Tuesday, September 6, 2011, began as a cooler morning than the previous scorching days. The San Saba Garden Clubhouse in Mill Pond Park was teeming with activity once more as we began a new club year – meeting regularly on the first Tuesday of each month September through May at 11 a.m. This day began an hour later and with a note of sadness, as long-time member Dorothy Miller had been laid to rest at a graveside service earlier in the morning. New president Ann McElroy opened the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of Dorothy and then dedicated the meeting to her memory.

The theme the Yearbook Committee chose for the club year – "Launching the Legacy" – will be the focus for the club’s programs each month. For our first program, Vice President Lynn McHenry introduced our resident playwright and actress Aileen Roberts, who had written a skit "Dodging the Wrecking Ball" as she kayaked in Alaska! The play was very high tech with three stages, seven scenes, and special lighting effects. It depicted the women of 1955 who stopped the city from demolishing the historic building that is now our clubhouse, and current members who are extending the legacy.

Current members were played by Trish Warren, Gail Bruner and Ann McElroy. The Lady who goes from 2011 to 1955 (and back several times, complete with costume changes) was Aileen Roberts. Alma Ward Hamrick, 1955 Garden Club member and newspaper editor, was played by Trish Fullerton. Lady Wynn Felts was portrayed by Pat Belk. Debbie Shahan was Sally Hayden and Buddy Roberts was pressed into duty (by his wife!) as the man with the wrecking ball. Sharon Hayes played Katylee May and Sandra Parks acted the part of 1955 Garden Club member Sallie Arhelger. Mayor Shook of 1955 was appropriately reenacted by his son Jimmy Shook. Lighting was provided by Lynn McHenry (with a large shop light) and assistant Sherie Clarkson (who plugged and unplugged right on cue!)

A 50s theme luncheon followed the program with members bringing salads and hostesses Carol Littlefield, Judy Brister, Marcie Cooper, Jeanne Sauer, and Nelda Edgmon providing luscious desserts and beverages.

A brief business meeting followed the luncheon. Our club will hostess the District V, Zone I fall meeting on November 1

Our next meeting will be October 4

Trish Fullerton, with help from Ann McElroy, produced our beautiful yearbooks. Imogene Hawkins and her grandson Tanner Hawkins have worked on our aging yearbooks and displayed the revamped books and several scrapbooks past – our heritage!

Attending were guests: Jimmy Shook, Nancy Shook, Becky Moore, Martha Roe Terry, Shirley Dickison, Louise Oswald, Lynn Blankenship, Margie Osborn, Buddy Roberts, Don McElroy, and Henry Warren. Members attending were: Pat Belk, Judy Brister, Gail Bruner, Marcia Chown, Sherie Clarkson, Marcie Cooper, Nelda Edgmon, Trish Fullerton, Imogene Hawkins, Sharon Hayes, Fran Hulgan, Cathy Ledbetter, Carol Littlefield, Ann McElroy, Lynn McHenry, Marilyn Miller, Sandra Parks, Aileen Roberts, Clione Rochat, Jeanne Sauer, Debbie Shahan, Patricia Warren; Associate Member: BeBee Faught, Sandy Kuykendall, and Honorary Lifetime Member Bonnie Harkey and her assistant Debra Coronado.

The San Saba Garden Club is the place to be on the first Tuesday of each month. If you would like to be a part of launching the legacy, call President Ann McElroy at 325-372-4469 (home) or 512-658-5490 (cell) or Carol Littlefield, membership chairman, at 325-372-3883.

st at Soap’s Place. This promises to be an outstanding event for all eight clubs in Zone I: Brownwood, Goldthwaite, Gatesville, Temple, Killeen, Kempner, Lometa and San Saba.th. We will meet at the clubhouse at 10:15 a.m. to carpool to the Spiral Horn Ranch in Richland Springs. During the visit, owner Mark Hedley will explain his hydroponic system – a highly productive, conservative food production technology. He’ll also describe the critical role that bees play in our fragile ecosystem. He and his daughter, who aspires to be a chef, will provide lunch.