Trinity United Methodist Women

Trinity United Methodist Women met in the church parlor at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 7. President Olga Sweet opened the meeting with a poem "Hang It On the Cross" followed by members repeating the Purpose of United Methodist Women. Joyce Goff presented devotions "Just for Today."

UMW Sunday will be celebrated Feb. 9 and 10. Deb Keeney, immigration justice worker from Omaha, will speak at the 9:30 forum and the 10:45 worship service on Feb. 10. United Methodist Women will serve as ushers and greeters at all four services.

Members adopted revised standing rules and general policies for Trinity United Methodist Women.

Vicki McLamb presented the program "Learning about Noah's Ark Day Care." Members of Love Circle were hostesses and Naomi Circle was in charge of fellowship.

The next meeting will be held in the church parlor at 1:30 p.m. March 6. The program "Say Welcome to the Sojourner" will be presented by Connie Schaaf.

National Active Retired Federal Employees Association Chapter 1509

The National Active Retire Federal Employees Association Chapter 1509 (NARFE) met Feb. 4 at United Veterans Club. President Golka called the meeting to order with 34 in attendance. Frances Eschliman gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The free meal went to Helen Knapp, and two door prizes went to Richard Bowen and Jim Foster, both were returned to Alzheimer's fund.

Roger Andrews State President and Legislative Chairman encouraged members to read the newsletter. The state convention will be May 5 and 6 in North Platte. Nine delegates will attend.

NARFE-PAC Golka announced that March is emphasis for donations. Alzheimer's Chairman Dennis Kamprath had a pillow made to raffle off. Tickets are $5 each. The No Bake sale will be in March.

Hall County Sheriff Jerry Watson told about the new building that the sheriffs are enjoying.

Barb Ernst from Hope Harbor will have the March 3 program.

Trinity Lutheran Ruth Society

The Ruth Society met Feb. 7 in the fellowship hall for a joint meeting with the Ladies Aid, hosted by the Ruth Society. President Ruth McClurkin welcomed all the society members, followed by prayer.

Stephanie Karsten gave the devotion, "What is your purpose for living." An update of the Bylaw Revisions, proposed by NE District-South Structure Committee was presented by Roberta Gifford.

Members of the Human Care Committee tied 18 quilts and 15 baby quilts. Orletha Block stated that 11 quilts were donated to Hope Harbor, before Christmas.

Hostesses were Roberta Gifford, Dawn Harries, Marge Johnson, Irene Heider and Teressa Johnson.

Altar Guild will meet Feb. 26 and the Sewing Circle on Feb. 28. The next joint meeting is set for 1:30 p.m. March 14 in the fellowship hall. Election of officers will be held, due to the merger of the two societies, to be named Trinity LWML.

The mission projects will be for Trinity Lutheran School and the "Easter Basket Extravaganza," for Project Hunger. The program will be presented by JoAnn Bjorkman, regarding her trip to Lebanon.

BPO Does #147

Does #147 met Feb. 13 with Kathy Vowers presiding. Charter members Jackie Shada, Felicia Horn and Jeannie Cretzler were honored and presented a small gift. Kay Sterling was installed as drove conductor.

Sharon Garcia reported that several cards and phone calls to the homebound were made. Trustee Mary Lou Mueller gave the proposed budget for 2008. Sue Mayhew told of the details for the Does Round Up on March 29.

Members voted to donated $50 to buy Shrine Circus tickets for children and $50 to assist a high school student. Lunch was served by Garcia, Maxine Burke, and Loucille Reissland.

The next meeting will be Feb. 27 and initiation for a new member will take place. Officers practice at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7:30 p.m. The next event is a fish fry on Feb. 29.

Trinity Lutheran Laymen's League

Trinity Lutheran Laymen's League met at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 12 in the church Fellowship hall for a potluck supper, business meeting and entertainment with 47 members and our guest speaker, Sonja Simpson, present.

