Friday Club holds March meeting

The Friday Club (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) met Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Black River Electric Coop community room.

Before the business meeting began, Program Leader, Margaret Miller, introduced Angie Gehlert, Director of Development and Angie Woodruff, Administrative Assistant, at Missouri Girls Town. Both ladies talked about the happenings at Girls Town. Missouri Girls Town was founded by General Federation of Women’s Club of Missouri. It is a residential treatment facility for girls, ages 8-21, who have been physically abused or severely neglected. The Fredericktown Friday Club continually supports Girls Town by monetary donations, donations of personal items for the girls, and saving Campbell Soup labels and Box Tops for Education that can be turned in for products and rebates for use at Girls Town.

Afterwards, President Jean Roy called the meeting to order and followed with the pledges to the United States and Missouri flags.

Betty Schmale gave the devotional entitled “Not My Kind.”

Margaret Miller read the February minutes as well as all correspondence received.

The treasurer’s report was given by Betty Schmale.

Frances Branum spoke about the Ways and Means idea. Due to the generosity of our members we were able to raise money for some club activities.

Linda Hogan gave an update on plans that are going forward for the Prince and Princess Pageant to be held on May 3, 2012 at the Fredericktown High School gym. Contestants applications will appear in the April 4 edition of the Democrat News.

A District Spring Convention will be held on March 24 at Ste. Genevieve. Some of our members will be able to attend. Each club is supposed to bring an Easter basket as a fundraiser. Linda Hogan agreed to decorate and fill the basket with gardening items.

Members present were Frances Branum, Conita Follis, Ilerea Hamilton, Linda Hogan, Carolyn Kegley, Margaret Miller, Radha Rao, Jean Roy, Betty Schmale, Shirley Gaines, Emelita Bentinganan, Tonya Robbins, and we welcomed Freida Jones as a new member.

The refreshment table was so beautifully decorated with the St. Patrick’s Day theme. Delicious refreshments were provided by hostesses Linda Hogan, Radha Rao, and Emelita Bentinganan.

The next meeting will be on April 20, 2012 and we will travel to Ste. Genevieve for lunch. Kathy Hartig, District 9 President, will be the speaker for our program.