Published: December 22, 2008 09:00 pm      

Club News

Editor’s Note: Because of space availibility, Club News is appearing today. It generally appears Wednesdays.



James Blair Chapter, DAR

James Blair Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met Nov. 13 at Kinsloe House. The hostesses were Seley Fuller, Frances Westbrook and Byron Wadell. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the speaker Walter Farmer presented the program about his World War II military experiences. He told the best memories and the worst memories of his war years. He included even the best and worst of his time as a prisoner of war in a northern German camp. It was hard to find a best time while being a prisoner, but he had a positive attitude then as he has today. He showed documentation of his German prison file as well as pictures of his aircraft, a B-24 Liberator, and his original crew before they were shot down. He thanked the DAR for asking him to tell his story as part of the history of World War II. His wife Peggy attended the meeting with him. Hostess chairman Fuller presented the Farmers with a beautiful patriotic flower arrangement.

Also as a special remembrance of Veteran’s Day, Margaret Ward allowed her “Heroes of Navarro County” quilt to be displayed in honor of her husband Allen Ward. This special quilt, a tribute to veterans of Navarro County who had fought in World War I through the Iraq War, won honorable mention at the 2008 Texas State Fair. During the DAR meeting an invocation was given by chaplain Sandra Curtis, the national anthem was accompanied at the piano by Mary Lou Sanders, and the pledge to the American flag and the American’s Creed was led by Gelene Simpson. Secretary Carolyn French read the minutes which were approved. Ellen Adair gave the treasurer’s report which was approved and filed. National Defender information was summarized by Corinne Lee. Collections were made to the veteran services fund and the Indian service fund. During the social hour following the meeting, Farmer greeted members individually and answered questions.

James Blair Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met Dec. 10 at Kinsloe House. The meeting was opened with the invocation led by chaplain Sandra Curtis, pledges led by Gelene Simpson and the national anthem accompanied at the piano by Mary Lou Sanders.

A special musical program was provided by the extremely talented classical music vocalist Andrew Cook, who entertained the audience with selections such as “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” from Oklahoma, “Lydia” by Gabriel Faurer, “D: Provenza” from “La Traviata,” by Giusepe Verdi, and “Oh, Holy Night,” a Christmas favorite. He was accompanied by the accomplished pianist Laurie Duke.

Following the program, DAR secretary Carolyn French read the minutes which were approved. Ellen Adair presented the treasurer’s report which was filed for audit. The National Defender report was provided by Corinne Lee. Registrar Barbara Shore reported that six new members have been approved at DAR national headquarters. The hostesses for the meeting, Gelene Simpson, Barbara Shore, Marjorie Huckels, Bobbie Young and Helene Kenner, welcomed the members at the social hour.

The next meeting will be Jan. 14 when the hostesses will be Mary Alice Hendryx, Jan Warren and Donna Davis Couch.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is an historical genealogical heritage organization open to female descendants of American patriots who served or gave service to the American government during the American Revolutionary War. For more information regarding membership, contact chapter registrar Barbara Shore at (903) 872-9529 or go online to the James Blair Chapter Web site at www.geocities.com/jamesblairtxdar.



Corsicana Art Club

Corsicana Art Club will meet at 6 p.m. Jan 5 at the Senior Activity Center. Those interested are invited to attend. Bobbie Ross of Corsicana will present a lecture about the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and will show a video of her work and Mexican art. Ross is an artist and teacher from the Chicago, Ill., area. She moved to Corsicana this last summer to live closer to her family. She attended the Art Institute of Chicago through her childhood and teen years and took classes at the Illinois Institute of Design. She was trained in watercolor by Professor James Krauss at Oakton Community College and accompanied his classes to Door County, Wis., for 18 years. Ross taught art and art history at two Chicago community centers, and before moving here she taught watercolor at Joann’s Fabrics and Crafts in Vernon Hills, Ill. She is currently finishing her studio next to her home so she can continue painting floorcloths.



Thomas Meredith Chapter

Thomas Meredith Chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century, will attend the program luncheon at Kinsloe House at noon Jan. 7. Chapter members should call Gelene Simpson at (254) 578-1656 for reservations by Jan. 2.



FCCLA

Among the many organizations at Corsicana High School, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is one of the largest and most dynamic. FCCLA young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. Corsicana’s FCCLA strives to improve the community primarily by doing service projects each month such as hosting a leadership meeting, participating in Christmas in Action, organizing a canned food drive, and coordinating the Angel Tree project at CHS.

The canned food drive was in the form of a scavenger hunt to draw more participants and add fun for the benefit of the local Salvation Army branch. FCCLA raised more than 500 food items to give the needy a happy Thanksgiving dinner. All in all, the canned food drive had a positive outcome because of FCCLA’s willingness to reach out and help the community.

The Corsicana chapter of FCCLA also hosted a leadership meeting at the high school that included many other chapters from surrounding areas. During the meeting, attendees were taught morals and leadership skills through games and motivational lectures. The officers from Corsicana coordinated the meeting and made it fun and interactive for all those involved.

Christmas in Action is an organization helped in part by FCCLA and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), and many other community volunteers. Student volunteers dedicated their Saturday to painting the house of an elderly veteran and his wife. As an incentive, students received a raffle ticket per hour of service for a sweepstakes gift basket. All volunteers earned service hours and, most importantly, had the benefit of helping someone in need and having fun at the same time.

