“Cultivating Connections”

August

2016

Summer Issue

So take the “LEAP” and “Cultivate Connections”.

NGC Central Region Director’s Message

The garden club members within Central Region are defiantly

“Cultivating Connections” in so many ways. Each of the states is pro-

moting and deeply involved in the bee pollinator project and the

Frighten Frog book. Blue Star Markers have been and are planned to

be installed in all seven states. Michigan and Missouri have almost

installed one hundred markers each. It is hoped that each state will

post their Blue Star Markers on their websites. The Central Region

Website would have the connecting link permitting members to view

the Blue Star Markers across Central Region.

It was a thrill to visit each of the seven state conventions this spring.

So many ideas were shared, new friends made, old friends reconnect-

ed, projects and ideas displayed. I hope that many of our members

will attend the Central Region Meeting, October 7-9 in Springfield,

Illinois. It will be an opportunity to gain insight into Abraham Lin-

coln’s personal and public life during his presidency.

Central Region is NOW Incorporated! Our name is Central Region

Garden Clubs, Inc. The application for the 501(c)3 has been pre-

pared and submitted and approved.

See you in the Land of Lincoln.

Judy Newman

Central Region Garden Clubs, Inc., Director

Directors Message pg. 1

Call to Convention pg. 2

State We’re In pg. 3

Native Plants pg. 10

NGC President’s Project

pg. 11

Handbook for Flower Shows

pg. 12

CR Life Membership pg. 12

CR Awards 2016 pg. 13

CR Schools & Symposiums

pg. 14

Natural Disasters pg. 15

Ames Tools Award pg. 16

Birds, Butterflies & Pollinators

pg. 17

CR Convention Schedule pg.

CR Meeting Registration pg. 22

Invasive Plants Corrections

pg.23

Great News!!!! pg. 24

1

“How do you plan to stay connected?”

CONNECTIONS IN ACTION

OFFICIAL CALL

CENTRAL REGION GARDEN CLUBS, INC.

84TH CENTRAL REGION MEETING

OCTOBER 7-9, 2016

“Finding you Inspiration in Abe Lincoln’s Hometown”

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN SPRINGFELD,

(Doubletree by Hilton Hotel)

Dear Members of Central Region, Inc. Board of Directors:

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

STATE PRESIDENTS, YOU MAY HAVE THREE MINUTES TO REPORT

ON YOUR PROJECT OR A SPECIAL EVENT IN YOUR STATE.

OFFICERS AND CHAIRMEN: If you wish to report, you may have two

minutes on the agenda if you notify the CR Director, Judy Newman

newman9641@aol.com These requests must be received no later than

October 1, 2016.

PLEASE NOTE: These reports are not to be simply reports of what you are

doing in your chairmanship. There will not be adequate time for every

chairman to give such a report. Please, only request time if you have new

information.

COPIES OF REPORTS are to be given to Marion Books, Secretary;

gemabooks@att.net in triplicate by October 1, 2016. Reports should be

signed and dated by the chairman. (Continued, page 3.)

2

are to be given to Marion Books, Secretary;

CONNNECTIONS IN ACTION

CR Region

3

State Flowers

Central Region Meeting

CR EXECUTIVE COMMTEE MEETING

is scheduled for

4:30p.m.

CR Chairmen: During two of the meals CR Chairmen will be assigned tables.

This is your opportunity to connect with those attending the CR Convention.

You can share ideas, answer questions, clarify, and much more during this

special time.

Registration forms are available on the Central Region, Inc. website and

in the CR Newsletter

STATE WE’RE IN

Central Region State Reports

Illinois: The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. Are having a very energetic

and industrious year.

Four of our clubs, the North Shore Garden Club, Elmhurst Garden Club, Gar-

den Club of Elgin and Garden Club of Evanston have all celebrated their 100th

Year Anniversaries. The Garden Club of Decatur celebrated their 95th.

We are looking forward to the Central Region Annual Meeting , October 7-9

in Springfield IL. With so many excursions and events being offered, this

meeting will be fun, informative and interesting for everyone!

October 13, the Garden Clubs of Illinois, IL are sponsoring a fantastic Conser-

vation Conference at Plymouth Place in LaGrange. The day is packed with ex-

cellent speakers on a variety of conservation topics, lunch is included for a

very nominal fee.

Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. held its Summer Meeting at Cantigny Park, in

Wheaton. Cantigny is a 500 acre park, the former estate of Colonel Robert

McCormick. It reveals the public and private sides of one of America’s wealthi-

est and most philanthropic families. Attendance for meetings such as this and

our recent State Convention have been on the increase. (continued on page 4.)

ILLINOIS: Con’t Kay MacNeil, Our Bees, Birds, and Butter-flies Chairman has been hard at work spreading the news about Mon-archs all over our State and posting her you-tube video for a free c;ub program. Nearly all our clubs are doing something for Monarchs and we are getting more waystations each year. Kay even has the Illinois Dept. Transportation planting milkweed along the highways. Our State Flower Show, Under the Big Top was held at the Naperville Municipal Center, in late July. I consider myself very fortunate to travel our beautiful state and meet such wonderful fellow gardeners. Laurel DeBoer, President Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.

INDIANA: Our garden clubs in Indiana have been very active

this year with multiple projects.

Our State Project is the Blue Star Memorial Marker starting with cele-

brating the 70th Year Anniversary in 2015. There are six (6) dedica-

tions planned which include:

Iris—Elm Garden Club dedicating a By-Way Marker

Garden Club of Marion will dedicate a By-Way Marker at Matter

Park, along with their wildflower workshop event.

Northwest District Garden Club and Merrillville Garden Club will

dedicate a Memorial Marker at the Adam Benjamin Veteran's Clin-

ic

Munster Garden Club will dedicate a By-Way Marker

Sullivan Garden Club will dedicate a By-Way Marker at a local

park

Garden Clubs of Indiana will dedicate a Memorial Marker at Rich-

ard L. Roudebush Veteran's Center in Indianapolis; one of our Bi-

centennial Legacy Projects.

Four Interstate rest area Blue Star Memorial gardens have been adopt-

ed and replanted. Interstate 70 westbound was adopted ny the Hen-

dricks County Garden Club and was planted in the blue and yellow

theme for our Bicentennial of Indiana. Interstate 70 eastbound was

adopted and planted by Jodi Meyer, President.

Interstate 64 east and west bound were adopted and replanted by the

Southwest District Garden Club. (Continued on page 5.)

4

STATE WE’RE IN, CON’T

Our 2016 Special Project: Bicentennial Legacy Projects as mentioned

above the Blue star Marker at the Richard Roudebush Veteran’s Center

and additionally endorsed by the Bicentennial Commission was the

planting of blue and yellow flowers in each of the ninety two (92) coun-

ties throughout the State of Indiana. Each garden club member has

promoted the planting of blue and yellow flowers in their civic gardens,

communities, and in their own gardens to celebrate the Bicentennial.

Several news releases and radio interviews have included information

about STATE, Regional and National Garden Clubs, Inc.

Jodi Meyer, President

The Garden Club of Indiana

IOWA:

5

STATE WE’RE IN, CON’T

Our Mission:

To stimulate knowledge of gardening; to aid in the protection of trees, plants and birds: to promote civic beautification.

“Remember the Past-Enjoy the Present-Plan for the Future”

The Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa has been a very active organization since its creation. Flower shows were an early and continuous part of the Garden Clubs of Iowa. Members were encouraged to participate in local and state flower shows and they could also attend workshops on flower presentation and flower show judging. Workshops and short courses are still organized for people interested in native plant species, conservation, and landscape design.

Loretta Daisy, President of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, is offering a monetary award for the best use of “native plants in public places”. Garden clubs members just have to make plans, write them up and submit them to her.

Bee a Native Plants in Public Places Winner

STATE WE’RE IN, CON’T

Central Region State Reports

MINNESOTA:

Increased awareness of pollinators: Clubs have been planting pollinator gardens

and individual gardeners have signed the NGC Pledge to be aware of chemical use

in their gardens.

Working with youth: Presented, How to Plant Vegetables.

Guidelines for Club Presidents w a s customized and distributed for Minne-

sota

Each club in Minnesota was presented with a jar in which to collect Pennies for

Pines. Some clubs have already sent their monies to support the Chippewa Na-

tional Forest

Volunteers and long standing members were recognized for their service at our

Annual Meeting in the Spring.

Flowers for Veterans: Clubs took turns weekly delivering fresh cut flowers all

summer long to the VA Hospital.

Two Blue Star Memorial Markers were dedicated over Memorial weekend at the

new State VA Cemetery in Preston MN and an existing State VA Cemetery in Lit-

tle Falls, MN.

