Club news 6-15-14

Cape Girardeau County FCE Council

The Cape Girardeau County FCE Council met June 5 at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Jackson. The meeting was called to order by Shirley Palen, president. After the devotion "Things I Have Learned About Life" was given by Palen, roll call was answered by 11 members.

Minutes from All Clubs Day were read by Mary Klaproth, secretary. Jean Rehak gave the treasurer's report. Both reports were approved.

Klaproth reported on Child Advocacy Day held in Jefferson City, Missouri, April 1. Members of state government in the legislative and executive branches were presented dolls made by FCE clubs to call attention to the needs of children and youths in the state. More than 200 dolls were presented, of which Cape County members sent 33. Klaproth and Rep. Donna Lichtenegger delivered the dolls given to Lichtenegger, Sen. Wayne Wallingford and Rep. Kathy Swan to the Hope House in Jackson.

Klaproth gave a report from the tour committee. A trip is planned Aug. 11 to go to The Muny in St. Louis to see "Hello Dolly."

JoAnn Hahs reported on the Weighted Blanket project, saying that since January, the group has made 81 blankets, 36 lap pads, and 8 "neck snakes," most of which were delivered to the Easter Seals Midwest Disabilities Services in Cape Girardeau for distribution to autistic children in the area. She said the group is planning on making more blankets, which will appeal to boys. The next sewing session will be Oct. 14.

Discussion of the $5 charge for All Clubs Day was followed by a vote of clubs present on whether to rescind the charge. After a tie vote, the group decided to table the decision for the present and revisit the issue in one year.

Hahs reported on the spring meeting in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Attendance was down, with only 33 members present. Wayne County dropped out of the group because of loss of members in the area. Speakers included Mary Martens and Sarah Zenkler.

The State MAFCE convention will be held in Osage Beach Oct. 1-3. Members were encouraged to attend if possible. Three scholarships are available, with the deadline for application being July 15. Ruby Hitt, member of the Oak Ridge Homemakers, is to receive the honor of being the "Heart of the FCE" at the convention.

The scholarship committee, consisting of Dortha Strack, Nelda Crader and Jackie Curry, requested that clubs submit names of college students who wish to apply for a scholarship.

The Fall District meeting will be held in Bollinger County. Further details will be announced at a later date.

Mary Gosche announced that a reception for the new chancellor of the University of Missouri, Bowen Loftin, will be held at the extension center July 1. It will include a luncheon and presidents of individual clubs are invited to attend or send a representative from their club.

Gosche also reported on needing volunteers for a gardening project titled "13 Seconds in the Classroom," which involves children learning how to grow and eat healthy foods.

Palen said the nominating committee should seek candidates for president-elect, secretary and treasurer for the coming year. The next council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 4.

Fall centerpieces were requested from Oak Ridge Homemakers and Lamplighters Clubs for the fall meeting.

-- From staff reports