Friends and Neighbors Extension Homemakers Club of Jackson County met May 24 at the home of Ruth Bateman.
Eleven members came together to take care of a few regular matters but more specifically to honor Rhonda Kidwell, a member of Friends and Neighbors who has served as county president for the extension homemakers since July 1 and whose term is set to expire June 30.
President Donna Abner led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and in reciting the club creed to open the meeting.
Achievement Night was reviewed by members who attended the countywide event earlier in May. Achievement Night is one of two events conducted each year when all club members come together.
At this time, awards and recognitions are given to clubs for their accomplishments. Installation of county officers for the coming year also occurs at this gathering.
Twelve members of Friends and Neighbors attended, and the club received the award for outstanding name tag.
Several members contributed items to the arts and crafts competitions, and some received awards. The overall winning entry will represent Jackson County at the statewide extension homemakers gathering in June in Indianapolis.
The secretary’s roll call was answered by “How many steps do you think you take in a day?” Answers ranged from “no idea” to “not enough” to “not any more than is absolutely necessary.”
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, and the treasurer’s report was given.
In other reports, mention was made regarding information from a Tribune article about the establishment of Indiana State Parks. That system was put in place in 1916, the year of Indiana’s centennial celebration of statehood.
The June meeting will be a trip to Indianapolis to visit a state museum. It was clarified it is to be the Indiana Historical Society on Ohio Street. The meeting time for departure was confirmed, and transportation was decided.
A program titled “It’s All About Rhonda” was led by the hostess. A brief questionnaire about Kidwell’s life and likes was read, and members used their best guesses, which led to lively discussion and comments.
Helen Lutes presented Kidwell with a scrapbook containing photos and mementos of the year she has served as president of Jackson County Extension Homemakers.
Charlotte Lovegrove displayed a lap quilt top in the making pieced from remains of fabrics used for making favors for county meetings during the past two years, which will be given to Kidwell when finished.
Photo albums and other photos showing Kidwell throughout her life were viewed while last-minute preparations were made by the hostess for a tea party served in the dining room.
Those present were Abner, Bateman, Louise Cox, Joann Davidson, Kidwell, Lovegrove, Lutes, Martha McIntire, Ruby Niccum, Donna Patterson and Shirley Sears.
The club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m.