Grand Island China Painters
The Grand Island China Painters met July 1, at the First United Methodist Church with eight members present. The members painted various fruit designs on their china, from materials supplied by Nancy Erickson. The business meeting was opened by President Edith Soper after lunch, with a poem, ``Ring our Sweet Freedom's Bell``, read by Shirley Cunningham. State President Mary Kay Osterhaus's letter was shared. She suggested using straight lavender oil to rinse brushes. Edith Soper will paint our club's Christmas Bulbs for the governor's mansion. The county fairs offer a time to display members art in china painting. At the August meeting, Wilmadeen Cramer will demonstrate grounding. Members need to bring powered paint, resist or contact paper, heavy oil, brush and china.
The next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 5 at the First United Methodist Church, 4190 W. Capital Ave. The lesson will be presented by Wilmadeen Cramer on grounding: bring powered paint, heavy oil, resist or contact paper, brush, china, and lunch.
G.I. Port Nebraska Admirals
The Grand Island Port of the Nebraska Admirals held their regular scheduled monthly meeting June 18 at the United Veterans Club.
Commander Don Miller called the business meeting to order. There were 13 members and guests present. Commander Miller introduced Bea Fiala, a representative from Murders R Us Theatricals. Ms. Fiala explained how their programs are "Fun and Interactive." Murders R Us has performed across the country so they have a wide network of people, places and talent.
Giving members updates on the State Fair movement to Grand Island was Admiral, Jay Vavricek. He explained the history of the State Fair and gave an explanation of the legislation when this was approved during the legislative session.
The group was scheduled to host bingo night on May 29, but was canceled due to inclement weather. They did deliver cookies to the facility and they will be used for other events in the recreation hall. The group will host a bingo night later in the fall.
The next meeting will be lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a business meeting at noon July 16.
UPEC No. 16
Union Pacific Employees Club No. 16 met June 21 at the Grand Generation Center for the clubs Annual Indoor/Outdoor Picnic Dinner and meeting.
Following the meal, President Wayne Huebner called the meeting to order with 16 persons present.
The Spring Adopt-a-Road Clean-up was held April 25. Wayne Huebner and Bill Magnusson were the recipients of the free birthday meal for birthdays in May and June. The raffle was won by Loucille Riessland.
Election of officers was held: Huebner, President; Jack Lee, Vice President; and DB and Jean Wagner, Secretary and Treasurer. Board members: Jim Christensen, Mary Magnusson, Jean Wagner, Sharon Morhain, Marlene Lee and Emma Huebner.
The Indoor/Outdoor Picnic Dinner serving committee consisted of all the Officers and Board Members. Following the meeting, penny bingo was played.
There will be no meeting in July and the next meeting will be the clubs Annual Ice Cream Social dinner on Aug. 16 at the Grand Generation Center with Wayne and Emma Huebner Chairpersons.
Truth Rebekah Lodge No. 132
Vice Grand Alice Harris opened the June 27 meeting of Truth Rebekah Lodge, with 16 members in attendance. Illness of members was noted by Brother Fred Stubbendick and Sisters Lela Embree and Alice Harris. A thank you note and letter was received from Sister Becky Freeland.
The Fourth of July Rest Stop on the Interstate was not conducted this year. Sister Joyce Hodtwalker, the 2009 District President, announced the District meeting will be in Grand Island. A committee has been appointed and it was decided the luncheon will be catered. Sister Gerene Williams attended the birthday party sponsored by the O'Neill and Norfolk Lodges for Sister Leona Gleed. She is 108 years old and the seventh oldest living person in the world. She is an 85 year member of the Rebekahs and received her veteran jewel from the Norfolk Lodge.
Over 50 people were in attendance at the Oddfellow/Rebekah picnic held on June 22 at the Grand Island Lodge Hall. Sister Alice Harris thanked Bud and Lois Clark for the lunch. The group also met July 11 with Sisters Vena Pace and Berniece Dixon hosting.
Elks' Ladies Cards
The Elks' Ladies Cards were played June 19 at the Elks Club. Door prizes went to Evelyn Placzek, Helen Anderson, Norma Jakob, Venus Kriski and Gloria Tagge.
Bridge winners were Susan Hauptmeier and Venus Kriski. Pinochle winners were Alberta Harder and Evelyn Placzek. Pitch winners were Donna Fredrick, Gerrie Johnson, Loucille Riessland, Gloria Tagge and Lloydene Pedersen.
There will be no Elks' Ladies Cards in July as the DOES annual luncheon and card party will be held that day at the Elks Club. The next regular Elks' Ladies Cards will be held Aug. 12
Trinity United Methodist Women
Trinity United Methodist Women met in the church parlor on July 3. President Olga Sweet called the meeting to order. Virginia White presented devotions ``Gather the Jewels of Summer.``
Corsage for Mission ribbons were presented to the following members who had July birthdays: Ruth Johnson, Donna Cargill, and Dorothy Higgins.
