The Luverne and Brantley Garden Clubs were recently honored as host chapters for the Garden Club of Alabama’s 70th Annual Meeting for District VI.

The meeting was held October 28 at the DEI Center at the Luverne United Methodist Church.

The Brantley Chapter served a light breakfast including coffee and juice and Dr. Ken Jackson, pastor of LUMC, provided the opening prayer for the gathering. Welcome and introductions were given by Luverne Garden Club President Courtney Shows and Luverne Mayor Joe Rex Sport.

Suzy Shepherd, District VI Director, conducted the business portion of the meeting and Ann Daniels, Alabama State Garden Club President, provided an interesting report of the statewide organizations’ accomplishments and ongoing projects.

During a delicious luncheon prepared by Jean Sims and Patsy Owens, which was served by Luverne High School Key Club members under the direction of Tammy Alford, the attendees were entertained by vocalists Dr. Pat and Mrs. Sandy Walker and Mr. Jim Head, accompanied at the keyboard by Mrs. Stephanie Jones. Following the meal, door prizes were awarded.

Capitalizing on the program’s theme, “Enjoying the Monarch,” the keynote speaker was Mallieve Breeding, Selma, Alabama Garden Club’s own “Butterfly Lady.” She has been instrumental in Selma’s becoming known as the state’s “Butterfly City.”

Many local merchants and individuals donated time, money and merchandise to help make this event successful, and the local Garden Clubs wish to express their appreciation to the following: Members of the Luverne and Brantley Garden Clubs, Luverne United Methodist Church and staff,

Kaye Goolsby, Alma Bodiford, Sarah Carpenter, Regina Grayson, Janet Penn and CCA art students, Tammy Alford and LHS Key Club, Dr. Pat and Mrs. Sandy Walker, Jim Head, Stephanie Jones, Camellia House, Lisa’s Jewelry & Boutique, TrendSetter, 61 on Main, Flowers by Michelle, Kate’s Kountry, Luverne Printing, Chicken Shack, B & B Drugs, Angelia’s Flowers, Sister Schubert’s, Lowe’s in Troy, The Shoppes of Miz Fancy, and Red Rock/Jet Pep.

“We wish to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped to make the District VI meeting such a successful day,” Courtney Shows, Luverne Garden Club president, said. The 2010 Fall Meeting for District VI will be held in Greenville at a time and place to be announced later.