The Betty Bunch

Nine Bettys gathered for an Easter themed lunch on March 19 at Peking Palace. Each Betty received a prize. Hostesses were Bettys Barber and McMullen.

Betty Briggs took pictures for the club scrapbook. It was decided the Bettys will attend the Bettys State Convention as a group and travel together in a chartered bus.

The upcoming 12th Annual Nebraska State Bettys Convention will be April 26 in Columbus at the American Legion Club. The theme is "Fabulous 50's". Registration will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Hostesses for the convention will be the Omaha-Platte Valley Betty Club.

The next meeting will be at 1 p.m. April 16 at the home of Betty Thompson in Wood River. Hostesses will be Bettys Thompson and Wescoatt.

The Nebraska Admirals Association, Grand Island Port

The Nebraska Admirals Association, Grand Island Port held their regular scheduled monthly meeting on March 19 at the United Veterans Club.

Commander Don Miller welcomed everyone and introduced the guest speaker for the day, Mike Olson. Olson is the executive director of the Central Nebraska Regional Airport and gave some background about the airport and about improvements for the airport.

During the business meeting that followed, a report was made by Wilma Dobesh on the health of her husband, Admiral Ernie Dobesh. Chief of Staff Jack Bixby has speakers for the April and May meetings who will be Tom Barnes and Ed Maslonka from City Hall. Other presentations for the year were also discussed.

The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. April 16 starting with lunch and the business meeting to follow.

The Grand Island Chapter National Federation of the Blind

The Grand Island Chapter National Federation of the Blind met March 20 at the Center for Independent Living with four members present.

Nancy Oltman, president, told of the state convention which will be in Hastings in October. Oltman suggested the chapter should do the favors and centerpieces.

Oltman also asked that the chapter contact the national representative to sign the Dear Colleague letter for the rest of the funding the Library of Congress needs to change over from cassette tapes to digital for the blind and visually impaired.

The National Federation of the Blind convention will be in Dallas, Texas the last full week of June.

Liederkranz Ladies Society

The Liederkranz Ladies Society met March 12 at the Liederkranz Club for lunch and cards. Hostesses were Donna Titman, Mirim Dokken and Faye Plautz.

Door prizes were won by Evelyn Starkey, Irene Feaster, Vena Pace, Marian FanQuier and Kathy Sass. A special door prize was won by Donna Fredrick. New member is Vivian Salak.

Winners in cards were: Pinochle high- Opal Levene, low- Margie Klein. Pitch First- Marsha Baxter, second- Evelyn Starkey, and low- Dorothy Hodges. Bridge First- Pauline McCleery, second- Lydia Christensen, third- Avella Highland, fourth- Fran Kochler, fifth- Kathy Sass, low- Donna Fredrick.

Qwest TelecomPioneers, Central Nebraska Council

The Qwest TelecomPioneers, Central Nebraska Council, met at the United Veteran's Club on March 11. There were 14 members present. Deb Ahrens presided.

Ahrens presented Dee Geiken with a Thank You bouquet and card for her years of service as Secretary and announced Nora Quinn is taking the position.

Joann Houser gave Fellowship Report. Memorials to Patsy Hayman family, Hugh Minor family, and Marguerite Weidenhaft get wells to Marcia Tomlinson, Kathryn Johnson, and Sympathy to Betty Rhoads for loss of her brother. She also received thank you's from Hayman family, Hugh Minor's daughter, Charlene Carter, and Lifeline recipient Donald M Knuth. Ahrens was also given thanks from Dale Nielsen for everyone who attended his wedding anniversary.

Koann needs volunteer hours by April 15. Norma reported the Waffleman fundraiser will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 10. Everyone was asked to gather 'junk' for the Junk Jaunt being held in Sept. in Loup City at Norma's House. Lil Windolph, Ruth Johnson and Suzie Paulsen will serve at the Veteran's Hospital on March 29.

Platt Duetsch Colonial Double Pinochle Club

The Platt Duetsch Colonial Double Pinochle Club met for lunch on April 2 with 21 in attendance. Marlene Byerly was welcomed as a new member.

Door prizes were won by Maxine Torgerson, Darleen Walker, Bev Wolfe, Donna Speece, Sandra Hostler, Dorothy Dahms, and Margaret Meyer.

