The Iris Garden Club met at Poplar Corner, residence of Bernie Pope on West Liberty Street, Tuesday, September 9, for the annual membership coffee.

Prior to the business meeting, members enjoyed delicious refreshments, coffee and juice served by hostesses, Evelyn Bennett, Franny Robinson, Cathy Stackhouse, Rena Strickland, Karen Stubbs and Laura Toburen.

President Karen Stubbs presided and welcomed members. She thanked Mrs. Pope for allowing the club to meet in her beautiful and historic residence and thanked the hostesses.

Mrs. Toburen introduced her guest, Rilla Spellman.

Dot Harris, chairman of the Garden Therapy Nursing Home Committee, reported the garden is in good shape considering the continuing drought. She noted that the staff has been watering and she has sprayed for fungus and pests because of the stress caused to the plants by the severe conditions.

Mrs. Stubbs reported that National Garden Week was the first week in June and the committee for the event had put flower arrangements in the Mary Willis Library and the Chamber of Commerce, both of which were appreciated.

Oleta McAvoy reported on the Fig Leaf Project, an on-going project for which club members donate undergarments, as well as robes and pajamas, to patients at Georgia Regional Hospital. Mrs. McAvoy explained that these items are greatly needed and that both patients and staff are extremely appreciative when she makes deliveries. All club members were urged to bring donations to the October, September and November meetings, but items will be accepted at any regular meeting.

It was announced that Katherine and Bradley Barber, owners of Washington Farmers Market, will present a program on organic food at the October 14 meeting. Hostesses for the 10 a.m. meeting will be Ruth Adams, Anna Gunter, Catherine Hessert and Debbie Holes.

Twenty members attended and included Rachel Arnold, Debbie Bennett, Evelyn Bennett, Mary Ann Bentley, Gail Boyd, Jane Bundy, Sandy Burton, Mary Craven, Nancy Farris, Jackie Gale, Anna Gunter, Dot Harris, Catherine Hessert, Debbie Holes, Norma Hopkins, Nobie Keener, Lisa Luken, Nancy McAvoy, Oleta McAvoy, Marcia Paxton, Bernie Pope, Franny Robinson, Cathy Stackhouse, Rena Strickland, Karen Stubbs, Laura Toburen, Karen Wheeler, Patsy Winn and Sharlene Zima.