LGCF District III Fall Meeting, October, 2016
Bayou Vista Garden Club members, Donna Richard (left) and Donna Bucci (right) along with District II Director Ruth Delhomme (center) attended the annual District III Fall Meeting. The Thibodaux Garden Club hosted the meeting themed “Treasures on the Bayou” at Envie Restaurant in Thibodaux. The affair was attended by 137 members from the Louisiana Garden Club Federation of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. District III Director Ruth Delhomme presided over the business meeting and reported that enough money from the annual raffle was collected to fund two $1000 scholarships at University Louisiana at Lafayette and Nicholls State University. A delightful program was given by renowned chef Marcelle Bienvnue. Drawings were held in which members received gift baskets donated by the twelve clubs in District III. Following reports from LGFC State Officers and Chairmen, the meeting was adjourned. At the close of the meeting, members chose to participate in one of three excursions: Jean Lafitte National Park and Donner-Peltier Distillers, John Folse Culinary Institute and Nicholls State University Oaks, or Bayou Country Children’s Museum and TRMC Wellness Center.
LGCF Convention -- April, 2016
“Down by the Riverside” was the theme of the 82nd Annual Convention of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation of the National Garden Clubs held in Vidalia, Louisiana in April.
Highlights of the assemblage included a tour of the Frogmore Cotton Plantation home built in 1815 which continues to farm cotton today. In addition, members participated in a rare tour of the LA Hydroelectric Station designed to use the Mississippi River’s natural flow and elevation drop at the Old River Control Structure to provide electricity for surrounding communities. Also included in the convention schedule were educational workshops and program and interesting speakers. Business meetings and biannual gatherings of Gardening Consultants, Landscape Design, Environmental Studies and Flower Show Judges Councils were also held.
Pictured left to right: Clara Earl, Baton Rouge Garden Club; Donna Bucci, Bayou Vista Garden Club; Ben Taunton, District Conservationist of the Natural Resource Conservation Specialists; Dicky Wilds, Property owner and Bus Driver; and John Wilkinson, Plant Manager.
Highlights of the assemblage included a tour of the Frogmore Cotton Plantation home built in 1815 which continues to farm cotton today. In addition, members participated in a rare tour of the LA Hydroelectric Station designed to use the Mississippi River’s natural flow and elevation drop at the Old River Control Structure to provide electricity for surrounding communities. Also included in the convention schedule were educational workshops and program and interesting speakers. Business meetings and biannual gatherings of Gardening Consultants, Landscape Design, Environmental Studies and Flower Show Judges Councils were also held.
Pictured left to right: Clara Earl, Baton Rouge Garden Club; Donna Bucci, Bayou Vista Garden Club; Ben Taunton, District Conservationist of the Natural Resource Conservation Specialists; Dicky Wilds, Property owner and Bus Driver; and John Wilkinson, Plant Manager.
Deep South Region Convention -- March, 2016
Bayou Vista Garden Club President Donna Bucci (back) recently attended the 55th Annual Convention of the Deep South Region of the National Garden Clubs in Tunica, Mississippi. Also pictured (foreground) is the NGC President Sandra Robinson. Her theme during her tenure is “Leap into Action”. The flower design includes the children’s book “The Frightened Frog” which has been written to teach children to be environmentally friendly to all creatures and especially to frogs. The book is available to NGC members to share with public and school libraries.
LGCF District III Fall Meeting -- October, 2015
Bayou Vista Garden Club members, Donna Bucci and Jo Ann Ryan attended the annual District III Fall Meeting. The Terrebonne Garden Club hosted the meeting themed “Sowing Friendships” at the Quality Inn in Houma. The affair was attended by 147 members from the Louisiana Garden Club Federation of the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
District III Director Ruth Delhomme presided over the business meeting. LGCF President Jeanette Gatzman reported on information received from the NGC Fall Meeting held in September at the NGC Headquarters in St. Louis, MO. Members were pleased to learn that the annual District Raffle netted more than enough money to fund scholarships at University Louisiana at Lafayette and Nicholls State University.
