WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CEREMONY--2024

Our wreaths across America ceremony was held December 14.  This is our last one as we have decided we are getting too old for all the work it involves!  But it was great!!

The wreaths didn't actually come in until Thursday, the 12th as the truck had problems in West Virginia.  It arrived before 8:00 a.m.....although we'd been told it would be at least 8:30 a.m.  But we did gather together enough people to help unload those 51 boxes (with 12 in a box)  of wreaths (that weighed about 40 pounds each!)   A great big thank-you to Larry & Cleva Clark, Jim Pinson, Ronald Rhoades, Byron Harder, Curtis Franke, and Joe Simmons to answering our call for help!  Sue Chaffee, Crystal Murr (and son Jakob) were also there....to help and also learn some of the "ropes" as they are part of the committee taking over this project.     If you scroll back through all the old posts on this blog, you will see that the very first year, the truck showed up unexpectedly and we had to quickly ask for some help.

 Crystal and Marsha (and Jakob) also had the privilege of being interviewed by KTVO television station which was aired Friday evening.  

By working that day, the wreaths got sorted, fluffed (to a degree) and ready to be distributed on Saturday.  Saturday turned out to be cold and wet.  Sometimes the rain was heavy, other times light, but basically an all-day rain.  It was decided before the ceremony began to NOT place the wreaths that day due to that cold cold rain:  no one wanted to be outside in it for very long.  It was decided to come back on Sunday to put them out, although most people who needed to pick up their own wreaths did it Saturday.

As always, it was a pleasure to have Lt. Col (ret) Keith Gudehus be our master of ceremonies for this event.  Veteran Ed Anderson played the national anthem to begin the service, with all singing it.  Keith led the pledge.  These veterans placing the honorary wreaths were Army--Barb Simpson; Marines--Randy Schultz; Navy--David Fagan; Air Force--Steve Letterlee; Coast Guard--Dale Prather; Merchant Marines--(army vet) Angela Wilson;  POW/MIA--(army vet) Larry Clark.  After closing remarks by Lt. Col Gudehus, the Cyril Graham American Legion Post 201 of Edina along with the Knox County VFW Post gave the gun salute and Kent Hagerla played TAPS.   If you haven't attended a ceremony, it is indeed a moving experience. If you watch the video (below), you will see our attendance was less than 1/2 what it has been in past years--that was due to the weather, I am sure.  

We also thank Echo Menges of the Edina Sentinel for videoing the ceremony.    

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-ze_bcNEHw     

On Sunday afternoon, members of the Liberty Leaders 4-H Club, junior cadets representing the Navy, as well as other community members helped place the wreaths at Novelty, Locust Hill, and St. Joseph cemeteries.  We appreciated everyone coming again and doing that.  

Please continue to support the new committee, "Knox County Wreaths Across America" with your purchase of wreaths.  Money can be sent to Knox County Wreaths Across America, 107 N. 4th Street, Edina, Missouri 63537.(As they are new, PLEASE remember to tell the cemetery you want the wreaths to go to..and what veteran you wish to honor in this way.  If you wish them to place the wreath, you may want to give instructions on where in the cemetery to find that particular grave.)

Thanks, and God Bless our veterans!   

(Just rereading the 2016 post about the ceremony, there were 243 wreaths purchased.  This year we have 612!)                  

              DECEMBER, 2024 LUNCHEON AND MEETING

The Novelty Senior Citizens’ met Thursday, December 5, 2024 for the monthly luncheon and business meeting. Kathryn, Judith, Diana, and Marsha were in attendance. In addition, Phyllis, KCHD nurse was also there to take blood pressures and enjoy our meal with us. (She had come in on her “day off” to do this as the Home Health nurses were swamped!) The center was decorated for the Christmas season, thanks to Judith and Diana’s work after coffee this past Tuesday. Pledge was recited, and Diana gave the prayer, which was followed by her blowing out her birthday candle. Kathryn forgot she was to make the cake, but we did have a dump cake brought by Phyllis, and also a lemon pie brought by Judith, so we were covered for the “birthday cake”.

At 1:20, Diana called the business meeting to order. Marsha read the minutes from last month, and also the blog she had posted after the soup luncheon. Judith seconded her motion to approve them. Motion carried. Judith then distributed the treasurer’s report (attached). Kathryn seconded her motion to approve; motion carried by acclamation.

Joyce has received notice that 50 boxes of wreaths (12 in a box) will be shipped to us “sometime in the next two weeks”. We assume that also means the 7 ceremonial wreaths. This is the most we have  had! And we hope they will arrive on time, as two weeks is PAST the day of our ceremony. It is also definite that Crystal and Sue, plus Angela Wilson and David Fagin, are taking over the wreath project. We are offering them all the help we can, and hope that they are as successful as we have been with this project.

We will have a Christmas “treats” day at coffee on the 17^th, along with the Green Acres FCE group.

