At the August 13 meeting of the Deering Grange, the following members were elected to serve as officers for the coming 2009-2010 Grange year that began Oct. 1.

They were: Master, Mary Rose; Overseer, Helen Webb; Lecturer, Herb Rose; steward, Norma Jean Conley; assistant steward, Justin Brooks; lady assistant steward, Mabel Jeter; chaplain, Harold Jeter; treasurer, Bill Sparling; secretary, Clarice Sparling; ceres, Laura Rose; Pomona, Edith Willis; flora, Freda Stafford; gatekeeper, Merle Ackerson; executive committee, Harold Jeter, Herbert Rose and Bill Sparling.

During the business session of the meeting all committee chairmen were called on for their reports. Also, Herbert Rose reported on the new lighting system for the grange hall.

For the evening program, Herbert Rose sang a musical selection and Clarice Sparling gave a reading entitled “Family Loop.”

At the close of the meeting members enjoyed a fellowship hour with refreshments served by Clarice and Bill Sparling whose wedding anniversary was Aug 19.

Grange Master Mary Rose conducted the Sept. 10 meeting of the Deering Grange. Minutes of the previous meeting were given by Clarice Sparling, secretary.

Committee chairmen were called on for their reports as follows: Bill Sparling on legislation, Norma Jean Conley on youth activities, Herb Rose on membership and Mary Rose on family activities and community service.

Mabel Jeter gave her deaf activities report and announced a new penny-a-day project to begin now and continue until the February 2010 meeting.

A decision was made to have the annual grange banquet at the grange hall at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Lecturer Herb Rose will be in charge of entertainment.

The evening’s program consisted of a humorous “teacher” story, a review of the upcoming concert series at Ohio University Southern and information on the new lighting system by Herb Rose.

Members sang “Happy Birthday” to Merle Ackerson and enjoyed refreshments served by Mabel Jeter.

The June meeting of the Rock Hill Gardeners was called to order by the President Sheila Tackett. Following the Lords Prayer, and recitation of the club creed, 13 members answered roll call by naming an annual currently blooming.

There was no secretary’s report due to absence of the secretary. Catherine Chatfield, treasurer, submitted the treasurer’s report. Plans were finalized for the Open meeting to be in July at the Ironton City Center.

Sheila Tackett gave a report on the Gardeners Day Out, attended by herself, members Catherine Chatfield, Elizabeth Melvin and Sharon Gothard, member at large. Mrs. Tackett informed the club that a video had been taken, and would be shown to the club as a program at a later date. The club also was informed that the publicity book received an excellent rating from the OAGC. Catherine Chatfield, chairperson, read this letter.

A program on Hydrangea was presented by Jean Roberts followed by discussion and a question and answer session.

Following adjournment, refreshments were served.

The Rock Hill Gardeners held their March meeting at the Sedgwick United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Fifteen members answered roll call by naming a type of mint.

It was announced that there was a change in location for the plant exchange this year. The exchange would take place on the lot used for the farmers market on April 25 .

The Regional Spring meeting was set for April 16 at the Shawnee Lodge in Scioto County, hosted by the Green Triangle and Portsmouth Garden Clubs., The theme of this years meeting was “Spring Fling, Going Green!

The Rock Hill Club, in new business, voted to purchase raffle tickets from the OAGC for a quilt raffle as well as the Garden Room raffle. The drawing is to be held at the State Convention in July.

There was a Thank you card read from Catherine Chatfield for the flowers and get well cards.

The nominating committee for new officers was selected. Wilma Doyle and Lillian Dickess was to present a slate of officers at the April meeting.

A program on Mints and herbs was then presented by co hostesses Sheila Tackett and Elizabeth Melvin. At the end of the program, members were invited to take home a mint or herb plant of their choice.

Refreshments were enjoyed by all present.

The Rock Hill Garden Club met for their April meeting at the home of Margaret Davis. President Sheila Tackett opened the meeting. Following the recitation of the Club Creed and the Lords Prayer, club members answered roll call by naming a healthy house plant.

The secretary’s report and the treasurer’s report were read and approved. It was reported that they plant exchange was poorly represented, in part due to the change of location.

James Hardy, Junior Garden Club member, from the Rock Hill Middle School, has been nominated to represent region 10 for Gardener of the Year. This award and the winner will be announced at the State Convention in July.

The nominating committee presented the following slate of officers for the 2009-2010 year.

President, Nancy Lewis; Vice president, Jean Roberts, Secretary, Elizabeth Melvin; and Treasurer, Catherine Chatfield.

The May meeting will be held at the Sedgewick Methodist Church., There will be an Iris Show among members, and Sara Marley from Wheelersburg, and the Marley Iris Farm will be our guest presenting a program on Iris.