WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA--DECEMBER 17, 2022

Our annual Wreaths Across America project finished the year in great shape.  Weather-wise, it was a bit chilly, but doable (just wait until next week!)  

Wreaths were delivered on Monday afternoon, December 12th.  Joyce, son and grandson, Judith and grandson met the truck to unload the 58 boxes of wreaths.  (The next morning 3 of them tested positive for COVID!)  After weekly coffee on Tuesday, the ladies stayed to get organized.  Boxes were checked and put in various places in the center for the bigger groups.  

On Friday, Marsha and Joyce met back at the center--Joyce to prepare the "ceremonial wreaths" and Marsha met a KTVO newsman for an interview about the wreath project (he had usually covered the ceremony in Jacksonville MO, but decided to get a more "local" group.)  He was then coming back Saturday morning for our ceremony.  

Later Friday evening, Joyce met Kent at the church to get the sanctuary set up for the ceremony Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m.  Flags were placed  (US flag, Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA) and stands were made ready for the ceremonial wreaths. Each year we have borrowed these flags from the Knox City American Legion post, and we are very grateful for them.    (And yes, garbage bags were placed on the front pew and floor to alleviate SOME of the problems with wreaths shedding needles!)

At 11;00 Saturday morning, the service began. We were only one of over 3600 locations in the United States that participated, and 26 sites throughout the world at American Cemeteries.   Senior Center president Diana Cheatum welcomed those in attendance.   Lt. Col (ret) Keith Gudehus was the MC  

 All sang the National Anthem, accompanied by Marsha, then Lt. Col (ret) Gudehus lead in reciting the pledge of allegiance.   After remarks, he introduced each wreath-layer--Angela Wilson, David Roush, David Fagin, Jeff Love (in memory of his father, John), Larry Clark, and Jim Pinson.  For the POW/MIA, we know that we have 3 veterans buried  in Knox County who were POWs during WWII.  

After closing remarks by Keith, the Cyril Graham American Legion Post 261 from Edina had a 21-gun salute, followed by the playing of TAPS by Kent Hagerla.  

   

 Many of those present went down to the Novelty Cemetery to lay a wreath at a veteran's grave there (about 90 veterans are buried there, with over 40 of them being Civil War veterans).  The Senior Center was then reopened so purchasers could pick up their wreaths to place at the cemetery of their choosing. 

 

Ceremonial wreaths placed at the Novelty Cemetery.  

This was our most successful year of this project.  We had received 513 wreaths to be placed.  We were able to cover ALL veterans at the Novelty cemetery, the Mt. Salem cemetery, the Locust Hill cemetery, Bee Ridge cemetery, the St. Aloysius cemetery at Baring, and the St. Joseph (new) cemetery.   Wreaths were also placed at other cemeteries in Knox County as well as in Shelby County, Lewis County, Scotland County, Adair County, and Macon County.  

On Monday morning, Marsha and Diana met the County Commissioners at the Knox Co. Courtyard where they  laid wreaths at the veterans' memorial in the center of the courtyard.

       

We are very grateful for the support from our county for this project.  And also thankful for those who came and volunteered--we couldn't do this without your help.  From those who gathered enough support to completely cover their "local" cemetery to those who helped place wreaths at ALL the cemeteries....we thank you most sincerely.  

Here's to next year--and (save the date)  it is December 16, 2023    !!!!!

 

Novelty Senior Citizens’ met Thursday December 1, 2022 for the monthly luncheon and business meeting.  Decorations befitting the season were up and brightened the center.  Present were Diana, Judith, Edra, Kathryn, Dorothy, Marsha and nurse Rhonda.  Kathryn took food trays to Gerald and Betty Perry while others were getting their blood pressures checked.   Pledge was recited by all and Kathryn gave the blessing for the meal.  Two birthdays were celebrated—Diana’s and Rhonda’s. 

 

After eating, the business meeting was called to order at 1:05 by Diana.  Minutes of last month’s meeting were read by Marsha, seconded by Judith and approved by all.  Judith then gave the treasurer’s report, seconded by Kathryn and approved by all as presented. 

Business:

1.     Marsha made motion, seconded by Kathryn to authorize Judith to purchase new survey flags to put at the cemeter(ies) before next year.  (The ones put out this year have been used for 6 years and the plastic “flag” part is mostly gone.)  Motion passed.

2.    Judith’s grandson J.C. will help her get the tarp down on the floor in preparation for the arrival of the wreaths in the next couple weeks.  He will also help get the tripod up at the cemetery to hold the ceremonial wreaths.  No sign will be put up as it is in poor shape.   Joyce said her family (son & grandsons) would be available to help unload them when they come in.

3.     Notification has been received that the wreaths should arrive on Monday afternoon, December 12, prior to the ceremony on Saturday, the 17^th.  Approximately 52 boxes will be delivered.

4.    Joyce and Judith pretty much have the ceremony lined up with volunteers.  Keith Gudehus will serve as MC, and various veterans will lay ceremonial wreaths.  Edina (Knox Co.) legions will do the flag ceremony with Kent Hagerla playing TAPS.  The national anthem will be sung by all, as it was last year, and Marsha will accompany on the piano. 

5.    It was decided that we would not take the time to “fluff” all the wreaths as they are just put back in the boxes.  We will tell people to do that when the wreaths are picked up (and it will save us some time.) 

6.    Green Acres FCE will have their “Christmas treats” meeting with us on December 13^th.  Everyone can bring cookies, candy, etc, to share with them as we begin our Christmas traditions. 

 

Marsha will make the birthday cake for January (we have two birthdays that month—Edra and Jim).  Coffee makers for December are: 6—Diana, 13—Kathryn; 20—Marsha; 27—Judith; Jan. 3—Marsha.  The January luncheon and business meeting will be January 5^th.