The program was given by Gina Jogan, NGC Accredited Floral Design Instructor, on the use of various forms of naturally found wood for artistic flower designs. Drawings were held in which members received gift baskets donated by the twelve clubs in District III. Following reports from LGFC State Officers and Chairmen, the meeting was adjourned.
District III Director Ruth Delhomme presided over the business meeting. LGCF President Jeanette Gatzman reported on information received from the NGC Fall Meeting held in September at the NGC Headquarters in St. Louis, MO. Members were pleased to learn that the annual District Raffle netted more than enough money to fund scholarships at University Louisiana at Lafayette and Nicholls State University.
The program was given by Gina Jogan, NGC Accredited Floral Design Instructor, on the use of various forms of naturally found wood for artistic flower designs. Drawings were held in which members received gift baskets donated by the twelve clubs in District III. Following reports from LGFC State Officers and Chairmen, the meeting was adjourned.
2015 Summer Board - Baton Rouge
Donna Bucci, Bayou Vista Garden Club
President, recently attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. Summer
Board Meeting at the Embassy Suites in Baton Rouge. The two day conference was well attended by
many members from across the state.
Council meeting as well as LGCF business meetings were conducted. Two workshops were offered to attendees:
“From the Grocery Store to your Home” featured floral designs for the home from
flowers purchased at local grocery stores by Carla Gautier and Company and “The
Care and Propagation of Begonia” presented by Carol Moran; President of the
American Begonia Society.
Carol Bullard, Deep South Region Director of National Garden Clubs, Inc. addressed members on her theme “Community Action” and encouraged participation in projects that improve our neighborhoods. National Garden Club Awards were presented and Donna Bucci of the Bayou Vista Garden Club accepted the 1st Place Youth Sculpture Award for 5th Grade student Ryan Kimball.
Mary Jane Peters, LGCF Awards Chairman and BVGC President Donna Bucci
Carol Bullard, Deep South Region Director of National Garden Clubs, Inc. addressed members on her theme “Community Action” and encouraged participation in projects that improve our neighborhoods. National Garden Club Awards were presented and Donna Bucci of the Bayou Vista Garden Club accepted the 1st Place Youth Sculpture Award for 5th Grade student Ryan Kimball.
Mary Jane Peters, LGCF Awards Chairman and BVGC President Donna Bucci
2015 LGCF Convention--Lake Charles
2015 Deep South Region Convention--Birmingham, AL
The Deep South Region Annual Convention
of National Garden Clubs, Inc was recently held in Birmingham, Alabama. The
convention featured a Tailgate Party where members vied for prizes with a
sports themed decorated hat contest, workshops, and excellent programs on
flower design and heirloom plants. Pictured are a few of the Louisiana Garden
Club Federation, Inc members who toured the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Front row left to right: Yvette Hebert- LGCF
President, Jean Gistrap, Jeanette Gatzman- LGCF President Elect. Back row: Margo Racca- Former LGCF President,
Donna Bucci- Bayou Vista Garden Club President and Former LGCF President, and
Julia Gilmore.
2014 District III Fall Meeting--St. Martinville
Bayou Vista Garden Club members, Jo An Ryan,
Carol Smith and Donna Bucci attended the annual District III Fall Meeting. The St. Martinville Garden Club hosted the
meeting themed “Spice it Up” at the Magnolia Park Recreation Center. The affair was attended by 120 members from
the Louisiana Garden Club Federation of the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
District III Director Roxanna Champagne presided over the business meeting.
LGCF President Yvette Hebert reported on information received from the NGC Fall Meeting held in September in Des Moines, Iowa. Members were pleased to learn that the annual District Raffle netted more than enough money to fund the two $750 scholarships for area college students.
The program was given by Florist, Tina Savoy Guidroz of Lafayette. She presented three tablescape designs which with slight variations, could be changed from a fall to a Christmas design. Drawings were held in which members received gift baskets donated by the twelve clubs in District III. Following reports from LGFC State Officers and Chairmen, the meeting was adjourned.
Pictured: Roxanne Champagne, District III Director
LGCF President Yvette Hebert reported on information received from the NGC Fall Meeting held in September in Des Moines, Iowa. Members were pleased to learn that the annual District Raffle netted more than enough money to fund the two $750 scholarships for area college students.
