Town and Country FCE

The Town and Country FCE Club met on Nov. 12, with Joyce King as hostess. King gave the devotion, "Forgive me when I whine." Mary Klaproth was in charge of a turkey trivia quiz, with Darlene McCain as the winner. A thank you was read from Cottonwood Residential Treatment Center for the Halloween treat sacks. Pennies for "Coins for Friendship" were collected.

McCain, president, presided over the business meeting. It was announced that 58 tulip and daffodil bulbs had been planted at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Jackson. Alene Hamilton, Donna Woolsey, McCain, King and Klaproth helped at the work day making weighted blankets for the autism center. A total of 45 weighted blankets were made. Members brought toys for the Jackson Police Department annual toy drive. Plans were made to put up the Christmas displays at Cape Girardeau County Park on Nov. 21 and then go to lunch. The display in Jackson City Park will also be put up. Members will bring Christmas candy for Christmas treat sacks to be given to students at Cottonwood Residential Treatment Center, with the date of delivery to be announced at a later date. Sue Jones mailed the club's Christmas cards to the military.

All club members plan to attend the December council meeting on Dec. 3, with registration at 9:30 a.m. at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Jackson. Town and Country FCE Club is asked to bring vegetables, and members signed up for what vegetable each member planned to bring. The Joy Choir of First Baptist Church will entertain with Christmas songs and Barbara Popp will present the program at the meeting.

Plans were finalized for the club's Christmas party to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the home of Hamilton. She will prepare the turkey and each member will bring a side dish. Members are to bring their gift for their secret pal.

The program was presented by Karen Murphy on home radon testing. Klaproth gave additional information on Thailand.

The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the home of Alene Hamilton. New officers will be installed for 2016 by McCain.

New McKendree UMW

The New McKendree United Methodist Women met Nov. 10 in the church fellowship hall with 23 members and two guests present. The meeting was called to order by Mary Klaproth, president, followed by the unit reciting the UMW Purpose.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Pam Buck, secretary, and approved as read. Marilyn Fronabarger, treasurer, gave the monthly treasurer's report.

The meeting was then turned over to Julie Combs, who conducted a memorial service for the four members who passed away during the past year.

Chairperson reports:

Social action: Donna Mason reminded the group that the November collection would be for the unit's Christmas for the Needy project and the December collection would be for the food pantry.

Education and interpretation: Shirley Patterson gave a report from Response magazine concerning the United Methodist Church's General Conference to be held next year. The UMW can submit resolutions to the conference and we should keep in our prayers how women can be affected.

Membership: Bonnie Blechle has visited the manor and asked us to let her know of cards that need to be sent.

Program resources: Marica Eggers reported two books have been purchased for the library and she will turn in the names of those completing one of the reading programs.

A brief report on the fall district meeting held Oct. 17 was given by those attending: Elwanda Corbin, Combs, Jones and Klaproth.

A legislative event will be held March 8 and 9 in Jefferson City, Missouri. Registration forms need to be turned in by Jan. 31.

The church's Go Team will have fish frys on Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and March 19. The UMW will have a bake sale at the February fish fry.

The next meeting will be Dec. 1. New officers will be installed.

American Legion Unit 63 Auxiliary

The American Legion Unit 63 Auxiliary met Nov. 11, with 22 members present. A lunch of juicy burgers, chips and dessert was served by Barbara Yallaly, Juanita Cook and Fern Schlimme.

The Auxiliary Charter was draped in honor of Vergie Templeton, who passed away at age 96.

Linda Kern reported there are 91 members paid for the 2016 year. The membership goal was raised to 164, so we have a long way to go.

Kern, poppy chairperson, reported that next year the auxiliary will go back to just one day for poppy distribution. Motion made and carried that we order 1,500 poppies.

We received a lot of nice items for the Jefferson School children to choose gifts for their parents.

A large box of items for the Amen Center was collected.

Fourteen shoe boxes were brought for Operation Christmas Child.

A motion was made and carried to send $100 to the USO for phone cards for military personnel.

Auxiliary Christmas party will be at noon on Dec. 9. Pizza and salad will be served. Everyone should bring cookies for dessert. Also, bring a $5 gift to go under the tree and a food item for bingo prizes.

Catherine Allison reported on interviews with World War II veterans. She has gotten several good responses.

Alice Cordia reported there are 14 quilt tops ready to be tied for the Good Hope Wounded Warrior project.