Union County Genealogical Society
Union County Genealogical Society met Oct. 26 at the Creston Library. Jane Briley presided with eight members attending.
Saundra Leininger, regional representative of Iowa Genealogical Society, reported on the recent state conference. She also announced a workshop on Swedish research will be held Nov. 14 in Des Moines.
There was informal discussion on cemetery walks held in other counties.
Briley gave the program on researching military veterans’ records. Locally, the Union County Office of Veterans Affairs has records of veteran burials in Union County. State and national record sources were shared. Briley illustrated some of those available online and shared a list of websites. The Creston Library also has many printed resources.
At the Nov. 23 meeting, nominations from the floor will be made for 2016 officers. Leininger will give the program on Mayflower research.
Crest Area for Life
Crest Area for Life met 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Holy Spirit Hall for the annual meeting. Eleven members were in attendance. President Meg Crawford opened up with the right to life prayer.
Terry Madison read the secretary report from September and also the annual report. June Huewe gave the treasurer’s report for September and also the annual report. All were approved.
Velma Riegel sent six congratulatory cards for September, eight for October and 89 total for the year.
Under old business, Crawford thanked everyone for their hard work over the last year and Rich and Terry Madison for helping with the newsletter.
It was decided Crawford and Huewes’ names would be put on the safety deposit box at the bank.
Raymond Banner made a motion, seconded by Phyllis Alien, to accept the slate of officers as follows: Crawford, president; Rich Madison, vice president; Terry Madison, secretary; and Huewe, treasurer. It was passed.
The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Holy Spirit Hall.
Rich Madison made a motion, seconded by Betty Baker, to adjourn. It was approved.
Hannah Shady from the LC clinic gave the program for the evening.
Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary
Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary met Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Canasta winners were Gwen Sandeman, first; Janet Kessler, second; and Mary Kline, third.
Marilyn Larimore won the door prize.
Connie Bailey will host cards and chatter Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Creston Lions Club
Creston Lions Club met 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Pizza Ranch. Susan Weight, president, opened the meeting, led in the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the invocation. Ron Dunphy introduced guests Duane and Wilma Osmun.
Following the meal, Jerry Katzer introduced his son Nathan Katzer who was the guest speaker. Nathan is special assistant to Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Secretary Bill Northey. He pointed out the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture is elected, while the same position in surrounding states is appointed. Northey and his staff visit every county in the state each year.
Nathan presented an overview of the activities of the Department of Ag. Issues discussed included lack of skilled labor in Iowa, California drought effects on other states, Des Moines Water Works lawsuit against drainage district, crop insurance, drones in agriculture possibilities and problems of avian influenza not being a threat to humans but devastating to producers. Presidential candidates often contact the department for agricultural information.
Weight presided over the business meeting. The secretary and treasurer’s reports were approved. Tom Braymen reported more than 300 children were given vision screenings this fall through the KidSight program. The Lions will have a float in the lighted Christmas parade and will participate in festival of trees. Weight acknowledged the leadership of 9SW District Governor Dean Brant and his wife Twila. Stew Stewart shared information from the Iowa Lion publication.
The drawing was won by Radine Ward. The meeting adjourned. The next meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Pizza Ranch.
Kiwanis
The weekly Kiwanis meeting was held 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Windrow meeting room with 22 members and one guest present. President Craig Mittag presided, Drew Henderson gave the prayer and Dennis Carter was the finemaster.
The program was given by Mike Taylor, Creston City Administrator. Taylor discussed the Cottonwood subdivision, Lincoln School housing project and duplex updates on South Elm Street. He also discussed some of the major infrastructure that Creston will need to be doing in the areas of water and sewer. There was also conversation about retail shopping changes and additions that are in the works this year and next.
Korina Loudon gave an update on the wreath fundraiser and thanked the members for their efforts. The fresh wreaths and sprays will be delivered Thanksgiving weekend.
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Catholic Daughters
Court Joan of Arc No. 428 met Oct. 13, 2015, in the church hall following mass. Members on the dinner committee were Kay Kinsella, Jane Collins, Jean Miller, Betty Bradley and Ann Marie Kinsella. Following dinner, a program was presented by Brian Zachary of the Creston Arts Council. He spoke of the various art programs available to both youth and adults. Creston Arts has a room at the restored Depot that features a different artist each month. He encouraged us to take advantage of the programs offered and support the arts in the Creston area.
The meeting was called to order by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and a Hail Mary. The minutes and treasurer’s report from the last meeting were read and approved. Carolyn Downing, Virginia Aguilar and Lois Nelson have agreed to be on the financial review committee to meet with Pat Taylor, district deputy. We received a thank you from the state officers for holding the area workshop in September.
June Huewe made the motion to purchase more cards to be mailed to prospective members. Pat Porkorny seconded. Motion carried. We were encouraged to personally invite someone to CD of A.
The court has agreed to help with the parish float for the lighted Christmas parade. Pokorny made a motion to make a donation to the NYC trip for the parish youth. Arlene Carlson seconded. Motion carried.
Anita Studer won the half and half. The membership prayer was recited to close the meeting. Collins made the motion to adjourn. Aguilar seconded.