Club news 12/17/03

Cape County FCE

The Cape Girardeau County Family Community Education Council meeting and Christmas luncheon was held Dec. 4 at Cape Girardeau County Extension Center in Jackson. The devotion, titled "Seven Ups," was given by Kim Begley of Lamplighters Club. Lamplighters FCE was hostess for the day with president Ruth Pohlmann presiding.

Nelda Crader gave a report on the Missouri Annual FCE Conference, which was held Sept. 3 through 5 in Columbia, Mo. Changes in the constitution and an increase in dues were discussed. Programs for 2004 were announced with an emphasis placed on the mini-lessons on health issues. International study for 2003 was on Romania.

It was announced that the spring district meeting will be held May 4 in Doniphan, Mo. Members will test Italian recipes this coming year. Reports were also given on the Leaders' Training Meeting held Nov. 7 in Altenburg, Mo.

Agnes Wachter will again chair the making of a quilt to be raffled in December 2004. Each FCE Club in the county is making two dolls for Child Advocacy.

Marilyn Retherford explained the literacy program, "Pillars of Character," a contest for fourth-grade students. Essays and drawings are to be on the Character Pillar "Trustworthiness" with mascot Buzzee Bee.

Mary Klaproth reported that the 2003 tours were well attended with one tour already planned for 2004 to Mountain View Folk Center Oct. 15 through 17. Other tours will be announced as planned. She also encouraged donating to the Family Community Education Foundation, which makes possible the grants given out in September at the state conference.

Laura Slaten, daughter of Stephen and Martha Slaten, was awarded the FCE scholarship. She is attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, pursuing a degree in education.

Mary Gosche, human development specialist, explained the new federal government postage privilege that has been cut by one-third. She also was in charge of the mixer and Christmas craft part of the program. Christmas favors were made by those in attendance.

A covered-dish/salad luncheon was held at noon.

The afternoon musical program, "Name that Tune," was presented by Shirley Cracraft and Verla Mangels.

Gosche installed the 2004 County FCE officers. They are: Nelda Crader of Oak Ridge FCE Club, president; Barbara Schaffner of Kage FCE Club, vice president; Agnes Wachter of Cheerful Country Doers FCE Club, recording secretary; Darlene McCain, Town & Country FCE Club, corresponding secretary; Opal Collins of Kage FCE Club, treasurer; and Kim Begley of Oak Ridge FCE Club, public relations.

The theme for the National FCE Conference in Richmond, Va., July 16 through 18, will be "Celebrating Our Past, Embracing Our Future."

The next FCE Council meeting will be held in March.

American Legion Auxiliary

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary met for their annual Christmas party on Dec. 10. Members brought Christmas gifts for the Jefferson School gift store. A gift exchange was held and bingo was played after a brief business meeting.

Frieda Howard reminded the group of the Senior Tour of Lights to be held Dec. 18. The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary have displays at Cape County Park.

"The Shoemaker's Dream" by Norman Vincent Peale was read by Barbara Yallaly and an interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13 was read by Marilyn Ritter.

Iola Amelunke, president, announced the post family Christmas dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. today at Grace United Methodist Church. Girls from the Scout Troop sponsored by the auxiliary will be guests and will sing Christmas carols.

The January meeting will be at noon with a light lunch served by hostesses. The meeting will be in the new American Legion building at 2731 Thomas Drive.

Alpha Mu Master

Alpha Mu Master of Beta Sigma Phi met in the home of Bobbie Woodard for its annual Christmas meeting and gift exchange.

A short business meeting was conducted by Marsha Parrish, president, at which time a vote was held for Valentine queen. The winner will be announced at the annual Valentine banquet in February.

A monetary gift will be sent to Christmas for the Elderly and to the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia, Mo. Ronald McDonald House is the Beta Sigma Phi state service project, with the money being used to refurbish bedrooms at the home. Service project chairwoman Judie Herbst gave a report on the shoeboxes for our servicemen and women, which were filled and delivered for mailing.

