Club news 3-25-18

Missouri Torchbearer Iota Chapter

Recent happenings of the Torchbearer Iota Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi have been a Valentine's Day gathering at the Chateau Girardeau for the crowning of the chapter's Valentine Queen for the year, Mary Schwab, who is a resident at the Chateau. In addition to her crown, she was presented with a yellow rose and the traditional Valentine pin. Schwab has been a member of Beta Sigma Phi for 49 years. This was followed by a Valentine gift exchange and a trip to the China Crown for dinner.

It was announced at this meeting that Charlotte Bess and Margaret Little are eligible to receive the Beta Sigma Phi "Golden Circle" Ritual signifying 50 years of active membership.

The chapter also met at the office of Dr. Jared Wayland at the Kessinger Clinic for a very informative program. Following the program the group met at the home of Linda Belote with Marilyn Schwab acting as co-hostess for a short meeting. It was announced that Xi Epsilon Nu Chapter will host Founders Day in April. Torchbearer Iota will be the hostess in 2019. A notice from International states that Bernie Gardner is eligible to receive the "Order of the Rose" Ritual signifying fifteen years of active membership.

Social activities for the chapter include dinner at St. Vincent's Church Friday night fish fry; dinner and a movie; the Notre Dame production of "Meet Me In St. Louis;" and the Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam concert in April.

The chapter met March 12 at the home of Dixie Jones.

An invitation was received from the Xi Epsilon Nu Chapter to the Annual Founders Day. It will be a luncheon held April 28 at the Walden Park Club House.

A Beta Sigma Phi City Council report was given by Marsha Parrish and Carole Calvin. The next council meeting will be held on April 4.

Carole Rhodes and Judie Herbst reported that decisions will be made at the next meeting on the remaining service projects for the year.

Patty Taylor and Bernie Gardner reported that upcoming events that some members will include REO Speedwagon and Styx on March 25 at the Show Me Center, Isle Casino Ricky Nelson Tribute Concert on March 31, Notre Dame production of "Meet Me in St. Louis" on April 6, River Campus for an "Irish Group" April 18 and a Spring Jazz Concert at the River Campus on April 26.

Anyone interested was advised that donations of personal hygiene items are currently being accepted to the "Hygiene Packages to World Hunger." Bobbie Woodard stated that a number of thank-you notes and sympathy cards had been sent on behalf of the chapter.

Easter basket "items" brought to the next meeting will be taken to Chateau Girardeau for member Schwab, a resident of the Chateau.

The program was presented by Dixie Jones on her recent cruise to the Caribbean. The cruise visited several ports including the new Haiti, and the Islands of Bonaire and Aruba.

Members were reminded of the Missouri State Convention to be held October 12 through 14 in Independence, Missouri, at the Hilton Garden Hotel.

The next meeting will be at the home of Bobbie Woodard on March 26. Members will vote on the "Woman of the Year" and elect new officers at this meeting.

New McKendree UMW

The New McKendree United Methodist Women met March 13, in the church fellowship hall with 19 members present. Mary Klaproth, president, opened the meeting and all members recited the UMW Purpose.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Pam Buck, secretary, and approved as read. Marilyn Fronabarger, treasurer, gave a treasurer's report of $4,111.84 Local Fund on Hand. Julie Combs, Spiritual Growth Chairperson, gave a devotion titled "Tilling the Soil of the Heart with Prayer".

Chairperson reports:

Secretary of Program Resources: Marica Eggers reported she brought books for the library that people can check out tonight.

Social Action: Diane Brooks said the Esther Circle will be collecting items for the Power Pack program to add to the money contributions from the other circles.

Mission Ribbons: Elwanda Corbin brought new ribbons that can be purchased.

Education and Interpretation: Shirley Patterson said she and Mary Klaproth had attended the Legislative Event held in Jefferson City.

The Mary and Martha Circle won the attendance ribbon for tonight's meeting.

The last church fish fry will be held March 17 and each circle is requested to furnish five cakes.

Members-at-large hosted the Jackson Manor Birthday Party on March 12 and Mary and Martha will host the party on April 9.

New McKendree will host the Eagle Lake Camp July 9 through 13. We have budgeted $800 to be used for the camp. Serving the daily lunches was discussed and Sandy Hastings made the motion that we serve the lunches again. Motion seconded by Patty Maevers. Motion passed.

The Spring District meeting will be held April 7 at Van Buren, Missouri. The church van will leave our church at 7:15 a.m.

Julie Combs gave an update on the 100-mile-yard sale to be held May 24 through 26.

We will again volunteer at the SEMO Food Bank on March 26 and the church van will leave the church parking lot at 8:15 a.m.

UMW weekend will be April 21 and 22. The club's annual candle burning will be observed.

The next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. April 10. Please be at the church promptly at 9:30 as the program will be first and we will tour the Food Pantry across the street.

Julie Combs read from the Prayer Calendar.

Sandy Hastings gave a program on her mission trip to Kenya.

-- From staff reports