Club News

Cape Girardeau County Central Democratic Committee and Democratic Women's Club

Cape Girardeau County Central Democratic Committee and Democratic Women's Club met Dec. 15 for its annual Christmas party at Delmonico's Restaurant in Jackson. Games and treats were provided. Jan Chamberlain decorated each table with poinsettia plants and tins of candy, which was given as door prizes. Pam Lowry was in charge of sending out the invitations. Nancy Ayers led the group in several trivia question and answer sessions with each group competing against the other.

Mary Schulte Neumeyer, one of our senior members at age 94, was given special recognition and presented a large poinsettia plant. Geneva McKinnis told about the past years with Neumeyer loading her car with members to bring to the meetings. She also spoke of all the numerous things she did when there was a great number of members in the group. Everyone enjoyed the fun and fellowship.

For future information about activities and meetings call Mike Masterson, president, at 651-4009.

Oak Ridge Homemakers FCE

Betty Dellinger was hostess for the Nov. 20 meeting of the Oak Ridge Homemakers FCE. Members had a Thanksgiving meal where members brought food for the event.

After lunch, Jean Rehak, president, opened the meeting with 15 members present.

Billie Criddle had the devotion with "Take Time."

Nelda Crader, secretary, and Criddle, treasurer, gave their reports.

A committee was formed for the 2013 programs.

Mariesa Leach gave a program on bread making.

Coins for Friendship and the Flower Fund were collected.

Barbara Barks was hostess at her home for the Dec. 18 meeting of the Oak Ridge Homemakers FCE.

Rehak opened the meeting with 15 members present and a guest present.

Ruby Hitt had the devotions from Luke 2: The Birth of Christ. She also read "Secrets of Inner Peace."

Crader read the minutes for the November meeting and Criddle gave the treasurer's reports. All were amended and approved.

It was decided to give all the veterans at Missouri Veterans Home caps and gloves for the men and scarves and gloves for the women. They will be delivered in January.

Marilyn Retherford reported that the Christmas Cards for Military personnel sent from Oak Ridge Homemakers Club were a record of 574 cards.

Melva Floyd agreed to make dolls for the Child Advocacy Day to be held in Jefferson City, Mo., in March.

Coins for Friendship and Flower Fund were collected.

Installation of Officers for 2013 was as follows: Crader, president; Rehak, vice president; Barks, secretary; Pat Hecht, treasurer; Carole Jo Byrd, historian; Lesch, games and song; and Dellinger, chairperson Elks/FCE.

Cape Girardeau County FCE Council

The Cape Girardeau County FCE quarterly council meeting was held Dec. 6 at the Jackson Extension Center.

Cheerful Country Doers and Members at Large served as hostesses.

Call to order was made by President JoAnn Hahs with "The Pledge of Allegiance" and reciting the FCE Club collect. There were 34 members and a guest present.

Devotion was given by Nelda Crader and Mary Klaproth, secretary, read the minutes from the last quarterly meeting. Jean Rehak, treasurer, gave a report to all attendees.

Committee reports were given: Scholarship: Dortha Strack reported Audrey Westrict won the Cape County FCE scholarship. Tours: Klaproth reported only 17 FCE members attended tours in 2012. Literacy: Barbara Marshall related that all material for fourth graders in Cape Girardeau County had been delivered to the schools.

Mary Gosche, human development specialist, had the morning program with a session on "Matter of Balance Exercise to Prevent a Fall."

Judie Herbst, vice president, lead the group in Christmas carols.

The group adjourned for lunch.

Many items were brought for the silent auction.

The afternoon program on A.P.P.L.E. was given by Jean Goodin and the services they provide to any resident of Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry and Scott counties with questions about Medicare, insurance and other paperwork needs, If services are needed you can call 651-5467.

Old business reports: Hahs, state awards; Herbst, district awards; Strack, leadership training.

New Business: Autism was discussed and members will be sewing again on April 9.

Reports on FCE will be at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 18 at Jackson Extension Center.

Quarterly council meeting will be March 7. Leadership training will be March 18. All Clubs Day will be March 25 with Kage FCE as hostess.

Installations of 2013 Cape County FCE Officers were installed by Gosche. JoAnn Hahs of Lamplighters, president; Shirley Palen of Kage, president-elect; Judie Herbst of Kage, vice president; Mary Klaproth of Town and Country, recording secretary; Sue Jones of Town and Country, corresponding secretary; Jean Rehak of Oak Ridge, treasurer; and Barbara Barks of Oak Ridge, public relations.

All were given a package of seeds to plant and grow.

-- From staff reports