NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT - Erma Auxter, Director:  Erma has been a garden club member since 1959.  She is a Master Flower Show Judge.  She has held many chairmanships over the years in the state and district in the past thirty years. She chaired a series (of five courses ) Flower Show Schools held in Kirksville in the 70’s with the help of her garden club.  She has been president and district director at least four times EACH.  She is also a Master Gardener and holds Missouri and National Life Memberships.  “I had five small children at the beginning of my garden club career and gardening, no doubt, was a good outlet for me and helped preserve my sanity”.

NORTHEAST DISTRICT - Nancy Howe, Director:  Nancy became interested in gardening after purchasing property in Missouri.  It was a very expensive “learning experience” but she was hooked.  Following her retirement from the State of Illinois in 2000, it became a serious hobby.  In 2003, she joined the La Grange Garden Club.  Since then, she has been Secretary, Vice-President and President.  “Sharing Our Love of Gardening” is her theme for the next two years as District Director.  It fits in well with her blended family of nine children!   “Following my family, home and garden, garden club is my favorite activity.”

NORTHWEST DISTRICT - Beverly Wattenbarger, Director:  Beverly joined FGCM in 2004 as a member of the Lathrop Garden Club.  She has served as both Vice President and President.  She is looking forward to her term as District Director. She loves working in her many flower gardens and helping club members maintain city gardens in Lathrop and is involved in many community projects.  Beverly has been married for 31 years.  They have two sons and now she loves to spend time with her granddaughter, Ellie, and hopes to teach her the joy of gardening.

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT - Sandra Speer, Director:  Sandra lives in Lebanon but is a member of Stargazer Garden Club in Marshfield.  She is on the Marshfield Cherry Blossom Festival Committee.  Married to Douglas since 1988, she has four children ranging in age from 11 to 19.  She also has an Exchange Student from Taiwan living with the family this year.  A realtor, Sandra is involved with the Lebanon Soccer Association and many other activities revolving around her children.  She is looking forward to serving as both District Director and 2011 FGCM Convention Chairman.

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT - Nancy Bahn, Director:  Nancy is currently serving as FGCM Recording Secretary in addition to SED Director!  Her theme is “Caring for Our Beautiful World” and she is looking forward to a wonderful and productive two years.  She is also Vice President of Ramblewood Garden Club.  She is a Master Gardener and has completed flower show school. Nancy learned to love plants at her grandparents’ farm in Harviell, MO.  Nancy and her husband, Taylor, have three children in college.  Their farm recently received FGCM Bird Sanctuary and Bluebird Trail designations.  Along with the help of many friends, Nancy has been fundraising for ‘Friends of the Rose Garden’ among other community projects.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT - Beverly Brown, Director:  While working as an RN and raising three daughters, Beverly was not able to pursue club activities, but she always gardened as a stress reliever.  After moving to Branson about ten years ago, she joined Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club and her life changed.  Two years in, she became President.  She thought if she could run a hospital, she could surely figure out how to run a garden club. It was harder than she thought! While serving as Assistant Director, she accepted the challenge of chairing SWD’s Blue Star Memorial marker dedication.  She is looking forward to serving as District Director. Her theme is: “Ozark Natural Gardens - They “ Rock”!