The program was given by Florist, Tina Savoy Guidroz of Lafayette. She presented three tablescape designs which with slight variations, could be changed from a fall to a Christmas design. Drawings were held in which members received gift baskets donated by the twelve clubs in District III. Following reports from LGFC State Officers and Chairmen, the meeting was adjourned.
Pictured: Roxanne Champagne, District III Director
2014 Summer Board -- Baton Rouge
Two Bayou Vista Garden Club members, Donna Bucci,
President and Jo Ann Ryan, Vice President attended the Louisiana Garden Club
Federation, Inc.’s Summer Board recently, held at the Embassy Suites Hotel,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The theme of the meeting was “Summertime and the Living
Is Easy. Yvette Hebert, LGCF President,
presided over the meeting. National
Garden Club President, Linda Nelson, was in attendance and her words of
encouragement were received with enthusiasm. The duo attended interesting programs on “Table Design Arrangements”
and “Louisiana Super Plants” as well as informative workshops on putting in
irrigation systems and making wreaths for all seasons.
Pictured from left are BVGC President Donna Bucci, NGC President Linda Nelson, BVGC Vice President Jo Ann Ryan.
Pictured from left are BVGC President Donna Bucci, NGC President Linda Nelson, BVGC Vice President Jo Ann Ryan.
District III Presidents' Meeting -- May, 2014
Bayou
Vista Garden Club members attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc.,
District III President’s meeting held May 28 at Cafe JoJo's in Morgan City. District III Director Roxanna Champagne led
the meeting, giving incoming garden club presidents information for the 2014–2015
garden club administration. Club
presidents or representatives reported on their clubs' accomplishments during
the 2013-2014 term. Ideas for club
projects, programs, and activities which incorporate Deep South Region and
National Garden Club objectives were exchanged.
BVGC President Donna Bucci; LGCF District III Director Roxanna Champagne, and BVGC member Janice Verret
BVGC President Donna Bucci; LGCF District III Director Roxanna Champagne, and BVGC member Janice Verret
LGCF Convention -- March,2014 Baton Rouge
Bayou Vista
Garden Club members, Donna Bucci and Jo Ann Ryan participated in the Louisiana
Garden Club Federation, Inc. Annual Convention in Baton Rouge Louisiana. The conference was held March 26-28, 2014 and
was hosted by District VI members at the Crowne Plaza hotel.
Members visited the amazing Imahara’s Botanical Gardens in St. Francisville Louisiana. Walter Imahara, a third generation Japanese gardener, led the tour and showed examples of texture, form, line and pattern in landscape design. He also referred to areas of plant repetition and strongly defined shapes in the beds and plant material used. His collection included many unusual and rare specimens. Following the tour, members returned to the hotel for a buffet and fellowship to open the convention.
Members attended business meetings of the LGCF and Council meetings of the four National Garden Club Schools; Gardening Study, Landscape Design, Environmental Studies, and Flower Show Judges. Programs included “Gardens of the World” by Max Conrad, “The Once and Future State of Louisiana: How Garden Clubs Can Aid Conservation and Environmental Health” by Doug Daigle, and an address by Deep South Region Director Gloria Blake. Members were also treated to interesting and educational workshops on “Creating a Power Point Presentation” by Beth Erwin, “Man in the Maze Studio” by Kevin Murphy creating Ikebana flower designs, and ”What’s Bugging You” by Stacy Blomquist.
The culmination of the convention was the Awards Banquet where clubs received well deserved recognition for worthwhile community projects. The Bayou Vista Garden Club received several noteworthy awards and those awards will vie for Deep South Region Awards.
Members visited the amazing Imahara’s Botanical Gardens in St. Francisville Louisiana. Walter Imahara, a third generation Japanese gardener, led the tour and showed examples of texture, form, line and pattern in landscape design. He also referred to areas of plant repetition and strongly defined shapes in the beds and plant material used. His collection included many unusual and rare specimens. Following the tour, members returned to the hotel for a buffet and fellowship to open the convention.
