The meaning of Valentine's day revealed at The Kilgore Garden Club

The Kilgore Garden Club met February 7, 2008, in the home of Patsy Abernathy. Co-hostesses were Jean Robertson and Renee Conner. The refreshment table was beautifully decorated in the Valentine theme.

The meeting was called to order by President Cynthia Adams. The Gardener's Prayer was read by Helen Goodwin. Minutes were read by Birdie Barron with one correction. The new slate of officers were duly approved at the January meeting.

Changes for the year of 2008-2009 are Carol Hinton, First Vice-president; Martha Lee, Corresponding Secretary; Peggy Bowne, Treasurer; and Alice Lowery, Parliamentarian.

Virginia Finklea, Treasurer, reported a balance of $1,044.22. Helen Goodwin, Horticulture Chairman, reported a total of 14 specimens were presented.

Martha Lee gave an interesting report from the National Gardener, concerning the Asti-white plants.

Members were reminded of the Valentine Party to be at Heart of Texas Nursing Center, at 2:00 p.m. on February 14.

"Thank You" notes were read from "Texas Garden Club," "Camp Tyler," and "The National Gardener."

Carroll Bolton gave an enlightening program on why we celebrate Valentine's Day, and Flowers and Their Meanings. Following are quotes from her delivery:

"Every February, across the country, candy and flowers are exchanged between loved ones in honor of St. Valentine. The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a Christian martyr. The emperor was Claudius II and the Christian was Valentinus. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Realizing the injustice of this, Valentine continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was so dedicated to the ideals of Christ, that not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs. During the last weeks of Valentinus's life, his jailer asked for his daughter, Julia, who had been blind since birth, to be taught by him. He described the world of nature to her and told her about God. One day, Julia asked, "Does God really hear our prayers? I pray that I might see." Valentinus replied, "God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him." Suddenly, there was a brilliant light in the cell. Julia screamed, "Valentinus, I can see!"

On the eve of his death, he wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God, and he signed it, "From your Valentine." The next day was February 14, 270 AD"

Carroll also discussed flowers and their meaning at this time of year.

Before adjourning, President Adams reminded the club of the meeting in Nacogdoches on Friday, March 7th.