April 26, 2011

University and local garden club host Blue Star Memorial event

Harding University, in partnership with Greenkeepers Garden Club, will
host a Blue Star Memorial dedication Tuesday, May 3, from 3 to 3:30
p.m. The event will take place near Midnight Oil in Searcy on the
corner of Race Avenue and Grand Street, and the public is invited to
attend.

The Blue Star Memorial program began in 1944 as a living memorial to
veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State
Garden Clubs adopted the program and began a Blue Star Highway system
throughout America. The program now includes all men and women who
have served, are currently serving, and will serve in the armed
services of the United States.

In June 2006, President David Burks of Harding University, approached
Greenkeepers Garden club member Liz Howell about the club providing
expertise and design style to transform the University during the
Christmas season. The 22-member garden club accepted the challenge,
forming a team with members of the University’s physical resources
department to develop plans for the 200-acre Searcy campus. The
partnership continues today.

The Greenkeepers Garden Club won first place in the Arkansas
Federation of Garden Clubs for civic achievement in 2007. Howell,
assistant to the president for alumni and parent relations at Harding,
is now president-elect of the Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs.

If you are interested in attending the Blue Star Memorial dedication,
please RSVP to the Harding Office of Alumni Relations at 501-279-4276
or email creeves2@harding.edu. For more information, contact Howell at
501-279-4276.