Two Highway Blue Star Markers have been purchased and plans are in progress to

have them dedicated and installed.

Two, Design 101 classes this year are being offered by Floralia to members and the

public providing instruction for new designers.

Sponsoring a Symposium this fall for Flower Show Judges.

Cultivating New Connections and cooperation with plant societies throughout the

state.

Betty Beck, President

Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota, Inc.

6

STATE WE’RE IN, CON’T

Central Region State Reports

MICHIGAN:

Thanks to all Central Region Members for your support of the 87th National Gar-

den Clubs, Inc. Convention., “Bloomin’ on the Grand.” We were pleased to repre-

sent you in Grand Rapids, Michigan with many opportunities to learn and net-

work with Clubs from across fifty states and internationally.

Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. is continuing to raise our standards these summer

months. Projects in the forefront:

85th State Convention in Frankenmuth, Michigan, “The Artful Garten”. The

written Shareholders’ Reports from seven Board Committee Chairs along

with input from their Project Chairs replaced verbal annual meeting re-

ports. District Directors met with their District Members in breakout

sessions. Honors Tables included: 2015-2016 Blue Star Memorial Dedi-

cation Clubs and their Members, Club Presidents, National Convention

Committee and the Board of Directors.

Attorney Rose Houk completed 300 hours of pro bono work on the publica-

tion “Incorporating as a Non-Profit Corporation and MGC Group Tax Ex-

emption Program Handbook”. This 64 page handbook has been distribut-

ed to Clubs with directions on Incorporation and application and require-

ments into (GTEP).

Archives-Our past records are housed at the University of Michigan Bentley

Historical Library. We are now moving into digital archiving where all

records can be left on our website at the end of each administration as

well.

The MGC recommendation of the Black Swallowtail as the State Butterfly

continues to be in the legislature as Senate Bill 850.

Two new Study School Series are starting this fall convenient to all seven

states. Landscape Design Course I in Kalamazoo and Environmental

Studies Course I in Holland (Michigan). See

www.michigangardenclubs.org for registration.

Marilyn McIntosh, President

Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.

7

MISSOURI:

As Missouri garden clubs move into the second year of the Presi-

dent’s Projects—we are happy to report that we have progress! Our

first goal was to plant 5,000 Native Trees and Shrubs for Missouri.

Our garden club members have to date planted 5,200 native trees

and shrubs in our beautiful state. These native species will support

and increase the biodiversity here in Missouri. We have funds set

aside for each of our ten districts for tree and shrub plantings,

which will be divided at the end of the term.

Let’s talk about Membership! As is the case all over the

country, we are seeing volunteers and membership in organiza-

tions decline. Our second Project’s goal was to: Increase Garden

Club Membership by Ten Percent. That goal involves inviting our

targeted audience: our neighbors, church friends, people we meet

in garden centers, retirees, shop keepers, sales women and even

men. Yes, we want to open our clubs to men who are also interest-

ed in gardening. The key word is ‘Invite!’ One may be surprised

how easy it is to begin talking about garden club and all the activ-

ites we plan, the friends we make and the yummy treats we enjoy;

also the educational programs that increase our knowledge base

and the beauty we grow in our communities. Being a volunteer

who supports the greening our world is a most rewarding experi-

ence.

The Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri is also ready to

talk with two garden clubs who have several years ago, relin-

quished their membership in the Federation. We want to convey

our friendship and the benefits of belonging to the Federated Gar-

den Club organization. A club is only required to pay annual dues

and provide a membership roster so that members will receive our

quarterly publication. The Garden Forum.

Our third Project is the establishment of Butterfly

Waystations for Missouri Roadsides and Gardens. It is no secret

that the Monarch and our other pollinators need our help if they

are to show increase in their numbers. Missouri gardeners are will-

ing to help. We have many garden clubs and members who are ex-

panding both their public and private Butterfly Gardens, by grow-

ing milkweed as host plants and increasing the variety of nectar

plants. One of our northeast Missouri garden clubs, the Lathrop

Garden Club, is in the process of planting a five-acre plot with na-

tive trees, wildflowers and milkweed plants.

(Continued on page 9.)

