Members again gathered at the Quitman Library for their October meeting.
June Blair hosted the meeting. Becky Watkins, Club President, directed the planned agenda of the meeting.
Peggy Doggett, program leader for the meeting introduced Mr. Dave Thompson of the Mississippi Department of Transportation who presented information on topics relating to pollinating native plants and the selection of plants and grasses most suitable for Mississippi highway road sides. Much consideration is given to plant stability as well as easy maintenance throughout the growing season.
Planned "passage ways" plots are used to study plant materials that thrive well with and without mowing. Upkeep of roadsides is expensive and personnel in his department are constantly researching plant materials that thrive with or without mowing more than three times a year. Much concern is devoted to plant pollinators such as butterflies and specific insects including bees. He emphasized the important role that Honey Bees and Butterflies play in pollinating grasses and plants. Pollinators act as a food source for birds.
In summary, he stressed the importance of keeping our environment healthy by keeping our native plants. Food sources for birds, such as bugs and plant seeds are necessary to keep the food chain of nature healthy. Milkweed plants are necessary for food sources for the Monarch Butterfly. Members were urged to push for the establishment of Monarch Gardens to protect them as pollinators.
Communities are urged to encourage pollination by establishing safe zones with plants that serve as support for the insects--butterflies and bees as well as other insects that transfer pollen.
After the presentation by Mr. Thompson, President Becky Watkins called the business meeting to order and the group stood for the presentation of the "Pledge of Allegiance". Treasurer Linda Buchanan shared the treasurer's report. President Watkins urged members who had not paid yearly dues to do so soon.
Discussion followed regarding keeping notes as preparation for reporting in early January. Members were reminded to record their volunteer hours as well as continue the collection of "Box Tops for Education". The project on "Clean Water" is still an important project that members need to continue supporting.
The special project for October was the collection food items to be donated to a food pantry. Members were urged to record their contribution for January reporting.
Treasurer Linda Buchanan gave the treasurer's report and offered a motion for renting the Methodist Church activity room for a future meeting.
Other topics covered were the importance of preparing notes for reporting in January; preparation for reporting volunteer hours; seeking an address for sending used pill bottles for charity; collections of "Box Tops for Education", and the continued work on the "Clean Water Project".
Plans for the annual "Christmas Taste Tea" were discussed. Members were reminded to note names of people who should be issued invitations. The "Taste Tea" will be held the first Thursday in December.
President Watkins reminded members that the District II Spring Convention will be held at Decatur on March 4, 201
President Watkins announced that progress toward getting a grant for restoring the park on the corner of Napp Street and Bailey Avenue seems to be a realistic project. Necessary details are being worked out.
A request for Woman's Club Cookbooks produced several years ago to be included in a Welcome bag for newcomers had to be denied because all available had been sold. Woman's Club calendars are available however.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned by repeating the Club Collect.
