All Around Us by Alice Johnson
SARA CIRCLE
Martha Frederick hosted the December meeting of the Sara Circle at her home on December 2, 2004. Six members and one guest, Kelli Parnell, were present. Shirley Hawk opened the meeting with devotions using the familiar Twelve Days of Christmas 1 through 12, which compared to a Bible verse. Mrs. Hawk was also lesson leader using an article "Christmas Is Coming" with each member telling something about a special Christmas in their life. The Circle will be in charge of the April Women’s Society meeting. Tentative plans were discussed. Hostesses and lesson leaders were assigned for 2005. Christmas Cards were signed by each one present to be sent to shut-ins and men with the National Guard.
FARMERETTE BRUNCH
Farmerette FCE Unit enjoyed a Christmas brunch at the home of Becky O'Brien on Dec. 10th. Members brought the toppings for waffles and pancakes prepared by Becky. Delicious sausage and bacon were also enjoyed. Twelve members and one guest, Margaret Miller, answered roll call by telling "A Special Holiday Memory". Mary Lou Bowen, President, conducted the meeting. County Council plans for 2005 were discussed, with members discussing areas of participation. Farmerette programs and projects were formulated. Mary Lou reported on the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). A CERT meeting will be held at her home Jan. 5th at 7:00PM. Interested people in the community are invited. Ida Taliaferro will celebrate her 50th membership anniversary in 2005. Congratulations Ida! Eileen Acheson told about the new program to provide housing for homeless veterans at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center in Leavenworth. Donations of linens and personal items are needed for the rooms. Members were asked to bring items to the January meeting. The January meeting will be held at the home of Mary Lou on the 14th.
HAPPY HOUR CLUB
The Happy Hour Club met December 12 at the Senior Center in Effingham for their annual Christmas Dinner. There were 13 members and 8 guests present. Roll call was paying dues for the next year. Thank you note was read from Barbara Nottingham. Gerri Ladd received a gift certificate from the club as she had been in the hospital. Nancy Marlatt received a secret pal gift. A check was given to Mary Noll for postage and one for the senior center. It was decided to have the Club’s Christmas dinner next year at the center.
Christmas Gifts were passed out and everyone enjoyed the day. The January 4 meeting will be at the Senior Center with Gerri Ladd as hostess. The club members thanked Eva Schmidt and her daughter Angela for catering the meal.
FAMILY GATHERING
Christmas visitors at the home of Margaret Diebolt were Rick and Brenda Miller, Kayla and Michael, St Joseph, Missouri; Jon and Jenny Oden, Taylor and Courtney and Mary Craig, Atchison; Jamie Craig, St. Antonio, Texas; Joe and Trudy Miller, Wichita; Megan Miller, Kansas City, Missouri; Louise Silvius, Shawnee, Kansas; Ann Hunt, Smithville, Missouri; Joe Bretano, Effingham; Jason and Diane Kimmig, Korin, Everest; John and Kathy Miller, Yukon, Oklahoma; Angela Cly, Chris and Morgan, Cushing, Oklahoma; Steve and Deborah Robertson and Eric ,Murrieta, California
