SEPTEMBER, 2026 MONTHLY LUNCHEON 

 

The September monthly luncheon was held on September 3, 2026 at the Novelty Senior Center. Four ladies enjoyed the noon meal and visiting on the very hot day (heat index over 100)

Pledge was recited by Diana, Judith, Carolyn and Marsha. Diana gave the blessing before we began eating. It has been so hot no one was really interested in eating a lot of heavy food. One meat (BBQ beef ribs); deviled eggs, broccoli, layered salad, jello salad, and cake with strawberries available.

After Carolyn and Diana did cleanup, Diana brought the business meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. Marsha read the minutes from the July meeting Carolyn seconded. Approved.

Judith gave the treasurer report from August: bills etc are not yet in for the September meeting. Carolyn seconded these also and her report was approved.

Without the wreaths, we have very little business to conduct. The filing of non-profit was completed on time by Bobbi Clark, CPA’s office, with our copy filed with these minutes.

Events coming up are the LaPlata Soybean Festival this coming weekend and the Knox County CornFest the following weekend—Sept 11-13.

About 1:50, Marsha moved to adjourn the meeting, Carolyn seconded.

 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS FOR THE 

NOVELTY SENIOR CITIZENS

 

President:  Diana Cheatum

Vice-President:  Kathryn Wilkerson

Secretary:  Marsha Pinson

Treasurer:  Judith Rhoades

Board Members are Diana Cheatum, Kathryn Wilkerson, Marsha Pinson, and Judith Rhoades. 

These officers/board members are what was sent in for our non-profit organization requirement for the state.

 

                             August, 2026

 

There will be no monthly luncheon in August. 

 

        July, 2026 MONTHLY LUNCHEON 

 

The Novelty Senior Citizens held their monthly luncheon July 2, 2026, at the Center, located in downtown Novelty. A very hot day--really really glad the air conditioning was working well!!

Diana gave the invocation and all recited the pledge. With only Judith, Diana, and Marsha present, there weren’t a lot of choices of food, but it was a good variety, and all tasted good.

Diana opened the business meeting at 1:15 p.m. after cleanup.

Marsha read the minutes to last month’s meeting. With one correction, Judith seconded her motion to approve. Approved.

Judith gave the treasurer’s report: no bills have yet come on, so she’ll get the official report to us at a Tuesday coffee. She did give the amounts of our bank statements. Her report was approved as presented.

Business:

1. Diana checked after last month’s meeting and her name had already been added to our account, several years ago. So, thankfully, she can also pay bills if necessary.

2. Marsha had received an email reminder that the not-for-profit paperwork needs to be filed by the end of August. Bobbi Clark, CPA has done this several times in the past. Judith will take care of making sure it is filed on time.

No other business. Visiting about various community and personal interestes.

Meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

                     LUNCHEON--June, 2026

Novelty Senior Citizens’ met June 4, 2026 at the Center: it had been several months since we last had a luncheon. Present were Diana, Dorothy, Judith, and Marsha.

Pledge was recited by all, then Diana gave the blessing for the food. We said Happy Birthday to Judith, although we had no cake, and did not sing the song!

The food was very good, a nice variety, and “tasted good” to Judith (much better than the hospital food!)

Diana did the cleanup as the other three were using canes or walkers.

At 1:20 p.m. Diana opened the business meeting.

Marsha read the minutes to the March meeting (last one we had). Judith seconded her motion to approve them—motion carried. Marsha also read what she’d put on our blog canceling the April and May  luncheons/meetings.

Judith gave the treasurer’s report for May and June. The Moyer family had rented the center once in April, and once in May. Dorothy seconded the motion to approve both months’ report. Motion carried.

Business:

1. For the WWA fish fry, held May 25^th in Edina, only one senior citizen lady took a dessert. One had “forgotten” as she’d been busy that day at cemeteries. It was noted that Crystal is no longer at the Extension Center, but is the Edina City Clerk.

2. Since Judith’s recent hospitalization, discussion was if there is someone else on the Center’s checking account. Motion was made by Marsha to put Diana Cheatum’s name on all accounts the center has at the Citizens’ Bank of Edina. Judith seconded; Motion carried. They will get this done ASAP, and Marsha will give Diana a copy of these minutes to verify that this decision was made by the organization.

After visiting, Judith moved to adjourn at 1:45 p.m.

 MONTHLY LUNCHEONS

 

The April and May monthly luncheons were canceled.  There didn't seem to be any new business to process...and with only 3 or 4 attendees (and no health nurse could come) it was decided it wasn't necessary.

