Club news 4-7-13

New McKendree UMW

Eight members of the New McKendree United Methodist Women attended the 40th anniversary of Legislative Event in Jefferson City, Mo. Those attending were Julie Combs, Elwanda Corbin, Tina Crites, Doris Dace, Elgenna Davis, Sue Jones, Shirley Patterson and Mary Klaproth. The theme for the event was crying out for justice.

The group attended workshops dealing with hot topics like what legislation is streaming and how to meet your legislator. The keynote speaker spoke on domestic violence.

Members attended various issue forums such as homeless shelters, foster care legislation, green team, taxation justice and national seminar. In the evening, there was a 40th anniversary celebration.

The next day, New McKendree members had breakfast with Rep. Donna Lichtenegger.

The topic of the morning program was what would Mai Gray say. It was followed by a closing worship service. The group then went to the Capitol building to observe the legislature while in session.

St. Mary CCW

St. Mary Council of Catholic Women met on March 25. in the Huels Room. Sister Lucille Zerr led the opening prayers. The February meeting was canceled due to bad weather.

Delores Mier presented the program on the five members of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ who were killed in Africa and on the Associate Program.

Treasurer's Report: Pat Eftink distributed copies of the February and March reports.

A thank-you note from Jackie Schmidt, Province Director for donation for N.C.C.W., was read. The Rev. Patrick Nwokoye sent a thank you note and prayer cards to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with special intention for the conversion of our country and to end abortion. We also received the Birthright annual report. The Rev. Tom Kiefer thanked the ladies for the $500 donation and for the time and talent given to the parish.

Service Report: Nancy King reported receptions for Rite of Election were served and one for the celebration of Monsignor Richard Rolwing's 60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

Leadership: Diane Schaefer lead a discussion of ideas for the grab bag for Spring Assembly. It will contain wine, glasses and other related items. Several religious articles will also be included. Donations can be brought by Zerr's office or Diane Schaefer's house by April 15. The service project is to benefit "The Kitchen" in Springfield, Mo. All types of kitchen utensils and bedding, new and slightly used, will be collected for distribution.

Dolores Gibbar reported that one bereavement dinner was served.

Spirituality: Zerr thanked Becky McLean and Imelda Nenninger for attending the Spring Assembly and encouraged others to go.

Region VII officers were announced: Debbie Gibson, president; Frances Presswood, vice president; Jenny Nenninger, secretary; and Kathleen Keesee, treasurer.

Members are asked to bring food for the food pantry to the next meeting to be held on April 18.

Cape Girardeau County Democratic Committee

The Cape County Democratic Central Committee met March 26 at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Jack Breymaier, Steve Hodge's campaign manager, was the guest speaker.

Plans are underway to have a "meet and greet the candidate" at a later date. More information will be available at a later date with the public invited. For further information you may call Mike Masterson at 651-4009.

Nancy Hunter Chapter NSDAR

The Nancy Hunter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution held a luncheon meeting on March 27. Regent Charlotte Slinkard opened the meeting with the DAR Ritual.

The regent presented the program, "Marie Oliver remembered -- through the pages of the Nancy Hunter Chapter Minute Books." Marie Watkins Oliver joined the DAR in March 1904 and was a forty-year member of the Nancy Hunter Chapter. She served on various committees, as an officer, and often held meetings in her home. She frequently traveled by train to attend DAR National Conventions in Washington, D.C., and upon her return gave detailed reports to the chapter. She was regent of the Missouri State Society from 1910-1912. As chairman of a committee of the Missouri State Society, she designed the state flag. The chapter participated in the 2013 Regional History Fair held in conjunction with the Missouri State Flag Centennial Celebration and placed a display at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Catherine Allison, registrar, reported that three membership applications are pending in Washington, D.C.

LaFern Stiver, librarian, reported that the book, "A Woman's Impression of the Philippines," donated by Karen Ruth Lang, will be presented to the Cape Girardeau Public Library. The book is the memoirs of chapter member Mary Helen Fee who in 1901 left the faculty of Cape Girardeau's Normal School to teach English to children in the Philippine Islands.

Guests were Malinda Golliher, Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter, New York; Sheila Faire; Bonnie Kelpe; and Carolyn Webb.

New business included a discussion of proposed changes to the bylaws of the Missouri State Society and the National Society. Delegates were elected to attend the Missouri State Conference to be held May 3-5 in Columbia, Mo.

The next meeting will be on April 24, at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Dr. Bonnie Stepenoff will present the program, "Collecting Stories: Oral History Interview Techniques."

John Guild Chapter, NSDAR

The John Guild Chapter of National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution held a dedication ceremony of the marker honoring Amos Byrd, a Revolutionary War soldier on March 9.

Pictured behind the Capt. Amos Byrd marker are, from left: Patty Rubel, Amy Dehnrs, Dr. Ruddell Byrd III, Linda Hutson, John Guild Chapter, Nora Zimmer, Olde Town Fenton Chapter, Abraham Ruddell Byrd IV. (Submitted photo)

Captain Amos Byrd served as a First Lieutenant in the famous Chickamauga Expedition in April 1779. He was made Captain in 1782. He moved his family and connections to the Spanish Country and became the pioneer settler on the creek that bears his name. He had a claim for 1,000 arpens of land situated on the waters of the fork of Bryd's Creek, District of Cape Girardeau, Territory of Louisiana. Captain Byrd who was born circa 1760 died June 5, 1818 in the Cape Girardeau Territory and was buried on the Byrd farm, located within the original land grant.

Invocation was given by Bonnie Macke, chapter chaplain. The Color Guard was provided by the Allen Laws Oliver Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

Lemira Strubbs Park, Vice President General, led "The Pledge of Allegiance." Morgan Lake, John Guild Chapter Registrar and State Vice Regent, welcomed the group.

The biography of Amos Byrd was given by Linda Hutson, John Guild Chapter parliamentarian. Greetings were given by Abraham Ruddell Byrd III M.D., State President Arizona State Society Sons of the American Revolution, Surgeon General, NSSAR.

The John Guild Chapter regular meeting was held March 20 at the Jackson City Library. The subject of the program was DNA: Practical Application to Genealogy and was given by Pamela Johnson, chapter regent.

Hostesses were Jan Chamberlain and Jerre Crites.

-- From staff reports