The Area IV SDCFEL meeting was held March 18 at the Huron Area Senior Center, with “Go Green” as the theme.
Deanne Ness and Diana Barton were in charge of registration and Silent Auction. Theresa Horn donated live plants as table favors.
Horn, Beadle County CFEL president, welcomed the group. Ness read a greeting from SDCFEL president Lynette Culver, as she is not attending the area meetings this year.
Area IV President Dianne Perry called the meeting to order. Diana Barton led the Pledge of Allegiance, South Dakota State Pledge, and the CFEL Creed and Mission Statement. The Star-Spangled Banner was led by Dianne Perry and Julie Boomsma.
Perry introduced Area IV secretary Lynette Spanbauer, Area IV Director Alison Dennis, State Membership Chairperson Deanne Ness, and the officers of the Beadle County clubs.
Spanbauer conducted roll call with 20 attending the meeting, including seven members and one guest from BCNU Club, six members from Busy Fingers Club, four members from Country Neighbors, and two members at-large.
Spanbauer read the minutes of the 2022 Area IV meeting. Alison Dennis gave the issues report, summarizing the educational topics studied by members in 2022. These issues were “Walk with Ease” (keeping physically active for better health) and “Food Preservation.”
Clubs and individual members also donated time and money to several charitable organizations such as Salvation Army, Angel Haus, Angel Tree, Jan Manolis Family Safe Center, and Plus One Guidance Center. Members volunteer at their churches, Huron Library, Helping Hands Thrift Store, HRMC Foundation, Andy’s Road Race, Beadle County Area Nutrition and Meals on Wheels, VFW, and the Huron Arena.
There was a break for members to view and vote on the Cultural Arts, and to view and bid on the Silent Auction items.
Jill Nihart, Pack and Play Travel Agency, was guest speaker.
Jill Nihart of Pack and Play Travel Agency was guest speaker for the 2023 issue of “Staying Engaged as We Age and Travel.”
Nihart said that October through April is the busy season for travel for people in this area. Since COVID restrictions have been lifted, more people are traveling. The demand for airline tickets is high, so there are few “cheap tickets.” She stressed that it is important to plan and book trips early. Prices can increase quickly.
She gave several guidelines for traveling safely, especially if traveling outside the United States.
She also told of several advantages of working with a travel agency. Area IV Director Alison Dennis presented a reading certificate to Opal Houck. She presented a 25-year membership certificate to Carol Friesen, and announced that Donna Dickson would receive a 55-year membership certificate.
Alison Dennis announced new members who have joined in 2023: Shelly Mincey, Karen Schrepel, Betty Sparks, and Brenda Christiansen of the BCNU Club; Karen Mueller of the Busy Fingers Club, and Rhonda Nelson of the Country Neighbors Club.
The Memorial Service was led by Allison Dennis for all members who have passed away, and lighting a candle in their memory. She also read a poem.
Dianne Perry led a table prayer before the noon luncheon. Casey Davies catered a meal of chicken parmesan, broccoli, and strawberry cake.
Perry and Julie Boomsma led a sing-a-long of several Irish songs. Horn gave a reading titled “Old Age.”
Friesen also received a 25-year membership award, below, presented by Alison Dennis, right.
A drawing was held for one $50 scholarship for a member attending both days of the 2023 state convention in Aberdeen Sept. 22-23. The winner was Theresa Horn. First alternate is Diana Barton, and second alternate is Pat Jones.
Ness announced that Area IV will be hosting the 2024 state convention in Huron on Sept. 20-21. The theme “Christmas in September” has been chosen.
Ness reported that 19 members and one guest attended the area meeting.
Lois Polfus gave the Cultural Arts report. There were a total of 87 exhibits. The People’s Choice Awards were won by Carol Friesen for her “Painted Lady” butterfly photograph, and by Lorene Cavigielli for her paper rose wreath. Polfus gave each of them a prize, and also provided several door prizes.