Alice Bartlett introduced the speaker, Sonja Simpson from Messiah Lutheran Church. She is the Parish nurse and talked about Health caring Ministries. She emphasized the need for people who lovingly care for other people.

Doc Stohs called the business meeting to order. The secretaries and treasurers reports were read and approved.

A notice announcing the end of the pancake grill rental program was sent out to all the organizations who have rented the grills in the past years. All five grills and supplies will be for sale. Fred Fisher announced that nominations are needed for Treasurer for the Nebraska District LLL Board. For the March meeting, nominations for President, Vice-president and Board member will be needed for the election of officers at the May meeting.

The hosts for the evening were Louis & Jane Fienhold, Vic & Kathy Aufdemberge, Alice Bartlett and Vivian Salak.

The next meeting will be March 11. Hosts for the evening will be Gilbert & Kathy Khyn, Cliff & Lyla Stohs and Vivian Salak.

Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa

The Feb. meeting of Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, a women teacher's honorary, met at Home Federal - Southwest Branch. The initiation of new members Linda Dunham, Elizabeth Hodtwalker, Tess Westover, and Linda Woitaszewski preceded the meeting. The meeting was called to order by President Chris Wissing. Three new members were also recognized. They are Jennifer Kellogg, Cyndee Mann and Mary Teichmeier.

It was announced that the state Alpha Delta Kappa convention will be held in Beatrice, Saturday, April 19. It was noted that Epsilon chapter members donated time to help with the Hall County Spelling Bee in January.

Upcoming events include the tri-chapter meeting which will be held March 13. At this meeting, new and present Silver Sisters will be honored. This will be a tri-chapter salad supper. Also, an upcoming event will be Epsilon's 50th Anniversary Celebration in April. Invitations have been sent and plans are being finalized.

Epsilon Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi

Epsilon Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the home of Elsie Hansen. Traveling basket was won by Linda Sukraw and Jo Ann Kisner.

Lou Scobie gave the program on the song "Winter Wonderland". She also told an interesting story on the sleigh bells. She gave each member a snow water ball.

Connie Robison was chosen our Queen at the annual Valentine Dinner on Feb. 9 at the Saddle Club. Entertainment for the event was provided by Pricilla Balasa, the band director at Central Catholic High School.

The chapter also met at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the home of Sharon Rhoads. Traveling basket was won by Rhoads and Dee Rodgers. Chapter voted to send $15 dollars to the Beta Endowment Fund.

Rhoads played her 30 years old music box. The song was Music Box Dancer.

Linda Sukraw gave the program on the song "Love Me Tender".

Next meeting will be held at the home of Dee Rodgers at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Rhoads has the program.

Truth Rebekah Lodge #132

Truth Rebekah Lodge #132 met Feb. 8 at the I.O.O.F. Hall. Eunice Becker Noble Grand opened the meeting with 21 members. Sister Joyce Hodtwalker P.D.D.P. assisted by Sister Carol Schroeder, Deputy Marshall installed Sister Wilma Stubbendick as Right Supporter to the Noble Grand. Secretary Gerene Williams read an article from the Neb. Cornhusker called "The Top Ten Signs you Hired the Wrong Kid to Shovel Your Driveway."

Three drawings for Valentines gifts were won by Sisters Gerene, Jean, and Alice from the Noble Grand.

Brother Fred Stubbendick presented the Oddfellows and Rebekah Lodge with 13 pounds of coffee, the daughter of Nelse Zachry gave him in honor of her father. Bother Bud Clarks celebrated his birthday.

The history of St. Valentines Day was read by the Noble Grand and Sister Wilma and Vena lead them in singing "Let Me Call You Sweethart." Dessert was served by Sister Carol Hansen and the Stubbendicks, who served for Sister Eldora Speck.

The next meeting will be a pot luck at 6 p.m. Feb. 22. A soup and pie supper will be from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 2 at Lodge Hall.

Andrew Chapter #41, Order of the Eastern Star

Andrew Chapter #41, Order of the Eastern Star, met Feb. 4 at the Masonic Center in Chapman with 15 members in attendance.

