Town and Country FCE Club

The Town and Country FCE club met for its annual Christmas party Thursday, Dec. 14 at Delmonico's Restaurant in Jackson. The arrangements for the meeting were made by chairperson's Darlene McCain and Brenda Pender. Games were provided by Lois Seabaugh.

A short business meeting was called to order by Mary Klaproth, president. The minutes from the November meeting were read by Sue Jones, secretary and Linda Thompson gave the treasurer's report. Both reports were approved as read. The club received a thank-you note from Parkview State School for their Halloween party that the club gave for the students. Pennies for Rural Women in Action were collected.

Klaproth, thanked Donna Woolsey, Dean Jones, Jones, McCain, Pender and Thompson for erecting the Christmas display in Jackson City Park. Members took donations for the annual Christmas toy drive to the Jackson Police Department after putting up the display.

Eight club members attended the December FCE Council Christmas meeting at the University of Missouri Extension Center Thursday, Dec. 7. The Council made a total of $289 from the silent auction that was held.

A few members went on the Southern Country Church Christmas tour Sunday, Dec. 10.

Each member brought Christmas candy for treat bags for Cottonwood Treatment Center. The bags were to be delivered to them at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19

Nine members traveled on Saturday, Dec. 16. to Grand Rivers, Kentucky, for the Christmas Variety Show at Badgett Theater.

Klaproth distributed information packets to each member for 2024.

The door prize was won by Linda Thompson. There was a secret pal gift exchange and new names were drawn for 2024.

The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11 at the home of Klaproth. The program will be given by Judy Niswonger. Members are to bring one item for a pound auction that will be held as a fund raiser for the club treasury. Also, volunteer hour forms will be collected from each member at the January meeting.

Kage FCE

Kage Family Continuing Education met Thursday, Dec. 14, at Delmonico's Restaurant for its annual Christmas luncheon meeting.

The devotion was given by Judie Herbst titled "May you always have an angel by your side."

Shirley Palen gave the program about cardinals by reading a story about the red birds. The cardinal is known as the Christmas bird thanks to its brilliant red feathers which stand out in the stark whiteness of winter. The cheery crimson bird brightens the snowy winter landscape symbolizing hope and love in the darkness of winter. Many believe that cardinals represent loved ones who have passed. In times of sorrow and loneliness, when you receive a visit from a cardinal, you will know that your loved one, or loved ones, will be with you always.

Palen decorated the club's table with beautiful cardinals and everyone received one.

Before the delicious meal, Jobyna Daume read a Christmas prayer.

Daume passed out the calendar of FCE events in the county, along with committee assignments. She also reminded members of reports due.

Herbst presented Barbara Marshall with her 20-year membership pin and certificate. Joan Meyer received her 55-year pin at the County Council Meeting earlier.

Members enjoyed a gift exchange playing a game involving the "Wright" family. It was a lot of fun, but messy, going from right to left with the gifts.

Delmonico's had a lovely tree for us to admire and get in the spirit of the season.

The club's project this month was Christmas for the Elderly.

The next meeting will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center.