EAST PALESTINE – Last week there were 17 members present at the April meeting of the Town & Country Garden Club of East Palestine. President Darlene Exposito welcomed members to the meeting and said the blessing before inviting all to enjoy the snack. This month’s snack committee was Barb Webb, Lorrie Smith, Exposito and Lavonne Hutchison.

The meeting was then called to order, with all standing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Under Old Business, committee reports were given, with Treasurer Susan Dellavole giving the treasurer’s report, which was unanimously approved. Corresponding Secretary Aubrin Strohecker gave the correspondence report, with two Birthday cards, two Thinking of You and one Sympathy card sent.

Civic Committee Chair Darlene Linert gave an update on the planters. The holly bushes might look bad right now, but they are still alive and need to be given some time yet. Spring flags were distributed to the committee members to be placed in the planters before the Spring Fling.

Head of the plant sale Lynn Guy, under Ways & Means committee, gave the update for the Annual Mother’s Day plant sale, which will be May 10 at Centenary United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with the $25 gift cards available for Sutherins’ Greenhouse at the plant sale, the club will kick off its annual meat raffle that day with tickets for sale. Winner will have the choice of choosing Sparkle Market or Doyle’s.

On April 1, 32 merchant letters were sent asking for donations to help maintain the planters. As of the meeting date, there were five merchants who had responded.

While the meeting was taking place, members went one at a time to place the snacks they brought into the bags that were to go to Covington Nursing Home for Easter.

Under New Business: Much discussion was held about the 13 benches that are downtown. It was decided that it is time to replace them. A motion was made and approved unanimously to replace the benches ASAP. Lyndsay Della Rosa Guy volunteered to research pricing and types of benches others have purchased so that the club’s will match. This is the club’s Dog Days project. It was also voted on and approved unanimously to order some new signs to be used for the Home Tours, which will be held Nov. 14 and 15.

Sign-up sheets were passed around for volunteers to work the Spring Fling and Plant Sale, as well as filling in some empty spots on the teams for watering the downtown planters. The garden club depends on its members in order to accomplish all of its projects, along with participating in community activities.

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 12 at The First Church of Christ. All interested in learning more about the club are always welcome.