Club News

The Fortnightly Club held its annual anniversary luncheon at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington.

After lunch, the speaker for the day was librarian Debbie Stanton, who told of the ?Happenings at the Library.? Her emphasis was of the changes in the library and its services to the community over the past years. A couple of the most visual are the technology now used when checking out books ? computers are great until the power fails; that is when they wish they still used a stamper ? and the discontinued use of the old card catalog files.

Some of the more recent changes she covered included use of the meeting rooms on the second floor. They are available for study groups and other various organizations, including a knitting group. There are noontime concerts on the grand piano that was donated by Gene and Nancy Potratz, designated times for toddlers, movies on early-out school days, a seed library, and a couple of newly formed coloring clubs for preteens and teenagers.

The library is so much more than just books, and many patrons now feel very comfortable in using the library as an extension of their living room.

Stanton invited all to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a mural that has been painted on the back of the library, scheduled for 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24, after which the library would host Alive After Five.

Following the program by Stanton, the meeting was called to order by president Ellen Krueger. Past presidents in attendance were recognized by Janice Twinam, and the Pledge of Allegiance was given.

President Krueger and recording secretary Twinam were the only two officers present, but each of the four departments was well represented. Twinam announced that two new members have joined the club ? Linda Buttons in Adventures in Living, and Jan Boyd in Garden department. A $100 gift from the Carolyn Schmidt family was acknowledged. In the absence of treasurer Charlotte Magdefrau, the treasurer?s report was given by Patty Roe. Sonja Campbell, chairwoman, announced the scholarship recipient for the graduating class of 2015 was Jordan Stout, who will be studying accounting at Mount Mercy. She announced that another $500 scholarship will be awarded next spring. Patty Roe reviewed membership procedures and reminded everyone that just three people are required to start a new department. It was made known that there is interest in starting a Bible study department.

Roe also presented constitution and bylaws revisions that will be presented for consideration to the general membership at the annual May Breakfast. Department leaders were encouraged to present the proposed changes to their members between now and May.

The president informed members that the signage project was not dead, just on hold for a couple of years. A possible location is the new industrial park south of Washington, but the park has to be finalized before a sign can be considered. She also said the donation of the silver tea set to the library is much appreciated and has already been put to use.

The club will be celebrating its 120th anniversary in November 2016, and plans are under way to make it a great birthday party complete with cake. A suggestion was made of perhaps having a float in the Lighted Parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

After adjournment, members were encouraged to check out the club?s history scrapbook on display.