The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club met on Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Cathy McDaniel. All 14 members were in attendance.
President Mildred Mishue initiated the meeting by thanking all members for their presence and also gave gratitude to Cathy for being the hostess. She then asked Chaplain Glenda Campbell to present the devotion and prayer for our refreshments.
For roll call, Secretary Judy Powell allowed each member to name their favorite way to recycle. She also read the minutes from the last meeting and they were approved as read.
Next, the program leader, Melissa Moody, introduced the PowerPoint presentation entitled:  Recycling… What are ways to reduce? What can it cost?  What are items that can be recycled? (This presentation included the GCSC goals and objectives on conservation and preservation.) She wore a custom designed cardigan with a variety of recycled, cutout items attached, such as; cereal boxes, cardboard, soda cans, plastic water bottles, newspaper, tires and many other items.
The program opened with a very informative slideshow. Litter is waste that is disposed improperly.  It  can destroy  animals, landscapes, and oceans. Each year, nine billion tons of litter ends up in our oceans.  Litter is consuming earth at a great magnitude and our generation can change this, if we recycle! Billions of dollars are spent on the cleanup of litter when this money can be spent on other areas. Also, litter can be costly to each person. There are heavy fines that can be issued if a person is caught littering. Place litter in the proper container.
Recycling is a very simple solution to disposing of litter. This process can start within your home. Instead of discarding your plastic bottles, reuse them for crafts. They are great for using as birdfeeders in flower gardens. Also, plastic bags are wonderful to recycle and make waterproof sleep mats and rugs.
In addition to each individual recycling, The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club is planning to start an Adopt A Highway program through Palmetto Pride and SCDOT. This will allow our club to take part, on a larger scale, in providing a better environment.
Composting is an organic way to recycle. By taking leaves, vegetables, egg shells, tea bags, and coffee grinds, and placing them in a pile, the composting process can begin. This is a great, natural fertilizer for gardening.
There are many different items to recycle. All it takes is a little creativity and the urge to make this world a better place for ourselves and our children.
Rain barrels are an excellent way to reuse rain. By placing a barrel beneath a drain pipe, this provides a direct source of recycling water, which can be used instead of tap water. This is also a way to save on water bills.
Wooden pallets can be a crafty way to recycle. Pallets can be reused to make furniture, planters for gardening, home décor and a variety of other items. Painting the wood with a floral pattern or wildlife, can be a beautiful addition to any garden or flower bed.
Each person can make a difference, if recycling is a part of their lives.
Our club invites everyone to make a difference in Dillon County by recycling.
After the splendid program, President Mishue asked for the Treasurer’s Report as Cathy McDaniel read the financial statement. No new business for the Ways and Means Committee or Membership. Projects and Litter Chairman, Frances Tyler, reported that the J.P Camp Roadside Park has been cleaned.
President Mishue made all correspondence, for the club, to remind members of the meeting.
The YJGC partook in the delicious snacks that were provided by Cathy.  Homemade Chicken Salad, Cheese cookies, and homemade red velvet cake, along with the drink of our choice, was served.
The meeting was then adjourned. The next meeting will he held on March 7, 6:30 p.m. at the home of  Mary Ricks.
The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club is a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., South Atlantic Region, The Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc., and the Coastal District of South Carolina.