Worthy Matron, Carol Ann Campbell read the history of St. Valentine. Campbell and Worthy Patron, Wm. Parrish also gave a word of welcome to members.

Campbell appointed the following members to be on the Scholarship Committee: Elizabeth Barker, Chairman; Ruth Johnson and Wm. Parrish.

Parrish reported that an offer was accepted for a Masonic Center in Grand Island.

A Memorial Service and Draping of the Charter was held in memory of Mary Blasek and Phyllis Scofield. Participating in the service was: Campbell, Parrish, Harriet Parrish, Doug Brown and Diane Smutny.

Refreshments were served by Claudia Morgan.

The next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Masonic Center in Chapman.

Danish Sisterhood Lodge #113

Danish Sisterhood Lodge #113 met Feb. 2 at the home of Edie Grim in Dannebrog with ten members in attendance. A luncheon including Traditional Rice Pudding was served by the hostesses Edie Grim and Diana Honore.

Donna Anderson, President, presided over the meeting. Treasurer Alveena Katzberg distributed the 2007 National Convention souvenir pins. Lois Baasch and Betty Gruwell were presented with their 25 year pins.

Plans were made for our All Member birthday party to be held in August.

Members were reminded to bring items for the Crisis Center at the next meeting which will be at 1:30 p.m. March 4 in the Community Room at Golden Towers.

Qwest TelecomPioneers Central Nebraska Council

The Qwest TelecomPioneers Central Nebraska Council met at the United Veteran's Club on Feb. 12. There were 20 members present. Deb Ahrens presided.

The minutes of the January meeting were read and approved. Thank you notes were read from Connie Jensen, Louise Fiene's family, and Herb Buntemeyer's family. The Fellowship Committee report was given by Joann Houser.

Deb Ahrens gave an unofficial treasurer's report and presented bills for payment. Koann Hansen made a motion to accept the bills for payment, Jeanene Vosicky seconded, motion carried.

A total of 15,908 volunteer hours were reported in 2007 by 147 Central Nebraska Council Qwest TelecomPioneers.

Future fund raising events were discussed. We will have the Waffleman on Aug. 10th at The Platt-Duetsche Society and we will participate in the Junk Jaunt in Loup City in September.

Next regular meeting is at 11:30 a.m. March 11 at the Veteran's Club.

Shalom Society of Peace Lutheran

Shalom Society (LWML) of Peace Lutheran held their group meeting on Feb. 4. Phyllis Myers presided and Joyce Krueger and Lucille Fuss provided the devotions.

The LWML Nebraska District South Officers held their quarterly meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 9 at Peace Lutheran Church. Shalom members served the morning coffee and the noon luncheon to 80 attendees. Arlene Engler served as Shalom's chairperson.

Shalom will serve the Lenten soup supper from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 12. Proceeds will be donated to Rev. John Reehl to assist in his mission trips to Russia in cooperation with the Orphan Grain Train.

Pat Struss and Marlene Peters will attend the Feb. 23 planning meeting for the LWML Spring Rally scheduled for April.

Linda Bonnesen will donate to Shalom a 30-cup replacement coffee maker. Joyce Krueger has been selected as the new Christian Growth person.

In lieu of bible study, the group tied and repaired the fraying ribbons in the new church hymnals. Hosting the evening was Rachel Circle, chaired by Arlene Engler.

The Executive Board Meeting is at 9 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Church Sanctuary. On March 3 is the next Shalom group meeting hosted by Rebekah Circle and chaired by Pat Struss and Carla Nispel.

Grand Island Woman's Club

The Grand Island Woman's Club met Feb. 12 at the club house.

Devotions were given by Virginia White. President Zimmerman led the Pledge of Allegiance and the club Collect. Minutes were read by Secretary Marcia Truell, Treasurer Fay Plautz gave finance report.

This is an election year for the GIWC, contact Marcella Greenwood and Sally Santin with interested in serving as President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer.

