Club news 6-16-13

Cape Girardeau County FCE

The Cape Girardeau County FCE Quarterly Council met on June 6. The meeting was called to order by vice president, Judie Herbst, in the absence of the president, JoAnn Hahs. The pledges to the United States and Missouri Flags and the club collect were recited. The devotion was given by Shirley Palen, Kage FCE Club, "The burned biscuits." Mary Klaproth read the minutes and Jeannie Rehak gave the treasurer's report.

Sue Jones, corresponding secretary, reported sending thank-you notes to Maria Readren, Jackie Cole and Jeff Mayfield.

There was discussion about paying speakers at the county FCE meetings and for persons furnishing entertainment for the county meetings. Klaproth had reviewed the minutes and in 2008 the group approved paying $25 for persons presenting programs and $25 for persons furnishing entertainment. No other action was necessary. Going forward this will be followed.

The tour committee report was given by Klaproth. One trip is planned to The Muny to see "Nunsense" on July 2.

Dortha Strack, member of the scholarship committee, reported a FCE scholarship in the amount of $300 will be given and the deadline to apply is Oct. 15. Also, there is a $200 University of Missouri Extension scholarship available with the deadline to apply being Friday.

Klaproth reported on Child Advocacy Day, which was held April 2 in Jefferson City, Mo. JoAnn Hahs and Klaproth attended from Cape Girardeau County. Legislators were visited and encouraged to pass legislation beneficial to children and youth.

Nelda Crader reported on the Spring District meeting held May 14 in Patterson, Mo., and hosted by Wayne County. There were 53 people in attendance at the meeting.

Klaproth reported on the meeting of the Autism Committee on June 3. After discussion from the committee members, it was decided to try to expand the number of blankets, snakes and lap pads that are being made for TouchPoint Autism Center in Cape Girardeau. Volunteers outside the organization are welcome to help with the project.

The MAFCE Annual Conference will be held Sept. 18 through 20 in Jefferson City at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. The group will ask Hahs to prepare a trifold for the meeting. Several members from Cape Girardeau County plan to attend the conference.

Herbst announced the Fall District meeting will be Oct. 10 at the Assembly of God Church in Doniphan, Mo., hosted by Ripley County.

The next quarterly FCE council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the University of Missouri Extension Center with Lamplighters to present the devotion.

Silver Haired Legislature

Silver Haired Legislature, Region 2, met June 11 in Cape Girardeau. Silver Hair is composed of citizens, age 60 or older, who volunteer their time to advocate on behalf of Missouri's older citizens. The delegates are elected from each of Missouri's 10 Area Agencies on Aging. Each delegation consists of three senators and 12 representatives, for a statewide total of 150 legislators. Officers were elected for 2013-2014: June Majors of East Prairie, Mo., as chair; Ray Freeman of Doniphan, Mo., as vice chair; and Doug Austin of Cape Girardeau as recording secretary. Additional attendees were: Loretta Schneider of Cape Girardeau; Estelee Wood, Lee Anderson and Vickie Watling, all of Jackson; George Cox and Catherine Bockhold of Dexter, Mo.; Connie J. Larrew of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; Janie Lamar of Gibson, Mo.; Gail Pang of Charleston, Mo.; Barbara Rogers and Betty Laseter of Van Buren, Mo.; and Minnie May of Piedmont, Mo.

The Missouri Silver Haired Legislature was the first to be organized in the United States after Congress amended the Older Americans Act to include advocacy groups. The Silver Haired Legislature meet annually for a model legislative session at the state capitol. They debate and vote upon their top five priority proposals. Once the five priorities are chosen, the Silver Hair return to their districts to encourage support of those issues through their respective representatives, senators and the lt. governor. They testify before the Missouri Senate and House and speak with senior groups regarding those issues.

-- From staff reports