Jenny Weber

 District 1 Director

September, 2024

FFGC Board Position Openings - An Important Message from Tina Tuttle, President

Please open this message in GardenClubsNWFL@gmail.com and see if you are interested in either of the positions. This would be a great opportunity to participate in FFGC in a fun and interesting position. 

Can you believe it is already September…….Summer will be fading, and Fall will be taking its place. The Board members hope you all had a wonderful summer, full of fun things, some gardening, even during this hot weather, and some relaxation. Get ready for a full line-up of garden activities in your club and throughout the District.

If you are a new member (and even if you aren’t)……..Did you know?  You not only have joined a garden club in your area, but you are now a member of an even larger garden club known as the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. boasting over 11,000+ members within twelve districts in the State of Florida. You are in District 1 encompassing Walton, Okaloosa, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. There are 21 clubs and circles in District 1. WELCOME!

The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. has a website (FFGC.org) which you are free to enjoy, and the website contains interesting and educational information. District 1 also has a website:  GardenclubsNWFL@gmail.com.  Events are contained in this website (posted by Camille Greeley and Jill Cleaver, District 1 Tech Team) from clubs in District 1. The event information is sent to your club (via the Secretary of the District, Betty White) and then the President or Communication Chair distributes this information to members of your club. Every effort is made to send you the event information way in advance of the event.  

The Busy Bee Newsletter is the only communication that is sent by Constant Contact to each and every member who is registered with the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. The President or Membership Chair in your club submits a form to FFGC notifying FFGC of membership in your garden club. Membership chairs should keep this updated. Members are not tracked; we are only interested in numbers. As stated by Camille, “Our news is your news and is coming to your inbox and Website.”

We hope this clarifies how communications are received by your club. Another important part of communication is the District 1 Directory which was sent to your president/communication chair on August 1st. Every effort was made to make sure all information is correct.* 🥴

Any Birders out there?  The Choctawhatchee Audubon Society is seeking volunteers, board members and support from the community. The Society needs help with the demands of organizing, running board walks, educational programs and conservation efforts. If you are interested, please contact Jillian Clark, Communications and Social Media Manager. Be sure to check out their Facebook: Choctawhatchee Audubon. 

The Fall District Meeting will be held Tuesday, October 8th at St. Sylvester Church, Highway 98 in Navarre. A Call will be sent. Please sign up, and plan to attend. The theme is “Spooky,” and all are requested to dress in costume. Should be fun! The minutes of the Spring Meeting will be sent again. 

Plan some outings for your club!  Lots of fun activities happening on Saturday, September 28! A Plant Sale with Crafts and Food hosted by Milton Garden Club. Contact Roxy Chanslor rchanslor@gmail.com. Monarch Magic hosted by the Santa Rosa County Master Gardeners looks like great fun. Fifty butterflies will be released every hour. More info call #850-623-3868. Habitat for Humanity will host Hope Village Block Party in DeFuniak Springs. Looks like a great day to get out and attend a fun fall event. Then, on October 16, visit the Pensacola Flower Show and State Fair and perhaps have lunch at DUH! Contact Marilyn Powitzky mpowitzky@hotmail.com.

National Gardening School Course:  This course is on Zoom, 3 mornings 9/30 - 10/2/24. No travel, no food costs. Registration on line. Tests will be taken electronically. Send check with Registration form. Go to Gardening School/National Garden Clubs, Inc. Click on Gardening School Courses. Information has been previously sent to Club Presidents and Communication Chairs. Contact Val Seinfeld at valseinfeld@aol.com.

Grants and Awards: You have recently received information about the Grants and Awards that you can apply for such as the District 1 Grant of $250 (deadline 9/15); FFGC Matching Grant of up to $500 (deadline January 15th); Plant America Grants (deadline 10/15) and an award from FFGC for a project already completed (deadline 11/22). 

“The Idea Exchange” - You have received the first edition with lots of information from other districts. This is on the Website: FFGC Idea Exchange Summer 2024. 

It is with sadness that Ms. Jane Nendick passed away Sunday, August 11th. 

A friend to all…….may she rest in peace.

  HAPPY LABOR DAY!

REMEMBER, “WE SHALL NEVER FORGET” - SEPTEMBER 11th

Betty White

Newsletter Editor

9/1/24