 Get well wishes to Judith, as she had a stroke the day  the May luncheon had been scheduled, and was in the hospital.  

 Due to Judith's hospitalization, Diana had a meeting, and Marsha a doctor appointment, the Tuesday (May 12) coffee was also canceled.

 

                                         March 2026 monthly luncheon

The senior citizens in Novelty held the monthly luncheon Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Novelty Center. Pledge was repeated by all. Dorothy gave the blessing for the food. Happy Birthday was sung to Dorothy as she celebrated her birthday this week; St. Patrick’s day cupcakes were the birthday “cake”.

After cleanup by Diana and Judith, the president called the business meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. Marsha read the minutes to last month’s meeting. Judith seconded her motion to approve. Motion carried.

Judith gave the treasurer’s report with Marsha seconding her motion to approve. Motion carried. 

Much visiting and discussion. The center needs a good general cleaning and we need to throw away some stuff or sell it. This will happen hopefully in the spring/summer. The book collection needs to go, as well as some of the products that are no longer necessary (for fund-raising activities).

                                       FINALLY!!!!  

Finally, a monthly luncheon for the Novelty Senior Citizens’ group! As we had skipped the December and January meetings, the luncheon for February was held on the 5^th of the month. The regular three attendees were present, and it was a fairly nice day (for February)!

Pledge was recited and Diana gave the blessing for the meal. She also did the clean-up afterward.

At 1:15 the business meeting was brought to order by Diana. Marsha read the minutes from the November meeting which were approved as read. Judith gave the treasurer’s reports for December, January, and February. She had purchased some stamps during that time in order to send bills. We had also sold one of the 55-gallon barrels that had been painted as “soup cans” to advertise our annual soup luncheon which we have discontinued having. The other “soup can” is still at Judith’s house to be hopefully sold at some point. All three monthly treasurer’s reports were approved.

There was really no business to discuss. Green Acres FCE has cleaned out all of their supplies they had stored at the center for several years. The FCE group has disbanded.

There is still some wood left at the back of the center—left from the tree being cut down. Hopefully someone will need it and take it.

After general visiting, the group dismissed at about 2:00.

 

                      November, 2025 luncheon 

 

The monthly luncheon for the Novelty Senior Citizens’ was held on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Three ladies enjoyed the luncheon: Judith, Marsha, and Diana. We’ve invited several others to attend, but they haven’t made it yet.

Pledge was recited by all three, then Diana gave the invocation. The three ladies did enjoy just the visiting!

After cleanup by Diana and Judith, the business meeting was opened at about 1:00 by president Diana. Marsha read the minutes to the September meeting, and also the short note she’d put on the blog canceling the October meeting. Minutes were approved as read.

Judith then gave the treasurer’s reports for both months (they are attached to those minutes/notes). We were happy to see that the water bill was down to the minimum amount this month—it had been climbing since June. We have turned off the water for one of the stools in the bathroom, which is what apparently was causing the increased use of water.

Business:

1. Some of the wood has been taken from the pile after the REC cut down the tree. There is still some available if anyone wants it.

2. Crystal has contacted us with some questions regarding the WAA ceremony and supplies for it. Judith has taken some to her, and will meet the committee at the church when they are setting it up to give them the wreath stands and sheets to cover the floor/pew.

3. It was decided to have our “Christmas treats” day on Tuesday, December 16. Most likely we will not have coffee the following two Tuesdays of December. And it was discussed to just cancel coffee days through the month of January...decide later.

Next luncheon will be December 4^th with one birthday to celebrate!!! Judith will make the cake/pie for that celebration!

Coffee makers for the month of November are 11—Judith; 18—Marsha; 25—Diana; December 2—Marsha.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30.

                 OCTOBER, 2025

Due to our low numbers that attend the monthly luncheon and also that we had no business to attend to, this month's luncheon was canceled for October 2.

 Only "new" business was that REC had indeed, cut down the tree west of our property.  Glad it was done so no more leaves nor branches on our roof, nor the fear of the tree coming down on us and causing extensive damage to the building.  The wood from the tree is piled on the west side of the building (piled by REC), so anyone who needs it to burn for fuel can come get it free of charge.  

             September, 2025 luncheon

Three ladies met Thursday, Sept 4, 2025, for the monthly luncheon at the Novelty Senior Citizens’ building in Novelty. Due to a shortage in the office, no health dept nurse could be here to take blood pressures. The pledge was recited, then Diana gave the blessing for the food. No birthdays.

