The meeting was opened by Jean Reef chairing the meeting in the absence of president Mary Ann Ripperger by thanking Sharon Snow and Joey Septer for hosting the March meeting.
Thought of the month: Lillian Whiting says that “No one can be unhappy who is filled with interest in the happiness of others.”
The inspiration was given by Sharon Snow reading from a favorite booklet on “Spring.” The pledge to the American Flag and the Homemakers Creed was recited by 12 ladies in attendance.
Roll call was answered by ladies responding to “How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?”
Jean gave a brief history of St. Patrick of Ireland that played a roll in Christianity and died in the 5th Century. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the 3-leaf shamrock stands for the Holy Trinity.
In the absence of Sharon Jump, health and safety leader Vivian Rohr shared the information and what she learned on “Balance” as was presented at the local YMCA, 4-H Park, and Council on Aging.
The minutes were read and approved as was the treasurers report also.
A collection was taken for Nickels for Leadership/Coins for Friendship, and each gave five cents for each letter in SHAMROCK for the club treasury making a donation of 40 cents each.
An interesting reading on March Moon Names were Full Worm Moon by Native Americans, Eagle Moon, Sore Eye Moon, Full Sugar Moon, and Full Wind Strong Moon,
Vivian Rohr provided cards to send to five members having health issues: Liz Bledsoe, Judy Kaehr, Lois Neuenschwander, Martha Harris, and Sharon Jump.
An Extra: “When Forest Gump Died” Forest stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates and St. Peter said, “we now give people an Entrance Exam before we let them into heaven.” Forest replied, “Okay, hope it’s not too hard, momma said, “Life is like a final exam, it’s hard.” St. Peter said, “It’s only three questions. Here they are.” 1) Which two days of the week begin with the letter T?” Forest replied, “Today and Tomorrow.” 2) How many seconds are in a year? Forest replied, “Jan. 2, Feb. 2, Mar. 2 etc.” 3) What is God’s first name? Forest replied, “Andy, “And He Walks With Me, And He Talks With Me, etc.” and Forest began singing the entire song. St. Peter was in shock and said those aren’t the answers I expected, but the gates of heaven swung open and St. Peter said, “Run, Forest, Run.”
Judy Schindler and Jean Reef gave a brief report of the District Meeting hosted by Adams County and held at Freidheim Lutheran Church. The theme was “Butterflies, Bees, and Blooms.” The meal was good, the building was very accessible and convenient. This time there were four First Timers, the largest crowd for a long time, and they enjoyed three speakers.
Jean reported on the recent County Extension Board meeting. It was agreed to give $500 Scholarships to two Wells County Seniors in the three public schools with applications being sent to each school. The Board reviewed the By-Laws, and the JT-5 Club is down to four members and will be dissolving as of June 30, 2024, with some of their members joining other clubs. The By-Laws will change and will have the adjustment in the next club book on July 1, 2024.
April meeting: A discussion was held on having a sewing meeting on April 10 (our regular club meeting) at Carol Baker’s home. Judy Schindler made a motion that since our Volunteer Community Support Work Day is arranged for April 18, which is close, we will have our regular meeting on April 10 at the Library as usual. Motion was seconded and carried.
If Molly has enough participants, she will offer a Dehydrating Class at Washington Park Pavilion on April 15 and April 22 at 2 p.m. each day. Call 824-6069 to register.
Wells County Community FREE Health Fair will be held on April 3 at the 4-H Expo Hall on the 4-H Grounds from 2-5 p.m.
The Volunteer Community Support Work Day is April 18, 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the 4-H Park.
The Back Pack Program will be gathering all summer 15 oz. cans of fruit and bags used to hold the items the children will take home during the school year.
Homemaker of the Year will be named at the Homemakers Festival. Forms for nominating were available at this meeting and will be available in the office and then due on April 10 in the Extension Office.
The Homemaker’s Conference will be held on June 10 and 11 at Purdue with reservations due by May 1. Cost to register for both days is $200 or $110 for one day, rooms (four) to room for $210 per night.
Jean went over the lesson, “How to Make Healthy Choices Eating Out” and provided a hand-out for each to follow along and take home for reference.
Next meeting of the Jefferson Homemakers will be held at 1 p.m. on April 10 at the Ossian Library. Guests are welcome to attend.