Cards winners were Glenrose Luebbe, Maxine Torgerson, Irene Alder, Opal Nester, Viola Ruff and Margaret Meyer.

The next meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. May 7 at the Platt Duetsch.

Gabby Group FCE

The Gabby Group FCE club met on March 11 at the home of Mary Micik with 11 members and one guest, Marcia Dunn, who gave an interesting lesson on bone health.

A donation was sent to the Nebraska Veterans Home from the club. Everyone participated in bringing items for the food pantry. Spring council meeting was held on April 7 at College Park. They voted on Heritage Art Contest items that will be going to the state convention in October.

Catholic Daughters of the American Court Ave Maria #1263

Catholic Daughters Court Ave Maria met at St. Mary's Cathedral Square on April 1. The meeting was called to order by Regent Trish Curran. The pledge of allegiance was said and the litany to the Blessed Mother was recited.

The minutes of the last meeting and correspondence were read. The treasure report was given and put on file.

St. Mary's Priest in Residence Father John Kakkuzhiyil from India gave the program for the evening. He gave an interesting talk about his family, growing up in southern India and what influenced him to become a priest.

Door prize winners were Audrey O'Rourke and Wauneta McGowen; and Kathy Douglas won the 50/50 drawing.

Happy birthday was sung to JoAnn Kisner, Ruth Armadys and Gerry Poels in honor of their April birthdays.

The next meeting will be on May 6 at St. Mary's Cathedral Square.

Toastmasters at Principal

Toastmasters in March were Susie Powell, International Speech Contest; Paul Hoos, March Madness; Patricia Oberg, Weddings; and Cheryl Jones, What a Glorious Time.

Speakers for March were: Mark Newton "The Savory Salt of Life", Georg Hood "Do Nothing Dieting", Anita Lewandowski "Specialty Speeches", Kelly Ehlers-Hunter "Chances Are", Cheryl Jones "Is it Coincidence, I Think Not", Karla Schwieger-Arnold "Me & You and...", and Kathy Kuszak "Asserting Yourself Effectively".

Upcoming events include the District 24 Conference on May 2 and May 3 in Beatrice and the Regional Conference on June 26 and 28 in Rapid City.

Brenda Kucera and Karla Schwieger-Arnold attended the Table Topics and International Speech Contest in Columbia on March 29. Schwieger-Arnold was a contestant in the Table Topics contest.

Toastmasters at Principal meet from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. each Wednesday at 3025 W. College. Guests are welcome.

Faithful Past Noble Grand Club

Faithful Past Noble Grand Club met March 21 at the I.O.O.F. Hall. Seven members enjoyed a dessert served by Sister Alice Harris, assisted by Sister Lela Embree.

The Flag Salute and Lords Prayer, President Fred Stubbendick gave a thought for the day "It's never too late t be who you might have been." Roll call, minutes and bills were allowed.

A Thank You card was received from Sister Eunice Becker and the lunch the club furnished for her Installation as Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge. Get Well cards were sent to Sisters Wilma Stubbendick and Avonne York. Brother Fred thanked Sister Alice for the lunch.

The next meeting will be April 18 with Brother Ron York as host.

Grand Island Area Retired School Personnel

The Grand Island Area Retired School Personnel met on March 26 at Riverside Lodge. President Gwynne Kuhn presided with 31 members and guests present.

Food items were collected for Hope Harbor and a monetary gift was also given to them.

Sue Brown, UNLAdams County Extension Educator, had a presentation of cartoons and jokes. Her suggestions included keeping a "Humor Diary" and laughing 35 to 40 times daily.

Committee Chairman, Nola Oberhelman, told members to record all volunteer hours for the year for the next meeting. Scholarship chairman, Pete Peterson, indicated scholarship applications are being reviewed and presentations will be made at the April meeting.

A legislative report was given by Bob Kuhn.

Nebraska Association of Retired School Personnel

Nebraska Association of Retired School Personnel will host summer workshops on June 9 in North Platte, and June 11 in Lincoln.

Members are to bring items in April to be included in goodie bags which will be delivered in May to retired teachers residing in care centers.

Door prizes were awarded to Marie Zoucha, Pat Wissel and Jon Heinrich. Lunch was provided by Nola and Stan Oberhelman, Leah Meyer and Polly Meyer.

