Afton Federated Garden Club
Members of the Afton Federated Garden Club met 11:30 a.m. April 14 at the Afton Community Center to work on projects for the plant sale in May. Members had lunch at Kansas Street Deli, then planned to work on the Butterfly Garden in the Afton square, but due to the rain, we went back to the center and worked on the project until time for the meeting.
President Shirley Wallace called the meeting to order with members repeating the Pledge of Allegiance and Club Collect. Roll call was answered by 12 members.
Minutes were read by Monica Huddleson. After corrections, Gwen Sandeman made a motion and Ginny Quick seconded it, to approve the corrected minutes. Iris Smith and Bev Rowe gave the treasurer’s report. Donna Thomas made a motion, seconded by Audrey McDowell to accept the report. Thomas presented a bill for postage.
Loretta Kelly sent a thank you card to the club for the cards she received and for those who attended her surprise birthday party.
Thomas sent birthday cards to Ginny Quick, Karen VanBuskirk, Lauri Long and Kelly.
The Ways and Means committee discussed advertising for the May 12 plant sale. They plan to make posters and place them in various locations, put an ad in various newspapers and put an ad on Creston radio’s Grapevine.
Wallace reported on the June 5 district meeting in Indianola at the First Assembly of God Church. The club is in charge of the pledge and a silent auction item, which Wallace has ordered. She noted several changes for future district news. Wallace told members at the end of the year, any extra district money is donated and this year’s donation went to the Iowa Arboretum. District meeting sign-up sheet was passed around.
Coming events include: May 5-6 – Jim Nelson’s Benton Street plant sale; from 1 to 6 p.m. May 12 – Afton Federated Garden Club plant sale; May 13 – Winterset Sunshine Club all day plant sale and Master Gardener’s morning plant sale, both in Winterset; Reiman Gardens will open their Washed Ashore exhibit featuring giant sea life sculptures running April 29-Oct. 31; Orient Friends of the Library plant sale will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 20 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21; and Orient Shady Ladies sale will be June 10.
For new business, members decided on getting club T-shirts. They decided on the color and for it to be silk screened with a design on the front. Costs and designs will be discussed next meeting.
After discussion, we decided to add page numbers and a page with our past community service projects to our program books for next year.
Motion to adjourn was made by Thomas and seconded by Sandeman. All repeated the Conservation Pledge.
Quick gave a very interesting and informative program on bird nests – a safe place for babies to grow. She told us that hummingbirds use spider webs in making their nests so the nest can expand as the babies grow. Quick said the largest bald eagle nest was 9 feet in diameter, 20 feet deep and weighed 30 tons. She told the group not to put lint out for birds to use in nest making because of the chemicals. For more information go to www.explore.org.
Joan Johnson and Quick served lunch. The next meeting will be 10 a.m. May 12 at Afton Community Center. Kelly will have the program on butterflies, and Kelly and Sandeman will be hostesses. After the meeting, members will have lunch and prepare for the plant sale. Weather permitting, it will be at the Afton Park, but if not, will be at the center.
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GRMC Hospital Auxiliary Board
Carolyn, Bev, Sandy, Joan, Lois, Nancy, Martha, Jordan, Ann, Tammy and Rhonda were in attendance for the April 20 meeting of the GRMC Hospital Auxiliary Board.
The minutes were approved and the financial report was found to be in good standing.
It was noted two morning and two afternoon volunteers are needed May 3 for the linen sale. The annual golf fundraiser event is scheduled for June 2. It was decided to donate a gift basket and $500 to help cover the cost of Pumptown, who will be providing live music during the event.
CEO Monte Neitzel reported the following transitions are being made: Jessica Duncan to executive assistant (she will also coordinate with the Foundation); LouAnn Snodgrass to focus on quality control (customer satisfaction); Jordan Crawford to Crest Ridge and volunteer services; Luke Neitzel for health services (public health, business health and rural health clinics) and the business offices to old surgery. Work is continuing on the transition of the visiting specialty clinics to the old business offices in the Medical Arts Plaza. Neitzel related the front section of the GRMC-owned building on Highway 34 is going to be used as an education center and meeting space. It may be transitioned to other uses in the future. He also stated the hospital lab is now staffed 24/7.
Other business included: membership drive April 19 at lunch/Sandy and Marcia; new volunteer Wilma Perrin for info desk and gift shop; 2017 health care scholarships due April 15; donated $2,000 to IHERF scholarship fund; donated $2,800 to purchase two Stryker wheelchairs; jewelry sale Sept. 9, need to address some problems; volunteer appreciation, 5 p.m. April 27; next meeting 10 a.m. May 8, MAP Conference Room.
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Union County Genealogical Society
The Union County Genealogical Society met April 24 at Gibson Memorial Library. Eleven members and two guests answered roll call with their occupations. President Jane Briley presided over the business meeting.
