South Central Nebraska Czech Society

The South Central Nebraska Czech Society met Jan. 13 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Home in Hastings. President Donna Gruntorad called the meeting to order.

The minutes of the November meeting were read by Elsie Houdek. Tom Wanek gave the treasurer's report.

No meeting was held in December due to weather conditions.

Arlene Hromadka installed the following officers for 2008: president, Donna Gruntorad; vice president, Ivan Valek; secretary, Jan Hoffmeister; and treasurer, Tom Wanek.

The minutes of the November meeting of the Nebraska State Czechs were read by Houdek.

Hromadka shared a recipe for kolache cookies and Jo Seiler brought a recipe for Kapustnica (sour cabbage soup), which had been sent to her from the Slovak Republic. Gruntorad brought Czech calendars for purchase.

Members enjoyed accordion music played by Marlene Behm, Lyle Hulinsky, George Janko and Don Vorce. Pat Prochaska was the caller for a fun game of "Claus Bingo."

Alpha Sigma Chapter of ESA International

Alpha Sigma Chapter of ESA International met at Calvary Lutheran Church for its January meeting.

The Holiday Tour of Homes chairperson reported a successful 20th tour. Monies will be chaired with the Nebraska Kidney Association, the ARC and the Literacy Council.

A committee reported on decorating a tree with Boyd's bears at Stuhr Museum; the tree was titled "Have a 'Berry' Merry Christmas." Members brought items to be donated to the Central Nebraska Humane Society. Plans were discussed for the spring style show benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Bonnie Fisher, Deb Ahrens and Sandy Burris will chair the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days, to be celebrated March 3 through 9. Orders must be in by Feb. 16. Tentative pickup dates will be March 4 and 5 at Snow's Floral on Webb Road.

The January social celebrating members' birthdays was held Jan. 21 at Hunan Restaurant.

Betsey Hager Chapter National Daughters of the American Revolution

The Betsey Hager Chapter National Daughters of the American Revolution met Jan. 16 at the Veterans Hospital.

A film on the National Veterans Wheelchair Games was shown. The event will be held in Omaha this year.

DAR's state conference will be in Grand Island on March 27 through 29 at the Midtown Holiday Inn.

Mae Arends, chair, announced that the American History Essays Awards program will be held Feb. 20 at the Red Cross Central Plains.