Helen “Carolyn” Bishop Augustine: 2016 Garden Club North Carolina Maslin Award Recipient
In April at the recent Garden Club North Carolina Annual Convention in Durham, North Carolina, Helen “Carolyn” Bishop Augustine was presented with the Maslin Award which is given in memory of the first President of Garden Club North Carolina and is the highest state award given by the Garden Club North Carolina. The Maslin Award is only given to a member who has contributed the most over a period of years to further the aims and projects of Garden Club North Carolina. This honor was announced locally in May during the Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. Luncheon, “Celebrating Our Successes and Honoring Our Members,” which was held at Wrightsville Beach.
During a recent Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. interview and podcast, it was discovered that Helen “Carolyn” Bishop Augustine epitomizes the spirit of the Maslin Award. Carolyn has quietly over the years led by example both locally and at the state level. As a leader and expert on parliamentary procedures, Mrs. Augustine believes a leader needs to demonstrate neutrality, delegate fairly, and listen intently. Carolyn is a role model as she leads by deeds and encourages others to be their best. Carolyn's local deeds include helping with the early development of the New Hanover County Arboretum and the construction of the Arboretum gatehouse which still stands today. As expected, Carolyn's best piece of advice is to always read the By-laws!
In 2015, the Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc.- Beautification Endowment Committee honored Helen “Carolyn” Bishop Augustine at the October “Moonlight in the Garden Gala.” The following was written about Carolyn's life:
Helen Carolyn Bishop Augustine was born September 25, 1927, in Swain County, North Carolina, (near Bryson City). Carolyn lived there until age fourteen when the family moved to Bryson City and then on to Asheville the next year. Carolyn will tell you she grew up in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and developed an interest for all things flora and fauna at the knee of her mother. She said, “Mother taught us to look at everything that grew – flowers and animals. She had great enthusiasm for all things living…” This love of the outdoor prevails to this day.
At age 16 Carolyn started college, proceeding to go to four colleges in five years. All great colleges: Meredith College, Emory University, UNC Ashville, and UNC Chapel Hill. She graduated with a degree in Parks and Recreation and Carolyn’s first job was the Director of Recreation located at Miller Park for the City of Winston Salem. While in Winston Salem Carolyn directed tennis, baseball, crafts and dances, with activities at the park going from 8:00am to 10:00pm. While a student at Carolina, Carolyn was involved in many, many activities with swimming being the one most mentioned. Her happiest memory of being at UNC was meeting the handsome football player, Joe Augustine.
Carolyn did marry that handsome football player, Joseph Augustine who now is a Business Broker and is retired from Director of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Carolyn and Joe had two children: a son and daughter. Sadly their daughter died in a car accident at age 18. Their son is now a retired Marine and working for the government. He designed the Assault Breacher Vehicle used to destroy landmines. Defined on Wikipedia as: “These tracked combat vehicles were especially designed to clear pathways for troops and other vehicles through minefields and along roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices.” He is also a team leader at Quantico.
Carolyn and Joe also have one Granddaughter and three Step-grandchildren. As with all grandparents, They delight in them.
During the years, Carolyn’s hobbies have been gardening, needlepoint, and travel. While Joe was with the Chamber of Commerce they were able to take many exciting trips and on one Carolyn had the great pleasure of meeting then Governor Ronald Reagan and his beautiful blue eyes. Quite a memory.
In 1978 the Augustines moved from Chapel Hill to Wilmington and Carolyn began working for Miller Building. Even then new friends were asking Carolyn to join the Cape Fear Garden Club. Not until she retired from Miller Building in 1992 did she response to that invite. Ida Newton sponsored Carolyn into the garden club where she has served on almost all of the committees: Azalea Garden Tour Chair, Hospitality Chair, Grant Disbursement Chair, Membership Chair, Flower Arrangement, Azalea Belle, Parliamentarian, Nomination Committee, Yearbook and Budget. She also served as President and Vice President of CFGC and Garden Club of North Carolina Parliamentarian for the last five years and as the Club Parliamentarian for the Cape Fear Garden Club for the past eight years.
In other organizations, she is a past president of N.C. Sorosis, past president of a PEO chapter and on the Advisory Board of UNCW School of Nursing.
