Navarro County RTA

Navarro County Retired Teachers Association met for a spring luncheon May 12 at the Community Room of Northwest Apartments. A delicious meal catered by Party Time Catering was enjoyed after which Roark Barnes, unit president, introduced Jack Felts, outgoing president of Texas Retired Teachers Association. Felts discussed various bills related to active and retired teachers which were being considered by the state legislature.

Then Felts and his wife created a unique installation of officers ceremony using the image of a chain in which each officer connects to the one before and after to form a chain of strong links to one another. The NCRTA officers for 2006-2008 are Virginia Mays, president; Marianne Anderson, first vice president; Billye Hicks, second vice president; Alice Venters, secretary; Jimmie Buchanan, treasurer; and Roark Barnes, past president and parliamentarian.

Door prizes were distributed, and Barnes presented Felts a basket of fruit in appreciation for his favor of installing the new officers.

The host committee was the executive committee, and the unit president led the pledges to the flags. The music was provided by Warner Redus and Patty Knauth who led the attendees in singing songs of the season.

The next meeting will be in September.



Dawson Garden Club

Dawson Garden Club met for lunch and officer installation on May 3 at Coffee Cabaret in Mexia. LaVada Spruiell, first vice president, called the meeting to order in the absence of president Ruby Faucett, who was unable to attend. Roll was called with eight members present. Secretary Luann Cornett provided the minutes. Treasurer Melva Turner made the financial report on progress at the City Park and profits from garage sale. Various flower beds at the park were assigned for planting and tending.

Melva Turner provided the flowers for the installation. Third vice president Doris Meredith presided at the ceremony. A daisy was presented to Gelene Simpson, historian. A green sprig with pink bloom was received by Melva Turner, treasurer. A pink bloom was accepted for Jo Maxwell, parliamentarian. A yellow bloom was presented to Lena Carver, secretary. Doris Meredith, third vice president, received an orange flower. Carolyn Goode was not able to attend. An orchid color bloom was accepted for her as second vice president. LaVada Spruiell received a red flower as first vice president. And a purple bloom was accepted for Ruby Faucett, president of the club.

Members present were Opal Hillis, LaVada Spruiell, Doris Meredith, Melva Turner, Luann Cornett, Linda Mixon, Lena Mae Carver, and Gelene Simpson. This was the last meeting until September, but the club planned to participate in Dawson’s 125th celebration.



Dawson Lions Club

Dawson Lions Club met at noon April 26 at fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church in Dawson. A report was made by Lion Bill Ryan, treasurer, on the barbecue/auction fund-raiser held at Dawson Volunteer Fire Department building on April 22. The club wishes to thank all those who made donations to the fund-raiser. This annual event benefits many community activities, and help is sincerely appreciated.

A new member was initiated at the luncheon meeting. Judge Alan Bristol was welcomed by Lion first vice president William Baldwin, who sponsored him, and Lion Norman Summers, chairman of the board of directors, who carried out the initiation. The club expressed its welcome to the judge and to visitor Don Sykes, guest of Lions Cecil and Billie Sanders.

The club is enjoying a beautiful banner to display awards. Lion treasurer Bill Ryan made arrangements to get the banner for the club.

The club appreciates those who set up and prepare the tables each month, and Lion Lena Mae Carver, who accompanies the singing of “God Bless America,” as well as Lion Norman Summers, who leads in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing. Also appreciated is Lion Brother Brad Brittain, who offers the invocation. Brittain will be moving to First United Methodist Church in Mexia in June. Best wishes go with him and his family.

At the May 24 meeting, the Dawson Lions Club considered the 125th anniversary celebration scheduled for May 27. Lion Cecil Sanders is in charge of the parade. Dawson Lions at the meeting on the 24th were looking forward to this event and to the special cancellation stamp designed by Lions Cecil and Billie Sanders’ granddaughter Sarah Jane Sanders, who will graduate from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2007. The club also heard from Lion Sandra Pechacek, who reported on the many special items to be purchased at the Dawson Post Office. Lions are glad to see Pechacek back at the post office. She was greatly missed during her recuperation.



Navarro College PALS

Take 33 vibrant senior citizens, who are interested in Navarro College, put good food on the table, add a beautiful day, a nice speaker and charity for others that are less fortunate at this time, mix this all together, and you now have a Navarro College PALS meeting.

At the most recent meeting, held May 25, Joe Thommarson offered the prayer before lunch, thanking the Lord for the many blessings the PALS enjoy each day, and a special blessing for those PALS who were unable to be present because of illness or other problems.

Celebrating birthdays the month of May were Nancy Montgomery, Jack Tatum and Joe Thommarson. After giving the days of their birthdays (some even told the year), everyone sang a “Happy Birthday” song to them.

Sandy Lewis, volunteer coordinator at the Corsicana Visitor Center, gave an interesting talk about the center and all of the exciting plans for the future. She stated she is need of volunteers for now and in the future.

Lavern Brooks was a first-time visitor to PALS. She was a guest of Edna Earl Price. As usual the PALS brought food for the Food Pantry, where there is always a need. Anna and David Woodbury, Carolyn Melton with Heritage Oaks Retirement Home and The Cook Center Gift Shop provided door prizes. A special thanks to several for their extra work for May was given to Betty Franks, Pat Granger, Grace Sims, Anna and David Woodbury, Carolyn Melton, Joe Thommarson, Burney Henry, Jack Tatum, Helen McCarty and Dorothy Holladay.

A reminder was given each one about the June 29 meeting to be held in the new Walker Dining Hall. A guided tour of the new Richard Sanchez Library will be at 10:30 a.m. After the tour, the group will go next door to the dining hall for lunch. The cost will be $5.75 per person. After lunch, Dr. Tommy Stringer will be the guest speaker. All senior citizens or anyone who might be interested in Navarro College are invited to attend this day of events.