STATE WE’RE IN, CON’T

8

This huge project is being supported by the local Pheasant and

Quail Lovers Society, the Bayer Corporation’s Bayer for Bees

Team, a local contractor, Monarch Watch, the Lathrop School

District with both the elementary and high school students par-

ticipating, a landowner willing to lease the site annually for one

dollar, local businesses and hard-working garden club mem-

bers. They are also contacting Ames Tool Company for the stu-

dent’s use in planting the wildflower seeds. This project is a

wonderful example of how communities come together to

achieve a beautiful local improvement. To aid their environ-

ment’s biodiversity and to do their part in aiding the Monarch

Butterfly. We are very excited about this major wildflower and

butterfly waystation project.

Here in Missouri, we are working away and so pleased to

be a part of the Central Region and the National Garden Clubs.

We thank Judy Newman for attending our Annual State Con-

vention in May. She is a delightful person, as you know. We

know others all over the Central Region are working hard to

make our world a more beautiful place. Garden on!

Nancy Bahn, President

Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc.

WISCONSIN:

The WGCF members recently gathered for our annual conven-tion and business meeting. Members enjoyed great speakers, hospitality and a lively auction fundraiser.

In 2017, we will experiment with a one-day annual business meeting in May followed by a Garden Education Summit on Oc-tober 6 – 7 in Wisconsin Dells. This event will be open to the public as well as all members of the Central Region.

Pending the formulation of the CR 501c3 organization, a CR an-nual meeting will be held on October 8. More information will follow in the fall.

The WGCF project Gardening for Good at the Hilary Grace Healing Garden is very successful. The Garden opened on July 8. WGCF members contributed funds and volunteer time plant-ing all of the annual containers atop this rooftop garden at UW Hospital. It is a tranquil setting for patients, staff and visitors.

Gerianne Holzman, President

Wisconsin Garden Club Federation

STATE WE’RE IN, CON’T

9

NATIVE PLANT GARDENING

10

Because we are told that ninety-five percent of land in the lower

forty-eight states is in development for agriculture, roads, and

buildings, native plants and animals are in trouble.

Exotic species have invaded our parklands, while pollinators like

bees and butterflies are in peril. Instead of wringing our hands, we

can make a real difference by creating native habitat in our own

yards. Native gardening is fun and empowering with stunning,

hardy native plants.

Yet many of us do not understand the importance of natives that

support our pollinators. In the past we have not designed gardens

to play a critical ecological role in the landscape, but we must do so

in the future.

NGC has developed many classes and sponsored many speakers

who talk about these issues. It is important that we not only create

these native plantings but continue to manage them for everyone’s

enjoyment and education.

Some local landscaping ordinances are often very specific about

aesthetics and permitted plantings. They often require wide expan-

sive lawns with narrow foundation plantings, demand a limited

vegetation height, and prohibit some native species such as Milk-

weed and Goldenrods, among others.

This must be challenged and changed if we are to make a differ-

ence in protecting both native plants and pollinators that need each

other to survive. As gardeners, representatives of NGC/CR, and

members of our own state garden clubs, we must become stewards

of our lands to save biodiversity from extinction.

First, we must commit to learn. Then share what we know. Finally,

stress the importance of this issue through teaching. Leap into ac-

tion. Cultivate connections. Help accomplish this mission through

membership.

Ronnie Dush Central Region Garden Clubs, Inc. Native Plants Chairman

Our NGC President Sandra Robinson’s focus during her administration is to

create an awareness in the decline of amphibians and pollinators.

Has your club purchased The Frightened Frog book? The book and program

target youth and highlight environmental issues affecting amphibians. The

book is available from NGC Member Services for $10.00. Lesson plans to ac-

company the book are available on the NGC website to download at no

charge.

Have your club members planted a pollinator garden? My club made pollina-tor houses, and this chairman was pleasantly surprised when the bees found mine immediately. Some members cut hollow bamboo pieces to fit into their house and others simply drilled holes into a small log. Many images are avail-able online. This makes a good club project.

Gerry St. Peters

NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC. PRESIDENT’S PROJECT

11

We need your help to promote our NGC Gardening Study Schools in your region.

Only 22 state garden clubs held Garden Study Schools in the

last year and currently only 9 have schools listed on the NGC website. http://gardenclub.org/schools/gardening-study.aspx

Specifically, if you could each check your region and states' websites to see if NGC School information is listed at the NGC level as well as the local school info including state school and

Handbook Announcement

&

Flower Show School Plans

The new Handbook for Flower Shows is scheduled to be available to the Instructors by the Instructor's Symposium in January, 2017. It will take affect as of July 1, 2017.