Members attended business meetings of the LGCF and Council meetings of the four National Garden Club Schools; Gardening Study, Landscape Design, Environmental Studies, and Flower Show Judges. Programs included “Gardens of the World” by Max Conrad, “The Once and Future State of Louisiana: How Garden Clubs Can Aid Conservation and Environmental Health” by Doug Daigle, and an address by Deep South Region Director Gloria Blake. Members were also treated to interesting and educational workshops on “Creating a Power Point Presentation” by Beth Erwin, “Man in the Maze Studio” by Kevin Murphy creating Ikebana flower designs, and ”What’s Bugging You” by Stacy Blomquist.
The culmination of the convention was the Awards Banquet where clubs received well deserved recognition for worthwhile community projects. The Bayou Vista Garden Club received several noteworthy awards and those awards will vie for Deep South Region Awards.
LGCF District III Fall Meeting -- October, 2013 Patterson, LA
Members of the Bayou Vista Garden Club recently attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation District III Fall Meeting hosted by the Patterson Garden Club at the Petroleum Club of Morgan City. Roxanna Champagne, District III Director, presided over the meeting. Guest speaker Janet Boudreaux presented a power point and informative program titled Raising Cane on the Bayou. Standing from left are BVGC members Janice Verret, Jean Chauvin, BVGC President Donna Bucci, LGCF State President Yvette Hebert, District III Director Roxanna Champagne, Jo Ann Ryan, and Donna Richard.
District III Presidents' Meeting -- Lafayette, 2013
Bayou Vista Garden Club Vice President Jo Ann Ryan attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc., District III President’s meeting held in Lafayette, Louisiana, June 13, 2013. District III Director Roxanna Champagne led the meeting, giving incoming garden club presidents information for the 2013 – 2015 garden club administration. Ten District past presidents reported on their clubs' accomplishments during the 2012-2013 term.
Jo Ann Ryan, BVGC Vice President; Jeanette Gatzman, LGCF President
Elect; Roxanna Champagne, LGCF District III Director
Jo Ann Ryan, BVGC Vice President; Jeanette Gatzman, LGCF President
Elect; Roxanna Champagne, LGCF District III Director
District III Fall Meeting, New Iberia -- October, 2012
Members of the Bayou Vista Garden Club recently attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation District III Fall Meeting hosted by the New Iberia Garden Club. The theme for the meeting was Our Club Legacy--Beautification, Education, Restoration. Alma Ebel, District III Director, presided over the meeting. The guest speaker was Taylor Barras, Louisiana District 48 Representative. Standing from left are BVGC members Janice Verret, Jo Ann Ryan, Donna Bucci, LGCF State President Mary Jacobs, and Gloria Roy, BVGC President.
LGCF State Convention, Houma -- April, 2012
Several Bayou Vista Garden Club members attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation's Convention in Houma, April 17-18. LGCF State President Mary Jacobs presided over the convention which had as its theme Bayou Treasures.
Programs featured several guest speakers. Ms. Dana Brown, Past President of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, focused on environmental and community projects related to planning and designing public spaces and infrastructure. Lorene Junkin demonstrated creating designs using repurposed objects in her Trash to Treasure program. Junkin is a National Garden Club Accredited Floral Design Consultant and International Flower Show Judge. National Garden Club President Shirley Nicolai highlighted projects and resources with emphasis on the NGC theme Proudly Serving our Members and Communities. Other events were a pre-convention swamp tour and a welcome crawfish boil.
LGCF members prepared floral designs and educational exhibits which were displayed throughout the convention venue.
LGCF and Deep South Region awards were presented to the member clubs during the Awards Banquet. Bayou Vista Garden Club received numerous awards which will be presented at the BVGC May meeting.
BVGC members in attendance were Immediate Past LGCF President Donna Bucci, NGC President Shirley Nicolai, BVGC President Gloria Roy, Jo Ann Ryan, Sandra Blanco, Janice Verret, and Jean Chauvin (not pictured).
Programs featured several guest speakers. Ms. Dana Brown, Past President of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, focused on environmental and community projects related to planning and designing public spaces and infrastructure. Lorene Junkin demonstrated creating designs using repurposed objects in her Trash to Treasure program. Junkin is a National Garden Club Accredited Floral Design Consultant and International Flower Show Judge. National Garden Club President Shirley Nicolai highlighted projects and resources with emphasis on the NGC theme Proudly Serving our Members and Communities. Other events were a pre-convention swamp tour and a welcome crawfish boil.
