The Dahlia Garden Club held their annual Appreciation and Membership Luncheon in St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish Hall, Wednesday October 2, 2024. The theme for the luncheon was “Harvest Gold”. The room was decorated with a fall theme and pots of chrysanthemums were placed on each table. A delicious lunch and desserts were served by the club members. The meal blessing was prayed by Gerald Hayes, an invited guest. The pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was led by Wendy Zimmerman, club treasurer. Following lunch, President, Melanie Spence and MaryAnn Holman presented certificates and Gold Medals to special invited guests, members of our community that have helped the Garden Club with their many projects. The gold medals were placed around their neck proclaiming them “Winners”. Those honored from the community in attendance were: Justin & Faye Calkins, for their work on the Centennial Garden and the Blue Star Memorial Garden on Hwy 5 East of the Rodeo Grounds. Mark Daugherty, for his work on the Centennial Garden and the Blue Star Memorial Garden on Hwy 5 East of the Rodeo Grounds. Harlon Mallow, he has spent many hours over several years beautifying Sultan Park. He has planted flowers, weeded flower beds, repaired playground equipment and even repainted signs. Helena Munn, she completely refurbished the Blue Star Memorial sign at The Memorial Garden on Hwy 5 East of the Rodeo Grounds. Traci Pennington, accepting as President of the Cotton County Art Council for the Council’s help each year judging our Youth Poster contests. Gerald & Sue Hayes, over many years have worked on many flower beds that were created by the club and they planted and weeded! Others honored but not present are: Dennis Walker, worked on many flower beds over several years. Dana Franklin, Owner of Bedrock Nursery, provides plants for School Auditorium beds every year. Joi Bellamy, helped us with a meeting room during COVID. Todd Pyle, used his store “The Gem” as a pickup place for our Bake Sales. Denise Tulloh, oversees the flower beds in front of the School Auditorium working with 4-H members and Garden Club. Club members that have made outstanding contributions to our Garden Club work were also recognized with a Certificate and Gold Medals declaring them Winners! And they are: Carrie Belcher, newest member of the club entered our annual Spring Flower Show. Never having a formal design class she entered all 6 classes in design and did very well. Debbie Connely, helps a lot promoting our events and telling our stories in The Walters Herald. Kim Davis, Amanda Williams, Leticia Wagner, help the club in many ways. They provide speakers for events, help with pictures, promotions, and presenters for our many events. I think the biggest contribution is the work done at the High Tunnel. 4-H Members have planted seeds there and harvested the crop! Soon other gardening will take place there. Craig Williams, long time member of our club and always a big contributor to things we do. He provides plants for members at our meetings, provides the seeds and helps us throw wildflower seeds along Hwy 5, and advises us on all of our gardening concerns. Following the presentations, President, Melanie Spence introduced our guest speaker, Matt LaFee, new City Manager. He was welcomed with a round of applause. LaFee shared his ideas and plans for the City of Walters. The audience was happy to hear the many good things he liked about Walters and grants he has applied for from roads to Splash Pads! They were happy to hear about Kidtopia’s restoration and especially liked the idea of a Splash Pad at Youth Park. The meeting concluded with presenting honored guests with Chrysanthemums from the head table and the mums on the other tables in the dining room were awarded to the person at that table whose birthday was nearest to the birthday of City Manager, Matt LaFee.
Dahlia Garden Club Appreciation & Membership Luncheon
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