Roger Nurnberg reported on the steps to take in order to minimize damage from a computer attack. 1) When attacked, immediately disconnect your internet service. If using WiFi or a laptop, use the tower key to toggle off and on. If on a PC, shut the computer or router down. If the computer is connected by cable, disconnect the wire from either the computer or the router. 2) Practice these steps so you can act quickly. 3) Back up your information. 4) Install a reputable virus protection.
Kathy Parmenter aided by Nurnberg and Saundra Leininger presented the program on “what you can do for our new website.” Volunteers are needed to transcribe information for the website. Contact Nurnberg if you are able to assist. Society-owned books can be used for information. Nurnberg will secure a receipt book which will record the book and the user. The receipt book will be kept by the secretary Jackie Shafar. A list of cemeteries that need to be transcribed was passed. Parmenter also reported that individuals are encouraged to share family information to be included within the website. There will also be a facts page, and contributions are needed for this information.
Jackie Shafar gave the five-minute tidbit on the military section of the genealogy room. The two-volume set of “The Soldier in Our Civil War: A Pictorial History of the Conflict 1861-1865” was displayed for the detailed etchings of military action, individuals and battle maps that were made from sketches drawn by actual eyewitness to the happenings. “The History and Biography of Union County, Iowa Civil War Veterans” by Joseph O. Elwell was a commemorative booklet assembled in three weeks. It includes biographies of veterans along with photos, information on their families and, in some instances, pictures of their homes. Several books covering information of the Grand Army of the Republic were also covered giving the history of the organization, an explanation of significance of its badge, the impact that the group had in national politics and the group’s part in helping establish Memorial Day. The volume showing Union County’s WWI enlistments and the information collected on each enlistee was shown.
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Creston Ladies Literary Circle
Creston Ladies Literary Circle (LLC) was hosted April 21 by Connie Purdum. The business meeting was conducted by President Vanita Moberg. Linda Hartsock, program committee, requested the arrival time of 11:30 a.m. for those attending the spring luncheon May 5 at Crestmoor Golf Club. Lunch will be served at noon.
Dee Ann Stults reported she and Midge Scurlock had contacted Elzevir, Chautauque, Bancroft and the Book Club to invite them to the program following lunch. The program by local author D. Nichole King will begin at 1 p.m.
Stults also announced that $1,000 was given in memory of Clifford Purdum by his wife Leon Purdum, a life time member of LLC. Following discussion of same, a motion was made by Judy Gile that LLC’s annual community charity donation be made to the Gibson Memorial Library building fund. It was unanimously approved. That donation will be made in the fall.
Business meeting was adjourned.
Hartsock then introduced Gile, who gave an informative and shocking review of the book “In Order to Live” by Yeonmi Park with Maryanne Vollers. This is an autobiography of an amazing young woman who started her escape from North Korea by way of China with her mother at the age of 13. They crossed a frozen river to China where they hoped to have a new and better life and eventually go to South Korea and freedom. What they found was a life of human trafficking and abuse. Ironically, they left North Korea for being abused in that repressive society. For more than 70 years, the family of Kim has ruled North Korea with an “iron cruel fist.” In this isolated and closed community, the North Koreans know nothing about the outside world, living with no contact with other nations. No decisions are made by individuals, only by the government and great cruelty, distrust, dishonesty and torture are the normal.
The book shows people what life is like in this isolated country called the “Hermit Kingdom.” The personal account of this woman and her family reveals the unbelievable hardships they face each day. It puts a human face on living under a cruel dictator. This timely review sparked much conversation and concern.
Pelicans were observed on Summit Lake. Springtime flowers decorated the tables. Refreshments of lemon-pineapple cake, candy and nuts were served.
The next meeting will be the final of the season, the spring luncheon May 5 at Crestmoor Golf Club.
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Elzevir Reading Circle
The Elzevir Reading Circle held its April 14 meeting at the home of Alice Bowers. Terry Ammon called the meeting to order at 1:45 p.m. She shared "The General Prologue," which is the first part of Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" from 1387-1400.
Members answered roll call by sharing information on a favorite book or one they had recently read. Secretary minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Treasurer Mary Burg gave the treasurer’s report.
The slate of officers for next year will be: Linda Topliff, president; Carol Brentnall, secretary; Terry Ammon, treasurer; Angela Pullen, reading chairman; and executive committee Angela Pullen and Barbara Thomsen. Members volunteered to be hostesses for next year.
A thank you was received from SWCC for the circle’s share of the donation to the GFWC Federated Women’s clubs scholarship. GRWC Mississippi Valley Regional Conference will be held Sept. 21-24 at Honey Creek Resort-Lake Rathbun. A sympathy card was signed for Carol Harrison and a get-well card was signed for Linda Topliff.
Ladies Literary Circle has invited the group to attend their program 1 p.m. May 5 at Crestmoor Country Club. The speaker will be Iowa author D. Nichole King of Osceola. It was decided this would take the place of the regular scheduled May 12 meeting.
The meeting closed with all reciting Mary Stewart’s Club Collect. The hostess served lemon pie.
