Members of the Polk County Retired School Personnel (PCRSP) recently visited the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville, N.C.
While visiting the gardens, members enjoyed a tour of the exhibit “Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother and other Botanical Atrocities,” inspired by Amy Stewart’s book by the same name.
The exhibit gives visitors a hands-on experience with some of the world’s most diabolical botanicals – without the risk of intoxication, addiction, dismemberment or death.
The group walked several trails, enjoying natural gardens, as well as the bonsai exhibit.

PCRSP meets quarterly for fellowship and to support local educational projects. Members are encouraged to volunteer for an organization of their choice. Many local organizations are served by these retired school employees, who volunteer as reading tutors and for youth groups, Kiwanis, Hospice, St. Luke’s, Polk extension programs, the Polk County Community Foundation, TROT at FENCE, Girl Scouts, American Red Cross and many more.
Interested retired school personnel are invited to the ice cream social held in August.
Margaret Kell, Kathy Warren, Kay Greene, Evangelina Barber, Mary O Cochran, Nancy McPherson, Shelba Wilson, Martha Ashley, Judy Banks and Margaret Collins attended this event.
– article submitted by Judy Banks