January luncheon will be January 2. Judith will make the cake as we have a couple of birthdays. Coffee makers for this month are December 10—Marsha; 17—Diana. No coffee for the weeks of December 24 and 31^st.

Meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

 

 

               ANNUAL DEER HUNTERS' SOUP LUNCHEON 

The 2024 annual (firearms) deer hunters' soup luncheon fundraiser was held on Saturday, November 16th at the Novelty Senior Center.    We had nineteen in attendance; so not a large group, but we were satisfied.  

We served chili soup (brought by Diana), potato soup (brought by Marsha), relish tray of pickles, celery, carrots, and cheese brought by Judith, and homemade pies:  pumpkin (Carolyn), blackberry and apple (Kathryn), lemon meringue and coconut cream (Judith).  Tea (Marsha) and water were beverages of choice....and no one asked for coffee!

We were also pleased with the monetary donations given to us.  

THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME TO EAT AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR DONATIONS!!!!!

   NOVEMBER 2024 LUNCH AND BUSINESS MEETING

The Novelty Senior Citizens’ met Thursday, November 7, 2024 for the monthly luncheon. Rhonda was there to take blood pressures, but had to leave immediately, so couldn’t stay for lunch. Present were Kathryn, Carolyn, Judith Diana, Marsha, Crystal, and Sue. Crystal and Sue were here to discuss perhaps taking over the WAA project. Their enthusiasm and questions for us make us hopeful that they will indeed take the responsibility of this county-wide project.

Due to that discussion, we did not eat lunch until nearly 1:00 p.m. (and yes, they stayed and ate with us!). All recited the pledge, and Kathryn gave the blessing. After cleanup, those two left and we had our business meeting.

After Diana called the business meeting to order, Marsha read last month’s minutes which were seconded by Carolyn, and approved as corrected. Judith then gave the treasurer’s report, seconded by Kathryn, and approved as presented.

In the WAA report, the website says Novelty cemetery site has 505 wreaths, with the Senior Center having 445: When Marsha called about this, she basically got a generic answer. But Judith will let Joyce know the number we have down, so that when Joyce gets the text about how many that are being shipped, we can hopefully NOT get shorted this year! Marsha had just today mailed in about 69 more wreaths.

Marsha made the motion to close out the US Bank account (which is just used for the wreaths) and any money in it be transferred to the Senior Citizen’s regular account at the Citizen’s Bank. That will be done by the end of the year.

Plans were then finalized for the soup luncheon to be held November 16,,Diana will make chili, Marsha will bring potato soup deluxe and tea. Judith has the veggies, crackers, cheese, and will make two pies. Carolyn will make a pumpkin pie, and Kathryn will make a blackberry and apple pie.

There are December birthdays, so Kathryn will make the cake for next month’s (5^th) luncheon. Coffee makers are Nov. 12—Marsha; Nov 19—Kathryn; Nov 26—Diana; Dec 3—Judith.

Judith made motion to adjourn.

             OCTOBER, 2024 BUSINESS MEETING

The Novelty Senior Citizens’ met Thursday, October 3, 2024 for the monthly luncheon at the Senior Center. Those present were Elsie, Kathryn, Judith, and Marsha, as well as the health nurse, Rhonda who did blood pressure checks for everyone. Rhonda also reminded us of the flu clinic next week, which would be held outside the center on Wednesday.

All recited the pledge of allegiance and Kathryn gave the blessing for our meal.

At 1:10, Kathryn brought the business meeting to order Minutes were read by Marsha for last month’s meeting; Judith seconded and they were approved as presented. Judith then gave the treasurer’s report, which was seconded by Marsha and approved as presented.

WAA report: From CornFest, we had 14 wreaths purchased As of yesterday, October 2, 2024, we have sent in 297 purchased wreaths, and have 162 free ones (on the January BOGO promotion). Have money for five more which has not yet been sent in, plus at least 3 more, plus what Larry collects at St. Joseph church which last year was 50-60 more. So most likely more than we’ve had in the past.

Judith made the motion to have our annual soup luncheon on the first day of firearms deer season, which we believe is November 16. Next month we’ll get that organized.

Coffee makers for October are: 8—Kathryn; 15—Marsha; 22—Judith; 29—Diana; Nov 5—Judith. No birthdays in November, so no one will make a cake for that.

         September 2024 luncheon and Business Meeting

Novelty Senior Citizens’ met Thursday, Sept 5, 2024 for the monthly luncheon and business meeting.  Present were Phyllis (KCHD nurse) Carolyn, Diana, Judith, and Marsha.  Kathryn had sent part of her birthday cake for our dessert as she had celebrated a week ago.  The opening prayer was given by Phyllis, and the pledge was repeated by all present.  Beef roast, bbq pork, chicken & rice were the entrees today; Kathryn’s decorated birthday cake and pineapple angel food cake were the desserts.  A “treat” from long ago—banana splits—was also enjoyed:  all in all a wonderful meal to share.

