Submitted by Melissa Moody
The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club of Dillon met on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the residence of Mildred Mishue. 14 members were present. Ms. Darlene Wilkerson was welcomed as a new member of the YJGC.
Vice President Mary Ricks called the meeting to order and introduced our guest speaker for the evening. SSG Russell C. Williams is RNCO/Master Gunner is the SCARNG. He has been a several tours and duties including… His informative presentation was on The Blue Star Memorials.
Blue Star Memorials are markers that recognize and honor our men & women in the armed service. There are 3 types of Blue Star Markers. A Blue Star Memorial Highway, a Blue Star Memorial By-Way and a Blue Star Memorial. Blue Star Memorial By-Ways are placed in parks, civic and historical grounds. Blue Star Highways are allowed on highways and rest areas.
Blue Star Memorials are allowed on National Cemetery grounds, Veteran Medical Centers and other locations approved by the NGC Blue Star Chairman. In South Carolina, there are 57 Blue Star Memorial Highways, 55 Blue Star Memorial By-Ways and 14 Blue Star Memorials. Dillon, South Carolina has 5.
SSG Williams shared the history of the Blue Star Memorials and how they came about. This Blue Star Movement began with Mrs. Lewis M. Hull, President of New Jersey Garden Club and future NCSGC President, and Mrs. Vance Hood, Roadside Chairman, had a vision. One thousand dogwood trees would be planted along 5 miles of the highway, as a living memorial, to honor our service men and women. This would also beautify and preserve the land. No billboards were allowed on this 5 mile stretch. This project was named for the Blue Star flag, which hung in the windows to show honor to the armed services.
In 1945, NGSGC approved this project. In 1946,  at the Annual meeting in New Orleans, LA.,
Mrs. Frederick R. Kellogg designed a Marker that would identify the highways. Many garden clubs adopted this program as Rhode Island being the first. Initially these markers were to honor WWII veterans.  In 1951, they became known to recognize all that were serving in the armed forces.
These markers also have limitations to preserve them. No other insignia or emblem may be attached to them. No color changed is permitted to these either. If there is rust or discoloration, a light cleaning with mild detergent may be used or a new sign may be purchased.
These markers are approved by Congress and the Department of Defense and can’t be altered in any way.
After the enlightening presentation, Chaplain Glenda Campbell gave the devotion. The topic of her devotion was on Mark Chapter 5. She spoke on how Jesus wanted us to be a living testimony everywhere we go. God doesn’t have to send you away to share his love. Let your light shine daily through your actions and words. Our mission field is right here.
 After the devotion, Chaplain Glenda also gave our blessing upon our refreshments. The delicious refreshments of potato soup, pimento cheese sandwiches, strawberry dessert and salad were provided by President Mildred Mishue.
Next, the roll was called by the answering of your favorite branch of service. Secretary Judy Powell recited minutes from previous meeting and the minutes were approved.
A treasurer’s report was given by Cathy McDaniel. Membership Committee Chairman Earline Moody has no names to present at this time for membership.
Projects and Litter Chairman Frances Tyler, stated that the club is doing a great job on watering and cleaning Harmon Park & J.P. Camp Roadside Park.
Publicity Chairman, Melissa Moody, reported that the previous meeting was in The Dillon Herald and on The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club’s page on FAcebook. Also, our donation for National Garden Club Week and the 2016 Summer Expo were in the SC Gardener. She also passed out our monthly newsletter.
 Ways and Means Chairman, Judy Powell, spoke on the upcoming event “Holiday Goodness” at The City of Dillon Wellness Center. All members signed up to bring cakes & goodies to sell.
 Correspondence Chairman Glenda Campbell reported that everyone had been contacted and reminded of our meeting.
 Next on the agenda was Dianne Pittman. She gave her report on Goldfinches. Another name for this bird is the Lightning bird because of their speed. They have a bright gold colored body with a patch of black on their head. Their wings are also black with a hint of white lining. This bird is very common to our area. Their habitat is in patches of woods, on the roadsides and along streams. They forage in weeds and on the ground searching for seeds.
There was no unfinished business presented.
President Mildred Mishue allowed the club to draw for the door prize and Judy Powell won. President Mishue also bestowed Mrs. Helen Prevatte with a gift. She is moving and this the last meeting she will attend. She has been an encouragement and inspiration to our club. She will be missed!
The meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting will be held on October 4, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Frances Tyler.
Program leader is Mary Ricks and the program is on herbs.
The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., South Atlantic Region of National Council, The Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc., and The Coastal District of the Garden Club of South Carolina.