I would like to know if your state is finishing up a Series after July 1, 2017. If so, please let me know asap.

If you are planning to begin a new series after July 1, 2017, please let me know. The Instructor's should be ready to begin using the new Handbook after that date.

Wisconsin is planning to begin Course I in the Fall of 2017. More information will follow.

Liz Murken—lizmurken@gmail.com

HANDBOOK FOR FLOWER SHOWS

12

Central Region Life Membership

Central Region Life Memberships

are

Tax Deductible; we are a 501(c)3

$50.00

Support Scholarship

Central Region Pin $10.00 & Stars $25.00

Honor a member of your garden club with a life mem-

bership, pin or star, or purchase for yourself.

Contact: Carol Beckius

cbeckius@chartermi.net

Sch

ola

rsh

ip

Congratulations to all clubs receiving awards at the 2016 NGC Convention and to all clubs that continue to do amazing work in your communities!

Judging from the Yearbooks and Press Books that were submit-ted, I know there are many clubs “Cultivating Connections” with projects that might qualify for Central Region Awards.

Check the Central Region web site for 2016 awards and the in-structions.

These award applications are posted as due September 15th. Since the Central Region Convention is October 6, Your applica-tions must be received by September 15th. Judging will start Sep-tember 16th.

The award application will be accepted in the stated format, how-ever please feel free to use the NGC form. Using this form will make it easier to get your project up to speed for your State dead-line and will make it easier for judging. I suggest that we have an eventual transition to this form. Placing your application in a folder with a return envelope and identification label on the front helps to separate projects into correct States for return.

If your club is graciously sponsoring an award, let me thank you and remind you to send your sponsorship monies to the Central Region Treasurer: Carol Catlin

W 5447 County MM

Hortonville WI 54944-9754

Please feel free to contact me with questions, I will try to get the answers for you. 573-718-4421

CR Awards Chairman: Sherry Wilson

214 Lakeridge Road

Poplar Bluff MO 63901

Apply For Awards

CENTRAL AWARDS 2016

13

Schools in Central Region

14

Environmental Studies Schools

Course I, October 17-18, 2016, Holland, MI

Flower Show Schools and Symposiums

Flower Show Symposium, September 9-10, 2016, Richfield, MN Course III, September 13-15, 2016, Midland, MI Flower Show Symposium, August 17-18, 2016, Grand Rapids, MI Flower Show Symposium, August 25-26, 2017, Milwaukee, WI Course IV May 9-11, 2017, Midland, MI

Gardening Study Schools

Course II, September 9-10, 2016, Appleton, WI Course III, April 21-22, 2017, Appleton, WI Course IV September 8-9, 2017 Appleton, WI

Landscape Design Schools

Course I, October 24-25, 2016, Kalamazoo, MI Course I , October, 25-26, 2016, Glenview, IL

Additional information and registration forms on State Websites

Symposium in Minnesota

September 9—10

Featuring:

David Robin, Hosta & Hydrangea

Lynn Fronk, Construction, Assemblage and Armature

Designs

Cost: $130 for full course. One day $ 65

Registrar : Barbara Isaacson 15169 19th St Ct N.

Stillwater, MN 55082. blisaacson@yahoo.com

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Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters in 2016 have hit throughout the country from District of

Columbia to California from Washington State to Louisiana. Here in the

central region FEMA declared natural disaster area in two Central Region

States. In Missouri in January due to the Severe Storms, Tornadoes, straight

-line winds and Flooding and in January they declared Flint Michigan a dis-

aster area due to the contaminated water. Over the years, storms, tornadoes

and fires have destroyed homes brought down the trees and stripped the

land of vegetation and crops. It also has taken lives. The Natural disaster in

Flint Michigan is much more devastating to the community

Loss of life and physical disabilities due to exposure of contaminated water

is a very high price to pay for ignoring and protecting our water supply and

the health of the community. The ongoing costs will be phenomenal. When

the water supply was switched from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The wa-

ter in the Flint River is high in iron which is corrosive to the water lines

which were made of lead. They failed to follow a federal law that required

communities to use an anticorrosive agent when the water supply was com-

posed of such high iron content. The water ate away at the pipes exposing

the lead and children started to show signs of lead poisoning. Governmental

officials denied for some time that there was a problem but pediatricians be-

gan noticing the effects and called for a more thorough investigation. Medi-

care requires states to keep records on the level of lead in children. Results

came in. Children’s lead level were doubling and tripling in Flint. Lead poi-

soning is irreversible and a potent neurotoxin. Water is one of our natural

resources and it is up to all of us to care for the resources we have and pro-

tect them for today and future generations.