The next meeting will be held in the Woodland Room of Riverside Lodge on April 23 with Wendy McCarty presenting a program on "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate." Scholarships will also be awarded.

Church Women United

The Church Women United Board of Managers met April 4 at First Christian Church with Virginia White presiding. Devotions "A Poem on Spring" by Virginia White and a reading, "Faithful Courage of Mary Magdalene" by Phillis Gregersen.

Treasurer Vie Grint reported that three churches have turned in Blanket Sunday donations. Most churches have had presentations and will be sending in moneys collected.

Irene Coates said all is going well with serving suppers at The Salvation Army. The Baptist church ladies will be asked to set up their May table decorations early.

The Golden Jubilee- of the Fellowship of the Least Coin is being celebrated this year. The Fellowship of the Least Coin ecumenical prayer movement began in 1956 in India and has spread to more than 70 countries around the world. Coins collected from Grand Island churches will be dedicated at the Church Women United May Friendship Day Salad Supper.

The May Friendship Day Salad Supper will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 2 at Trinity United Methodist Church. For more information on this celebration, call Virginia White at 381-0969.

Grand Island Women's Club Duplicate I Bridge

The Grand Island Women's Club Duplicate I Bridge met March 28 at the Club House with Mona Dubbs as the hostess with a sping-time theme.

Winners were: First place Jan Karrer and Avella Highland; second Stacia Larson and Loucille Riessland; third Betty Torpey and Fran Searson.

The next gathering will be April 14 with Marcia Baxter as hostess.

Elks' Ladies Cards

The Elks' Ladies Cards were played March 20 at the Elks Club. Door prizes went to Eleanor Ruge, Loucille Riessland, Delores Meyers, Louise Hennings and Della Klingman.

Bridge winners were Susan Hauptmeier and Venus Kriski. Pinochle winners were Alberta Harder and Evelyn Placzek. Pitch winners were Louise Hennings, Irene Pearce, Genevieve Koziol and Donna Tagge.

The next card party will be at 1 p.m. April 17 at the club.

Precepton Alphi Xi

On March 10, nine members met at the home of Barbara Clark. All brought items to be given to the Crisis Center.

Plans were made to attend a benefit style show and dessert on April 21.

Officers for the upcoming year were elected. They are President- Bonnie Skeen; Vice President- Brenda Michaelis; Secretary- Phyllis Somer; Treasurer- Marjorie Klein; and City council alternate- Barbara Clark.

Clark presented a program about "Fans" along with a beautiful display of many types.

On March 24, Lucille Armstrong served as hostess at the home of Carolyn Lichtenwalter.

Final plans were made for the Founders Day brunch which will be on April 26. A secret vote was taken for our "Girl of the Year."

Lichtenwalter presented a program, "The History of Dominos." Then the members took park in a game of Texas Dominos.

The next meeting will be at the home of Marjorie Klein.

Catholic Daughters Court Queen Peace #2227

The Catholic Daughters Court Queen Peace #2227 met on March 11 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Marie Zoucha read a letter from Morality in Media and the court donated the same. Recording Secretary, Marsha Anderson read a thank you letter from the Blessed Sacrament Religious Formation Program for rosaries they received from the court. Jo Schlater presented a program with a selection of books from Catholic authors available for purchase. Gerry Kuhn asked all members to say a rosary, along with one million other participants in the Saint Michael The Archangel's mission of praying for life for babies on May 3.

Evelyn Dolan, Maxine Williams and Sue McWilliams will serve on the nominating committee. Blanche Janulewicz won the door prize. Refreshment committee was Ann Albract and Marsha Anderson.

Thrivent Twin Rivers Chapter

Thrivent Twin Rivers Chapter met at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Thrivent Building on Diers Ave.

It was reported that in 2007, the chapter held a community-wide auction to raise funds for a child with cancer, to build a handi-cap accessible play area at a local park.

The Twin Rivers Chapter held 110 activities, resulting in 12,641 volunteer hours. Funds raised by these teams totaled $94,368 which were combined with $46,727 from Trivent Financial to benefit several people needing financial help.

During the meeting, the chapter discussed and approved additional funds in the amount of $1,000.