After Diana’s cleanup, the business meeting began at 1:24.  Marsha read the minutes from last month’s meeting.  Carolyn seconded, and they were approved as presented.  Judith then gave the treasurer’s report with Carolyn seconding this motion as well, and that report was also approved as presented. 

Business items:

1.    Judith has been notified by Christy Riekeberg that we are in space #1 at the Cornfest this weekend.  Larry  Clark will have the tent (canopy) put up Saturday morning.  We will only be only for that day.

2.     Carolyn will put WAA flyers out at several stores in Edina.

3.    Marsha made the motion to officially terminated the Wreaths Across America project after this season.  Judith seconded the motion.  No one has volunteered to continue the project in the county as of yet.  She will send the letter to the editor of the Edina Sentinel in October to let the communities know that the project is ending  (with us) on December 14, 2024. 

4.    As of this date, we have sold 262 wreaths with 162 “free” ones.  We still have Cornfest and the donations Larry will collect from the Catholic Church in Edina.

5.    No birthdays next month:  the luncheon will be October 3.  Coffee makers for the month are:  10—Kathryn; 16—Marsha; 24—Diana; Oct 1—Judith.

 

           AUGUST, 2024 LUNCH & BUSINESS MEETING

Novelty Senior Citizens’ met Thursday, August 1, 2024 for their monthly luncheon and meeting (even though we had not met in July).  It was a hot, hot day!   Shortly after noon, we repeated the pledge and Kathryn blessed the food.  Happy Birthday was then sung to Kathryn as she will celebrate later this month.  (Marsha had made the cake for her)  Those present were Judith, Carolyn, Kathryn, Diana, Marsha, and Jim came in late to eat as today was also the Greenley Center Field Day. 

Kathryn had the clean-up which was appreciated.  

At 1:25, President Diana called the meeting to order.  Marsha read the minutes to the June meeting; Carolyn seconded her motion to approve.  Motion approved.   Judith then gave the treasurer's report for both July and August.  Carolyn seconded her motion to approve the reports,  motion carried.

Business items:

1.     Earlier this week, David H. had stopped by and had replaced three of the ceiling tiles that had water stains on them.  It looks nice!  Thanks, David!

2.    Judith has paid for the booth spot at CornFest.  Same price as last year, and we assume in about the same spot. 

3.    Will we continue with the wreath project?  No decision was definitely made—Marsha’s letter to the editor was passed around for those who had not yet read it.  Marsha said she will not take care of the money next year, so if we don’t find anyone to do that, we will discontinue this project.  Also Joyce has said she will not help with the location (ceremony) part after this year.  

4.    Business letters will be sent out after CornFest for donations.  Plans had been to prepare the envelopes today, but Judith said she could get started on this at home. 

Coffee makers for the upcoming month are:  August 6—Judith; 13—Diana; 20—Kathryn;  27—Marsha; Sept 3—Diana.   Judith will make a “birthday” cake, although we don’t know of any birthdays.

By consensus, we adjourned at 2:05 p.m.

 If you read the last entry on this blog, you will know that we did not have a monthly luncheon/business meeting as the first Thursday was also July 4th.  August meeting will be August 1.  All are invited to attend--we generally eat at noon, with a nice carry-in luncheon.  Business meeting follows that.

 

                            JUNE 2024 LUNCHEON & MEETING

 

June 6, 2024 saw four ladies present for the monthly luncheon at the Novelty Senior Center—Diana, Judith, Marsha, and Rhonda (KCHD nurse).  After Rhonda had taken blood pressures, we all four enjoyed a nice carry-in meal.     Diana had led the pledge, then gave the invocation, followed by our rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Judith who will celebrate at the end of the month.  Candles were on the cake brought by Rhonda (although Diana had made muffins to celebrate.)

After cleanup by Diana, she called the business meeting to order at 1:04 p.m.            Marsha read the minutes from last month’s meeting—seconded by Judith, Approved.   Judith gave the treasurer’s report, seconded by Marsha.  Approved.

1.        Business discussed was the WAA project.  Marsha has written a tentative letter to the editor of our stopping this project.  Both Diana and Judith read it, and ok’ed it—but Marsha will not send it in until probably September, after the Cornfest.  Discussion also about sending out business letters in August. We will revise our list as many who have been receiving them do not respond, and perhaps add a few.

2.        We will again have a stand at the CornFest.  Judith will send it in whenever she receives the information.

3.        There will be no luncheon next month as that would be July 4^th.  So the next one will be August 1.  No birthdays in August, so no one assigned to make cake.                                                                                                                                Coffee makers for the next two months are  June 11^th—Judith; 18^th—Diana; 25^th—Kathryn; July 2^nd—Marsha; 9^th—Judith; 16-th—Diana; 23^rd—Kathryn; 30^th—Marsha.

 

Meeting adjourned at 2:40