FCCLA also took part in Navarro County’s adoption month. Students partnered with CASA to draw attention to the 60 kids that need forever homes right here in the community. For every child that needed to be adopted in Navarro County, a cardboard cutout representing that child was placed in front of the courthouse. In addition, FCCLA participated in radio interviews and a newspaper article to help spread the word.

FCCLA’s annual Angel Tree reaches out to the less fortunate children in the community. This year, the Angel Tree was located at the front doors where every student, teacher, and visitor was sure to see it. FCCLA encouraged students to get an angel and return it with a gift by making daily announcements and displaying posters throughout the hallways of the school. Displaying a joint effort, many teachers offered extra credit to their students for reaching out and participating in bringing a gift for a needy child. FCCLA raised a significant amount of gifts to give those less fortunate children. In conclusion, FCCLA is an outstanding organization that benefits everyone from the less fortunate, to the veterans of the nation, to the students and teachers at Corsicana High School. The organization is gaining strength year after year.



José Antonio Navarro Chapter, DRT

José Antonio Navarro Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, will attend the program luncheon at Kinsloe House at noon Jan. 7. Chapter members should call Gelene Simpson at (254) 578-1656 for reservations by Jan. 2.



Woman’s Club House Association

There will be no program luncheons Dec. 24 and 31 for Woman’s Club House Association at Kinsloe House as it will be closed for the holidays; however, a very interesting program will follow on Jan. 7.



Navarro County Retired School Employees Association

Navarro County Retired School Employees Association met at 9:45 a.m. Oct. 10 at Northwest Apartments Community Center with president Linda Fannin presiding. Invocation was given by Roark Barnes, followed by the pledge to the flag of the United States and the Texas flag. A sing-along was led by Warner Redus, accompanied by pianist Patty Knauth. The minutes of the Sept. 12 meeting were read and approved. The treasurer’s report was given and filed for audit. Genetha Thomas introduced the speaker, David Yates, who attended Corsicana public schools from the sixth to 12th grades. He thanked many members who were his former teachers and who had helped him get his start. He is the present owner of KAND Radio in Corsicana, where he began working at age 15.

The committee reports were received as follows: Marianne Anderson reported two new members present and a total of 109 members on the roll. Fannin reported that the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) has 63,000 members and is working toward 100,000. Knauth presented the 2008-2009 yearbook compiled by committee members and printed by Central Texas Business Machines. Knauth also presented the new constitution and bylaws. After review, Mellie Howard moved that the constitution and bylaws be accepted. Ray Goodman seconded the motion, and the motion carried. Goodman then gave the 2008-2009 budget report which had been prepared by a committee. He moved that the report be accepted. The budget was accepted. Billye Hicks, chairman of insurance and health care, reminded everyone to get the flu shot and read a sheet of tips on taking appropriate medications. Fannin reminded members that October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also reminded that a shingles vaccine is available. Marcia Lou Braly reported that she is collecting for the purchase of books for kindergarten classes and that the book committee was hoping to expand the program to county schools as funds allow. Roark Barnes presented brochures from TRTA called “TIP” which explains ways to protect against fraud. Jan Garvey provided a handout from Tim Lee’s “Inside Line” which members can access from the Internet. Marianne Anderson reported that there are telephone numbers to call to hear a financial report from TRS.

Fannin reported that eight members attended the District XII meeting in Waco on Oct. 9. At that meeting, members were assured that their pension checks were safe and the budget was sound. A memorial tribute was paid for the local members who had died during the last year. Local members memorialized were Katharin Marx, Mary Rea Bagley, Idamay Dukeminier, Ginger Sikes and Jack McDaniel. Members who know of a death or serious illness within the local unit should notify Jimmie Buchanan, who will send a condolence or get well card. Warner Redus announced that Virginia Mays had been elected as district first vice president and Roark Barnes was elected to be chairman of the information and protective services committee.

Mellie Howard reminded members to vote in the upcoming elections. Door prizes were presented. The president thanked those who provided refreshments.



Dawson Garden Club

At 3 p.m. Dec. 2, Dawson Garden Club met at the home of Paula Sears, 204 S. Tyler St., Dawson, for the annual Christmas party. The Sears home was beautifully decorated for the season with a huge Christmas tree and collections of various Christmas items like nutcrackers.

The club president Ruby Faucett conducted the meeting. The secretary Tina Schnell read the minutes and the treasurer Melva Turner gave the treasurer’s report. The club discussed continued support of the park project. The “Club Collect” was recited. After the business meeting, members exchanged gifts and enjoyed visiting with one another and looking at the extraordinary collections and beautiful antiques of this historic house while the hostesses Ruby Faucett, Paula Sears and Becca Sears Murray prepared the beautiful dinner table for the meal. After the blessing by Murray, a delicious meal was enjoyed. Members present were Lena Mae Carver, Sue Comer, Luann Cornett, Ruby Faucett, Doris Meredith, Becca Murray, Paula Sears, Tina Schnell, LaVada Spruiell, Melva Turner, Sara Morris and Gelene Simpson.