Kiwanis
The weekly Kiwanis meeting was held 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, at the Windrow meeting room with 24 members and one guest. President Chris Eaton presided, Bob Miller gave the prayer and Ellen Gerharz was the finemaster.
The program was given by Alan Carr with the Department of Natural Resources at Green Valley Lake in Creston. He discussed the recreational activities going on year-round at the lake. The camping area and cabins have been mostly full every weekend. Carr discussed the trails at and around the lake and other improvements and updates that have happened at the lake in the last couple of years.
— — — — — —
Elzevir Reading Circle
Elzevir Reading Circle met Monday, June 26, at the home of Terry Ammon. Ammon opened the meeting at 1:40 p.m. with the quote by James Gillespie Blaine, “The U.S. is the only country with a known birthday. All the rest began, they know not when and grew into power, they know not how. There is no Republican or Democrat on the Fourth of July. All are Americans.”
Members answered roll call by telling of Fourth of July plans. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Treasurer’s report was given and approved as read. Linda Topliff moved to donate $25 to the library for a book to be purchased in memory of long time member Carol Harrison. Alice Bowers seconded and motion passed. Plans were made to change the name on the treasurer’s checkbook.
Ammon reported on GFWC Southwest District meeting held June 10 at the Old Hotel in Greenfield. Dues will be increased by $5 next year. Forty-eight of 51 clubs received awards. A basket will be donated from Elzevir to be given as a door prize at the Sept. 21-24 Mississippi Valley Regional Conference at Honey Creek Resort Lake Rathbun in Moravia. Southwest District hosts the GFWC/Iowa State Convention next April 19-20. Much help will be needed.
Angela Pullen’s birthday was celebrated. The hostess served delicious pie. The next meeting will be Sept. 8 .
— — — — — —
VFW Post 1797
VFW Post 1797 met July 11 at the Elks in Creston. Fifteen members and guests were present for dinner.
Commander Gary O’Daniels called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with 10 members present.
The post draped the charter for veterans Phil Kenealy and James Siegmann.
Minutes and QM reports were read and approved.
Service officers reported 39 hours for community service, 34 hours for hospital, three hours for honor guard, two hours for cemetery and 18 hours at bloodmobile, for a total of 94 hours. Officers also traveled 150 miles for veterans.
In old business, there was an update on Union County Honor Flight. Vietnam books still available at Union County Veterans Affairs office for Vietnam veterans. The post thanks all who rode in Fourth of July parade.
In new business, letters will be sent out in July to veterans that will be taken to Washington, D.C., in September by Brushy Creek organization. Union County Veterans Affairs office will have a display table at the Union County Fair. Union County 4-H and FFA members will be raising a flag each day of the fair at 8:30 a.m. July 21-25. On July 27, Korean Armistice Day will be observed. Veterans are needed to help man the Iowa State Fair booth during the state fair. If interested, contact O’Daniels or Denny Abel.
Abel gave a report on the state and district. Next district meeting will be Sept. 9 in Newton and Oct. 7-8 will be State Pow Wow in Osceola.
The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Aug 8, at the Elks with dinner at 6 p.m. and meeting to follow at 7 p.m. All war veterans are encouraged to attend.
— — — — — —
Beta Sigma Phi
Alpha Sigma Master chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met July 13 with Marilyn Larimore as hostess. Loretta Kelly presided. Roll call was answered by telling of plans for attending the county fair. A thank you card was received from Pat Fils for the honor of Christmas angel.
Larimore reported members delivered candy cups to residents of Homestead Assisted Living in observance of Independence Day.
Kelly read, “How Chapters are Named” from the book of Beta Sigma Phi. She also shared an inspiring selection, “Look for the Extraordinary in the Ordinary.”
Larimore presented a humorous program on the virtues of the cucumber. A slice of cucumber can remove crayon marks from the wall, cure a squeaky hinge, provide an energy burst for a tired person and solve many other problems. She also read an article, “What I’ve Learned as an Adult.”
Plans were announced for a supper meeting July 27 at El Ranchito in Afton.
— — — — — —
DAR
Nine members of the Nancy McKay Harsh Chapter, DAR, and one guest, Ginger Capps, met Saturday, July 8, at the Homestead Apartments in Greenfield. Hostesses were Carol Baudler, Julie Sorensen and Karla Caltrider.
Regent Jane Briley gave the program on “Touring the Mormon Trail in Iowa,” highlighting what you can expect to see in each town. Briley urged DAR members to follow the trail and visit museums, historical monuments, shops and restaurants.
For the national defense report, Connie Kinkade gave a brief overview of World War I to mark the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into the war. She also told how DAR daughters at the time of WWI served their country with volunteer activities and projects. Ethel Handley gave the conservation moment by telling how important water is to our bodies and hydration is necessary for optimum health.
Pam Marvin told about Margaret Murchison Hossack of Iowa, 1843-1916, who was believed to have killed her husband, but was never convicted. She is referred to as the Lizzie Borden of Iowa and is the key figure in the book “Midnight Assassin.”
Members answered roll call by sharing what they did to celebrate the Fourth of July. Members were reminded of the board of management meeting Aug. 7 at the Quality Inn and Suites in Ames. Registration is due by July 24.
The next meeting will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, in Chariton. Members will meet at the Lucas County Historical Museum. Activities will include a dedication of gravestones of DAR members buried in Chariton, a re-dedication of the Mormon Trail monuments in the area and an American flag retirement ceremony. Roll call will be to name a favorite museum. Hostesses for the Dutch treat lunch will be Marvin, Jackie Beard and Charlotte Asell.
Any woman interested in DAR and can trace their ancestry back to a Revolutionary War soldier should call Marj Kinkade at 641-782-2503. DAR is a service organization dedicated to the preservation of our country’s history.
— — — — — —
Kent Dinner Club
Kent Dinner Club met July 13 with 10 in attendance.
Next meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at Pizza Ranch.
— — — — — —
Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary
Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary met July 19.
Canasta winners were Maxine May, first; Joan Chubick, second; and Marilyn Larimer, third.
Mary Kline won the door prize.
Rose Blakesley will host cards and chatter Wednesday, July 26.