The Ariail Chapter of the Columbia College Alumnae Association met November 13, 2008, at 10 am at Alumnae Hall on the college campus. Approximately, 30 members enjoyed fellowship and refreshments before President Joyce Hart Mann '56 called the meeting to order at 10:30 am. The hostesses were Ferrell Gibbons Crowley '49, Betty Jo Marsh Carson '60, Roberta Simmons Josey '49, and Nell Maybin Howle '56.

President Mann welcomed the group and announced news of chapter members that were absent. She called on Norma Richardson Johnson '58, treasurer, for her report. She announced that historian Joan Vaughan Young '56 had the scrapbook on display.

Mary Beth Moore Sjoberg '50, first vice president and chairman of programs, introduced Harriet Atkinson, director of Children's Garden and the guest speaker.

The Children's Garden is an ABC Enhanced, DSS licensed, NAEYC accredited childcare center offering unique and comprehensive child development services.It serves well over 3,800 children and their families since it was opened by Volunteers of America of the Carolinas in the fall of 1990. Atkinson said, "Children's Garden provides quality childcare for young children, ages six weeks to five years old. Clients include children and their families who are homeless, needy, in crisis, in transition, and lacking a support system.

"Children's Garden serves children and families from all races, religions, family backgrounds, and cultures. The program's mission seeks to remove the barrier of lack of childcare for families to help them move beyond the crisis and achieve stabilization, while offering a setting for young children that nurtures a sense of belonging and well being." Children's Garden is located on Colonial Drive in Columbia.

The next meeting of the Ariail Chapter will be February 12, 2009, Alumnae Hall on the college campus at 10 am.