By BARBARA BARBIERI
Wells County Extension Homemakers were celebrating “100 Years of Homemaking” in Wells County as they attended their spring festival Thursday evening, May 19, at the Wells County Community Center in the 4-H Park in Bluffton.
As part of the decorations for the event, a collection of former useful kitchen gadgets were showcased including an evolution of toasters. After registration Mary Ann Ripperger welcomed those attending and led in the pledge to the flag.
Lori Wilson introduced the Homemakers Chorus. Under the direction of Linda Gray the group sang “Skip to My Lou,” “Spirits,” and “A Song for Unsung Heroes.” Current members of the chorus are Shara Kuhns, Karen Flatter, Margie Stucky, Carol Lochtefeld, Lesley Tillman, Jani Mann and Joy Hann.
Pat Wade offered the inspiration for the evening before the members of the ODO Club served a chicken dinner.
Molly Hoag, the homemakers’ advisor, offered “reflections” on what being a homemaker has meant over the years in the county and thanked them for all that they do. Lois Neuenschwander from the Jefferson Club was recognized as being a 90-year-old club member and two new members were welcomed—Anne Boone to the JT-5 Club and Margie Stucky to the Choral Club.
Each year the group gives a memorial tribute to deceased members and as Carol Baker announced their names Sharon Jump rang a bell and Margie Huss lit a candle in their memory. Those remembered included Ruth Falk, Pearl Fisher, Anna Fullhart, Joyce Grandlienard, Norma Jean King, Jean Kober, Janet “Sue” Meyer and Betty Zoll.
Carol Meeks was named Homemaker of the Year by Eva Bowman as a number of the Meeks family members gathered to congratulate her.
Bonnie Burns recognized the outgoing officers including Cindy Zook, president; Mary Ann Ripperger, president-elect; Judy Schindler, vice president; Linda Huseman, secretary; Jean Reef, treasurer; Carol Baker, publicity; and Nila Fenstermaker, advisor.
The new county officers were introduced and will include Mary Ann Ripperger as president, Charlotte Gehring as vice president, Jean Reef as secretary-treasurer and Cindy Zook as advisor.
President Ripperger announced cultural arts winners. A birdhouse by Vicky Lewis took top honors in that category while a counted cross stitch picture, created by Karen Flatter, was voted the winner of the cultural arts category.
A door prize (a floral arrangement) was provided by the JT-5 Club. The evening concluded with President Ripperger offering closing comments and leading the homemakers in reciting the Homemakers Creed.
barb@news-banner.com
