Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma

Twenty one members and guests of Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma met on March 8 at the Gathering Place in St. Paul. President, Judy Wilson led the group in reciting the collect and singing the Delta Kappa Gamma Song.

Kaye Tomlinson of St. Paul presented a program of "Hats and Aprons."

The following slate of officers for Kappa Chapter was elected for the 2008-2010 biennium: President, Lois Wegner; Vice-President, Charlotte Rasmussen; Second Vice-President, Jackie Mason; Recording Secretary, Theda Van Horn; Corresponding Secretary, Nola Oberhelman; Parliamentarian, Arline Baird; and Historian/Scrapbook, Pat Dutton.

Four new members were initiated into Kappa Chapter. They are Kathy Eirick, Ilene Dearking, Barb McIlnay, and Diane Wiese.

Rho State Convention will be at the Leadership Development Center in Aurora on April 11-13. Two gift basket for the convention have been completed by Marian Odabasi and Theda Van Horn.

The committee of Kayleen Lukasiewicz, Theda Van Horn, Marian Odabasi, Charlotte Rasmussen, and Caroline Winchester served fruit pizza to those attending.

The next meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. June 11 at the home of Jean Parachini in Fullerton. A program on quilts is scheduled.

Truth Rebekah Circle

Truth Rebekah Circle Number 132 met March 5 at the Odd Fellows Hall with President Alice Harris presiding.

The meeting was opened with prayer by President Harris. Lunch was served by Donna Morse.

The next meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. April 2 at Odd Fellows Hall with Lois Clark serving.

Trinity United Methodist Women

Trinity United Methodist Women met in the church parlor March 6 with 33 members present. President Olga Sweet opened the meeting and Essie Waller gave devotions.

Georg Hood announced the Prairie Rivers District Spring Retreat will be April 12 at the United Methodist Church in Geneva. The theme is Spring Cleaning "Spiritually Refreshing God's Women." Guest speaker is Mary Scott. Members planning to attend should notify Olga Sweet by April 1.

The local unit mission study "Israel and Palestine" will be held in the church parlor from 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. March 25. Leaders will be Sweet and Irene Abernethy.

Social Action Coordinator Linda Van Boskirk stated in view of the high cost of shipping health kits, circles may choose whether they wish to assemble complete health kits or give money to defray costs of buying items locally.

Connie Schaaf presented the program "Welcome to the Sojourner." Lunch was served by members of Elizabeth Circle.

The next meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. April 3 in the church parlor. Program will be communion service by Rev. Nancy Lambert and memorial service by Gay Crandell. Deb Swartz, Prairie Rivers District Coordinator will be a special guest.

Andrews Chapter #41, Order of the Eastern Star

Andrew's Chapter #41, Order of the Eastern Star met at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Masonic Center in Chapman. The meeting was opened by Carol Ann Campbell, Worthy Matron and greeted by Bill Parrish, Worthy Patron. Twenty people were in attendance.

Minutes from the last meeting and supervisor's visit as well as correspondence was read by Harriet Parish, Secretary. Elizabeth Barker gave the Treasurer's report.

The Chapter will sponsor two band students and the Masonic Band Camp July 22-25. Diane Smutny gave a progress report on the new temple building in Grand Island. Campbell presented Winifred Boldt a 50-year pin and Dorothy Knight had the honor of pinning Boldt.

The Chapter voted to donate a dollar for each member for the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron's project of placing two Golden Sower books in every library in Nebraska.

B. Parrish read the Landmarks. The Charter was draped in honor of the passing of a sister. Past Matrons Club meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 11.

The next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 7 at the Masonic Center in Chapman. All Eastern Star members are invited.

Shalom Society (LWML) of Peace Lutheran

Shalom Society (LWML) of Peace Lutheran met on March 3. Phyllis Myers presided, Char Reiners and Darla Bishop provided the devotions; and Pat Struss led the Bible Study. Hosting the evening was Rebekah Circle chaired by Pat Struss and Carla Nispel. Cheryl Triplett was a guest.

A thank you was extended to Linda Bonnesen and Ann Hoffman for donating appliances to the kitchen.

Quiet Bags have been sewn by ladies of the congregation for children aged 3 years to first grade for use during church services.

President Myers announced LWML Scholarship Applications are available with a deadline of June 1.

Shalom hosted the Lenten Soup Supper on March 12 with proceeds going to Pastor John Reehl, retired Pastor of Trinity, to further his mission work in the Baltic area and Russian Women's Prison with clothing and medical supplies.

