EAST PALESTINE – The Town & Country Garden Club of East Palestine held its September meeting recently. There were 18 members present, who were welcomed by President Darlene Exposito. She then said a blessing before inviting all to enjoy the snack. The month’s snack committee was Kathy Byard, Bonnie Davis and Bev Leake.

The meeting was then called to order and began with committee reports given. Susan Dellavole gave the treasurer’s report, which was unanimously approved. Secretary Bonnie Davis read the minutes, which were also unanimously approved. Corresponding Secretary Aubrin Strohecker gave her report, with no members with an August birthday, three members with a September birthday, and one birthday card sent to an honorary member. There were two get well cards sent to members.

Civic Committee Chair Darlene Linert gave an update on the planters, stating that the flags will be changed to the fall flags soon, and no gourds will be used to decorate this year as they were hard to see and many were taken last year. The flowers will remain until it frosts. Scarecrows will be placed in the planters until Nov. 3, at which time the club will switch to the Christmas flags for the Home Tour. Watering is to continue at this time, but watch the weather.

Ways and Means Committee Lynn Guy stated meat raffle tickets will be sold at the Fall Fest, with the drawing to take place at the next meeting, Oct. 13. A big thank you given to DellaVole and Donna Holzer for creating the Scarecrow for the Fall Fest Saturday. All were encouraged to come out and vote for the Scarecrow.

The Home Tour committee reported that the club has four homes and four stops with Norfolk Southern being unable to be open this year and Buck Berry Farms recently closed. The club possibly may have a train display set up in what used to be Mama’s Attic. Flyers were available for members to take to place in many spots in and around the county. It was decided to have ornaments for sale, a 50/50 split and a bake sale held at Bea’s Insurance during the hours of the home tour. The log cabin will be serving hot chocolate and water during the home tour, which will be provided to them by the garden club.

Yard of the Month for September was announced. This honor was given to Marty and Dick Grim on Howell Road.

Under old business, members were asked to give the gift cards they brought to Donna Holzer who was to be putting together a wreath that will be auctioned at the car show in Columbiana on Sept. 14, the proceeds given to the Caring Hands Food Pantry. This is the club’s way of giving back to the community, along with bringing food items each month for Social Concerns. This month was peanut butter, next month will be green beans.

Under new business: The annual Christmas dinner was discussed and it was decided to go with the Eagles this year. At this dinner, which is for club members, the club also gives the home owners from the homes on tour two free tickets to attend.

At the November meeting, club members will be filling bags for the residents at the Christian House. Members were reminded to bring snacks to this meeting to fill the bags. The club does this for Covington at Easter, and Christian House for Thanksgiving.

A reminder was given to the nomination committee to begin the quest for officers for 2026.

The next meeting will be 6 p.m. Oct. 13, at The First Church of Christ. As always, anyone (men, women, teens) who would be interested in joining the club are always welcome to attend.