CLUB & ORGANIZATION: American Association of University Women; Jefferson County Farm Bureau Women

American Association of University Women

American Association of University Women

Before the Wednesday, Sept. 11, American Association of University Women meeting at the home of Marde McConnell, RenElla Crawford of HACAP gave an informative program. She said that as a whole her agency is doing well. However, the federally funded Headstart program is struggling to identify children due to the 100 percent poverty requirement, the statewide free preschool, and the inability to offer round-trip transportation.

The energy assistance program still is in existence with the elderly and disabled receiving first priority. The elderly and disabled can apply as early as Oct. 1 and everyone else after Nov. 1.

With food stamps being cut and people out of work, food is a high need in the county with 20-30 households weekly receiving food. Annually they spend $38,000-$40,000 in their food program. So far this year, 1,800 boxes have been given away, 408 households (1,029 individuals) have received food through HACAP.

Crawford reported that the 'Old Main” transitional housing consists of 15 apartments and they're working on a 16th. The county supports this program with all apartments full and a waiting list of 30-50 applicants. Most individuals are employed.

Crawford closed by saying there are many people in the county who, through no fault of their own, need public assistance to meet their daily needs. Food and monetary donations to HACAP are very much needed and appreciated.

President Millie Youngquist called the Sept. 11 business meeting to order. Ginny Bordwell gave information on the upcoming greenery and poinsettia fundraising projects with the greenery deadline as Oct. 30 and the poinsettia deadline as Nov. 20. Orders may be given to Ginny Bordwell or Kitch Shatzer.

Marde McConnell, co-chair of the Nov. 19 National Honor Society Reception for students and their parents, led a discussion about the event. Speaker ideas were selected as was the 2019 Education Award Recipient. Members were reminded of the large number at the 2018 event. Patty Roe, other co-chair, and Marde will be contacting members about helping.

Ginny Bordwell reported the A.A.U.W. Little Free Library, located near the Goodwill entrance, is going well and she's grateful for a recent donation of children's books from Carrie McConnell Martinez. She reminded members to drop books off at her home or office.

Youngquist shared that Patty Roe is formulating ideas for another fundraising bus tour.

Youngquist recognized the evening's co-hostesses: Kitch Shatzer and Monie Hayes. The Oct. 8 meeting will be at the library with the new police chief, Jim Lester, as the speaker and Jenisa Harris coordinating the event. A business meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. before the open-to-the-public meeting at 7 p.m.

Jefferson County Farm Bureau Women

Jefferson County Farm Bureau Women met Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Riverside Family Restaurant III, in Fairfield, for lunch and a meeting.

Ten members answered roll call with information about climate and population in Portugal.

Plans were discussed and approved to participate in the Trunk or Treat 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, again this year.

June Rice, from Delta, gave a presentation about her trip and tours to Australia and New Zealand. As a retired teacher, she has traveled all over the world. Being on the other side of the globe for this trip, the season was just the opposite of the U.S. She spoke about first wildlife, cattle, hogs and other animals brought into the country centuries ago. Seeds and foliage also were brought in. There are 250 tribes, 250 languages, making it interesting to communicate.

Part of Rice's trip was by bus, ferry and flying over the Great Barrier Reef was especially beautiful with the colors.

New Zealand has daily rains. It is known for its meats, lamb, beef, pork, chicken and kangaroo.

The next meeting will be Oct. 1 at Riverside Family Restaurant III, with Christine Schiedel as hostess. Diane Goudy will give a program on cyber security.