LGCF members prepared floral designs and educational exhibits which were displayed throughout the convention venue.
LGCF and Deep South Region awards were presented to the member clubs during the Awards Banquet. Bayou Vista Garden Club received numerous awards which will be presented at the BVGC May meeting.
BVGC members in attendance were Immediate Past LGCF President Donna Bucci, NGC President Shirley Nicolai, BVGC President Gloria Roy, Jo Ann Ryan, Sandra Blanco, Janice Verret, and Jean Chauvin (not pictured).
District III Fall Meeting, Morgan City -- October, 2011
"Louisiana: Positive Steps to Beauty"
BVGC Delegation
Members of the Bayou Vista Garden Club recently attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation District III Fall Meeting at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium hosted by the Morgan City Garden Club. Alma Ebel, District III Director, presided over the meeting. Louisiana Garden Club Federation President Mary Jacobs, informed members about the projects and activities designed to implement the LGCF Theme, "Continuing Our Legacy of Beautification, Education, and Restoration." Jacobs also encouraged participation in the Deep South Region and National Garden Club projects which foster membership as their goal. Guest speaker, Leigh Harris, Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Inc., focused on the program theme "Louisiana: Positive Steps to Beauty."
Standing from left are BVGC President Gloria Roy, Jerri Guillot, Della Topham, Marge Williams, Donna Richard, LGCF President Mary Jacobs, Donna Bucci, Jean Chauvin, and Janice Verret.
Standing from left are BVGC President Gloria Roy, Jerri Guillot, Della Topham, Marge Williams, Donna Richard, LGCF President Mary Jacobs, Donna Bucci, Jean Chauvin, and Janice Verret.
LGCF Summer Board, Baton Rouge -- July, 2011
District III, President's Meeting, New Iberia -- June, 2011
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Bayou Vista Garden Club members attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation District 3 President's meeting held June 29 at Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia. District 3 is comprised of 12 individual clubs representing 8 parishes. Alma Ebel, District 3 Director, presided over the meeting. District 3 club presidents for 2011-2013 were introduced and outgoing presidents presented reports on accomplishments of the past year. Each club highlighted successful projects, activities, and programs enjoyed by members. Judith Manfre, representing Morgan City Garden Club, invited members to the District III Fall Meeting in October hosted by the Morgan City Garden Club. LGCF 2012 State Convention Chairman Mary Jane Peters announced that the convention will be held in Houma April 16-18. Members enjoyed viewing the gardens and grounds of Rip Van Winkle Gardens.
BVGC members Janice Verret, Sandra Blanco, Jean Chauvin, and BVGC President Gloria Roy
BVGC members Janice Verret, Sandra Blanco, Jean Chauvin, and BVGC President Gloria Roy
LGCF -- 2011 State Convention, Marksville -- Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Bayou Vista Garden Club members attended the Louisiana Garden Club Federation's Convention in Marksville, April 13-15. The theme was Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler. Donna Bucci, LGCF State President, presided over the convention. Programs featured several guest speakers. Dr. Carlos Smith, Master Gardener Instructor, presented a humorous and informative powerpoint on House Plants: What Grows Where and How to Care. Mrs. Virginia Webb organized and narrated a lovely floral design style program titled Chapeaus, Creativity, and Courage. LGCF members prepared floral designs and educational exhibits which were highlighted throughout the convention venue. LGCF and Deep South Region awards were presented to the member clubs during the Awards Banquet. Bayou Vista Garden Club received numerous awards which will be presented at the BVGC May 9 meeting. Other events were a pre-convention garden tour in Alexandria, dedication of a Blue Star By-Way Marker at LGCF headquarters in Lecompte, a pre-function welcome Cochon-de-lait at the Cottonport Bank camp, a tea honoring Donna Bucci at the historic Lefoyer home of Kathy and Al Lemonine in Cottonport, and the installation of the 2011-2013 LGCF officers.