Several members of the Yellow Jessamine Garden Club were delighted to attend The Garden Club of South Carolina’s Coastal District Spring Meeting at the exquisite Pawley’s Island Plantation and Conference Center on March 14, 2017. The 2017 Coastal District Spring meeting entitled “Treasures of the Bay” was presented by The Georgetown Garden Club and the South Strand Garden Club.
The conference center was ornately adorned with crystal chandeliers and beautifully decorated centerpieces on each table. The Head Table had a centerpiece that was absolutely breathtaking with its exuberant flowers and décor. Along with the pristine tablecloths, the chairs were covered in white satin-like cloth and colored sashes tied neatly in a bow.
The Spring meeting began with registration, hospitality and vendor sales from 9-10am. Several vendors included Kathy Turnauer, “On the Marsh”-fused and leaded glass pieces, Joyce Talbot-jewelry, Ed Scott-Clearvue Orchids, Susan Mole-SuzGlass, Seaside Pottery, Dolls by Zenobia Washington, Wildlife Art on Wood by Joe Daniel, Pearls au Natural by Alma Daniel and Ron Haimerl, State Garden Club Merchandise.
The business portion began at 10am as the program was called to order by Linda Siceloff, Coastal District Director. The invocation was then given by Rev. Sandy Moyle.
Mrs. Nancy Corrigall, Chairman of the Coastal Spring Meeting and Sel Hemingway, Georgetown County Administrator welcomed each of the Garden Clubs to the Coastal Spring Meeting. Linda Siceloff presented the Head Table. President Yvonne Morris, District Co-Director- Allyson Hirsh, Coastal District Director-Linda Siceloff, Paige Sawyer, Nancy Corrigall, Donna Donnelly and Rev. Sandy Moyle were all seated at the Head Table.
The Garden Club of South Carolina President, Yvonne Morris, gave the message. Recognition of the honored guests; Barbara Peterson, Dorothy Richardson, Nancy Corrigall, JoAnn Johnson, Emily Stephens and Jessie McCallough were affirmed by Linda Siceloff. Afterwards, Nancy Corrigall introduced the speaker for the event, Paige Sawyer of Paige Sawyer Photography of Georgetown. Paige has been in photography since 1974. Since then, he has won numerous state and national awards. He is known for his fine photography of children, families and brides. With his love of photography and artistic skills, Paige is able to create a memory that lasts forever.
Paige Sawyer explained the history and displayed a slideshow of “Wonderful Winyah Bay.” This bay was very important to the development of Georgetown. Winyah Bay is an estuary that is created by the Pee Dee River, Sampit River, Black River and the Waccamaw River joining. This bay was produced by a sea level rise over a period of years, which is said to be confirmation of a drowned coastline. In early years, this bay was a supreme fishing site for Native Americans, as well as, the hub for rice. Fishing, shrimping and hunting is a large part of this area’s economy still today. Along with its antiquity, is beauty is astounding. Nature is at its best in Georgetown. From the calming waters to the abundant wildlife, Winyah Bay is the gateway to an idealistic land of adventure and history.
After the wonderful program, Ginger Odom announced the Credentials Report. Next, District Co-Director Allyson Hirsh, released the Award winners.
The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club was very excited to receive five awards from the Coastal Spring meeting.
The blessing of the food was then given by Celie Travis as the luncheon session began. During lunch break, vendors were available for shopping and browsing.
In closing, the design program was exhibited by Coastal District Chairman, Emily Stephens, as an invitation to the 2018 Spring District Meeting was given. North Myrtle Beach will be the host Garden Club for next year’s meeting. A special presentation was given by Nancy Corrigall as door prizes were accepted.
The meeting was then adjourned by Coastal District Director Linda Siceloff as each club was dismissed.