Club news 9/28/05

Xi Nu Phi

The Xi Nu Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Sept. 20 at El Torero restaurant in Jackson. The program on the history of Teen Challenge was given by Kathy Kiefner.

The club has decided to donate money to the American Red Cross and the Humane Society.

The chapter received a three-star rating from Beta Sigma Phi International for 2004-2005.

The club plans to prepare and plan to attend the 2005 Beta Sigma Phi Missouri convention to be held in Cape Girardeau Oct. 7 through 9.

The next meeting will be on Oct. 4 at the home of Sheryl Smith.

Presbyterian Women

The Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson met Sept. 16 in the fellowship hall of the church for their quarterly business meeting.

Jean Kurre, vice moderator, presided over the meeting. Molly Lowes gave the treasurer's report.

Esther/Hannah Circle had nine members present, and Perdue/Lear Circle had six members present.

Mary Morton read the dedication of the Least Coins, the meaning of which was clarified to all present as "contributing a penny for each time you prayed all month, not each meeting."

Reports were given by committee chairwomen. Church Women United chairwoman and employee of the Cape Girardeau County Health Department, Jonell McNeely, reported that she had provided "safe food handling" instructions to 10 members of LaCroix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau who are leaving for Houston, Texas, to help in one of the hurricane shelters.

Young Life coordinator Judy Litzelfelner informed those present that the group will provide lunch for local schoolchildren on Friday.

Dana Lape shared her experience with the former Young Life leaders. Dan Green, area director of Young Life, spoke to the group about Young Life's plans for Steck House this next year.

Ladies who are now or have ever been elders received pamphlets titled "A Flame in Our Hearts, a Fire in Our Bones."

It was determined that there was no need to continue collecting Betty Crocker coupons. Instead, one specific small appliance will be donated to fulfill the group's mission obligation in that area.

The 2006 budget was approved by a unanimous vote. It was also voted to disburse the remaining money in the missions budget for 2005 toward the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and the Best Choice labels money to the Farmington Children's Home.

The vote taken by the coordinating team on Aug. 5 to pay for three new faucets in the kitchen redecorating project was approved.

McNeely has volunteered to coordinate the effort to make a new pictorial directory of church members. She is planning to have finished product by the end of February.

The PW fall gathering will be held Oct. 20 at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.

Lape, Parents as Teachers educator with Jackson School District, introduced Caroline Bartholomew, president of the local chapter of MOPS. She spoke about their work and the spiritual advantage young mothers receive by haivng a support system, especially if they are new to the area. Lape urged those present to help their cause by volunteering to entertain the youngsters while their mothers are meeting at the church on the third Thursday of each month.

Lunch was served by the Esther/Hannah Circle.

Oak Ridge 4-H

The Oak Ridge After School 4-H club met Sept. 21 in the elementary school library with nine members, two leaders and a guest present.

Morgan Smith presided over the meeting. Madison LeGrand led the songs, and Jacob LeGrand and Kacey Woods led the pledges.

Officers for the new year were elected and installed. They are: Shelby Mangels, president; Smith, vice president; secretary, Woods; reporter, Jacob LeGrand; songleaders, Tessa Mangels and Madison LeGrand; game leaders, Thomas Shirrell and Madison McWinter; and historians, Taylor Biers and Kaitlyn Woods.

The group plans to finish project report forms in the future.

Alpha Mu Master

The Alpha Mu Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met for the first meeting of the new year at the home of Charlotte Bess. Margaret Little, president, conducted the business meeting.

A report was given by Carole Calvin on the 2005 Missouri State Convention to be held in Cape Girardeau Oct. 7 through 9. The chapter will assemble the tote bags for the convention on the morning of Oct. 7. The convention schedule was presented. Bobbie Woodard, Judie Herbst and Bess will bake cookies for the hospitality room.

Members brought items for Project Hope, the monthly service project.

Plans were made to attend Giant City Lodge for lunch and attend the Octoberfest in Makanda, Ill., sometime in October. The date will be announced at the next meeting.

The program was presented by Bess. She spoke of "Points of Interest" and the "History of Cape Girardeau." The question "What would you tell Cape Girardeau visitors to be sure and see?" was then asked. Answers included Cape Rock, the Missouri Department of Conservation building, the city and county parks, and the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. Photos of old, original buildings were then shown for identification. They included Jefferson Elementary School, the Broadway Theater, Hirsch Store, St. Francis Hospital, Broadway School, Academic Hall, Southeast Missouri Hospital and the Idan-ha Hotel.

The next meeting will be in the home of Bernie Gardner.

-- From staff reports