May 17, 2024

Club news

Union County Genealogical Society

The Union County Genealogical Society met 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at Gibson Memorial Library. Debbie Bradley presented the program on country school records. She used a Union County map, which she had made, showing the location of each country school in each township of Union County in the 1880s. Bradley explained that the rural schools were located close to the middle of a township section and were approximately two miles apart. Before 1900 any name could be used to name a rural school. In 1900, the state of Iowa required that a standard numbering system, starting with the number one plus township name, be used to identify each school in each township. Bradley talked about the history of the rural schools, the consolidation of rural schools and the purpose of the normal school.

Bradley and her husband stayed as guests for the genealogical society meeting.

President Tessa Hull called the regular business meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Nine members and two guests answered roll call by describing a favorite grade school memory.

Hull made additions to the agenda, a motion was made by Ruth McDowell to approve the revised agenda. Jane Briley seconded by motion. Motion carried.

Minutes of the Aug. 26 meeting were read. After corrections were noted, motion was made by Roger Nurnberg and seconded by Terry Madison to approved minutes as corrected. Motion carried.

Treasurer Roger Nurnberg presented the treasurer’s report. Nurnberg suggested that for future workshops the one in charge should have a sign in sheet for attendees to sign their name and record the amount paid.

For committee reports, it was reported that the web site committee is working on improving the web page. Saundra Leininger reported she is working on the newsletter page. A handout was presented for members to list ideas for programs and workshops for 2020.

Terry Madison reported she received one request for correspondence.

For old business, it was reported that the September workshop, English Roots, presented by Theresa McCormick Liewer was excellent. It was noted that there is an extra copy of Cemetery Book No. 5 at the library. Jane presented the Casey Iowa sesquicentennial book which was approved for purchase at the Aug. 26 meeting.

For new business, the next workshop will Oct. 5. Linda Greethurst will present the program on Legacy Genealogy Software. Nurnberg suggested someone needs to check the power point system to assure the batteries are charged for the remote before a speaker begins his/her presentation.

Nurnburg discussed the web page for the Roots Cellar Shop. He asked for ideas for stocking items such as book bags, note books, coffee cups, etc. He asked that resources and suggestions for items be presented at the next meeting.

Motion was made by Leininger and seconded by McDowell to adjourn meeting at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried. The next meeting will be Oct. 28 at the Gibson Memorial Library.

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GFWC/IOWA Bancroft History Assembly

GFWC/IOWA Bancroft History Assembly met on Oct. 7 at Greater Regional Health in the D. V. Richardson Room. Four life members and seven regular members answered roll call. The inspirational thought was – Even a fish would not get into trouble, if he just kept his mouth shut.

The minutes were approved as written and the treasurer’s report was placed on file for audit.

A thank you note was read from Leone Purdum.

Safety issues and how to prevent accidents were discussed.

Peg Anderson is the chair for the state Advocacy and Action Committee. She also shared a handout for 7 Grand Initiatives.

Martha Musmaker stated that Mark and Mary Ann O’Riley will be inducted in the CCHS Hall of Fame.

We can now collect empty ink cartridges, Ipads, tablets and old phones.

Marisue Lewis, Sandy Oswald and Peg Anderson are going to convention which is Oct. 18 in Granger.

After the Club Collect, Kay Raymond presented the program about the White House.

The next meeting will be held at the Creston Plaza Community Room 1:30 p.m. Nov. 4.

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Creston Lions

Creston Lions met Oct. 1 at the Pizza Ranch. The meeting was opened by club president Derek Thompson leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. Stew Stewart gave the invocation.

Following the meal, Jerry Katzer introduced Deron Stender who recently began serving as Superintendent of the Creston Community School District. He shared some personal information about himself and his family. They will relocate to Creston sometime in the future. One topic Stender discussed was an upcoming vote for a future one cent sales tax increase. He hosts a community coffee at various locations in Creston which are announced on Twitter and Facebook. One has been held at McDonalds and one will be at Hy-Vee soon.

Thompson presided over the business meeting. The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were given and approved. Members were given the opportunity to sign up to help serve Open Table on Oct. 8. Dean Brant reviewed the accomplishments of past District Governor Dale Juergens of Clearfield who passed away recently. Tom Braymen reported on the KidSight project at which young children are given vision screenings. Creston kindergarten, pre-school and Head Start have been done as well as the Orient School. Lenox school was set for Oct. 7. Creston day cares, St. Malachy and East Union are on the schedule. A Pork Chop Dinner report was given that about 1250 chops were served on Sept. 19. The next fund raising project will be the Spud Supper set for Feb. 27 at Creston United Methodist Church.

The next Lions Club board meeting will be Oct. 22 and the next regular meeting of the club will be November 5 at the Pizza Ranch.

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GWFC/Progressive Chautauqua Study Club

The GWFC/Progressive Chautauqua Study Club participated in their annual October field trip, Oct. 8. The day was organized by the program committee, Peg Anderson, Sharon Skarda, and Joyce Anderson. Eight members enjoyed an educational trip to the Salisbury House in Des Moines.Lunch was arranged for at Noah’s Ark.

Further arrangements were made for the Southwest District Convention, October 18, at Granger. Items were collected for the Thanksgiving themed silent auction basket . Members were reminded to bring their country store items, medicine bottles, and Hope Lodge Project donations to the District meeting.

There were 34 pairs of shoes collected by the club in September for the “Soles for Souls” project. There will be future opportunities to contribute to “Soles for Souls.”

October is Dr Seuss month.

