The Iris Garden Club met Tuesday, October 14, at the Parish House of the Episcopal Church of the Mediator.

Prior to the business meeting, members enjoyed delicious refreshments, coffee and juice served by hostesses, Ruth Adams, Anna Gunter, Catherine Hessert and Debbie Holes.

An informative program, "Organic Food", was presented by Katherine Barber, owner of the Washington Farmers Market.

In the absence of the president, Franny Robinson, first vice-president, presided. She welcomed members and thanked the hostesses.

Mrs. Robinson welcomed new member Polly Fievet. Lisa Luken introduced her guest, Sally Ordway, and Laura Toburen introduced her sister-in-law, Leanne Dier, who is visiting in Washington from Germany.

Mrs. Toburen announced that she has the club's cookbooks, "Colonial Kitchens," on hand if anyone would like to buy them noting they make great gifts.

The club's annual Christmas Brunch will be held at Southern Elegance Tea Room on December 9.

Debbie Bennett, chairman of the Environmental Education and Youth Services, met with Principals Wanda Jenkins, W-WES, and Florence Sandifer, W-WPS, regarding the 2009 National Garden Club Smokey Bear and Woodsey Owl Poster Contest. Students in grades one through five are eligible to enter original drawings of Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl depicting their understanding of wildfire prevention or basic environmental conservation principles. The National Grand Prize winner will win a free round trip airfare and accommodations for four to Washington, DC. A $100 United States Savings Bond will be awarded to each of the first place winners in all five grades.

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 the Georgia Regional Hospital. Some members brought donations to this meeting. Items can also be brought to the November meeting.

The next meeting will be held at the Parish House on November 11 at 10 a.m. The program will be a social event while members decorate and fill treat bags for the Angel Tree children. Hostesses will be Norma Hopkins, Nancy McAvoy, Oleta McAvoy and Patsy Winn.