James Blair Chapter, DAR

James Blair Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met April 8 at Kinsloe House. Betty Partain, chairman of women’s issues, volunteer services, introduced the speaker Gina Dieterichs, who described the variety of training services provided by VOICE. She highlighted literacy programs in Kerens which had met originally at the Kerens Public Library but has transferred to First Methodist Church of Kerens. Dieterichs indicated that VOICE is having several spring fund-raisers to support the increasing services it provides to the Navarro County surrounding area. Hostesses for the day were Dortha Bergey, Martha Chilbert, Gladys Best, Maude Rushing, and Geneva Davis.

The next meeting of James Blair Chapter, DAR, will be the memorial service at 3 p.m. May 13 at Kinsloe House. Chaplain Sandra Curtis will conduct the memorial ceremony and co-chairmen will be Carolyn French, Donna Ingham and Geneva Davis.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is an historical genealogical heritage organization open to female descendants of American patriots who served or gave service to the American government during the American Revolutionary War. For more information regarding membership, contact chapter registrar Barbara Shore at (903) 872-9529 or go online to the James Blair Chapter Web site at www.geocities.com/jamesblairtxdar.

Woman’s Club House Association

The constitution and bylaws committee will host the noon program luncheon May 13 at Kinsloe House. Eddie Pevehouse is chairman of the committee and is assisted by Marsha Banks, Seley Fuller and Winona Stewart. The program will be presented by Banks who will review “A Lion Called Christian” by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall. The incredible true story of the bond between two young Australians and a lion is an inspiring adventure. This is a riveting story of an animal’s ability “to adapt to life in the wild.” Exciting, fun, interesting and, at times, heartbreaking, “A Lion Called Christian” is destined to become one of the great classics of animal literature.

Members are reminded that reservations and cancellations are due by noon May 11 by calling (903) 874-5791.

Alpha Rho Chapter

Alpha Rho Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, has been enjoying events of an exciting year. The chapter owes a vote of thanks to the officers for their great leadership. Both officers and members are looking forward to the Founders’ Day meeting to be held at 5:45 p.m. May 14 at Kinsloe House. Members should remember to make their reservation by May 11. Also they should bring their surveys and updates with them to this meeting.

Happy birthdays for May, June, July and August are Cecelia Alexander, Hollye Usery, Susan Weaver, Peggy Herod, Jeanie Slaughter, Arlene Stewart, Melody Stephenson, Beverly White, Sharon Barton and Carol Palos.

May 14 is Founders’ Day. It will be a tribute to the founders of Delta Kappa Gamma, which began May 11, 1929, in Austin.

The chapter wishes to congratulate Sarah Abbe, the recipient of the Julia Stewart Memorial Scholarship. Abbe is a senior at Blooming Grove High School — the first recipient from Blooming Grove. Thanks go to Lana Stites and the members of the scholarship committee for their diligent work.

The Literary Club

The Literary Club met at 11:30 a.m. April 16 at Kinsloe House. Hostesses for the meeting were Geneva Davis and Gelene Simpson. President Patty Knauth conducted the business meeting and recognized the birthday of Monica Miller. Officers for 2009-2010 were presented by the nominating committee chaired by Johnnie Teague: Dottie Mayer, president; Ruth Scott, vice president; Helen Boyd, secretary; Linda Pedersen, treasurer; Gelene Simpson, publicity; Terri Orn, sunshine committee; and Winona Stewart, Woman’s Club House director.

After the business meeting, members adjourned to the dining room where a delicious meal was enjoyed by members and guests Ron Motley and Jimmy Hale.

Joyce Parker introduced Hale, who presented a slide show on the Halbert House, located at 1250 W. Third Ave. The remodeling/renovation took 10 months from start to finish. Beginning in June 2007, Hale shared humorous and interesting stories about the renovation and how early on in the project, he realized that this project was not just about a house, but that this home was an integral part of the history of Corsicana.

A question and answer period followed and then members were invited to tour the Halbert House. Members enjoyed touring the home with Hale, who shared more insights and stories about the beautiful home.

Hostesses for the May 21 meeting will be Patty Knauth and Peggy Smith.