Central Region Committee Chairman, Natural Disasters —Susan Cooney

Program

Suggestion

for clubs in

the Central

Region

Check out

your

community’s

water

supply and

what

the

community

is doing to

protect it.

15

WINNER OF AMES TOOLS GRANT

AMES TOOLS

16

The project was to completely clear out and replant 2 garden areas at the John C Harris Community Center in Fulton Missouri.

Each garden plot is approximately 21 feet X 8 feet. All replacement plants are Missouri Natives. New England Asters, Purple Coneflowers, Glade Coneflowers, Prairie Dropseed Grass and Black Eyed Susans are to fill the areas for a pollina-tor garden.

In the Spring ,we will be re-doing the rose garden, 30' X 8'. Some roses will need to be replaced and new Missouri Natives plants will be added to the gar-den plot. Again, the distance is about the same for water access to this plot, ap-proximately 150 feet away.

The water access from the community center is about 150 away from the garden plots. We had to bring our own hoses every time we needed water. We request a hose cart, 100 ft. hose and a 50 ft. hose.

The project has seen 2 garden areas completely cleared out and replanted, at the John C Harris Community Center in Fulton Missouri.

There is a third garden plot that will need renovating/replanting the fall of this year. We have also added native trees and shrubs so the hose/cart is a great benefit to the club.

Thank you NGC and Ames Tools for this wonderful Grant.

Diane Neter - President , Fulton Garden Club

Fulton Garden Club

Fulton Community Center

Fulton, MO

Birds continue to visit our area and our gardens. We feed sunflower seed in the summer months as well as nectar for the hummingbirds.

One of the biggest bird feeding myths is that leaving hummingbird feed-ers available in the fall will stop these tiny birds from migrating, when in fact available feeders can ensure hummingbirds have healthy food sources available for refueling all along their journey.

Nectar can be easily be made from 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Change it every few days to keep it fresh. Wash the feeder so it doesn’t get plugged with ants or mold.

Having trouble with ants? Try putting margarine around the area the ants are climbing to get to the feeder. I haven’t had them cross the line.

Hummingbirds are easy to hand feed. If you have a red lid, put nectar in it and sit quietly. They will be around to eat , the secret is to be quiet and sit still.

The hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backward, and is our small-est bird. Enjoy our hummingbirds.

Central Region Bird Chairman: Marian McNabb

Butterflies along with all our pollinators need our help.

While many of us are planting to attract them to our yards and gardens, we need to emphasize the use of little or no herbicides or pesticides ( in-cluding neonicotinoids) to others. If others are using herbicides to kill un-wanted weeds, it affects the host plant milkweed necessary for the life cy-cle of the monarch. If they are using pesticides, it’s killing monarch cater-pillars, butterflies and other pollinators.

Iowans have been throwing seed balls in ditches and planting milkweed in our yards and gardens.

If we do not protect our Monarch Migration Routes, we may find our monarch butterflies extinct. Extinct, gone forever, never to be seen by our Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, what a sad thought.

There has been recent documentation of improvement in the Monarch population. Planting milkweed and discouraging the use of pesticides and herbicides is making a difference! We should continue to see that our ef-forts provide assistance to all pollinators..

Lets see what we can accomplish by asking others to avoid using chemi-cals so we can protect our Butterflies and Pollinators.

Central Region Butterfly Chairman: Marian M. McNabb

BUTTERFLIES & POLLINATORS

17

BIRDS

National Garden Clubs, Inc.

Central Region Meeting President Abraham Lincoln Springfield-(Doubletree by Hilton Hotel)

701 East Adams Street, Springfield, Il, 62701 Phone # 217-544-8800

“Find your Inspiration in Abe Lincoln’s Hometown”

October 7-9, 2016

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 7, 2016, Until-5:00 p.m.