The PALS have an exercise class three times at week at 8:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Gibson Building on the Navarro College campus. This class is open to anyone who wants to make the effort to stay in shape.

The meeting closed with the PALS giving the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.



The Literary Club

The Literary Club met May 18 at Kinsloe House. The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. by president Marsha Banks. The roll was called and minutes read by secretary Geneva Davis. The financial report was given by treasurer Mary Lou Healy.

“Happy Birthday” was wished for Geneva Davis, Lana Orsak, Johnnie Teague and Connie Winters.

Teague, chairman of the nominating committee, reported that changes had to be made in the slate of officers because of the resignation of Frances James from the office of treasurer. Dottie Mayer will take the treasurer’s position, and Mary Lou Healy will become secretary. Frances James is moving to be closer to her children. Her resignation was accepted with regret.

Connie Winters reported no known members needing a card for illness.

Sandy Chambers gave the Kinsloe House report on the success of the garden tour.

Geneva Davis, vice president for the 2006-2007 season, reported that the theme for next year will be “All things bright and beautiful. All creatures great and small, all things wide and wonderful. The Lord God made them all.”

Patty Knauth asked members to sign a list with their updated addresses and telephone numbers for the yearbook.

The outgoing and incoming treasurers will visit the bank to sign signature card and will take copy of the minutes for support.

Incoming president Sandy Chambers presented gifts to the outgoing president, secretary, and treasurer. The outgoing president thanked the club for working so well during the year.

The meeting was adjourned for a delicious lunch. The blessing was given by Peggy Smith. Hostesses Linda Pedersen and Linda Shuler had decorated the tables with beautiful dolls provided by Mary Lou Healy. The mantillas and Spanish costumes of the dolls set the tone for the program provided by Healy’s talented grandson, Michael Miller, a classical guitarist. His mother, Monica Miller, a recent club member, was also present to hear the beautiful music.

The program included “Cancion del Emperador,” Narvaez; “I Serve a Worthy Lady,” Anonymous; “Prelude in D Minor,” J.S. Bach; “Sarabande,” “Allemande from Cello Suite No. 4,” J.S. Bach; “Studies No. 5 and 6,” Fernando Sor; “Adelita Lagrima,” Francisco Tarrega; “L’Amoroso,” Mauro Giuliani; and “In My Life,” The Beatles.

The audience greatly enjoyed the anecdotes and comments Miller gave about each composition and composer.

This was the last meeting of the season. September will be the next meeting.



Woman’s Club House Association

Alpha Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society will be host for the luncheon and program at Kinsloe House on June 14. The committee consists of Cecelia Alexander, Dottie Dickson, Mellie Howard, Gelene Simpson, Arlene Stewart, Winona Stewart, Fannie Mae Vernon and Beverly White. Dottie Dickson is Kinsloe House director. Justified, a quartet from First Baptist Church of Corsicana, will present a program of gospel singing. The members of Justified are Phillip Keltner, Kenny Maxfield, Chuck McElroy and Larry Talbert. The pianist for the group is Annett Reid. This will be an inspiring and entertaining program and Kinsloe members are urged to make reservations for themselves and guests no later than noon June 12 by calling (903) 874-5791. Any cancellations are due by the same time.



LULAC

League of United Latin American Citizens 4707 Council has a general meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Fiesta Grill Mexican Restaurant, 123 N. Commerce St. For more information, call Pedro Cohen at (903) 389-8512 or Tony Ortega at (903) 654-0477.



IOOF

Corsicana Odd Fellows Lodge No. 63, IOOF meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the IOOF Lodge Hall, 3330 W. Second Ave. Home Rebekah Lodge No. 128, IOOF meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the IOOF Lodge Hall.



TOPS

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) No. 1693, a non-profit organization, meets from 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday at First United Methodist Church. Weigh-ins are from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Anyone interested in losing weight with a strong support system is welcome. For more information, call Mary at (903) 872-5568 or Joyce at (903) 874-5145 or visit the Web site www.tops.org.



Navarro Amateur Radio Club

Navarro Amateur Radio Club meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Gander Mountain Lodge. For more information, call Jim McCarter at (903) 851-6162.



Jackson Ex-Students Association

Jackson Ex-Students Association meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Bears Den, 802 S. Second St., (903) 872-1617.



Emhouse 4-H Club

Emhouse 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m. every second Monday at Emhouse Community Center.



Caregivers Support Group

Caregivers Support Group meets at 6 p.m. the last Thursday of each month at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church. For more information, call Carolyn Blackburn, (903) 874-7233.



Lone Star Single Sams

Lone Star Single Sams RV Club is a club for owners of recreational vehicles or those thinking about buying one. The club meets the first weekend of each month at different RV parks within 150 miles of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Activities include dining, dancing, card playing, sightseeing and good fellowship. For more information, call (817) 424-5100 or (903) 549-2322.



Old Car Cruise Night

Old Car Cruise Night is held from 7 to 10 p.m. the second Friday of every month at Chicken Express, 1813 W. Seventh Ave., Corsicana. Everyone is invited.



Mildred 4-H

Mildred 4-H meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Mildred school cafeteria. For more information, call Randy Roper at (903) 874-1251.



Blooming Grove Young at Heart

Blooming Grove Young at Heart meets at 2 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Blooming Grove Fire Station. Everyone 60 and above in the community is invited.



American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary, 632 N. Beaton St., meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month.



Central Texas Foundation Quarter Horse Registry Affiliate

Central Texas Foundation Quarter Horse Registry Affiliate meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at Double D Steak House, State Highway 31, Kerens. Everyone welcome. For more information, view the Web site at www.ctfqhra.com or call Charlotte at (903) 288-0043 or AJ at (903) 879-2403.