TRADITION OF SERVICE: KAGE EXTENSION CLUB EMBRACES KINDNESS AS PART OF LIFE

The business meeting started simply. During roll call, each member of the Kage Family Community Education Club told of a kind act they had performed during Random Acts of Kindness Week.

The list was impressive.

Most all had donated food to the collection taken by local mail carriers and had brought supplies for the Women's Safe House.

President Dortha Strack had baked 30 loaves of bread for club members and had passed them out to neighbors, her doctor, nurse and beautician.

Barbara Schaffner looked over the list in the newspaper of 100 kind ideas and tried to perform several.

"I called on a sick friend," she said. "I paid a compliment. I agreed to send collection cards for Easter Seals. One kindness was just to smile at people. I also tried to hold the door for people. These are just things we do."

Judie Herbst helped clean up at the police sub station on Good Hope, where her son, Charlie, spends time as a community policing officer. She planned to buy a box of candy for her doctor's office. She helps keep track of a neighbor, including bringing trash cans up from the street.

"That's just living. That's what you should do," she said.

Viola Dannenmueller, 88, made one of her famous angel cakes for a friend and shuttled some ladies waiting for a taxi at the beauty shop.

Down the roll call, each member told of at least one kind deed performed during the week. Their stories were met with big smiles by other members.

But kind acts by club members are certainly not limited to a single week. This group of 16 women in their 60s, 70s and 80s make service and kindness a yearlong project. The club has existed more than 50 years and started with members who lived around the old Kage School.

Members actively volunteer in a long list of community organizations. Several aid with the American Red Cross in its blood drives. Members dress dolls for the Salvation Army. They donated hats to the Arthritis Foundation hat auction.

Another member helps seniors with tax preparation through the AARP. One member is chairman of the Mended Hearts Group. Several volunteer at local hospitals.

They regularly donate food items and money to the FISH Food Pantry. Members mailed out 101 Christmas cards and 77 valentines to the military members overseas.

They serve on the County Extension Council, and have pledged $100 a year for the next three years for the new extension office in Jackson. Members deliver Meals on Wheels to the homebound.

They visit patients in nursing homes and have purchased silk flowers to adorn tables at Fountainbleau Lodge. They collected books to be sent to a school on an Indian reservation.

Their service earned them a nomination for the Area Wide United Way Volunteer Recognition Award.

Their energy and dedication is steadfast.

"Every month, we try to do something for somebody," said Strack. "That's just part of us."

"Kindness to others is one of our main reasons for being," said Opal Collins.

"That's why we exist," added Dannenmueller.

Members agreed that their kindness pays off in dividends of satisfaction and good feelings.

"It's a blessing really," said Herbst.