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Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library (FOL) met April 17 for their monthly board meeting with Emily Cook, Starr Cure, Jessica Duncan, Judy Hoakison, Cari Jack, Marisue Lewis, Bunny Norton, Kay Raymond, Julie Schieffer, Karen Walter and Library Director David Hargrove attending.
The agenda and last month’s minutes were both approved. The treasurer’s report will be placed on file for audit.
Hargrove, some members of the board of trustees and members of the capital campaign spoke at Crestland Community Betterment Foundation. Hargrove is pleased that many people are enjoying his postings on Facebook.
Thank you notes were received from Terry Madison, Donna Walsh and Sue Teutsch for their lunch during National Library Week.
A motion carried to accept the resolution which is an explanation of intent and is a statement companion to our by-laws.
There was discussion for FOL to piggy back on the library’s website.
The used book sale will be held Sept. 15-16 at O’Riley Center. FOL will be collecting books beginning May 1 for the sale. FOL will also participate June 10 in the city wide garage sale with a book sale at Fredricksen Memorials.
The next meeting will be 6 p.m. May 17 at the library.
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Mary Circle
Mary Circle of First Christian Church met April 20 at the church with Averil Lyman as hostess. There were nine members present.
Joyce Burkhead read the minutes of the last meeting and they were approved as read.
There was no new business. Old business discussed was the coffee fellowship planned for Sunday, April 23.
Florence Willets gave the lesson from “Bad Girls of the Bible” on Abigail.
The next meeting on April 20 will be at the home of Willets with Lyman will be the hostess.
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Beta Kappa Chapter
Beta Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International met the evening of April 3 at Winterset Public Library with six members and three guests present. After enjoying the delicious meal provided by various members, Connie Nielsen introduced the guest speaker, Tony Jacobsen. Jacobsen explained the Quilts of Valor program which presents quilts to those service members who have been touched by war as a thank you for their service and valor. He also displayed some of the quilts that have been made by various participants.
During the business meeting, correspondence was read from two of our World Fellowship students, thanking the group for sending Christmas cards. Members signed a card of encouragement for Dorothy Wallace. A card was also signed for Cleone Stamper’s 87th birthday.
A report was given from the Ad Hoc committee recommending a recipient for the Educational Excellence Award, which will be presented to a local teacher at her school’s spring awards assembly. Karen Tussey led the discussion on the next section of roles for review. Nielsen and Diane Burgmaier were appointed to work with Tussey on revising the chapter roles for review by the membership.
After the second reading of new member recommendations, two people were approved for membership. Debbie Lilly and Jill Tussey will be initiated at the June meeting.
Members were encouraged to attend the Upsilon State Convention June 9-11 in Mason City.
The next chapter meeting will be Friday, June 16, at Henry A. Wallace Center. The executive board will meet at 8:45 a.m., followed by the general meeting at 9 a.m. Lois Frederick and Burgmaier will be hostesses. Denise Ackerlund will have a Founders’ Day Program. The rest of the morning will be used to plan the programs for next year’s chapter meetings. The membership is encouraged to stay for lunch at 11 a.m.
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DAR
Ten members of Nancy McKay Harsh Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met April 8 at Summit House in Creston. Chapter Regent Jane Briley hosted the group.
Following rituals, Elaine Brown, Indian Moment chairwoman, talked about John Harrington, flight engineer on the Endeavor space craft in 2002, who was the first American Indian in space. Harrington is a member of the Chickasaw Tribe.
Connie Kinkade gave the National Defense report citing a report during the World War I era urging DAR members to help the war effort in the following ways: knitting products, making jellies for hospitals, adopting war orphans and working on the clipping bureau service committee. Members were encouraged to watch the American Experience Series WWI on PBS, commemorating 100 years of America’s involvement in WWI.
Pam Marvin’s Women in Iowa report told the story of Nellie Verne Walker, born in Red Oak in 1874 and was raised in Moulton. She learned the art of stone carving from her father, who carved tombstones for a living. Using her father’s tools, Walker carved a bust of Abraham Lincoln that was displayed at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. She became a famous sculptor fulfilling commissions in Iowa and across the country. She is best known for carving the statue of Iowa Senator James Harlan that stood in the U.S. Capitol for many years. Walker lived to be 98 years old and is buried in Moulton with her parents.
Tessa Hull has submitted her lineage papers to become a DAR member. The vote to accept her was unanimous.
The ISDAR State Conference will be held April 27-28 in Ames. Delegates attending are Briley, Connie Kinkade and Jackie Beard. Alternates are Marjorie Kinkade and Marvin.
Connie Kinkade will plan a Memorial Day program to be held at McKinley Park in Creston. Members discussed a flag retirement ceremony and various locations for the event were discussed. Details will be announced at a later date.
For roll call, members gave ideas for next year’s programs. The meeting closed with a prayer. The next meeting will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Summit House.
Any woman 18 years of age or older, who can trace her lineage back to the Revolutionary War is eligible to become a DAR member. Contact Marj Kinkade at 782-2503 for more information.