WAA CEREMONY, 2021

Today, December 18, 2021, was the National Wreaths Across America ceremony.  Locally, we celebrated as well.  We had beautiful weather--not as warm as earlier in the week (when it was 70 degrees!) but in the upper 30's, sunny and not too breezy.  

We had received our wreaths on Monday afternoon.  Help from Jeff Love and son, Jim Pinson, Kent Franke, and David Howard to unload the 45 boxes from the truck.  On Thursday,  Carolyn, Judith, Joyce, and Marsha met at the center to unpack and "fluff" the wreaths and getting them organized into the various groups to be picked up on Saturday.  

Saturday morning had a few (very few, as we discouraged it) coming prior to the ceremony to pick up their wreath(s).  At 11:00 we held the ceremony at the Novelty Christian Church.  Larry Clark served as the MC of the event.  The national anthem was sung by all present, led by Carolyn, followed by recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Those placing the ceremonial wreaths were:  Barb Simpson, Army;  David Roush, Navy;  Jeff Love, Air Force, in memory of his dad, airman John Love;  Randy Shultz, Marines;  Matt Kriegshauser, Merchant Marines in memory of his dad, Carl Kriegshauser;  Kathy McMahon in honor of her son, Sean Arndt, a retired Coast Guard;  Jim Pinson laying the wreath in memory of Knox County POW's--Leroy Vansickle, Stanley Walker, and Raymond McConnell.    

The Cyril Graham American Legion Post from Edina gave the 21-gun salute, and Kent Hagerla played TAPS.  Those present then went to the cemetery to place the 85 wreaths on the graves of veterans buried there.  Veterans are buried there from the Civil War, up through the present,  (Video of ceremony is below).

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=notif&v=950628382503427&notif_id=1639846825112150&notif_t=live_video_explicit

People who had purchased wreaths for other veterans in other cemeteries then came to the Senior Center to pick those up.  We had over 400 wreaths sold, for cemeteries throughout Knox County as well as in Shelby Co. Macon County, Lewis County, and  Adair County.

We thank all who attended, participated in the ceremony, placed wreaths, and just bought the wreaths.  We are indeed grateful for all our community support.  Thanks especially to Echo Menges, of the Edina Sentinel, for filming the event  and putting it on facebook.  

                             NOVELTY NEWSPAPER

Did you know that Novelty used to have a newspaper?  Well, it did--over 100 years ago!  And here is a copy of the front page!!!!!

Thank you, Lynn (Browning) VanDolah for sharing it with us!

   Our local ceremony is this same day.                                                                     Time is 11:00 a.m.                                                                                                                       Location:  Novelty Christian Church      Wreaths will be placed at the Novelty cemetery immediately afterward.   Purchased wreaths for other cemeteries may be picked up at the Center starting about 11:30 a.m.

             DECEMBER 2021 LUNCHEON

Our monthly luncheon was Thursday, December 2, 2021. After the pledge and prayer, we celebrated two birthdays--Diana and Carolyn.  Judith had made pies for them in lieu of cake, as that was their request.

After calling the business meeting to order, Judith read the minutes, left by Marsha, and made the motion to approve them.  Carolyn seconded.  Judith then gave the treasurer's report and made the motion to approve those.  Carolyn seconded those.  Both motions passed

Joyce was here on Tuesday, November 30, to get names for the wreath ceremonoy.  Carolyn was to ask Ray Prebe and Dud Gillespy to help in laying the memorial wreaths.  

Coffee makers for the month are December 7--Marsha; 14--Diana (and that is our "snack day" with the Green Acres FCE); December 21--Judith;  December 28--Marsha; and January 4--Judith.   Diana will bake the cake for January as Jim has a birthday.  

Judith made motion to adjourn, Dorothy seconded.  Next luncheon is January 6.  Busy month ahead with the wreaths' ceremony and distribution on December 18.

