried materials for the club’s Fall activities at Kate Smith Elementary School. Jacob Strickland from Falling Waters State Park reported on the condition of the butterfly garden and suggested improvements for the coming year.
Members Ri & Camille McGlamery attended the 94th Annual Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Convention in Daytona Beach in April. They announced Chipley Garden Club was awarded $500 for Youth Gardening and a Certificate of Appreciation for replanting trees in District II. Both members were impressed by a memorial service for members who passed away during the last two years, including Ray Pigott, Bonnell Sapp, Josephine McGlamery and Kathy Foster.
Prior to the business meeting, members enjoyed a Zoom presentation by Shelby Burgess from Florida Fish & Game covering Nuisance Wildlife Control. Burgess identified common nuisance wildlife, which are usually individual animals rather than an entire population. She reminded members not to “invite” wildlife by providing food sources or shelter and encouraged coexistence whenever possible.
Chipley Garden Club does not host regular meeting during June, July, or August, although the members are looking forward to some social events. Regular meetings will resume on September 1. The club welcomes new members at any time. If you have questions, or would like information about the club and its activities, please contact President Gail Exum at 850-638-0950. Until the Fall, happy gardening!