Kiwanis
The weekly Kiwanis meeting was held 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Windrow meeting room with 18 members and one guest. President Terry Freeman presided, Roger Lanning gave the prayer and Sam Beaty was the finemaster.
The fresh Christmas wreath fundraiser deliveries will be right before Thanksgiving.
The program was given by Sheri Wolf. She is with MATURA and works with low-income families on home energy assistance. Wolf explained the program details and income guidelines. Last year the program helped more than 2,000 families in the six counties that MATURA works with. She also discussed the toy drive for children that will start soon with local businesses to help children have a Merry Christmas.
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St. John’s Women’s Evening Fellowship
St. John’s Women’s Evening Fellowship met Monday, Nov. 12. Devotions and least coin was given and collected by Joyce Clark. The card report was given by Peggy Erskine.
President Tammy Willets conducted the business meeting. The group voted to donate money to the Christmas Basket fund again this year. Plans were finalized for the annual women’s Christmas party to be 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Parish Hall. It will be a potluck with everyone attending to also bring a grab bag gift.
Members volunteered to bring loaves of bread for the Nov. 18 church service to be passed out during communion. A date for the Hanging of the Greens was set for Nov. 25 following the church service. The group discussed plans for a bake sale to be held in January.
The trivia prize was won by Erskine. Refreshments were served by Willets.
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Ladies Literary Circle
On Nov. 9, 15 members answered roll call at Ladies Literary Circle hosted by Judy Woods at Salem Lutheran Church in Creston. Following the reading of last meeting’s minutes and treasurer’s report, President Stephani Finley informed the members Linda Hartsock and committee had completed the Christmas decorating in the Edaburn House at the historical village. Hartsock also addressed volunteer staffing during the Edaburn open house which is from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 1, 2, 9 and 16.
By unanimous recommendation by the program committee and unanimous vote by members present, it was decided to not schedule a make-up date for the missed Oct. 12 meeting.
With detailed maps of Italy in hand, members were introduced to the setting of “The Lizard’s Bite” by David Hewson, reviewed by Susan Weight, a librarian by profession and world traveler by choice.
A complicated mystery, the reader must remember that modern day Italy is a very recently established country, and that it is well-known for the levels of corruption in business, politics and through the mafia.The story deals with glassmakers who live near the island of Murano, which has been the home of glassmakers since 1291.
The Archangeli family is barely making ends meet in their glassmaking factory. Relief could come in the form of a British ex-patriot who is using the corruption of the business world and politicians to try to buy the Archangeli island to use as a resort. Before any deal can be made, there is an explosion in the factory. Who dies and why? Who is the killer? As in most murders, the detectives find money, corruption and sexual intrigue are at the heart of these homicides. Here begins the challenging story with subplots and multiple characters. In addition to giving “teasers” to the plot, Weight supports the story by sharing personal pictures of Italy as well as samples of beads made on the Archangeli island.
With “The Lizard’s Bite” full of rogue detectives and introspective “who done it” thoughts, mystery reader connoisseurs are in for a treat. Totally challenging, one can be assured the butler did not do it.
Members are to note the next LLC meeting is Nov. 30 at Connie Rhine’s home with Dottie Dunphy presenting the book review.
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Creston Lions
Creston Lions Club met Tuesday evening, Nov. 6, at the Pizza Ranch. Ralph Dillinger, president, opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was given by Stew Stewart. Jerry Katzer introduced guest speaker, Wayne Pantini, of the Union County Development Association.
Following the meal, Pantini presented information about UCDA which was established in 1997. Pantini has worked with the organization for 15 years. He discussed the objectives and goals of the association. The efforts of UCDA are directed to business extension and retention, as well as business development. A handout entitled “Made in UC – Union County, Iowa” was passed out. A recent promotion event was held in October which saluted the manufacturers in Union County. It featured existing industries and partnered with Creston Schools. This helped eighth graders take a look at front-line careers offered by companies and also gave them a look at related careers. UCDA also works closely with SWCC and a public school project called CAST, in which students are producing videos to help promote Creston businesses. There are many other events in which UCDA is involved. There was a question and answer time to complete the program.
Dillinger presided over the business meeting. The minutes and treasurer’s report were presented and approved. Jo Duckworth presented an application for assistance with eyeglasses. Dillinger presented a pin to Mike Duckworth for membership work during the Lions International centennial year. A 9SW District Meeting was on the schedule for Nov. 10 in Mount Ayr.
Tom Braymen reported the Creston Lions KIDSIGHT program has screened about 350 children this school year. The team has visited daycares, preschools and kindergartens in Lenox, East Union, Afton, Messena, Orient, Creston and Trinity Lutheran.
The Open Table meal will be served by Lions on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Creston United Church of Christ. Ellen Gerharz, Creston Chamber of Commerce, has asked the service clubs to consider serving a community meal in connection with the Creston Sesquicentennial. Susan Weight proposed the club assist the Creston Food Bank by donating personal care items. Those wishing to participate may take the items to the next meeting Dec. 4. A drawing was held and the meeting was adjourned.
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PEO
The regular business meeting of Chapter AZ was held Nov. 6 at Presbyterian Church with Joan Gordon as hostess and Ann Johnson as co-hostess.
Twenty-two members responded to roll call. The corresponding secretary read the following correspondence: acceptance of invitation from Lauris Heinzel and Shirley Lett.
The next regular meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the home of Connie Purdum with Shirley Ide serving as co-hostess. The next birthday luncheon will be noon Nov. 29 at Kelly’s Flowers and Cafe. LG auction will be 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov 13, at Salem Lutheran Church.
Madam president announced the program committee for 2019: chair – Sharon Booth and committee members – Lela Burkhalter, Joan Chubick, Norma Crawford and Jessica Duncan. Voted to send invitation to Meg McGrath to transfer to Chapter AZ. Feb. 5 meeting will be held at the MAP Conference Room at GRMC.
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Beta Sigma Phi
Members of Iowa Alpha Sigma Masters and guests enjoyed a social evening Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Roadside Bar N Grill in Arispe with five members and three guests participating.
After discussion, it was decided members would hold their Christmas dinner 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Windrow.
The evening was enjoyed with visiting.
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Kent Dinner Club
Kent Dinner Club met Nov. 8 at Pizza Ranch.
The next meeting will be 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at Pizza Ranch.
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Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary
Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary met Nov. 14.
Canasta winners were Joy Seeley, first; Janet Kessler, second; and Loretta Kelly, third.
Barb Bills won the door prize.
Linda Clark will host cards and chatter Wednesday, Nov. 28.