The 2024 Pacific Region Convention was held in Anchorage, August 21-23. Around 60 garden club members from seven of the eight Pacific Region states attended. It was held in the BP Energy Center which is nestled in a small “woods” in Anchorage. A beautiful spot! Arizona had 6 representatives (plus a willing spouse). Two and a half days were filled with meetings, speakers, workshops and the sharing of information and ideas. One of the nicest parts of attending was reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. The exchange of ideas was invaluable. Learning that other states have similar problems and concerns and finding out what solutions have been successful was very rewarding.
Several instructional and enjoyable workshops were held that included how to run an efficient meeting, making baskets out of pallet straps (impossible), aluminum leaf art and making concrete garden items. This last one was ably demonstrated by our Regional Director, Carol Norquist – attendees didn’t actually work with concrete (thank goodness)! It was fun trying something new at the workshops and gave everyone the opportunity to get to know other members a little better.
Attendees heard programs about bee biodiversity, ecologically responsible agriculture, and growing and designing gardens for the Alaska State Fair grounds. NGC President Brenda Moore gave a PowerPoint presentation titled, “50 Shades of Green”. This was the perfect answer to the question, “What does National Garden Clubs do?”. The presentation enumerated the many programs, youth activities, awards, grants, scholarships, etc., available through NGC. Brenda graciously made this program available for members to use when promoting National Garden Clubs.
On the final day of the convention, we visited the Alaska State Fair with its beautiful gardens and an amazing display of giant vegetables. The winning pumpkin had not arrived yet, but eventually weighed in at 2035 pounds!
Regional conventions are not only educational and fun but also foster unique relationships between clubs and members within Pacific Region. AFGC looks forward to hosting the next Pacific Region Convention held in April, 2025!
By Judy Kennedy
Judy is AFGC President and a member of Desert Designers and Scottsdale Garden Club
Photo 1 Judy Kennedy
AFGC members and NGC President Brenda Moore at the convention.
Photo 2 Judy Kennedy
BP Energy Center in Anchorage where the convention was held.
Photo 3 Judy Kennedy
Pacific Region Director Carol Norquist demonstrated how to make concrete garden items.
Photo 4 Judy Kennedy
NGC President Brenda Moore presented a program titled “50 Shades of Green”.
Photo 5 Judy Kennedy
Arizona’s display promoted the Pacific Region Convention held 2025, in Tempe.
Photo 6 Judy Kennedy
Giant vegetables displayed at the Alaska State Fair.
