American Legion Post 158

The Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 met April 11 with Larry Koehler, commander, presiding over the meeting. Joe Martin was introduced as a visitor.

Koehler presented the program on the American Legion's support for the Public Expression of Religion Act before Congress as HR 2679. Gerry Kamp gave a motion that the post go on record in support of HR 2679 with letters to Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, Sen. Kit Bond and Sen. Jim Talent and President George Bush. The motion was seconded and passed.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Richard Aguilar gave the financial report. P.M. Kurre reported 593 members with a list of 20 who are on the rolls of Post 1000. Lou Crites reminded members that flags will be put out for Memorial Day and that help will be required. Crites also mentioned that the lights on our flag had been repaired and the problem has been fixed.

Mike Strack reported the legion's fire system needed an upgrade. The executive board selected CONTAS Fire Protection for the project. A motion was made for the upgrade and it was seconded and approved.

Bill Poe reported Homecomers tickets will be mailed out, and hospital equipment is well-used. Strack reported on flags given out and also he had presented the cemetery plan to the Jackson Board of Aldermen.

David Ludwig reported that a picture of the nine boys the legion is sending to Missouri Boys' State was taken. The Memorial Day program will be at 9 a.m. May 29 with Lawson Burgfeld as the speaker.

Virgil Whitener gave the house report. Leonard Adams reported on the dances and requested that more members help him with the dances.

Bill Hartle brought up the alcohol rule for the hall. All alcohol at events in the building must be purchased and consumed at the hall. Open alcohol containers cannot be carried out of the building.

Jack Latimer gave the club room report. Bill Sullivan made a motion to purchase a dedicated computer for the security system for up to $750. The motion was seconded and passed.

The post received a thank-you card from Camp SEMO for providing a flag for Youth Camp.

Cape Girardeau County AARP 4041

The Cape Girardeau County Chapter of AARP 4041 met May 1 with 38 members present.

The program, "An emergency -- are you ready?" was presented by Paul Nenninger.

There will be a day of service on Thursday at Cape Girardeau Senior Center.

There will be an AARP Roundtable meeting of District 8 on May 22 at the Jackson Senior Center.

The next meeting will be June 5.

Lamplighters FCE

The Lamplighters FCE Club met at the home of JoAnn Hahs on April 20. The hostess prepared a special dinner celebrating Lamplighters being named Top Extension Club of 2005.

A note of thanks was read for member, Dorothy Hahs, for the meals and support during time both shoulders were broken.

Quilt blocks acquired and embroidered were displayed.

It was reported that the local libraries need books for their "Beginning to Read" program. JoAnn Hahs offered to write a grant to HEED for matching funds to help this endeavor.

Judy Meyer and Linda Freeman gave a program on jewel making and all present made a necklace.

The next meeting will be May 20 at the home of Teresa Hinkebein.

Xi Nu Phi

The Xi Nu Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met May 2 at the home of Linda Biri. Members worked on completing the chapter yardstick form. Installation of officers for the 2006 to 2007 year was held.

The Order of the Rose forms were signed and will be sent to International.

Members will go to Lambert's Restaurant in Sikeston, Mo., on May 20.

The next meeting will be May 16 at the home of Kathy Kiefner at which time secret pal names will be revealed. Members need to bring an appetizer and secret pal gift.

-- From staff reports