About 1:00 p.m., after cleanup, Diana brought the business meeting to order. Marsha read minutes from July meeting (as there was no August meeting). Her motion to approve those minutes was approved. Judith then gave the treasurer’s report for the past two months. It seemed the water bill was especially high: we will see if we have a leak somewhere. We have been thinking we hear water running sometimes in the bathroom, but no visible leaks on the floor; perhaps the toilet is continuously running?

There was no unfinished business to attend to, nor really any new business.

1. REC tree-trimming crew is working out of area, so nothing has yet been done about the tree that overhangs on the west side of the building/property. (The tree is not on our property.) Hopefully it will soon be done.

2. It was decided to NOT have the soup luncheon on opening day of firearms deer season in November. With basically only the three of us to provide food/work. Diana still has the “soup cans” to advertise.

Coffee makers for the month:

September 9—as Marsha and Diana can neither one be there, coffee is canceled for that day.

September 16—Marsha will make coffee.

September 23—Judith will make coffee.

September 30—Diana will make coffee.

No cake for the October 2 luncheon as no birthdays.

We are all thankful we don’t have to work at a booth this weekend at Cornfest!

             August luncheon

 

As only two of us would be able to make the August luncheon, and no business was known to have to be taken care of, we opted to forego the monthly luncheon.  Next one will be Sept 4, 2025. 

 

                                July, 2025 LUNCHEON 

 

On July 3, 2025, the monthly luncheon was held at the Novelty Sr Citizens’ building. The KCHD nurse, Rhonda, came to take blood pressures, but did not stay to eat with us as she is the only Home Health nurse working right now.

Diana gave the prayer, then we began the luncheon. There were only Judith, Diana, and Marsha present. No birthdays were this month. Judith had purchased some fresh peaches and had brought a peach pie for the dessert. Clean-up by all.

The business meeting started at 1:00 with Diana calling it to order. Marsha read the minutes to May’s meeting, as no luncheon was held in June. Judith seconded her motion to approve. So approved. Judith then gave the treasurer’s report for the month (it is recorded with the minutes). Marsha seconded her motion to approve her report. Duly approved.

Business items discussed:

1, REC has not yet done anything about the tree to the west, so we’re still waiting.

2. The new WAA committee has a new person helping: Karisha Devlin. Sue Chaffee has moved to Chicago area.

3. Coffee makers for the month are—July 8—Marsha; July 15—Judith; July 22—Diana; July 29—Judith; Aug 5—Marsha. No one volunteered to make the birthday cake: not sure if we will have a birthday celebrant or not.

Business meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable celebration for the Fourth!!!!

                             JULY, 2025

Although we did not have a monthly luncheon in June due to various other commitments by those attending, it has been decided to go ahead and have it in July--even though it is July 3.  We know many other functions are going on in the community to celebrate the Fourth, but those generally begin in the evening.  

So yes!  Come one and all to the Novelty Senior Center this Thursday for a good meal!  A business meeting will follow.  (And you'lll be done in time to  attend any of the Independence Day celebrations that are occuring that evening! 

                             May, 2025 monthly luncheon

Novelty Senior Citizens' met Thursday, May 1, 2025 for the monthly luncheon.  KCHD nurse Phyllis was there to take blood pressures (and also brought a cherry cheesecake to add to our meal).  Others present were Judith, Diana, and Marsha.

The pledge was recited by all, then Diana gave the blessing.  Happy birthday was sung to Marsha and she blew out one candle on the cake baked by Diana.  It was really tasty, with strawberries on top to decorate.  Although our meal was a bit short on vegetables, we did have plenty for the four of us to eat and enjoy. 

After clean-up, and Phyllis had left, Diana called the business meeting to order at 1:15 p.m.  Marsha read the minutes to last month's meeting.  Judith seconded her motion to approve.  Motion carried.

Judith then gave the treasurer's report.  Since it was the first day of the month, no bills had been received yet.  She did present her report however.  Marsha seconded her motion and it was approved as presented.

 Business:

1.  The tree that is west of the building, but on another's property, has been marked by the REC:  we assume it will at least be trimmed, if not completely cut down.  Depending on how much REC does, will  determine if we need to take more action so that our building and property do not have any damage.

2.  Diana has placed her garden flags on the railing along our ramp.  They look nice and show our appreciation for veterans in our community.

3.  The new Knox County WAA committee is planning on a fundraiser on Memorial Day.  It will be a fish fry in the 4-H pavilion in downtown Edina.  $10 per adult plate.  They have asked if any of our group could help with desserts.  Judith and Diana have said they would  

Marsha will make the birthday cake for June as we do have a birthday.  Coffee makers for the month of May are 6--Judith; 13--Diana; 20--Marsha; 27--Kathryn; June 3--Judith.  Next luncheon is June 5.  Anyone is eligible to attend and would be most welcomed!