The chapter still needs volunteers to work on the Thrivent home being built this year. Weekends are available.

Yakkity Yakkers Toastmasters

Yakkity Yakkers Toastmasters met April 1 with Nancy Klimek serving as Toastmaster. April Fool's Day was celebrated by conducting a "backward" meeting, beginning with the close. Teri Engleman evaluated the meeting and Mary Dey's speech, "Global Warming."

Norma Perkins-Bailey, Engleman and Dey made impromptu responses to unasked Table Topic questions.

During the business meeting, Klimek reported on the Division contest on March 29 where she took first place in the Table Topic contest and second place in the International/motivational speech contest. The next contest will be during the District 24 Conference on May 2-3 in Beatrice. Registration forms are available online.

Perkins-Bailey offered a joke and ambiguous as word of the day. Klimek led the pledge of allegiance and opened the meeting.

Yakkity Yakkers Toastmasters meets the first and third Tuesday each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Center for Independent Living, 3204 W. College. Visitors are welcome.

Grand Duplicate Bridge Club

March results

March 4: First Bing Ward and Jerry Kenyon; second Bob Kutilek and Eldon Ervin; third Elsie Roemmich and Myrna Sullivan.

March 6: First Thomas Beswick and Jerry Kenyon; second Darlene Fagan and Patricia Grudzinski; third Eldon Ervin and Marilyn Rank.

March 11: First Greg Smith and Don Dunn; second Phil Spiehs and Jane Kittridge; third Eldon Ervin and Marilyn Rank.

March 13: First Phil Spiehs and Eldon Ervin; second Lois Shoop and Ron Shoop; third Jack Richardson and Stacia Larson.

March 18: First Peggy Rauch and Eldon Ervin; second Patricia Grudzinski and Darlene Fagan; third Phil Spiehs and Marilyn Rank.

March 20: First Peggy Rauch and Myrna Sullivan; second Joanne Rasmussen and Marilyn Rank; third Phil Spiehs and Avella Highland.

March 25: First Steven Millnitz and Jerry Kenyon; second Peggy Rauch and Eldon Ervin; third Thomas Beswick and Stacia Larson.

March 27: First Phil Spiehs and Eldon Ervin; second Bob Kutilek and Jerry Kenyon; third Peggy Rauch and Stacia Larson.

Grand Island Area Graduate Home Economists

The Grand Island Area Graduate Home Economists met April 3 at College Park. The program, spring blooms in small containers, was given by Master Gardener Barbara McIlney. She gave many helpful hints about container gardening. Hostesses were Nancy Schmerdtmann, Elva Dawson, and Chris Meier.

President Mary Munch thanked the members that were able to volunteer at the City Greenhouse. Many flowers were transplanted that will be used in city parks and other areas in Grand Island.

The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. May 3 at the home of Pat Schmidt. Jan Meyer and Annette Davis will speak about their travels to Ireland. For more information, call 384-9544.

Central Nebraska Legal Professionals

The Central Nebraska Legal Professionals met April 3 at the Saddle Club. President Teresa Hartwig thanked members for their contributions to make the annual Bosses' Night a success.

Congratulations to the Boss of the Year, James D. Livingston and our Legal Professional of the Year, Teresa Hartwig.

Installation of officers for 2008-2009 was held: President, Hartwig; Vice President, Karen Bortz; Secretary, Rhonda Ulmer; Treasurer, Lori Dymek; and Chapter Representative, Debbie Ritter.

Standing Rules and Amended By-Laws for the State was discussed. Committee Lists was also discussed. Oscar Award recipient was Bortz.

The state convention will be held in Scottsbluff from April 25 through April 27. The next meeting will be on May 1 at Perkins Restaurant.

For membership information, call Karen Bortz at 382-5701.

Grand Island China Painters

The Grand Island China Painters met at the First Methodist Church with ten members present. The group welcomed new member Anna Krull. Janet Hruza presented the lesson on violets. Refreshments were provided by Edith Soper. Greetings and news from our retired members were exchanged.

The business meeting was opened by Edith, with the thought for the day offered by Shirley Cunningham. Sharon Jensen accepted to be treasurer along with vice president. Dues for the coming year were set at $32, payable by May.

The upcoming state convention was discussed. A gift of $25 will be given for the museum fund.

