TGCI’s Annual Project

This year’s Council Project is a two-part event.  Join us for “An Evening in the Garden” Thursday, November 5th, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm and experience “After Hours in the Garden” -Botanical Cocktails and Mocktails.  Local bartenders will each present botanical-themed creations of their craft for our guests to enjoy.  Guests will be able to interact with the bartenders and ask questions.  Be sure to join us for this opportunity to fellowship and introduce potential members to our clubs and beautiful Garden Center.  200 tickets will be available for this event at $30.00 each.

 

The following Saturday, November 7th, we will host our Fall Garden Fair and Symposium.  This event will feature vendors presenting crafts and products on a garden theme as well as food vendors.  Three engaging speakers are scheduled for the day, along with a fall-themed Make and Take activity.  Children’s activities will be provided all day.  

 

TGCI Fall Garden Fair and Symposium

Schedule

 

• Vendors 10:00am-4:00pm

 

• Morning Sessions (150 people $20/ea)

          10:00am -First Speaker (20min talk w/ 10min questions) Marian Jones (Dixie Dreams Farms) 

          10:40am- Second Speaker (20min talk w/ 10min questions) (Gentian Creek Preserve Educators)

 

• 11:20am Break

 

• Keynote Session (150 people $25/ea)

           1:00 -2:00pm Keynote Speaker

 

• Make and Take (60 people $40/ea)

            3:00pm Make and Take

 

• Children’s Activities 10:00am-4:00pm 

Symposium Speakers​​​​​

10:00am Session

Marian Jones, Owner, Dixie Dreams Farms​​​​​​​

Ned, the farmer, and Marian, the planner, have been garden enthusiasts for more than 58 years. 

Their small farm specializes in growing herbs, flowers, and edible plants.  As they planted and studied

plants, they made a conscious decision to use organic practices to create a wide array of products,

including luscious soaps made with their own essential oils, as well as herbs and spices for teas and cooking. 

Marian will share about her creations and the fine products offered by Dixie Dreams Farms.

​

10:40am Session 

Reena Coppola and Shelley Nicholls, educators at Gentian Creek Preserve

Reena and Shelley will share about their exciting work at the Preserve and how they are engaging the youth in our area with the wonders of nature! 

​

Reena Coppola

Coppola is a research ecologist with a master’s degree in biology from The University of West Florida.

  In her role at Gentian Creek Preserve, she coordinates all aspects of the nature studies program. 

She and her team conduct ongoing research, refine programming, and develop an exploratory

outdoor education program for students.

​

​

 

Shelley Nicholls

Nicholls is a fisheries biologist with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Auburn University. 

For her role at Gentian Creek Preserve, she assists in the program's outdoor lessons,

laboratory studies, and nature excursions.

 

 

 

 

 

1:00pm Keynote Speaker

Johnny Barnes, Owner, JB Crumbs 

 

Johnny is no stranger to South Georgia.  A 30-year veteran of the food industry, Johnny and his wife,
Nancy, have served up thousands (possibly millions) of delicious meals through their business,

JB Crumbs. Their creativity, talent, and endless supply of fresh ideas for delicious,

beautifully presented food have graced our wedding receptions, holiday parties, and kitchen

tables for many years.  We are excited to have Johnny share some of his secrets with us

just in time for the holiday season!