Upcoming meetings are: Shalom Executive Board at 9 a.m. March 30; Shalom Group Meetings at 7 p.m. April 7 hosted by Esther Circle; LWML G.I. Zone Spring Workshop at 9 a.m. April 19 at Grace Lutheran in Wood River; and the LWML District Convention on Sept. 26 and 27 at the Hastings Fairgrounds.

Epsilon Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi

Epsilon Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the home of Dee Rodgers. Vice President Linda Sukraw called the meeting to order with nine members repeating the Opening Ritual.

Thank You card was read from Laura Hunt. Newsletter was read from the Library and Hope Harbor. Sharon Rhoads gave the program on the music "My Country Tis of Thee." Members discussed "Freedom to do what?"

Chapter also held a meeting at 7:30 p.m. March 10 at the Prairie Winds Art Center with Vice President Sukraw presiding.

Thank you letter was read from International for the donation to the Beta Sigma Phi Endowment Fund.

Madonna Bunkers gave the program on the song "When the Red Red Robin Comes Bobbin Along." She also told why Easter is early this year.

Rodgers showed the members around the art center.

The next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 24 at the home of Lou Scobie. The program will be given by Jo Ann Kisner.

Alpha Delta Kappa

The March meeting of Alpha Delta Kappa, Epsilon chapter, met March 13 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church for the annual Tri-Chapter Salad Supper. Epsilon's meeting was called to order by Mary Ann Gerdes. It was announced that the state convention will be held in Beatrice in April. The regional conference will be in Springfield, Ill. beginning July 29.

Plans are progressing for Epsilon's 50th Anniversary Celebration which will start at 9:30 April 12 at the public library.

Cheryl Jensen was presented as Epsilon's newest silver sister. A silver sister has belonged to Alpha Delta Kappa for 25 years or more. All current Silver Sisters in attendance were also honored. Special guest at the event was Maydelle Messerschmidt, Nebraska state president of Alpha Delta Kappa.

Trinity Lutheran Laymen's League

Trinity Lutheran Laymen's League met at 6:30 p.m. March 12 in the church fellowship hall for a potluck supper, business meeting and a guest speaker with 46 members and 1 guest, Rev. Armon, present.

After the meal, guest speaker Rev. Armon was introduced. He is a pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Doniphan and is also Head Chaplin for the State of Nebraska. He presented a program including pictures from his deployment in the Balkans, in Kosovo, at Camp Able Sentry in 2001.

The business meeting was called to order. The nominating committee has been filled by Harold and Berdeen Christ, Harold Freese and Millie Terjak. They will present a slate of nominees for President, Vice President and one Board Member at the April meeting.

It was decided that the Lenten Pancake Supper would benefit the Project Open Doors Scholarship Fund and Lutheran Hour Ministries.

The host committee was thanked, they were Gilbert and Kathy Khyn, Cliff and Lyla Stohs and Vivian Salak. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. April 8 at the church. The host committee will be Lawrence Borgelt, Al and Darlene Knoepfel, Gary and Nanna Wieck and Terry and Sandy Bricker.

National Active Retired Federal Employees Association Chapter 1509

The National Active Retired Federal Employees Association Chapter 1509 met March 3 at the United Veterans Club. Thirty-three members attended.

The meeting was called to order by President Bob Golka. Invocation was given by Ardyce Earl followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Door prizes went to Roger Andrews and Dick Bowen. The free meal went to Walley Jacob.

Legislative Chairman Roger Andrews, Bob Golka, and Viridian Gorman went to the hearing of 1130. $69 thousand was requested by the state for annuitants reduced income tax. Service Officer Viridian Gorman reported helping a non member fill out papers.

Alzheimer's Chairman Dennis Kamprath reported $184 was raised from a raffle.

There will be nine delegates attending the state convention. The chapter voted to allow $75 for each delegate.

Barb Ernst, Director of Hope Harbor, had the program.

Jon Rosenlund, Grand Island's Emergency Manager, will have the program on April 7.

BPO Does #147

BPO Does #147 met March 12 with Kathy Vowers presiding.

Ways and Mean Chair Terresa Verplanck reported on the recent fish fry and the St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage dinner. Jackie Heupel is Chair of the March 26 meeting.

The bus trip to Grand Lodge is canceled. Jan and Dean Shafer will host a breakfast in the lounge on April 6. Fern Nielsen won a shamrock plant.

The Good of the Order Committee will start a raffle on an afghan to benefit the Elk's furnace fund.

The drove will honor Past Presidents at the April 9 meeting. Officers are asked to be there at 7 p.m. for practice.

Incoming ER of the Elks, Keith Nielson invites all Does to attend his installation and dance on March 29. Lunch committee was Rose Powers and Donna Anderson.

Grand Island Woman's Club

President Louise Zimmerman called the meeting to order and devotions were given by Sally Santin.