In keeping with Mary Schwab's program on the "Traditions of Christmas." Woodard's program, "Christmas Carols at Grandma Bobbie's House," explained the origin of various Christmas carols.

A holiday feast of some of Woodard's favorite foods was enjoyed by all, followed by the secret sister Christmas gift exchange.

The January meeting will be held Jan. 12 at the Herbst home.

New Salem UMW

New Salem United Methodist Women of United Methodist Church of Daisy met at Dexter Bar-B-Que on Dec. 3 for a dinner with spouses as guests. After dinner, the regular meeting was called to order by Jackie Kurre, president.

During the business meeting, money was collected for a former church member as a wedding gift.

A member who had been in the hospital thanked the group for cards, calls and food she received.

The installation of the officers for the coming year was led by Dorothy Hahs. They are: Jackie Kurre, president; Betty Hahs, vice president; Verla Mangels, secretary; Roberta Seabaugh, treasurer; and Goldie Hobeck, reporter.

Names were drawn for secret pals for the coming year.

The next meeting will be on Jan. 7 at the home of Kurre. There will be a special meeting on Jan. 5 to fill out the program books.

New McKendree UMW

The Debra and Hope Circles of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson hosted the general UMW meeting on Dec. 2, conducting a social hour prior to the opening of the meeting with decorations and refreshments for the Christmas season.

The Mary-Martha Circle presented the program. Special music was provided by Jan Burke, Sue Jones and Linda Thompson. Gail King read "A Christmas Story," which was followed by group singing of Christmas carols.

Marilyn Fronabarger, vice president, conducted the business meeting. She opened the session with a short reading titled "The Real Christmas Giving."

Tandy Wendel, treasurer, reported all pledges and the World Thank offering has been submitted to the UMW District treasurer.

A special recognition pen was presented to Amy Cook by Edith Eggers, secretary of program resources, in recognition of outstanding service and dedication to the mission programs of New McKendree UMW. A second pen will be presented to another member at a future meeting.

Wilma Wilcoxin, co-chair community service, reported on meals served to bereaved families and the Lay Speaker meeting in November.

Plans were discussed for the annual United Methodist Women's Weekend to be held in February. Final arrangements will be completed at the January meeting of the executive committee. A general unit meeting will not be held in January.

The local mission collection was for Toybox and the Mitten Tree.

Roberts Homemakers Club

The December meeting of the Roberts Homemakers Club was devoted to preparing gifts to share.

A gift basket for the shut-in members, cookie trays for the libraries and gifts for a Jackson family in the local schools are planned.

Fellowship time was spent playing bingo.

Lamplighters FCE

The Lamplighters FCE met Nov. 11 at the home of Teresa Hinkebein. The meeting was called to order by Linda Sebaugh, president. Each member donated canned goods and/or money for the club's "adopted family."

An angel added to the club's Christmas display at Cape County Park was purchased in memory of a deceased member, Verna Dell Petzoldt.

Jackie Kurre gave a program on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Oak Ridge After-School 4-H Club

The Oak Ridge After-School 4-H Club met on Oct. 29, Nov. 5 and Nov. 19 in the Oak Ridge Elementary School library.

At the Oct. 29 meeting, Rebeka Shrum, president, presided and Shelby Ray, Cody Tuschhoff and Linsy McIntyre were song leaders. Pledges were led by Alex St. John and Brittany Ard.

Donna Taake installed officers.

At the Nov. 5 meeting, Shrum presided and Ray, Tuschhoff and McIntyre led songs and Danielle Cole and McIntyre led pledges.

Taake gave a program about the 4-H camp.

Project reports were given by Emilie Beard and Tuschhoff.

At the Nov. 19, meeting, Shrum presided and Jordyn Aden and Ray were song leaders and Monica Kester and Lori Moore led the pledges.

-- From staff reports