The next meeting will be May 6 with a "show and tell" session on state convention pieces painted in the workshops and free painting.

Truth Rebekah Circle 132

Truth Rebekah Circle 132 met April 2 at the Odd Fellows Hall with President Alice Harris presiding. Lois Clark served lunch.

The meeting was opened by President Harris, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A selection of poetry and humorous stories were read by Clark.

The Rebekah Lodge will host a salad luncheon and card party at 11:30 a.m. April 28 at The Odd Fellows Hall.

The next meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. May 7 at The Odd Fellows Hall. Bernice Dixon and Donna Morse will be serving.

YWCA Cards

Fifty-four 'Y' members and guests met for a covered dish on March 26.

High scores were: Double Pinochle: Irene Adler, Viola Ruff, Shirley Spencer, and Sandra Hostler. Pitch: Shirley McVicker, Gloria Enyeart, Donna Fickenscher, Mary Muirhead, and Jean Chestnut. Bridge: Fran Koehler, Venus Kriski, Janice Clark, Evelyn Ewers, Florence Schroeder, and Margaret McClaren.

The next meeting will be at noon April 30.

Truth Rebekah Lodge #132

The Truth Rebekah Lodge #132 met March 28 at the I.O.O.F. Hall. Eunice Becker, Noble Grand presided with 21 officers and members present.

Brother Ron, Sister Avonne York and Sister Wilma Stubbendick were excused for illness. Secretary Gerene Williams read a letter from Hope Harbor and also a letter for the 187 year of the Proclamation of Oddfellowship. Sister Donna Morse is taking care of the aluminum cans, and donations to be given to the Arthritis fund.

Committee representatives for the district are Lela Embree, seating Past Presidents, Virginia Fosket, Balloting and Clarel Middleton, seating the District Officers, also reminded members to keep record of the number of trees and shrubs planted for Arbor Day. Sister Virginia Fosket announced the Salad Luncheon and Card Party will be April 28.

Trinity United Methodist Women

Trinity United Methodist Women met in the church parlor on April 3. President Olga Sweet welcomed members and guests from Faith United Methodist Church.

Deb Swartz, Prairie Rivers District Communications Coordinator, spoke to the group about creative ideas for mission giving and special needs of residents of Epworth Village. Each member was given a laminated bookmark containing a slogan to promote the reading program.

Gay Crandell led a memorial service honoring the following deceased members of Trinity United Methodist Women: Darlene Roush, Maran Ehrsam, Jennie Kensinger, Lyda Huff, Carol Congrove, Shirley Buck, and Margaret Vautravers. Jean Tagge from the group was also honored.

The program was a special service of celebration and holy communion by Rev. Nancy Lambert. Lunch was served by Naomi Circle.

The next meeting will be a covered dish luncheon in the church parlor at 12:30 p.m. on May 1. The program will be "UMW Book Program-Information and Book Reviews" led by Virginia White.

Grand Island Birthright Chapter

Birthright hosted its annual Volunteer Meeting on Feb. 25 at Sutter Deli. Board member and counselor, Jeannie Luebbe, gave a spiritual and motivational speech.

New officers are Barbara Reilly, director; Gloria Haske, secretary; Janie Hoch, treasurer; Dana Newman, publicity.

Birthright Chapters offer confidential and free pregnancy testing with positive support and resources for pregnant women. Birthright Chapters are run strictly by volunteers. The Grand Island Birthright is open various hours Monday through Friday.

For more informationk call 381-7845 or check the Web site at www.birthright.org.

Grand Island Rifle Club

Twelve members were in attendance at the rifle club's monthly meeting. Following the review of minutes and business report, the members reviewed the club's activities the past month and a half.

Youth programs reported the completion of two Hunts Education Classes and one Field Day for a total of 62 students passing the class required for a hunting license. Graduates can attend the "Basic Rifle Course". Five students are in the current class with three students signed up for the upcoming second class.

On March 8, the club, in cooperation with Women in the Outdoors and Hornady Manufacturing, offered a reloading class. Six women attended and learned the basics of reloading rifle and hand gun cartridges and shot shells. The success of the class will result in the club offering more classes within the future.

The next meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. May 6 at the Grand Island Rifle Club with a discussion of future improvements to the rifle range.