Three Suggested Self Guided Tours: On your own or carpooling

1. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site about 20 Miles NW of Spr ingfield, 15588 History Ln, Petersburg, IL 62675 (www.lincolnsnewsalem.com) New Salem is a re-constructed pioneer village with 23 structures, included amongst the buildings are numer-

ous log cabins, a grist mill, a carding mill, doctors’ houses, a tavern an several stores. Lin-coln came here in 1831 and stayed for six years. Interpreters in period dress demonstrate the daily tasks. Free (donation suggested)

2. Lincoln Memorial Garden 2301 E Lake Shore Dr ., Spr ingfield, IL 62712 (www.lincolnmemorialgarden.org) The Garden represents the landscape Abraham Lincoln

would have known living in the Midwest, containing plants native to the states he lived in, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. Designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen, this 100 acre site features six miles of trails, footbridges, a pond, eight stone council rings and dozens of wooden benches inscribed with Lincoln quotes. Free (donation suggested)

3. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site Oak Ridge Cemetery at 1441 Monum ent Ave,

Springfield, IL 62702 (www.lincolntomb.org) Within the walls of this granite monument is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife, and three of their four sons. Designed by sculptor, Larkin Mead, completed in 1874, this beautiful landmark is nestled in Oak Ridge Cemetery and is the second most visited cemetery in the nation. Free (donation sug-

gested)

18

CR

Me

eti

ng

Friday, October 7

3:30-6 pm Meeting Registration

4 pm Hotel Registration

4:30 pm Central Region Executive Meeting

7:00 pm Banquet and Program, “An Evening with Abraham Lincoln” presented by Randy Duncan, Carlinville, L ” Noted Lincoln portrayer Randy Duncan has been bringing Abraham Lin-

coln to audiences across the country for nineteen years. He has studied Lincoln's values, experiences and mannerisms. His height, appearance and Lincolnesque wit combine to

produce an event you will long remember. Growing in Springfield-Lincoln will tell how growing up on a farm, his passion for fair dealing, and his days in Springfield have made him into the president-elect who is about to go to

Washington with the task before him of preserving the Union.

Informal conversation and photos follows

Saturday-October 8, 2016

7:45-9:05 am Registration (also open 15 minutes before lunch, dinner ) 8:00 am-6:30 pm Vendors Open

8:00 am—9:15 Breakfast and Program, “A Virtual Birding Tour of the Springfield Area”, presented by Vern Kleen. You probably hear birds in your

garden before daybreak. Vern will give us a virtual tour of birds that are active in Illinois starting at dawn and continuing through the early evening. His presentation will be accompanied by birdcalls that he has learned through his many years of birding.

9:30-11:30 am Central Region Business Meeting

12 Noon Luncheon and Program, “Find Your Inspiration in Abe Lin-

coln’s Home Town”. Floral program presented by: Ada Lynn Shrewsberry

2:30 – 3:15 pm Breakout Sessions CR Awards & Applications by Sherry Wil-

son, MO & CR Awards Chairman Leadership- by Deannie Picciotti, NGC & CR Leadership Committees

3:30 – 4:15 pm Breakout Session NGC Awards & Applications by Michelle Riddle, IL Awards Chairman Leadership- by Deannie Picciotti, NGC & CR

19

CR Region Meeting Schedule Con’t

Or Various Tours

2:30 – 4:30 pm Walking Tours of the Old Capitol State Historic Site, Lincoln’s Law

Office (www.abrahamlincolnonline.org), Lincoln Home

National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/liho), and/or the Dana Thomas House (www.dana-thomas.org)

Or

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library – Group tickets for 20 or more par-

ticipants $7 each (nonrefundable, paid with registration)

Or

Repeat any of the Friday Tours

5:15-6 pm Reception-Cash Bar

6:30 pm Banquet and Program, “The Lincoln Vault Oak”, presented by Guy Sternberg with Starhill Arboretum. The biology and history of the last documented living participant in the funeral of Abraham Lincoln, including historic imag-es, the methods and results of dissection of its stump, and wood samples showing evi-dence of events that took place at the site. Originally presented as part of the Lincoln Fu-neral Coalition Sesquicentennial Reenactment program series at the Illinois State Muse-um, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

Sunday October 9, 2016

8:00 am Breakfast and Program, “Organic Technology That Really Works” presented by Mark McWilliams RLA. ICN, Copper Tree, Springfield, IL. Scientists have found out how plants survived before man created synthetic fertilizers. The key is simple and the results are almost unbelievable. Farmers and commercial growers are discovering the facts because of the increase in yields and disease resistance, but the same products work for anything green and growing. Make a difference in your yard and garden today, but also make a difference in our world by cutting synthetics, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides to a minimum. This technology is exciting and going to be the new standard for plant care in the very near future.