Three speakers presented the program, ``Local Charities UMW has Helped Support.`` Barbara Ernst spoke about Hope Harbor; Diana Meyer spoke about Heartland Casa; and Sondra Schwalin spoke about Christian House - Child Advocacy. Ernst and Meyer were each presented with a quilt made by United Methodist Women to be used in their charities. A donation of beanie babies was presented to Schwalin for the Christian Home - Child Advocacy Center to be given to children served by the center.
The next meeting is a brunch planned for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, in the church parlor. The program, ``Proposed Renovation Changes,`` will be presented by members of the church building committee.
YWCA Cards
"Y" members and guests met for a covered dish luncheon on June 6. There were 13 tables of cards.
High scores were: Double Pinochle: Micki Lowry, Glenrose Luebbe and Beverly Wolfe; Pitch: Irene Pearce, Florence Krull, Bonnie Finnigsmier and Alberta Perkins; Bridge: Janice Clark, Jean Nore, Rosella Noden, Fran Koehler and Venus Kriski.
The next card party and luncheon will be at noon July 30. YWCA members and non-members interested in attending may call the "Y" office at 384-9922 or Donna Fredrick at 382-4868 for further information.
Truth Rebekah Circle No. 132
Truth Rebekah 132 met July 2 at the Odd Fellows Hall with President Alice Harris presiding.
The meeting opened with the Doxology and prayer. Members joined hands and repeated the Lords Prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was given and the flag was saluted.
Business was conducted in due fashion. A sympathy card was signed for a member whose brother had passed away.
The thought for the day: "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at age 80 or 20."
In observance of the Fourth of July, Betty Dunkun read several poems honoring America.
The next meeting will be Aug. 6 at the Odd Fellows hall with Jean West serving.
G.I. Chapter National Federation of the Blind
The Grand Island Chapter National Federation of the Blind met June 19 at The Center for Independent Living.
Plans are continuing for making centerpieces for the state convention that will be held in Grand Island Oct. 10 to12. Since the groups President is from Hastings, they will be using the Kool-Aid theme.
In October, the Talking Books will be going digital. The player will be smaller and the tapes will be the size of a credit card. The National Convention will begin June 29 in Dallas, Texas.
There is no meeting in July and the next meeting will be Aug. 21.
Platt Duetsch Colonial Double Pinochle Club
The Platt Duetsch Colonial Double Pinochle Club met for lunch on July 2, with 21 in attendance. Four ladies are celebrating birthdays this month. They are Maxine Torgerson, Donna Speece, Margaret Meyer and Pat Miller. Marlene Byerly is celebrating a wedding anniversary.
Door prizes were won by Dorothy Dahms, Pat Miller, Imogene Williams, Beverly Wolfe, Margaret Meyer and Irene Alder.
Card winners were Viola Ruff, Darleen Walker, GlenRose Luebbe, Pat Miller, Donna Speece and Beverly Wolfe.
The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the Platt Duetsch.
Yakkity Yakkers Toastmasters
Sgt. Of Arms Teri Engleman opened Yakkity Yakkers Toastmasters July 1 meeting with the pledge of allegiance. President Melinda Haag presented business items and introduced guests: Linda Cone, Carolyn Andersen and Cheryl Rugebregt who has rejoined.
Nancy Klimek was toastmaster; Cone, timer; Pam Clausen gave a joke. Norma Perkins-Bailey was grammarian, general evaluator and presented egregious as word of the day which means, flagrant, grave or outlandish in behavior or promises.
Rugebregt gave an icebreaker speech titled, "From Humble Roots," sharing memories of her youth and family background. Perkins-Bailey provided evaluations.
Haag's speech, "The Family Reunion," was about "letting go and living in the moment." Engleman was her evaluator.
Table Topic Master Haag led an impromptu speaking exercise based on family. Participants were guests, Cone and Andersen.
Officer training was conducted July 12 at Principal Financial.
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. For more information, call Norma Perkins-Bailey at 384-1180 or Nancy Klimek at 385-6252, Extension 458.
Qwest TelecomPioneers
The Qwest TelecomPioneers, Central Nebraska Council met at the United Veterans Club on June 10. There were 17 members present, Deb Ahrens presided.
Ahrens thanked everyone who helped at the Groundwater Festival. Review was given of State Conference call, and reminder that new local officers will be elected in Aug.
Lifeline is now $90 per quarter per person (up from $81), may have to cut down to two people next year. The chapter fund raising activities can be posted on the web site if members show where the funds will be allotted. Some suggestions for funds in the future were: St. Paul Vets Museum, Merrick County Food Pantry, Fullerton Track, Merrick County Christmas Sharing, and Lifeline.
Upcoming events are: The Waffleman from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Platt Duetsche. Junk Jaunt in Loup City Sept. 26-28. Donations are needed. Ahrens can pick up donations or they can be delivered to her home. The Soup Supper will be Oct. 14 at the Vets Club. It will be chaired by Suzie.
Old cell phones for refurbishment and distribution for elderly need to be donated by Aug.
The group also met July 8 at the Vets Club.
