Laureate Alpha Rho

The Laureate Alpha Rho Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Sept. 4 at the home of Erma Vaughan. The state convention to be held in Jefferson City on Oct. 24 through 26 was discussed and the chapter will be represented by Norma Schrieber, Rosanna Whitnel and Mary Ann Nenninger.

A letter was read by the Bridge Light Committee, thanking the club for its participation in the donation of Beta Sigma Phi for a light on the new Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.

It was announced that the annual chapter Christmas party will be held Dec. 4 at Cape Girardeau Country Club.

A program titled "Remember When" was presented by Vaughan. Each member brought childhood pictures and shared memories that they felt had made a lasting impression on them.

The next meeting will be Sept. 18. It will be a dutch treat meeting.

Zi Nu Phi

Zi Nu Phi of Beta Sigma Phi met Sept. 2 in the home of Sheryl Smith.

Eight members attended the Aug. 21 Beginning Day dinner at Centenary United Methodist Church with host chapter Alpha Mu Master.

The chapter selected the Ronald McDonald House-Columbia for their 2003-04 service project vote.

Tentative plans for the November Exemplar-Preceptor dinner were laid.

In keeping with this year's theme, special guests, Linda Springs and Becky Davidson presented a "Color Me Beautiful' program.

The next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the home of Renee Hesselrode.

New Salem UMW

The New Salem UMW of New Salem United Methodist Church in Daisy had its annual picnic supper at the church on Sept. 3, with spouses in attendance. The regular meeting followed.

A motion was made that the club buy new altar cloths. Blankets will be brought to the church on Sept. 21 for the Festival of Sharing.

Apple butter will be made and sold at the annual supper in October.

The pledge service was given by Shirley Grebe with each member assisting.

Cape County FCE Council

The Cape Girardeau County Family and Community Education Council met Aug. 28 at the Cape Girardeau County Education Center in Jackson. Opal Collins gave the devotion entitled "Encouragement." President Ruth Pohlman presided. Sixteen FCE members attended.

Collins reported that 31 units of blood were collected at the Cape Girardeau County FCE-sponsored Red Cross Blood Drive on June 25.

Mary Klaproth, a member of the tour committee, reported that the Aug. 5 trip to see "South Pacific" at The Muny in St. Louis was attended by 46 people. Dinner at Bevo Hill was enjoyed by all. The Grandpa Woo Boat Tour will be Oct. 18. The Branson Old Time Country Christmas Tour is scheduled for Nov. 14 through 16.

Verla Mangels from the nominating committee announced that Barbara Schaffner from Kage FCE will serve as vice president for 2004 and Darlene McCain will be corresponding secretary.

Shirley Cracraft reported that no applications for scholarships have been received. June Landgraf reported on the vice president's leadership training meeting held Aug. 25. Fall leader training will be Nov. 7 in Perry County. Program subjects include bath salts, creating a healthy home, landscaping and meetings with a flair.

The fall district meeting will be held Oct. 8 at the Longtown Hall in Perry County. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.

Klaproth gave a report on the National FCE Conference in Albuquerque, N.M., which she attended along with seven other FCE members from Missouri. The theme of the conference was "Upward and Onward." Klaproth received the State of Missouri Heart of FCE Award. Missouri received a third place award for action for Child Advocacy Day. The 2004 National Conference will be held in Richmond, Va.

It was voted to donate $50 from the County FCE treasury to prepare a box of most needed items for the Military Mail program at State Conference.

The next Cape Girardeau FCE Council will be held Dec. 4 at the Cape Girardeau County Education Center.

-- From staff reports