The program was "Grand Island Accomplished Women, Grace and Edith Abbott," given by John Sorenson, director of the Abbot Sisters Project, New York City. John read and excerpt from one of his books and told about the Abbott sisters scholarship program.

Guests were John's mother Jackie Sorenson, Kelly Enck and Marie Schager-Sundermeir.

A short meeting was lead by President Zimmerman on NFWC convention April 18 and 19 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Lincoln. Also mentioned was the sponsoring of young women for Girl's State and Sophomore Pilgrimage. Santin presented the names of new officers to be voted on, they were approved and will be installed at the May breakfast. Hosteeses were Pat Mader, Chairman and Carolyn Luebbe.

A general meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 8 at the Grand Island Woman's Club.

Union Pacific Employees Club # 16

Union Pacific Employees Club # 16 met March 15 at the Grand Generation Center for their pot luck pasta dinner and meeting.

Following the meal, President Wayne Huebner called the meeting to order with 18 persons present.

The Spring Adopt-A-Road Clean up will be held at 10:30 a.m. April 25 at the Union Pacific tracks on Shady Bend Road. The pick-up is one mile north of the tracks and three miles south.

Blanche Janulewicz, Mary Magnusson, and Wilbur Church were the recipients for the free birthday meals for March. The raffle was won by Magnusson. The pasta dinner serving committee consisted of Maxine Bielfeldt, Loucille Riessland and Jim and Alta Christensen.

The next meeting will be the clubs Annual Fish Dinner at 1 p.m. April 19 at the Grand Generation Center with Wayne and Emma Huebner committee chairpersons.

Grand Island Woman's Club Duplicate 1 Bridge

The Grand Island Woman's Club Duplicate 1 Bridge met March 10 at the Club House with Reva Berans as hostess using a Saint Patrick theme.

Winners were: First place Loucille Riessland and Stacia Larson; second Avella Highland and Jan Karrer; third Marcia Baxter and Ann Jones.

The next gathering will be March 28 with Mona Dubas as hostess.

South Central Nebraska Czech Society

The South Central Nebraska Czech Society met March 9 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Home in Hastings. President Donna Gruntorad called the meeting to order.

Janice Hoffmeister, secretary, read the minutes of the February meeting. Gruntorad read the treasurer's report.

Time was spent in remembrance of Gail Gurney, a former member of many years, and Arlene Hromadka. Hromadka organized the South Central Nebraska Czech Society in 1976, and also the first festival.

Hoffmeister read the minutes of the Nebraska State Czech meeting held at the Bohemian Cafe in Omaha on Feb. 17.

Alan Krupicka reported that Polacek was one of seven inducted into the local Czech Musicians Hall of Fame during a ceremony on March 8 at Ron's Tavern in Milligan. Polack plays the button accordion, piano accordion, and other instruments in several bands.

A discussion was held concerning plans and activities for the annual festival to be held at the VFW on June 7. Refreshments were served by George and Norma Janko and Georgia Bishel.

The next meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 13 at the VFW.

Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma

Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society for women educators, met on March 15 at the I-80 Interstate Holiday Inn. President Betty Schmidt presided at the meeting.

The members voted for officers for the 2008-2010 biennium. They are: President, Jolynn Gardner-Scholz; First Vice-President, Patricia Sheehan; Second Vice-President, Pat Vest; Recording Secretary, Becky Carlstrom; and Corresponding Secretary, Susan Gronemeyer.

The president reminded members of the Rho State Convention which will be held at the Leadership Development Center in Aurora April 11-13. The International Convention is July 16-19 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Ill. Members were also reminded that applications for Gamma Chapter Scholarships are due before May 1.

Glenda Crick honored the life of Dore Mae Boyer, a retired Hastings elementary school teacher, with a special necrology.

Bob and Gwynn Kuhn shared their experiences in Southeast Asia through photos and many beautiful items from different countries.

The next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. May 17 at the I-80 Interstate Holiday Inn. Hostesses will be Cathy Morgan, Kim Story, Elaine Lamski, and Tricia Suchsland.

Truth Rebekah Lodge #132

The Truth Rebekah Lodge #132 met March 14 at the I.O.O.F. Hall. Noble Grand Eunice Becker presided with 22 officers and members in attendance.

Brother Fred Stubbendick, Sisters Alice Harris and Eunice Becker reported on calls and cards that were sent. The secretary received a program book from Shelton Lodge regarding the District meeting to be held April 12. Reservations for the luncheon costs $8 and can be sent to Monica Lovelace, secretary.

