The Literary Club

The theme for The Literary Club 2009-2010 is “Literary Potpourri.” The Nov. 19 program given by Nan McLain opened the club’s eyes to some very interesting details about the Islamic world as described in Bernard Lewis’ book “What Went Wrong?”

The Christmas meeting of the club will be held at noon Dec. 17. Linda Pedersen will direct the festivities, and hostesses will be Peggy Smith and Mary Lou Healy. Members will make their traditional donation to a community service.



Dawson Divas

The October meeting of the Dawson Divas, Red Hat Society, was “Spooktacular” hosted by Queen Diva Robbye Nesmith with the aid of LaVada Spruiell, Carolynn Howard and Betty Mitcham. The Nesmith residence was decorated inside and out with symbols of Halloween.

The November meeting was held at LaPradera Restaurant in Corsicana. Sue Ellen Cooper, the founder of the Red Hat Society, was impersonated by Diva Linda Younts.

The Dec. 21 meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the home of Diva Paula Sears. Members should bring a wrapped gift with no name on it for Christmas exchange and priced no higher than $7. Members should bring their “bucks” to cash in.



José Antonio Navarro Chapter

José Antonio Navarro Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, met at 2 p.m. Nov. 12 at 416 W. Third Ave. in Corsicana. Prayer was offered by chaplain Geneva Davis, who also led in the pledges to the flag of the United States and the Texas flag and read the objects of the organization. The treasurer’s report was given by Marlene Ivy. Dues are coming in and donations for president general’s project as well. A motion was passed to have a donation of $1 per member for this project. Treasurer also reported the death of Hazel Christine Harrison on Oct. 12, 2009.

President Eddie Pevehouse reported on a painting of the Alamo she had found in “Uncommon Objects.” The chapter suggested that a reservation be made for the display case at the Corsicana Public Library to display objects about the Alamo in Pevehouse’s collection.

Diane Armer showed her genealogy with pictures. Pevehouse showed a book she had done with pictures titled “The Taylor Family.”

Pevehouse reported facts she had discovered about the meeting and resulting marriage of Mary Smith to Anson Jones, who became the president of the Republic of Texas. Mary Smith Jones became the first lady of Texas. She became the president of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She died in 1908 and was buried in Houston as were her husband and a daughter.

Meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m. The next meeting will be the second Thursday in January. No meeting in December. Present at the November meeting were Ines Waggoner, Eddie Pevehouse, Marlene Ivy, Mellie Howard, Diane Armer, Geneva Davis and Gelene Simpson.



Corsicana Newcomers Club

Corsicana Newcomers Club will meet Dec. 18 at Kinsloe House, 618 W. Third Ave. Social time will be at 11 a.m. with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. There will be a gift exchange so be sure to bring a wrapped gift between $15 and $20. Also, Helen Griffiths will play the piano and club members will sing Christmas carols.

The “Roadrunners” will go to Malakoff for shopping and lunch Dec. 17. Meet at the First Baptist Church parking lot, corner of 15th and Collin streets. Roadrunners will leave at 10 a.m. and return at 4 p.m.

For more information or if you are interested in joining the Corsicana Newcomers Club, call Jane Sanders at (903) 874-0808.



Navarro County Retired School Employees

Navarro County Retired School Employees met in regular session at 9:45 a.m. Nov. 13. President Linda Fannin called the meeting to order. Mellie Howard led the pledges to the flags and Roark Barnes gave the invocation.

Genetha Thomas, program chairman, introduced the speaker, Nancy Sloan, a longtime and active member of Piecemakers’ Quilt Guild. Sloan, who lives in Powell, brought vintage and antique quilts from her own collection. She told the history of each quilt and explained the development of patterns, colors and designs in the evolution or history of quilt making. The local guild has an annual quilt show at which it gives away a “donation quilt” that the local group has made. Each year members make lap quilts for chaplains to give to wounded service men and women or to their families. This year they exceeded the number donated in previous years as they donated 80 quilts. Sloan showed herself to be very knowledgeable on the subject, and she urged members to take proper care of their own family quilts.

Marianne Anderson read the minutes of the October meeting. They were approved as read.

Gale Hill reported on the balance of the treasury. The amount in the book fund was also reported. The future goal is to provide a book for every kindergarten child in the county.

Ray Goodman, chairman of budget committee, presented the budget which was voted on and passed.

A nominating committee was named. Members of the committee are Mellie Howard, Alva Jean Porter, Theresa Shugart and Peggy Herod. They will report in January. Refreshments were served and door prizes distributed by the host committee composed of chairman Ray Goodman, Peggy Herod, Clidie Turner, Roxie Pierce and Ellen Ford.