Joe Garner speaks to Lions Club

Joe Garner and Lions President Ken Castle.

Did you know that palm trees grow in Union County? Did you know that palm trees can withstand temperatures as low as negative five degrees? These trees grow at the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center. This unique center is part of the University of Georgia system and the former, more familiar locally-known name of the Experiment Station.

Introduced by Lion President Ken Castle, Mr. Joe Garner, Superintendent, GMRE Center, was guest speaker at a recent Union County Lions Club meeting. Giving the history in the form of a video presentation, Mr. Garner was indeed enthusiastic in his comments of what the center now offers this community.

Founded in 1930 and first housed as the Jarrett Apple house, the "station" has expanded to the point that the Community Council was founded in 2003 to complement the mission of the GMRE Center in service and serving Fannin, Towns and Union counties. In fact, the Council's Education Committee provided programs for 2,100 students in '05/'06 and the Outreach Committee served 750 adults.

The Council was assisted by over 200 volunteers last year. Seminars, lectures, field trips, projects and special events will provide educational enrichment opportunities for youth and adults in the above mentioned counties.

Mr. Garner was later presented a check for $500 to assist the Community Council in this worthy endeavor. Thank you, Joe Garner, for an excellent presentation. A question and answer time was given. Remember the Lions motto: We Serve.