Club news 2-3-13

Nancy Hunter Chapter NSDAR

The Nancy Hunter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met on Jan. 23 at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Regent Charlotte Slinkard opened the meeting with the DAR Ritual, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and the American's Creed.

The guest speaker was Dr. Joel P. Rhodes who presented the program "Louis and Mary Houck." Louis Houck, lawyer, journalist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, is often called the "Father of Southeast Missouri." Mary Giboney Houck organized the Nancy Hunter Chapter on Feb. 12, 1901, and served as regent until 1907. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Rhodes for the excellent program.

Dorothy Points read the January message from NSDAR President General, Merry Ann Wright, who thanked chapters for their contributions for repairs to the lay light in the DAR Library building in Washington, D.C. LaFern Stiver gave the National Defense Report on America's role in Afghanistan.

Catherine Allison, registrar, welcomed three new members, Carolyn Ryan Cannon, Barbara Kaye Hamblin, and Mary Jarrell Kenner. Stiver, librarian, reported that the chapter will donate the book, "Ohio Soldiers in the War of 1812" to the Genealogy Room of the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Points, DAR Service for Veterans Committee chairman, announced that Verlon Parker is the chapter's nominee for Patriot of the Month, a Missouri DAR project that honors a living veteran or an active duty member of the armed forces.

Thank-you notes were received from eight boys living in Groves Cottage at the DAR School in Tamassee, S.C. The monetary Christmas gifts were given in memory of Allene Wilson Groves, former member of the chapter and namesake of the cottage.

Guests were Taylor McMahon and Carolyn Webb.

The next meeting, a reception for DAR Good Citizens, will be on Feb. 26 at the library.

Xi Nu Phi

The Xi Nu Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Jan. 8 at the home of Cindy Propst and Jan. 22 at the home of Susan Benton.

Members signed up for the Valentine Day banquet that will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. It will be a brunch at the Cape Girardeau Country Club.

Candi Brazil will join the chapter and will be given pledge training by Kathy Kiefner, vice president, and a Pledge Ritual will be scheduled. Brazil was appointed to the social committee.

Information was given on possible future service projects. Sandy Ross will get more information and report back to the chapter.

The chapter will help with the Special Olympics on April 13. Propst will give more information on this in the future.

It was decided that the chapter will purchase an engraved paving stone for Melaina's Magical Playland using chapter funds and donations from members in lieu of secret pal Valentine gifts.

Chapter members will be getting polo shirts. Samples will be brought to a future meeting and members will place their order.

Members also approved the current projects for the International Endowment Fund.

At the Jan. 8 meeting, Propst presented a program on New Year baby facts followed by a guessing game of "who's who" of baby pictures brought in by members.

At the Jan. 22 meeting, Benton presented a program on the top 10 vacation spots.

The next meeting will be Tuesday at the home of Sheryl Smith.

--From staff reports