                             SOUP LUNCHEON, 2021

November 13 found us sponsoring our annual soup luncheon fundraiser.  It is always held on the opening Saturday of fire-arms deer season.

Four ladies were at the center to meet and greet our guests.  We served three kinds of soup---pizza soup, chili, and potato soup.  MMMMM!    We also had a variety of other relishes and add-ins for our soup (cheeses. sour cream, crackers, pickles, celery, and carrots) along with several kinds of pie, cake, and layered desserts.  A choice of drink--tea, coffee, or water--was also available.   And several came back to try a different kind of soup!  

We were also pleased with our guests "donations" to keep us going for awhile longer.  Thanks so much.  

November, 2021 luncheon

Novelty Senior Citizens met Thursday, November 4 for the monthly luncheon.  Diana led the  pledge to the American flag, after which Dorothy gave the blessing for the food.  No birthdays were celebrated, although Carolyn had made the lemon cake.

Present were Dorothy Howard, David Howard, Carolyn Morgret, Diana Cheatum, Judith Rhoades, and Marsha Pinson.

After the meal and cleanup, Diana brought the business meeting to order.  Marsha read the minutes from the last meeting.  David seconded her motion to approve them, and they were so approved.  Judith then gave the treasurer's report.  Dorothy seconded her motion, and the treasurer's report was also approved.

Business discussed included the soup luncheon.  It will be Saturday, November 13 (first day of fire-arms deer hunting season.)  There will be no bake sale this year.  Soups will be chili (Diana and Judith), pizza soup (Marsha), and potato soup (Dorothy)  Crackers, shredded cheese, pickles, sour cream, and perhaps chopped onion as garnishes for the soup (Carolyn).  All will make pies, or some kind of dessert to serve with the meal, and we will have iced tea and coffee for the drinks.  This is for a free-will donation.   An ad is to be placed in this coming week's Edina Sentinel for advertising.  

Other business was the Wreaths Across America project.  Marsha reported that as of now, we have 294 paid wreaths sent in, and has money for 12-15 more ready to send in as the last payment.  We also have 85 wreaths coming in the BOGO promotion they held earlier in the year.   Judith had been asked if we were planning on using the church, and what day that would be.   As the location coordinator was not here, we are not sure what has been planned/confirmed at this point.  

Judith will make the cake for the December luncheon which will be December 2.  We will have a couple birthdays that month...so it may be a pie!  Weekly coffee makers will be November 9--Judith, Nov 16--Marsha, Nov 23--Diana, and Nov 30--Judith.  Marsha went ahead and signed to make it December 7, and the FCE snack day with the ladies will be December 14.

Dorothy moved to adjourn, 2nd by David.  

 Do you know the difference? 

      

                                     FLU   VACCINE   CLINIC

The Knox County Health Department will hold their drive-in annual flu clinic in Novelty

on Wednesday, October 26th .   It will be located in front of the Senior Center on north 

Main Street, between noon and 12:30 p.m.  

An excellent time to be able to get that flu shot right here in your own town!  (Located in other towns in the county throughout the week.)

                     OCTOBER 7 LUNCHEON

Novelty Senior Citizens' met Thursday October 7 for a noon luncheon.  The carry-in meal had a nice variety of foods:  meats, potatoes, veggies, and salads along with the cake.  No birthdays were celebrated this month.  

After the pledge was recited by all, Denis gave the blessing for the food.  Good visiting as well as good food was enjoyed by Denis and Dorothy Howard, David Howard, Jerry and Barbara Poor, Diana Cheatum, Judith Rhoades, Jim and Marsha Pinson, and Carolyn Morgret.

After cleanup by several of the women, Diana called the business meeting to order at 1:10 p.m.  Minutes to last month's meeting were read by Marsha, 2nd by Carolyn, and passed as presented.  Judith gave the treasurer's report with Denis 2nding the report and it also passed.  

