Beautifying the Garden Center Grounds
Quill Duncan, Chairman; Sandy Reed, Co-Chairs
The DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs maintains the grounds adjacent to the Garden Center. The current landscape was installed 30 years ago and was greatly in need of an overhaul. A committee was formed to study the best way to renovate this space. Dead and dying plants were removed, lower limbs of large trees were pruned away, and invasive plants and weeds eliminated. Mulch was added to the grounds. A ‘Rising Sun’ redbud tree was planted in honor of our Legends Club members, and new plants added to the old rock garden. The work has been done by member volunteers and much of the heavy work was contracted out to professionals. The goal of this continuing project is to create a low-maintenance, attractive landscape that will be a source of pride to the members and reflect our love of gardening.
Nurturing with Nature
Bonnie Pennington, Chairman
A new Garden Therapy project was started in 2019 in conjunction with Georgia Regional Hospital. DeKalb Federation has supported the establishment and expansion of therapeutic gardens at Georgia Regional Hospital in Atlanta by giving advice on plants and planting and monetary contributions. A member of one of our clubs is a Licensed Social Worker at the hospital and has been the driving force behind the establishment of their garden therapy program. A grant from Espoma Organics has also supported this program. DeKalb Federation will continue to support this important project.
Public Grounds Improvement Grant
Allison Metheny, Chairman
A grant has been established to support member clubs in improving public grounds. This includes school grounds, libraries and other public areas. Up to two $250 grants will be awarded each year. Grounds Improvement includes beautification as well as environmental education. Clubs may apply for this grant for new or ongoing projects. Clubs may apply for this grant at anytime. To apply for this grant, clubs should submit the following: location of the project and how the project was selected; the scope of the project; value to the community and how it will be maintained; Club participation in the project; before and after photographs.
Blue Star Markers
Nan Loftis, Chairman
DeKalb Federation would like to increase the number of Blue Star Markers in our communities. We are currently working with the leadership of the newly formed city of Tucker to identify a site for a Blue Star Marker. This marker, with an estimated cost of $1530, will be paid for with funds from the DeKalb Federation treasury. Donations from member clubs and businesses in Tucker will be gratefully accepted.
Blue Star Marker Restoration
Nan Loftis, Chairman
In 2018, DeKalb Federation approved the establishment of a Blue Star Marker grant program, which provides up to three $500 grants to clubs for the restoration or installation of a Blue Star Marker. The Garden Club of Georgia also has a matching grant program which will cover half of the cost of restoration. Member clubs are encouraged to identify markers needing restoration and apply for these grants.
Community Service
Glenndolyn Hallman, Chairman
Project Fig Leaf donations of clothing and toiletry items are collected by our clubs and delivered to either the Georgia Regional Hospital or the Veterans Administration Hospital for their residents. Christmas stockings and Easter eggs, decorated by our members, are donated to the Hospitals or other deserving organizations.
Holidays for Heroes
Glenndolyn Hallman, Chairman
In previous years, member clubs prepared holiday cards for active military personnel overseas. Cards were collected at the September Federation General meeting and taken to Dobbins Air Force Base for distribution. We expect to continue this project in the future. However, in 2020 holiday cards will instead be prepared for front line COVID workers at the Veterans Hospital in Decatur. Cards should not be signed with your name on the cards and envelopes should be unsealed. A garden club can be listed or simply a message thanking them for their service during this difficult and stressful time.
Keep DeKalb Beautiful
Joy Abrams, Chairman
This organization is involved with making our community safe environmentally by recycling, eliminating illegal signs and over-grown properties, and many other worthwhile projects. Our members contribute by participating in recycling, cleanup days, etc. The chairman shares this information with our members at monthly meetings and through e-mails.
Leading Lights Annual Fundraiser
Rigby Duncan, Chairman
First begun in 2003, this is our major fundraiser and is held in early November. Guests enjoy a catered lunch, bingo or fashion show, door prizes, raffles of gift baskets donated by our members and other items donated by local businesses. This is an opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping by visiting the many vendor booths. Leading Lights will be held at the Courtyard at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Please support this fundraiser with your time, talents and presence by contacting Rigby Duncan to volunteer.
Patriotic Tribute for First Responders (Remember 9/11)
Susan Turner, Chairman
Beginning in 2014, Federation members participate on September 11 in a ceremony at the DeKalb County Police and Fire Headquarters in Tucker honoring the memory of the first responders who died in the horrific events of 2011. We provide and place a wreath on the memorial at the front of the complex, which was constructed from debris of the Twin Towers. This event is attended by many dignitaries, and we receive coverage in the media.
Pull And Save A Tab For Ronald McDonald
Glenndolyn Hallman, Chairman
We collect pull tabs from aluminum containers, which are given to the local Ronald McDonald house located near Emory University. The tabs are sold to an aluminum recycler and the funds used to help finance the on-going projects of the Ronald McDonald Charities, which includes two Ronald McDonald Houses in the Atlanta area. The chairman weighs each club’s contributions, and those contributing the greatest amount are recognized at our annual Awards Luncheon.