Meeting adjourned at 2:00 with much conversation amongst the three.

 

                    FINALLY A MONTHLY LUNCHEON:  April 2025

 

FINALLY—a monthly luncheon for the Novelty Senior Citizens! On Thursday, April 3, 2025, we gathered for our first luncheon in 3 months. Diana, Judith, Kathryn, and Marsha, attended, as well as Rhonda the home health nurse who took blood pressures. 

All repeated the pledge, and Diana led the prayer. No birthdays this month. After clean-up, Diana opened the business meeting at 1:25 p.m.

Marsha read the minutes from the January meeting and also the blogs for February and March that told of our cancellations those months. Kathryn seconded her motion to approve. All were approved as presented.

Judith then gave the treasurer’s report for those months.  Marsha seconded Judith’s motion to approve. Motion passed. Judith also gave a report on the money earned in 2024 that she’d compiled (not including WWA): from carry-ins . usuage from FCE club. coffees: that is mostly what we can expect for this year’s income .

Business:

1. We welcomed Kathryn back from her winter in Arizona.

2. There are concerns about the tree located west of the building that is on someone else’s property. It is mostly dead and the light line goes through it Although we have had problems with limbs (and leaves is why we had put in leaf filters on the gutters), if the tree would come down, it would fall on the building. REC has been contacted to check on it and perhaps do some of the trimming on it. Then we might have to talk with the owner of the property  if we can remove the whole tree.

3. Diana had received a garden flag from a veterans’ group that says “thanks to veterans” and wanted our opinion to put it along the handicap ramp railing. She will place it sometime in May prior to Memorial Day.

4. The railing along the ramp needs some repair work as some of it has rusted out. Ronald will see if he can fix it.

Next luncheon will be May 1^st and Diana will make the birthday cake. Coffee makers each week in April will be 8—Judith; 15—Marsha; 22—Diana; 29---Kathryn.

Meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

         MARCH 2025

The March 6, 2025 luncheon of the Novelty Senior Citizens' has been canceled due to other obligations for that day for several of the usual attendees. 

We hope to make it next month, which will be April 3.

And our deepest sympathy to the Howard family.  Denis used to come to the monthly luncheons and enjoyed the visiting.  His wife, Dorothy, is one of our regular coffee drinkers at the Tuesday morning get-together.  

 February 6, 2025

Due to the weather/slick streets and sidewalk, the Novelty Senior Center's monthly luncheon was canceled for this month.  We did not have any pressing business to discuss.  If something comes up, we will discuss it at the weekly coffee.  We had no birthdays to celebrate this month.  

We do know that we have some March birthdays, so a cake will need to be made for those celebrants.  Judith will take care of the coffee on February 11, and we'll assign people for the rest of the month on that coffee day.

Next monthly luncheon will be March 6.

There is quite a bit of sickness going around, so stay well, friends!

         MONTHLY LUNCHEON FOR JANUARY, 2025

The Novelty Senior Citizens’ met Thursday, January 2, 2025 for the monthly luncheon. Rhonda was there to take blood pressures, but had to leave before lunch, as the health department was combining the full week into just the two days or work. Everyone’s blood pressures were good!

Diana led the pledge, then Jim gave the blessing before we sang Happy Birthday to him. He blew out the candle on the raisin crème pie made by Judith to celebrate.

Jim left after the meal, and Diana and Judith did the cleanup. At 1:00 p.m. Diana called the business meeting to order.

Marsha read the minutes to last month’s meeting. Judith seconded and they were approved.She also read the blog post she’d made after the Wreaths Across America ceremony December 14^th.

Judith then gave the treasurer’s report for the month. Marsha seconded her motion to approve. Motion passed.

Business:

1. Marsha has closed the account at the US Bank that was used only for the WAA project. That money was transferred to the NSC account at the Citizen’s Bank of Edina.

2. Snack day with the FCE was held December 17. Only 2 members of the FCE were present (and they are also “coffee” ladies): only six people attended, but we did enjoy some sweet treats before Christmas.

3. It was decided that any time the temperature is below 20 degrees F., we will cancel the Tuesday morning coffee. None of us needs to scoop snow off the sidewalk or to be out in the cold. Since our numbers are generally low anyway, we opted for this decision.

4. No cake is needed for the February luncheon on the 6^th. Coffee makers for the month are: Jan 7—Judith; 14—Diana; 21—Marsha; 28—Judith; Feb. 4—Diana.

Meeting adjourned at 1:40.

 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!)