Club news 11/13/11

SE B&G Chapter of MAA

The Southeast Black & Gold Chapter of the Missouri Alumni Association met Nov. 7 at the MU Extension Center in Jackson. Three board members, Tom Frasher, Roger Guyot and Larry Simon, were present.

Guyot gave the treasurer's report. The account values are unchanged from last month.

Frasher attended MAA Leader's Weekend in September and reported on that event. He brought the chapter's framed Capstone Certificate and a large chapter banner that were presented to the chapter to the meeting. He reported that the latest scholarship winner, Kurt Heischmidt, attended the Friday night banquet. He distributed the revised requirements for the Columns Program. He reported that he met with members of the Memphis Alumni Chapter and said that they are interested in having a joint activity with the Southeast Black & Gold Chapter chapter.

Frasher distributed MU literature for use in high school recruiting trips.

Members reviewed the revised requirements for Columns and Capstone recognition. During the review they noted that they recently completed the 4-H stand project at the SEMO District Fair and homecoming day of service project at the MU Extension Center. The next project is ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

Simon reported on the bell ringing project. The chapter has 15 of 20 time slots covered. Guyot volunteered for one of the shifts at the meeting. Simon requested Stephanie Heffernan to send another email to members, requesting volunteers for the remaining shifts. Members will be ringing during the weeks of Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. in front of Kmart in Cape Girardeau.

Members discussed upcoming high school recruiting trips. Simon will visit Sikeston High School, and Frasher will schedule a visit to Perryville High School. The chapter will ask other board members to visit other high schools in the chapter area.

Also discussed was the chapter's goals for the current fiscal year and targeted the following: The chapter needs at least five new members; the chapter needs to place new people on the board; and the chapter needs to decide on a person to be nominated for an alumni award.

Members discussed the Founder's Day event. The targeted date is Feb. 9 at Dexter Bar-B-Que. That date has been confirmed with the restaurant and state Rep. Donna Lichtenegger has agreed to be the guest speaker.

The targeted date for the June student picnic is June 14 with an alternate date of June 7. Simon will call the county parks office in January to reserve shelter No. 4 at Cape County Park North for the event.

The planned 2012 Diversity Project is an evening at the movies for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Simon will check with Cape 14 Cine and Big Brothers, Big Sisters to set a date for the event and to select a movie. Simon suggested that "Rango" would be a good candidate for the movie. The chapter is targeting early May for this project.

Simon reported that he met with Gena Scott, director of University Scholarships. She is looking for alumni who are willing to donate $25,000 or more for an endowed scholarship at the University of Missouri. The amount can be donated over a period of five years or as an estate gift.

The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the MU Extension Center in Jackson.

American Legion Auxiliary 63

There were 29 members and guest were treated to a St. Louis Cardinals' lunch before the meeting Wednesday. The menu consisted of ballpark hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts and nachos, prepared and served by Cathryn Allison, Linda Sanders and Shirley Young. Several small items with the Cardinals theme were awarded to Patsy Kimbrel and Charlene Vandeven. Myrna Powers won the 50/50 drawing.

Tamela Loomis and Veleda Smith joined the auxiliary, to bring membership to 111; 42 members are needed to reach the auxiliary's goal.

Barbara Yallaly read an article regarding the Statue of Liberty and what it meant to those individuals as they were entering the United States.

Jerri Stone distributed literature on planning for emergencies and explained the need to advise family members of the plans for a central meeting place in case of an earthquake, tornado or flood.

Members donated food items for the Red Star food pantry and also small gift items for the Jefferson School children to purchase with their coupons. Linda Kern will deliver the items to the school.

The next meeting on Dec. 14 will be a Christmas meeting with pizza being served. Members are to bring sweet treats for dessert. Bingo will be played in the afternoon.

-- From staff reports