The next regular meeting is planned for Nov. 26 at the home of Joyce Anderson. We will collect a monetary donation for the Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Center.

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IA TOPS No. 1338

IA TOPS No. 1338 Creston met Sept. 30 at First Methodist Church with 11 members present. Carol Sheldahl called the meeting to order with our Tops pledge. Best loser was a tie between Donna Scheel and Carol Sheldahl and runner up was Shellie Adams. Our monthly best loser was Carolyn Burtis and Sandy Oswald was second. Our last weeks fines went to the treasury. Minutes were given by Bev Roberts and Alice Brown gave the treasury report.

Sheldhal gave the program on “The importance of Mammography.” October is breast cancer Awareness month and screen plus breast exam are our wisest choice. Next weeks program will be given by Gert Frost.

Squares contest was won by Alice Brown. The Red Can Challenge number 12 - do chair home exercises 3 days this week.

Burtis announced the Goal Gum Ball Machine Contest is tied between Team A and Team B. Sheldahl adjourned with “You Take My Hand.”

The next meeting will be 5 p.m. Oct.7.

IA TOPS No. 1338 Creston met Oct. 7 at First Methodist Church with ten members present. Carol Sheldahl called the meeting to order with our Tops pledge. Best loser was Carolyn Burtis and Monica Belew was runner-up. Last weeks fines went to Donna Scheel. Bev Roberts read the minutes and Alice Brown gave the treasurer’s report.

Brown gave the program “Whats Your Diet IQ.” We answered five questions on newly uncovered facts on health benefits of the food we eat. Such as getting a glowing complexion by eating apricots, tomatoes and mango’s. Next week program will be given by Gert Trost or Shellie Adams.

Squares contest was won by Donna Scheel. The Red Can Challenge number 20 is for three days, one meal a day; if you cant wash it, dont eat it.

Burtis announced the Goal Gum Ball Machine Contest and Team B. Sheldahl adjourned with “You Take My Hand.”

The next meeting will be 5 p.m. Oct.14.

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Kiwanis

The weekly Kiwanis meeting was held 12:05 p.m. Oct. 8 at Pizza Ranch meeting room with 23 members and two guests present. President Bob Miller presided, Joe Powers did the prayer and Terry Freeman was the finemaster.

The Club is selling fresh evergreen decorated wreaths and swags in October for delivery in November. See a Kiwanis member to order or the Creston Kiwanis Facebook Page. The fresh evergreens will be delivered close to Thanksgiving to enjoy the whole holiday season.

The Annual Kiwanis Keep a Kid Warm coat giveaway will be 5 to 6 p.m. Oct 22 at the Methodist Church. This event is for children only and the child must be present to get a coat. Members signed up to help at the meeting.

Program was Deron Stender, Superintendent of Creston Community Schools. He updated the club on enrollment numbers, PPEL renewal plans for next year, homecoming activities this week and his monthly coffees to talk to area residents about the schools.

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Three Mile Sharp Shooters 4-H Club

The regular meeting of the Three Mile Sharp Shooters 4-H Club was held 3 p.m. Oct. 6 At the High Lakes Outdoor Alliance Shooting Range. In Honor of National 4-H Week, Oct. 6-12, members cleaned and picked up trash around the Range House and Trap Pads. The meeting was called to order by President Taylor Miller at 3:35 p.m. The Pedge of Allegiance and the 4-H pledge were led by Quynn Foster. Attendance was taken by Secretary Hunter Swanson followed by the treasurer’s report given by Sarah King. The club’s bake sale scheduled for Dec. 7 was the only unfinished business.

New business included ordering club t-shirts for new members and leaders. Members voted to participate in the Afton Trunk or Treat to be held on Oct. 31, Hunter Swanson was appointed committee chairperson for this event. Announcements were given followed by a presentation by Quynn Foster. Her presentation was titled “Sunshine Shoe Boxes,” which are shoe boxes that contain small items for children such as a small reading book, notepad, pen, lip balm, tissues, etc. The club voted and chose to take this on as a project for December and donate the boxes to children in need, Quynn volunteered to oversee the Sunshine Shoe Box Project as a junior leadership project. The meeting was adjourned.

Members enjoyed shooting three rounds of trap and worked on improving their shooting skills. The next meeting will be held Nov. 3. Austin Berry is scheduled to speak to the club and give a demonstration on precision rifle shooting. Students in grades 4 through 12 interested in joining the Three Mile Sharp Shooters 4-H Club may contact the Union County Extension Service at 641-782-8426.

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Union Square Dance Club

Several of the club members traveled to Clarinda on Sept. 28 for an ice cream social to celebrate the birthday of Teresa Menard. Teresa enjoyed ice cream prepared by Gale Fisher and cookies baked by her daughter.

Oct. 4 the dance caller was Larry Liebig. The dance was attended by ten guests and 19 members. Bob and Joyce Cooper were hosts.

Oct 6, 26 members gathered at the home of Dennis Hansen for a fish fry and potluck. Dennis had been fishing in Alaska and shared his catch with the group.

The next dance will be Oct. 18 with Barry Peck as the caller. Carla Peck will lead us in line dancing. This will be our Halloween dance.

The public is invited to watch or join in. For more information contact Bob Cooper at 641-782-4403.

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Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary

The Ladies Lakeshore Auxiliary Met Oct. 9.

Canasta winners were Rose Blakesley first place, Linda Clarke second and Penni Nauman third.

Winner of the door prize was Sharon Giles. The next meeting for cards and chatter will be Oct. 16, and the hostess will be Sharon Giles.