San Saba Garden Club welcomes new members at first meeting of new year

On Tuesday, September 7th, at 2:00 p.m., San Saba Garden Club (SSGC) launched its 2021-22 year with new President Debbie Shahan presiding. Her chosen theme for the year is “Plant America . . . Enjoy the Journey!” What a great reflection of the attitude this Club has exhibited for almost 86 years!

Hostesses Rhonda Killion (chair), Vicki Key, Debbie Shahan, and Lois Ann Boyd treated attendees to a sunflower-themed buffet that featured both cucumber and chicken salad tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, beautifully decorated gourmet cupcakes, a cracker and cheese plate, mixed nuts, and fresh lime-infused water. A floral bouquet of giant sunflowers adorned the serving table, and copies of the new yearbook lay invitingly on each chair. Everyone chatted informally about the summer’s highlights while enjoying these delectable treats.

Following refreshments, President Shahan called the meeting to order, and Rhonda Killion offered a prayer. Shahan then guided members through the 2021-22 SSGC yearbook, ending with an overview of the many exciting monthly programs to come. Some highlights will undoubtedly be a November outing to Fiesta Vineyards with a tour of the Baxter Homeplace, a demonstration of Cooking with Herbs by member Sherry Clarkson, a trip to Weatherford for a tour of the Chandor Gardens and “picnic on the grounds,” and the Club’s always much-anticipated Christmas social.

Roll call revealed the Club is growing by leaps and bounds. The 23 in attendance consisted of 12 returning members, 10 new members, and guest Abby Snyder, who joined SSGC at the close of the meeting. This infusion of new energy created a celebratory atmosphere and eager anticipation of working together to help Keep San Saba Beautiful and ensure the Club’s continued community-minded spirit.

The business meeting included reports by Club officers and committee chairs. Marjean Alexander presented the treasurer’s report and announced the two Club-sponsored scholarships given to San Saba High School Class of 2021 Seniors Christina Robles and Aron Mack.

Rhonda Killion, chair of Building and Grounds, informed members of the purchase of a lovely new awning for the historic SSGC clubhouse located in Mill Pond Park. Therapy Committee chair Rebecca Britton shared her committee’s proposals for several activities at San Saba Rehabilitation (the local nursing home), contingent on newly established corporate requirements for volunteers. Tentative events are Christmas caroling and hot chocolate, biweekly manicures for residents, a Santa project, the annual Spring Tea, and gardening to beautify the entrance to the facility.

Ways and Means chair Dianna Furlan conveyed her committee’s fundraising ideas and reminded members that proceeds are ear marked for community needs and projects. Awards Committee chair Trish Fullerton reviewed the numerous awards the Club had won at district and state the past year. She also read an inspiring article by Gwen DeWitt on the longstanding national reputation of garden clubs as invaluable community supporters and beautifiers, a movement sparked in large part by women winning the right to vote. DeWitt has served as Vice President in charge of membership for Texas Garden Clubs, a nationally affiliated organization of which San Saba Garden Club is a proud member.

SSGC meets on the first Tuesday of each month. In October, the multitalented Dianna Furlan will conduct a workshop on decorative stepping stones. Attendees are asked to bring garden gloves, a trowel, and optional decorative material to personalize the stone members will be taking home.

The Garden Club warmly welcomes visitors and prospective members to its monthly meetings. You do not need to be a resident of San Saba to qualify. If you’d like to join this lively group or have questions about SSGC, you may contact Membership Committee chair Beth Griess at bgriess53@gmail.com.