After inclement weather thwarted plans, the GFWC History Club of Whitesboro held their monthly meeting via Zoom on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Through this online platform, the club’s environment chairman Debra Felske, a master gardener, master herbalist and biodynamic farmer, gave a presentation about prepping for pollinators.
Felske’s presentation primarily explained the crucial role bees, butterflies and birds play in pollinating plants (they’re responsible for 1/3 of the food we eat) and how to create a garden (both in spring and winter) that attracts and nurtures these pollinators. For instance, non-migrators need cover to survive the winter, so gardeners might consider creating winter habitats like leaf piles and planting early- and late-blooming plants to provide food throughout the winter.
Following Felske’s presentation, the meeting was officially called to order at 7:05 p.m. The group received a treasury report, stating that the club’s annual Tour of Homes raised $2,100 this year.
Two conventions are on the horizon this year. The Trinity District Convention will take place April 13 and will be hosted by the Whitesboro club. Later that month the state conference will take place in McKinney and will be co-hosted by the Whitesboro club and the rest of the district. At that conference, Trinity District member Barbara Harvey will be placed as state president.
History Club Civic Engagement and Outreach Chairman Keisha Head oversaw an effort to gather donations for the Silver Star Room, a service provided by the Texas Department of Family and Protection Services. Set up like a store, Silver Star Rooms are a place where caseworkers can find basic necessities for adults who have been abused and/or neglected. The History Club was able to raise $170 to help purchase supplies for these rooms.
Several members of the History Club recently attended the American Revolution Experience, a traveling pop-up exhibit presented by the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Currently on display at the Pottsboro Public Library, the American Revolution Experience consists of display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use technology, illustration, storytelling and artifacts to connect modern audience with the places and people that shaped the birth of our nation.
The Pottsboro Library is the only place in Texas where this traveling exhibit will be on display. The exhibit runs until Feb. 12. Library hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays 1-5 p.m. and Sundays and Mondays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Whitesboro History Club is also in the planning stages of a couple of annual events. The Shauney P. Lucas Art Show will be March 8-10 and will take place at the Jimmie O. Rector Community Center. As always, Friday night will be an artists’ reception and voting for top artists will take place during that time. Watch for details to be announced soon.
Plans for the Spring Fling fashion show are underway. Several people will model clothing from seven local boutiques. Tickets will be available for $20 each and will help raise money for scholarships for graduating high school seniors. The event is scheduled for March 3 from 2-4 p.m.
Lastly, officer nominees for 2024-2026 were named at the end of the meeting. They include president Donna Parkinson, president-elect Keisha Head, vice-president Betty Capehart and second vice-president Carla Woolsey.
The next History Club meeting is 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 at First United Methodist Church Wesley Hall.