Upcoming events/business:

1.  November 8 will be the next blood mobile held at the Knox County Community Center.  Carolyn and Diana both volunteer for this event  

2.  A report on the Cornfest booth was given.  We felt it was a good day, although more help could be used.  Opening at 9:00 a.m., we closed the booth about 5:00 p.m. on Saturday Sep. 11.  

3.  Discussion on the annual soup luncheon, held the first day of firearms deer season.  Judith made the motion to continue this (but without the bake sale), Marsha seconded.  Motion passed.  It will be Saturday, November 13.  Soups to be served will be chili, pizza soup, and potato soup.  along with cheeses, crackers, relish tray, and dessert.  An ad will be placed in the Edina Sentinel  to be published a few days prior to this date  

4.  Discussion on getting the eaves cleaned out and perhaps a leaf-filter system installed on the eaves.  Carolyn made the motion that Jim  look into this for us. Judith 2nd.  Hopefully done before winter.

Carolyn will make the cake for the next luncheon which is November 4.  Coffee makers will be Judith, Diana, Marsha and again Judith.   

Judith moved to adjourn, David 2nd.  Have a great month, everyone!

         WE MEET AGAIN!!!!!

September 2, 2021 saw the Novelty Senior Citizens’ meet for the monthly luncheon.  Present were Kathryn, Judith, Diana, Carolyn, Jim and Marsha.  Pledge was recited by all, and blessing was prayed by Kathryn.  No birthdays this month.

At 1:20 p.m.  Diana brought the business meeting to order.  Marsha read the minutes to last month’s meeting and asked for them to be approved.  Carolyn seconded that motion, and they were approved as read.   Judith gave the monthly financial statement.  A nice amount of money was received as memorials for Mildred Bragg.  We also had money received from the WAA kickback.  In expenses, Bobbi Clark, CPA, had filed for us with the Sec. of State as a non-profit.  Plus we had a whole 83 cents of interest on our CD account!   She asked that it be approved as presented.  Kathryn 2^nd her motion and the treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

In old/unfinished business:

 1.  Marsha reported that Tuesday Sep 7 was the National Flag Waving in Remembrance of 9/11.  This is sponsored by the WAA.  In keeping with the 20-year tradition of waving our American flags on Tuesday, please step outside and wave yours with pride!  

2. She also reported that as of September 1, we have 159 2/3 wreaths sent in and paid for.  84 2/3 wreaths will arrive free due to the "bogo" promotion in January.  She also has money for 3 wreaths not yet sent in. 

3.  Marsha also had communicated with the health department and with the increase (again) in COVID cases and being a bit short-handed, they were unable to come to the luncheon to take blood pressures.  Nurse Phyllis has recently had open-heart surgery and is slowly recovering from that, and would appreciate prayers.

4.  Carolyn noted that the blood mobile will be Sept. 13 at the Community Center.  Diana also usually volunteers at this event. 

5.  A work schedule was sent around to help out at the CornFest booth on Saturday, September 11.  Only 3 signed up to do this.  ☹

6.  Kathryn had talked with Leah:  they will be leaving to winter in Florida before our next luncheon.  She’d also talked with Freda, who has been making trips to St. Louis for medical treatment.

7.   Next luncheon will be October 7, and Marsha will bake the cake.  Coffee makers for the month will be Marsha, Diana, Judith, Kathryn, and Marsha.

                         `   August 2021 luncheon

 On August 5, 2021,  Novelty Senior Citizens met for their monthly luncheon.  Diana led the pledges, and Denis gave the blessing.  Happy Birthday was sung to Kathryn as she blew out candles on the birthday cake:  an angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream, baked by Judith.   Those present were Diana, Kathryn, Denis, Dorothy, David, and Judith.

The business meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m.   Minutes were read--David made the motion to accept as read, Dorothy seconded.  Treasurer made her report and made the motion to accept.  Denis seconded.  Both reports were passed.

There was no old nor new business, so the motion was made to adjourn.

Coffee makers for the month are Diana, Marsha, Judith, and Kathryn.  September's birthday cake will be made by Diana.  Next monthly luncheon will be Thursday, September 2.