The GFWC Quilt Raffel was passed around. The NFWC convention will be April 17 & 19 this year at Holiday Inn downtown Lincoln.

The sophomore Pilgrimage is on March 31 at the State Capital.

Hostesses were Donna Moss, Chairman Barbara Adams and Jean Chesnut. Program was given by Marcia Truell on "Women and Heart Disease". President Zimmerman closed the meeting.

The next meeting will be at the club house on March 11. The program will be "Grand Island Accomplished Women, Grace and Edith Abbott" by John Sorenson, Director of Abbott Sisters Project, New York City.

The Grand Island Child Care Association

The Grand Island Child Care Association met on Feb. 11 in the Child Care Lab at Central Community College.

The speaker was Merle Yoder who spoke on Early Childhood Development.

Upcoming events include the State Child Care Conference which will be held at the Ramada Inn in Kearney on April 26.

Election of new officers for the upcoming year will take place at the March meeting.

Members were asked to think about who they would like for speakers for the upcoming year. The new Child Care Directories were passed out to members who needed them. Discussion was about the Free Dental Clinic for Children which is opening.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 10 at Central Community College Child Care Lab. Roxanne Vipond will speak on Autism.

Central Nebraska Writers Network

The Central Nebraska Writers Network met Feb. 7 with member and guest introductions and current writing themes. Judy Stoltenberg Humiston spoke on the value of knowing where you came from as she portrayed her lineage from the first lady to settle in Hall County. The March writing assignment is to share your thoughts or experiences of March winds.

The Central Nebraska Writers Network will meet at 6:30 p.m. March 6 at the Grand Island Public Library in Room A. New members are welcome at the meetings.

Yakkity Yakers Toastmasters

Yakkity Yakers Toastmasters met Feb. 19 for the club's spring speech contest in Table Topics and International/motivational speaking. Teri Engleman led the pledge of allegiance and served as Toastmaster. Guests were introduced Georg Hood, Chief Judge, Brenda Kucera, a judge from Toastmasters at Principal and Bill Bailey, timer and counter.

Nancy Klimek placed first and Norma Perkins-Bailey took second place in both Table Topics and International contests. They will compete in the Area 1 Contest on March 1 at Principal Financial Group.

Klimek gave a motivational speech entitled "My Bucket List," inspired by the recent movie.

Perkins-Bailey, in her motivational speech titled "V.I.P. Sucess Path," suggests that visualizing, internalizing and personalizing our goals results in maximum success.

Yakkity Yakkers Toastmaster meets from noon to 1 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday each month at the Center for Independent Living. Visitors are welcome.

Trinity Lutheran Evening Guild

Trinity Lutheran Evening Guild me Feb. 18 at the church fellowship hall.

Officers for 2008 are: Velma Hillman, President; Burdean Christ, Vice-president; Joan Patrick, Secretary; Marge Johnson, Treasurer.

Viola Ferris gave devotion "Love and Giving." Members also watched a film of "Finding Purpose in a World Adrift."

Bessie Bombeck was a visitor. The mission was paper products for church kitchen.

The Zone Meeting will be Feb. 23 in Shelton. The next meeting is at 1:30 p.m. March 17 in the church fellowship hall. The program is the red cross.

South Central Nebraska Czech Society

The South Central Nebraska Czech Society met Feb. 10 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Home in Hastings. The meeting was called to order by President Donna Gruntorad. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Songs were sung in the Czech language with George Janko accompanying on the accordion.

The January minutes were read by Secretary Janice Hoffmeister, and the treasurer's report was given by Tom Wanek.

The annual South Central Nebraska Czech festival will be held on June 7 at the VFW in Hastings.

Courtesy chairman, Pat Prochaska, reported on cards she had sent. Ed and Dorothy Klanecky were honored for their 60th wedding anniversary.

Refreshments were served by Shirley and Paul Kothe, Rosemary Peterson, and Ivan Valek.

The next meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. March 9 at the VFW.