Faithful Past Noble Grand
Faithful Past Noble Grand Club met June 20 at the I.O.O.F. Club Room. After singing the Doxology the members were served lunch and dessert by Sister Eldora Speck.
Brother Fred Stubbendick opened the meeting with nine members present. The minutes were read and the members who were ill were announced. Sister Ruby Loop has a birthday July 8 and a card was sent. Sister Alice Harris gave a report on the Past Noble Grand Breakfast held in Hastings June 6.
The next P.N.G. Breakfast will be in June 2009 in Shelton. Brother Fred closed the meeting, and thanked Sister Eldora for serving. As Fathers Day had passed, everyone told something about their fathers.
The next meeting will be July 18 and the hostess will be Donna Morse.
G.I. Woman's Club Duplicate 1
Grand Island Woman's Club Duplicate 1 bridge group met June 27 at the club house with Pat Vogel as hostess using a July 4th theme.
Winners were: first place, Pat Vogel and Avella Highland; second place, Loucille Riessland and Stacia Larsen; third place, Betty Rother and Kathy Sass.
The next meeting will be Monday with Anita Parker serving as hostess.
Betsy Hager Chapter National Society DAR
Betsy Hager Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met June 18 at the home of Shirley Greving in Central City. Nina Stern presented the program on grave stone markers and prices.
Regent Jackson reported on a recent meeting with Sherrie Olson, State Chairman of Nebraska Cemetery Ladies, along with several Betsy Hager Chapter members. The group met with Chaplain Bill Noer, Recreation Director Nancy Klimek and Volunteer Service Director Joan Badura of the Nebraska Veterans Home to discuss starting a group from the chapter that will attend any Veteran's graveside service. The goal of this group is to assure that no veteran will be buried without someone present.
Installation of new officers for the years 2008 to 2010 was held.
The group also met at the Lady Bug Tea Room for a fun luncheon with 14 members and 2 guests. The program was a book report by Betty Mapes on "1776" written by David McCullough.
The next meeting will be the third Wednesday in September.
Danish Sisterhood Lodge No. 113
Danish Sisterhood Lodge No. 113 met July 1 at the home of Dee Battles with 12 members present. This was the annual picnic with salads, casseroles and catered fried chicken. Aleena Grim led the Danish prayer. Red, white and blue table decorations carried out the Fourth of July theme.
President Donna Andersen led the business meeting. Since stormy weather precluded June's trip to Harriett's in Dannebrog, it has been rescheduled for July 16 with the group meeting for lunch. Betty Gruwell was presented with her 25 year certificate. The Nebraska-Colorado District listing of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood members was distributed. Dee highlighted the July Sisterhood news.
Secretary Sylcia McTavis is in St. Francis Hospital for testsafter spending two weeks in Tiffany. Members signed a get-well card wishing her a speedy recovery.
The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 2 at Golden Towers. Hostesses will be Lois Baasch and Marian Walters. Each member is to bring a birthday card for the "all members" birthday celebration. Members are also to bring a dinner place setting with a story. Guests are welcome. For more information, call Dee Battles at 382-0552.
Liederkranz Ladies Society
Liederkranz Ladies Society met June 11 at the Liederkranz Club for luncheon and cards. Hostesses were Marge Johnson, Delores Luedtke and Mary Olson. Pauline McCleery, Sally Larson, Donna Fredrick, Fay Plautz, Vivian Salak and Sandy Yarns were door prize winners .
The following were card winners: Pinochle - Peg Vansant and Marlene Myers; Bridge - Kathy Sass, Jean Nore, Lucelle Riessland, Joan Head and Helen Koch; and Pitch - Doris Djernes and Bonnie Finnigsmier.
The group also met July 9 at the club with cards being played following lunch.
AARP # 635
The AARP Hall County Chapter No. 635 met June 17 at the Grand Generation Center with a potluck dinner. Seventeen members were present.
Guest speaker for the evening was Ed Nickel, St. Francis Trauma Coordinator. He is an instructor for the Movement Improvement classes brought to Grand Island by the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation. The Tai Chi-bases exercises are a way for older residents to strengthen muscle, provide flexibility and improve blood circulation. Those interested in participating can contact Wellness Works to sign up. The classes are free although there is a charge for a DVD to use for practicing at home.
The next meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Grand Generation Center for a potluck dinner. For more information, contact Carol at 382-7236.
BPO DOES No. 147
The BPO DOES Grand Lodge Convention was held June 15 to 19 in Rochester, Minn. President Kathy Vowers was the drove's delegate. Joyce Hodtwalker served an appointment on the Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee; Levada Nielson served on the G.L. National Heritage Committee and Kay Sterling served on the G.L. Good of the Order Committee. Other Does attending were Carol Fanta, Jan Shafer and Sharon Garcia. The new Supreme President for 2008 to 2009 is Belinda J. Puckett of Ruidoso No. 152, N.M. She will visit our area when Grand Island hosts the Nebraska Central District meeting Oct. 16 to 18 and will be held at Elks No. 604 Lodge Building.