Sister Gerene Williams also read the Assembly Presidents letter, and the letter from the Assembly Secretary. Williams also reminded members that the month of March is arthritis month.

Brother Stubbendick was nominated as delegate for the District meeting. He also received the door prize from the Noble Grand. It was decided members bring empty aluminum cans to the lodge and the money received will go to the Arthritis Foundation.

Birthdays observed this month were Sisters Charolette Eddy, Donna Morse, and Lois Scott. Sister Carol Schroeder read an article in observation of Schuyler Colfax, founder of the Rebekah order.

The next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. March 28 at the I.O.O.F. Hall.

AARP #635

The AARP Hall County Chapter No. 635 met March 18 at the Grand Generation Center with a potluck dinner.

Michele Henke, services director for the Regency Retirement Residence of Grand Island, was the guest speaker assisted by Doris Clark, a resident of the Regency. Michele told about the Independent Living facility and AARP members asked questions.

Herman Schuett reported on a meeting held at the Legislature in Lincoln. The meeting was on government benefits of aging persons. Canned food items were brought and were to be delivered to Hope Harbor.

The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. April 15 at the Grand Generation Center for a potluck dinner. For more information, call Carol at 382-7236.

Central Nebraska Writers Network

The Central Nebraska Writers Network met March 6 with member and guest introductions and current writing themes.

Jay Stoddard spoke of being a descendent of Amos Stoddard who was the newly appointed Governor and represented the United States and also France in the document transfers and signing of the Louisiana Purchase on March 9 and 10 of the year 1804.

Stoddard and his family were present for the 200th anniversary of this occasion in St. Louis. The April writing assignment is to write a limerick.

The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. April 3 at the Grand Island Public Library in Room A. New members are always welcome to attend.

Trinity Lutheran Evening Guild

The Trinity Lutheran Evening Guild met March 17 at the fellowship hall.

The program was given by Red Cross demonstrating CPR and what to do in case of emergency. Rev. Rhinehart led bible study titled "Risky Business."

Burdean Christ gave poem "Born by God's Design" and devotion titled "Different Yet the Same."

President Velma Hillman announced the spring work shop will be held April 19 at Grace Church in Wood River called "Ablaze Study." Registration will be at 9 a.m.

Viola Ferris was hostess. Bessie Bombeck was welcomed as new member. Mission was Crisis Center products.

The next meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. April 21 at the fellowship hall. The LWML topic will be the mission canned food for the food pantry.

Trinity LWML

President Ruth McClurkin welcomed members and guests on March 14 in the fellowship hall for the newly formed society, called Trinity LWML, due to the merger of Ladies Aid and Ruth Society.

According to the Societies' archives, Ladies Aid was organized November 1909 and Ruth Society, October 1930.

Hostesses were Stephanie Karsten, Louise Fischer, Dorie Kaczor and Irene Klein. McClurkin gave the devotion "Easter's True Meaning." The hymn was accompanied by Marlene Behm.

A video was presented by JoAnn Bjorkman, regarding her recent trip to Lebanon with her mother, Nellie Grim. Over 40 visits were made to the homebound. Human Care Committee tied 21 quilts, 13 baby quilts and four quilts were donated to Justin Suck family and one quilt to Lutheran School Carnival silent auction.

McClurkin was elected President; Roberta Gifford as Vice President; Coralee Howell as Secretary and Bev Quandt as Treasurer. Installation will be April 11. Rose Ann Bredthauer is a new member.

Altar Guild will meet March 25 and the Sewing Circle meets March 27.

The next meeting is set for 1:30 p.m. April 11 in the fellowship hall. Mission project will be for Hope Harbor.

Yakkity Yakkers Toastmasters

President Pam Clausen opened the March 18 Yakkity Yakkers Toastmasters meeting and served as Toastmaster. On hand to celebrate the club's tenth anniversary were Kathy Jensen, Bill Foster, Carolyn Anderson, Jon Rosenlund, Bill Bailey, Carrie Monroy and Cheryl Rugebregt.

Rugebregt presented surreptitiously as the word of the day. Steve Riehle shared some humorous thoughts. Teri Engleman was timer and Mary Dey grammarian.

Nancy Klimek practiced her contest speech, "Create Your Own Bucket List," challenging the audience to act now. Melinda Haag was her evaluator.

Norma Perkins-Bailey's speech, "WIIFM," suggested guests ask "What's in it for me?" in considering benefits of a Toastmasters membership. Riehle evaluated.

Haag called on John Roslyn and Bill Foster to participate in an impromptu speaking exercise.

March 29 is the division contest in Columbus. Klimek will compete in both the international and table topic contests. The District 24 Conference will be May 2 and 3 at the Beatrice. Registration forms are available online.

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