Ripley Horticultural Society installs new executive at annual meeting

The Ripley and District Horticultural Society held its first meeting of 2017, Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Ripley Legion.

Outgoing president Ann Finlayson welcomed more than 35 members to the Annual General Meeting which, in addition to regular business and year-end reports, included several presentations.

District 8 director Sharon Nivins spoke about good governance and reviewed the society’s constitution and bylaws.

Convener Fran Farrell, a Master Gardener and Certified Horticultural Judge, shared valuable tips on how to create exhibits for flower shows. She directed comments specifically to the categories of the Ripley Flower Show and gave a sneak peek of new categories and features of the Ripley Fall Fair horticultural competition.

The new executive was installed by Nivins, and includes:
 

• President Sandra MacDonald
• Past-president Ann Finlayson
• Co-1st vice-presidents Elaine Shantz and Ann Finlayson
• 2nd vice-president Fran Farrell
• Secretary Christine Roberts
• Treasurer Mary Rose Walden
• Youth convener Tryntje Eisen
• New directors - Dianne Simpson, Freda Courtney, Shirley Galloway, Valerie Gibson, Isabelle Carter
• Current directors - Joan Barr, Alice Gamble, Rose Marie Meyer, Doreen Platten and Gail Vander Hoek

Finlayson congratulated the new president and handed the meeting over to her chairmanship.

Vander Hoek, representing the 90^th anniversary committee, shared some ideas and plans for the celebration to be held in May.

The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15, at 1:30 p.m., at the Ripley Legion. Members are invited to bring horticultural questions to be shared and answered.



Sharon Nivins (back, left), District 8 director, installs the new Ripley and District Horticultural Society executive, back, Fran Farrell, Doreen Platten, Joan Barr, Elaine Shantz, Rose Marie Meyer, Gail Vander Hoek, Christine Roberts; and front, Dianne Simpson (left), Ann Finlayson, Sandra MacDonald and Valerie Gibson; absent, are Mary Rose Walden, Tryntje Eisen, Alice Gamble, Freda Courtney, Shirley Galloway, Isabelle Carter; photo courtesy of Christine Roberts