         Our hearts are saddened as we have learned of the death of Mildred Bragg.  Mildred used to come to the morning coffees regularly, and enjoyed the monthly luncheons as well.  And she sure loved her St. Louis Cardinals!   Mildred celebrated her 100th birthday in April at her daughter's.  

  Our sympathy and condolences to her daughter, Karen Lumley, and her granddaughters, Stephanie and Stacie,  and their families.  

                                     JULY, 2021

Novelty Senior Citizens’ met Thursday, July 1, 2021 for the monthly luncheon.  Decorations in the building were in keeping with the Independence Day celebration.  Present were Denis & Dorothy , David, Judith, Diana, Kathryn, Leah & Jeff, Marsha & Jim, and Carolyn.  

Diana led the pledge at 12:15, followed by prayer by Denis.   No birthdays were celebrated this month, however Dorothy had brought cupcakes as the celebratory dessert.  After the meal and visiting, Kathryn and Leah did the clean-up. 

At 1:20, Diana called the business meeting to order.  Marsha read the minutes from last month’s meeting, and made the motion to accept them.  Carolyn 2^nd,  and motion passed.  Judith then gave the treasurer’s report. Insurance on the building has been paid.   Carolyn again 2^nd the motion to approve—passed.

Business:

WAA project:  90 wreaths have been purchased, with 84 on the BOGO promotion.  One person had given money to Judith for a wreath.  About $50 has been collected from the boot located in Casey’s.  Nothing from the boot in Lucky’s so that will be moved to The Blue Room or Sunoco.   Kathryn has yet to get the boot to Cardwell’s.  Business letters will be sent to area businesses and others who have purchased in the past, and will be mailed in August.  Marsha gave Judith the letter to make copies. 

Judith had also paid the vendor fee for the Cornfest September WE hope to be in the same spot as in the past.  A sign-up sheet will be available next month.  

Since a ceiling tile had come down (over the kitchen area) one day this past month, Diana had purchased six to replace it and others that are water-stained/bowed.  She had placed one in by herself; and today David placed two in:  he will do the rest of them at another time.  It is too dangerous for us older people to get up on a ladder to do that. 

Ronald Rhoades has again been taking care of the mowing this year.  We thank him for doing that!

Judith will make the birthday cake for next month—August 5.  There are birthdays to celebrate that month!  

                                                     FLAG DAY

 

June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, which adopted the stars and stripes flag designed by Francis Hopkinson.  This event is celebrated each year on June 14.  So a very Happy Flag Day to each of you.

  

 

And a Happy 246th Birthday to the United States Army today on Flag Day!

             June Luncheon, 2021

 The Novelty Senior Center met Thursday June 3, 2021 for the monthly luncheon.  Diana led the pledge, then Denis had the blessing.  The birthday cake was made by Diana.  Judith will celebrate her birthday this month, so happy birthday was sung to her.  Others present were Kathryn, and Dorothy, besides those mentioned earlier.

  

Diana did the cleanup after the meal.  She then called the business meeting to order at 1:05.  Diana read the minutes to last month’s meeting, which had been left by Marsha.  One correction—Lynn had not donated the Novelty paper to the Historical Society, just brought it to share.  Minutes were approved as  corrected. 

Judith gave the treasurer’s report.  Dorothy seconded her motion to approve.  They were approved as presented.

Not much business.  Marsha has taken the boots to Lucky’s Café and Casey’s in Edina for donations for the WAA project.  Kathryn has a boot to take to Cardwell’s Lumber, but hasn’t yet taken it.  Boots should be checked every week or so, and should be picked up if the business wishes them to be.  We wanted to have them out definitely for the Memorial Day weekend. 

A short number of people present, and a short meeting. 

Next month, the luncheon will be on July 1.  The birthday cake will be made by Dorothy.  Coffee makers for the month will be Marsha, Diana, Judith, and Kathryn.