9:30 am Central Region Business Meeting Concludes

10:00 am Raffle Drawing and Silent Auction winners announced

10:45 am Meeting Adjourned

20

Convention Schedule Con’t

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield

a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

701 East Adams Street,

Springfield, IL 62701

Hotel Reservations are to be made on or before Friday, September 16, 2016 Convention Rate for single and double room rate is $109 plus tax.

Call the hotel directly and mention Central Region Meeting.

Phone # 217-544-8800

Attendees are responsible for making their own room reservations.

Parking: Is in a city parking garage. Its location is Washington and 7th, just north of the Hotel. Parking yourself with no in/out privileges is $7 per day. If you leave, you pay $1/hour for the time you have used the garage.

Valet parking with in/out privileges is $13 per day. You must arrange this with hotel.

21

Federated Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.

Cor you to attend the 84th Central Region Meeting

F nd your Inspiration in Abe Lincoln’s H ow

(You are responsible for your own hotel reservations)

Name_________________________________

Badge Name____________________________

Address_______________________________

City ______________________State________

Zip______________Phone________________

Email________________________________

(Confirmation will be sent)

Emergency Contact_______________________

Dietary Restrictions_______________________

Full Time Registration Package Plan by October 1, 2016

Package Plan includes: Registration, 5 meals, 5 programs & breakout session

$155.00__

Postmark after September 19th $165.00__

Breakout sessions, Saturday Afternoon, Make a reservation with registration, limited seats, choose up to

2 presentations or tour only

“Awards” presented by Sherry Wilson, CR Awards Chairman (free)_____

“Awards” presented by Michelle Riddle, IL Awards Chairman (free)_____

“Leadership” presented by Deannie Picciotti, (NGC & CR) (free)_____

Lincoln Presidential Museum $7.00_____

Part Time Registration (Includes Registration Fee)

Friday, October 7, 2016 Dinner & Program $40.00_____

Saturday, October 8, 2016 Breakfast & Program $27.00_____

Saturday, October 8, 2016 Luncheon & Program $29.00_____

Saturday, October 8, 2016 Dinner & Program $40.00_____

Sunday, October 9, 2016 Breakfast & Program $27.00_____

After September 19th Late Fee $10.00_____

Total Amount Due __________

Make checks payable to: NGC Central Region

Mail Registration Form & Check to: JoAnn Monge, Registrar

2628 Nottingham Ct, Naperville, IL 60565

Questions: Call 630-920-3792 or email: joannmonge@mac.com

Schedule of events will be mailed to you after receiving Registration Form & Check

Schedule of Events will be posted on the Illinois State and Central Region Websites.

CR Meeting Registration Form

Check all that apply below for the

2015-2016 term:

__Regional Officer Chairman

__State Officer/Chairman

__Past State President

__NGC Life Member

__Central Region Life Member

__Club President

__Club Member

__Non-member /Guest

__Flower Show Judge

__Gardening Consultant

__Environmental Consultant

22

Canada Thistle

23

In the Spring Issue of “Cultivating Connections”, Jane Buck , CR Invasive Plants

Chairman had a wonderful article concerning the serious invasiveness of Canada

Thistle.

Inadvertently, this Editor published incorrect identifying photographs.

Please check the photos below so that you can help prevent the spread of Canadian

Thistle.

Inv

asiv

e Pla

nts

I am delighted to share this news with you.

We received from the IRS the Central Region Garden Clubs, Inc. Letter of Deter-

mination indicating we are now a 501 (c ) 3 organization. We have a bank account

open. Now we have to transfer the money from the Central Region NGC Account

to our new account. The CR Officers approved some changes in our Rules and

Procedures which have to be voted on at the Central Region Meeting in

Springfield.

Thank you for all of your support.

Judy Newman

Central Region Director

‘Cultivating Connections’

GREAT NEWS!! T

ak

e T

ime

to S

av

or

Au

tum

n's

Sp

len

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r

NGC Central Region, Inc.

Director

Judy Newman

cell 414-861-7134

newman9641@aol.com

Please send articles and notices to:

Rene’ Lynch

NGC Central Region

Newsletter Editor

952-361-6393

reneclynch@aol.com

Published by

NGC, Inc. Central Region

Deadline for next Issue

November 1, 2016

GREAT NEWS!! 24