Cultura Garden Club held its September meeting at the home of Martha Sibley with co-hostesses Doris Woodruff and Debbie Beason.

Patricia Cox presented an informative program on How to Attract Butterflies to Your Garden. Since 1998 there has been a 90 percent decline of the monarch butterfly. She demonstrated how to create butterfly spas using shallow dishes or pans with sand and a bit of water. When placed in sunny spots, butterflies are invited into your yard.

Cheri McCain gave an institute on Cain Creek, a nature preserve that has a special flower that attracts rare butterflies.

With autumn beginning, the members made plans for decorating downtown. Fall committee chairman Cheri McCain discussed ideas for decorations, and the members set a date to begin.

Fundraising committee chairman Debbie Nale collected orders for the mum sale. She reported that the mums would be delivered to Bennett Hall Sept. 18. A total of 493 mums were sold.

Civic committee chairman – myself – reported on preliminary plans for the Every Light a Prayer for Peace and Veterans Reception that will be held at the courthouse prior to the Russellville Christmas Parade Dec. 6.

President Hillary Hall reported that some Cultura members met at the regular meeting with the mayor and council. She presented plans for the Christmas decorations for downtown, such as that all wreaths will be redone with bows, colorful balls and white lights for the small poles; the large street poles will feature snowflake lights; the gazebo will be decorated with garland and lights; and trees will be decorated with white lights. Plans also include a large Christmas tree lighting ceremony downtown.

The mayor and council, with one opposition, passed the motion to contribute $15,000 toward the downtown Christmas decorations.

By Susie Hovater Malone