American Legion Post 158

The Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson met Sept. 12 and Oct. 10 with Dick Decker, commander, presiding.

At the Sept. 12 meeting, Kenny Koehler introduced Rob French and Mark Lewis, who spoke about the baseball program.

Larry Koehler gave the financial report. P.M. Kurre reported membership at 606, with 379 having paid dues. Bill Poe gave the Homecomers report. Mike Strack gave the flag report and David Hitt gave the honor guard report. Virgil Whitener gave the house report and Jack Latimer gave the club report. Leonard Adams reported on dances.

Jim Nelson gave a report on contributions made to the American Legion: the club room in memory of Roy Robbins; Peters Heating & Air Conditioning, Judy Summers, Marie and Richard Hoffman and G-Leirer & P-Leirer, all in memory of Ivan Summers.

David Ludwig reported on the Veterans Day ceremony and parade to be held Friday. A motion was made to provide $300 for the bands that will participate in the ceremony. The motion was passed.

Poe made a motion to give $350 for gifts to the Christmas program at the legion hall. The motion was passed.

On Oct. 10, John Hopkins introduced John Jordan and Weldon Macke for the program on the raise in sales tax and some of the reasons for the sales tax.

Kurre reported membership is 601. A motion to raise dues from $18 to $27 was passed. The increase will take effect at the beginning of the year.

Poe mentioned the Christmas party will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 and Homecomers will be the last week of July.

The commander appointed a bylaw review committee, which consists of Gary Kamp, Harlan Siebert, Bryon Fluegge, Nelson and Whitener.

Nelson reported on the contributions made to the American Legion Memorial Scholarship Program from the Auxiliary 158 in memory of Marshall Walker and from L.G. and Rosemary Smith in memory of Cpl. Jeremy Shank.

A motion was made to give $1,500 to the Missouri Veterans Home for their Christmas party. The motion carried.

Decker gave certificates for the leadership meeting held in Cape Girardeau to Kurre, Ludwig and Hopkins.

Laureate Alpha Rho

The Laureate Alpha Rho Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Thursday at the home of Rosanna Whitnel.

Whitnel, president, presented the program on the 12 stages of friendship.

In new business, Margaret Crites was appointed to assist Rhoda Reeves, secretary.

Plans were made to attend the Exemplar Preceptor Night at 6 p.m. Thursday at Centenary United Methodist Church. All chapters of Beta Sigma Phi in Cape Girardeau and Jackson are invited to attend. Nine members of Alpha Rho will be initiated into a new Masters Chapter -- the sixth degree of Beta Sigma Phi.

The Christmas luncheon will be Dec. 7 at Cape Girardeau Country Club.

New Salem UMW

The United Methodist Women of New Salem Church in Daisy met Nov. 1 in the church fellowship hall. A Thanksgiving meal was enjoyed by members and spouses. A business meeting was conducted by Dorothy Hahs, president, after the meal.

There were 10 sick/shut-in calls made during October. Sweet potatoes donated to the UMWs by Larry and Patsy Ford will be given to the Salvation Army for their Thanksgiving meal.

New officers for 2007 were approved. They will be installed during the December meeting by Jackie Kurre.

The young adults of the church will again put up the Christmas display at Jackson City Park.

It was decided that the UMWs would purchase a new television and DVD/VCR player for the Sunday school.

There was a discussion about decorating the church. At the present time, Margie Roberts decorates for the different seasons and occasions. There will be more discussion on this in the coming year. Hahs suggested getting a mantel scarf for the piano, which will be checked into.

Roberts presented the program, called "We are Thankful." A special offering will be taken for the group members' elderly adopted secret pal at the December meeting and fruit will be purchased for Christmas baskets.

The place for the December meeting, which will be the Christmas party, will be announced later.

Lamplighters FCE

The Lamplighters FCE Club met Oct. 19 at the home of Verla Mangels. The group enjoyed an international meal featuring Switzerland which was prepared by Dorothy Hahs, Roberta Seabaugh and Mangels. Seabaugh gave a program about the land and people of Switzerland.

Nelda Crader was a guest and gave a program titled "Outrageous Older Women," based on the book of same name by Ruth Jacobs.

JoAnn Hahs, president, continued the year's theme of woman to woman, pointing out the symptoms of gynecological/ovarian cancer and also on lupus awareness.

Volunteers agreed to attend the leader training programs to be held Nov. 13 at the Extension Office in Jackson.

Another extension feature to be held through November will be "Eat well, be well with diabetes."

The next meeting will held on Nov. 16 at the home of Bev Meyer.

-- From staff reports