Club news 3-2-14

Southeast Missouri FCE

Approximately 20 members of the Southeast Missouri County Division of the Family, Community, and Education organization associated with the University of Missouri Extension Service met at the extension office in Jackson to participate in one of several workshops to produce weighted blankets, lap pads, and neck "snakes" for autistic children in the Southeast Missouri area.

Members from five district clubs -- Kage, Cheerful Country Doers, Lamplighters, Oak Ridge Homemakers, and Town and Country -- plus members-at-large were present. The group produced 20 weighted blankets, 16 lap pads, and three neck "snakes" which were presented to the Autism Center in Cape Girardeau for distribution to schools and other area organizations.

The next workshop is scheduled March 11.

St. Mary CCW

St. Mary Council of Catholic Women met Feb. 20 in the Huels Room. Becky McLean opened the meeting with prayer.

The program was given by John Hudak, CEO of Community Counseling Center, which is the administrative agent for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. There are 12 locations in five counties: Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry, Madison and Ste. Genevieve. President John F. Kennedy signed a bill in 1963 addressing mental health treatment. Mexico, Mo., was the first institution in the country. Saint Francis Medical Center discontinued their program in 1983 and helped the local program, which had been established in 1974, to expand. To be CARF accredited, facilities have to be able to provide the level of care and ability to pay for anyone who comes seeking help. There are now 33 programs consisting of emergency services, outpatient care, home-based services, residential and consumer operated.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Officers in attendance were Becky McLean, president; Mary Buxton, vice president; Pat Eftink, treasurer; Imelda Nenninger, secretary; and Kate Schaefer, past president.

Commission reports:

Diane Schaefer was contacted by Theresa Eftink, who is on the nominating committee for Region 7 officers, saying she heard someone from our council would be the vice president. No one in attendance knew who this person could be.

The Day of Retreat will be held Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cape Girardeau beginning with Mass at 9 a.m. and ending about 2:30 p.m. Breakfast will be served. Bring sack lunch and drinks will be provided.

Dolores Gibbar reported five bereavement dinners served.

Signup sheet for working donut Sundays and reception following Chrism Mass April 16 was passed around.

The spring assembly will be held at Drury Hotel in Cape Girardeau April 25 and 26. The district meeting will be conducted at St. Mary Cathedral April 24. Judy Stricker, Mary Buxton, Becky McLean, and Pat Eftink will assist Kate Schaefer in serving the meal.

The grab bag and purse silent auction items were discussed.

Church Women United will hold its World Day of Prayer service Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, beginning with registration at 12:30 p.m.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 20 in the Huels Room.

-- From staff reports