The Du Quoin Garden Club of District VII Garden Clubs of Illinois held the Feb. 27, 2018, meeting at the home of Dixie Travelstead.
After the members enjoyed a delicious salad supper President Jean Bullock called the meeting to order. Nineteen members answered the roll call question, "Do you have tea a woody shrub plant growing in your garden?"
The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer's report was given. Dues of $15 will be collected at the March meeting for the new club year. Correspondence received included an invitation from the Eldorado Garden Club to the District VII Spring Meeting on March 22; thank-you notes from the Clothes Closet, Food Pantry, Connie Galloway and Pam Swallers; and a $75 grant toward the Blue Star Marker from Garden Clubs of Illinois.
Jean announced that she would be installed as assistant district director of District VII at the Spring Meeting. Congratulations, Jean!
Committee reports
Calendar Committee: Joey Harsy said that programs, places and hostesses were set for the new club year. Field trips were discussed.
Ways & Means: Pam Swallers said the annual plant sale will be at 8 a.m. May 5, in front of the Shelter Insurance Agency on South Washington Street. Each member is to bring 20 plants to the sale, or $25.
Civic Beautification: Members are getting ready to clean up their garden areas.
Awards: Julie Wilson will be in charge of the publicity book.
Nominating committee: Joey presented the slate of officers for 2018-2019 year. They are President Jean Bullock; Vice President Mary Jane Field; Secretary Karen Britton and Treasurer Peg Purcell. Mary Jo Novak moved that the slate be approved as presented; Dixie Travelstead seconded the motion. Motion passed.
History committee: Betty Eastman has finished writing the history of the club and will have it printed in a booklet. Members can purchase a copy for $10. The club's history will be put in an archival scrapbook and will be kept at the Du Quoin Public Library for the public to view, but not to be checked out. Betty suggested that in the club's Traditions page in the yearbook this should be added: "The president of the Du Quoin Garden Club will be responsible for documenting the current year to create an ongoing record of the Du Quoin Garden Club's history." Pam Swallers moved that this should be added, seconded by Linda Searby. Motion passed.
Yearbook committee: Mary Jane Field said the yearbook will be ready at the March meeting.
Unfinished business
Jean thanked Julie Wilson and Sherry Gravot for Angel Tree shopping. She also thanked members for decorating the community gardens for the holidays and the tree at Holiday Lights. Our tree won second place in our category.
Linda Searby gave an update on the Shitake Mushroom Logs, and the next steps we should take to get the mushrooms to start growing.
Jean Bullock gave the Horticulture Minute on how to transplant a full-grown hosta.
Next meeting: Tuesday, March 27, at the Twisted Pair. Before the meeting, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., members will view an art exhibit by Toog & Tish.
The meeting was closed with the Benediction.
Peg Purcell gave the program on chair yoga -- Yoga for the Gardener.
