Mt. Vernon Garden Club Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
When members of the Mt. Vernon Garden Club entered the Garden Room at Brewton-Parker Christian University for their meeting on March 10, they were greeted by hostesses Jennifer Sikes and Terri O'Quinn. They were also overwhelmed with everything green and lots of shamrocks and leprechauns. It was evident that they were celebrating St. Patrick's Day. In fact, most of the members remembered to wear green, even though it was a week before St. Patrick's Day.
President Susan Beard officially opened the meeting using a gavel for the first time as President of Mt. Vernon Garden Club. Members were so happy that Susan agreed to accept the position, as it is a very busy position with lots of responsibility, but she graciously accepted. Thank you, Susan! Vice President Kathy McCall informed the members that the daffodil is the flower of the month for March. She read a beautiful poem about the daffodil, which symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. Kathy also gave a brief history of how St. Patrick, who was born in England, was kidnapped and brought to Ireland. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is recognized as the patron saint of Ireland. He is also credited with driving snakes out of the country. Did you know that the shamrock (3 leaf clover) is used to explain the Trinity?
Ashley Boatright spoke to the group as a representative of BPCU. She shared with the members that a Smithsonian exhibit entitled 'Museum on Main Street' is coming to the university beginning September 13, 2026, to October 1, 2026. This exhibit is a program that provides small and rural communities across Georgia with access to Smithsonian traveling exhibitions. The exhibit will then return the following February for 6 weeks. Volunteers will be needed as guides.
Members enjoyed a delicious luncheon meal, in keeping with the Irish theme. Everyone seemed to especially enjoy the beef and potato pie. The food was prepared and served by Chartwells of BPCU, and the food is always wonderful.
Following the meal, Patricia Dixon, Executive Director of the United Way of Toombs/Montgomery/ Wheeler Counties was introduced. She brought along 3 staff members, and each one gave an update of the ways that the United Way assists our communities. Recovery from Hurricane Helene continues to this day and a group of Mennonites are still in the area assisting families. It was so inspiring to know that people outside our community were willing to come and help with the cleanup and repairs.
The meeting ended with committee updates, including the garden club's involvement in the Vidalia Onion Arts & Crafts. The club staffs the ticket booths. It's a very busy job, especially when the Blue Angels are here, but members seem to enjoy participating. See everyone in April!
SHARING ABOUT UNITED WAY – United Way of Toombs, Montgomery, and Wheeler Counties Executive Director Patricia Dixon (left) spoke to the Mt. Vernon Garden Club about the organization’s work throughout the community. L to R: Patricia Dixon, Jennifer Sikes, Terri O’Quinn.
