Crest on Lions Club
Creston Lions Club met Tuesday evening, Jan. 8 at the Pizza Ranch. First vice president Derek Thompson opened the meeting and led in the Pledge to the Flag. Stew Stewart gave the invocation. Jerry Thomson introduced the guest speaker, Allen Long and his wife Angie.
Following the meal, Long, who is the Youth Sports Director at Southern Prairie YMCA, spoke about his work. There are several sports in which Y members of all ages can participate. Currently basketball is on the schedule and is well attended. Indoor hockey has been introduced and is popular. Another sport available is soccer and baseball will start when the season begins. There is a men’s basketball league which will continue through February. There are expenses involved and fee information is available at the Y. There are scholarships available with varying rates. The Iowa Wild at Dies Monies provided hockey supplies and the Southern Prairie Y was the first in the state to participate.
Thompson presided over the business meeting. The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were approved. Dean Brant thanked all the members who helped with the Christmas Basket project.
Plans for the annual Spud Supper were discussed. It will be held Feb. 28 at the United Methodist Church. Tickets will be available soon.
Tom Bray men reported that 40 students at St. Malachi School were vision screened for the Kid Sight project. They were preschoolers and kindergartners. Thompson presented funds to Dana Dodge for the Endowment Fund at the Y. Ra dine Ward reported that so far this year 60 pairs of used eyeglasses have been collected locally. Lions Clubs everywhere collect used hearing aids and used eyeglasses which are distributed to those who need them. Collection containers are at the following places in Crest on: the YMCA, the Restored Depot, the Rectory Rerun Store, Walmart and the United Methodist Church. The cooperation of the public is greatly appreciated.
The Board of Directors will meet at 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at Stewart’s office. The next club meeting will be a Guest Night at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Pizza Ranch. Anyone interested in becoming a member of Creston Lions may contact Stewart at 641-344-1347.
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Kiwanis
The weekly Kiwanis meeting was held 12:05 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the Windrow meeting room with 30 members and 1 guest. President Terry Freeman presided Drew Henderson did the prayer, Korina Loudon was the finemaster.
The Club is working at the Creston Archery Club’s 2D and 3D shoot on Saturday Jan. 26, members signed up to help.
The program was Steve Gutherie, General Manager of Creston Water Works. He gave a brief history of his background and experience with Water facilities.
He answered many questions about the situation between Creston Water Works and SIRWA, The shutdown and repairs made to the Creston plant to get it back online with safe water were also discussed. He talked about the 45 percent water rate increase for residents of Creston which will amount to $11 per month more for the average usage household starting this year.
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Crest Area for Life
Crest Area for Life met Jan. 3 at the home of Dick and Betty Baker. Eight members were in attendance.
President Betty Baker opened up with the right to life prayer. There was no secretary’s report. Terry Madison gave the treasurer’s report. It was approved. We discussed whether to continue the ads in the Hanson directory.
Madison read a thank you from Hannah Shady, who spoke at the annual meeting in October.
Under old business, members set 2 p.m. Jan. 20 at Calvary Cemetery for the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. In case of bad weather, it will be held at Abundant Life Family Church, 500 S. Oak St., in Creston.
Under new business, the group discussed replacing the billboard on Highway 25.
The next meeting is 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Holy Spirit Hall.
Madison made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Meg Crawford.
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VFW Post 1797
VFW Post 1797 met Jan. 8 at the Elks Lodge in Creston; 30 members and guests were present. After dinner a presentation was made to winners of Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen essays.
Commander Gary O’Daniels called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with 16 members present.
The post draped the charter for veterans Irvin Froit, William Moran and Marvin Bunkofske.
Service officers reported 34 hours for community service, 35 hours for honor guard and 39 hours at the hospital. The post also traveled 440 miles for veterans.
Minutes and QM reports were read and approved.
In old business, the abstract for the VFW building in Afton was given to the city clerk. A company is looking into any asbestos that might possibly be in the building.
In new business, winners of essays are Hayden Ray – first, Tristen Rice – second and Kristi Travis – third in Patriot Pen. Evan Hagen – first and Megan Pellman – second in Voice of Democracy. A big thank you to all students who participated.
Veterans on the Hill will be Jan. 23 at the capital in Des Moines.
A soup supper is planned for Jan. 26 at the Williamson Legion with proceeds going to the honor flight. The supper will start at 5 p.m. and go until the food is gone.
In district news, next district meeting will be Jan. 12 in Centerville and mid-winter will be Jan. 18-20 at the Holiday Inn across from airport in Des Moines. Commander project is for helping homeless veterans, and anyone wanting to donate items can contact Denny Abel.
The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Elks Lodge with dinner at 6 p.m. and meeting to follow at 7 p.m. All war veterans are encouraged to attend.
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CARSPA
Creston Area Retired School Personnel Association (CARSPA) held its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Crest Ridge Estate meeting room in Creston with nine members present.
Beth Perry gave an informative book review on “20 Most Asked Questions about the Amish and Mennonites.” She discussed similarities and differences between the Amish and Mennonites. She also talked about their education, dress, beliefs and problems.
A business meeting followed conducted by Diane Burgmaier. She said the local CARSPA group had reported 2,200 volunteer hours with youth and 1,641 community volunteer hours the past year – an increase of four percent. Deb Lilly and Burgmaier also attended a pre-retirement workshop Dec. 19 in Creston, since CARSPA was one of the hosts.
The next meeting will be Feb. 12 at the conference room at Greater Regional Health in Creston. Amanda Venteicher, traveler of the Caribbean and host of foreign exchange students, will be the speaker.
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Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary
Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary met Jan 16.
Canasta winners were Cheri Lilly, first; Wanda Nash, second; and Mary Kline, third.
Joan Chubick won the door prize.
Mary Kline will host cards and chatter Wednesday, Jan 23.