Club News

Norma Stutzman was hostess to seven Log Cabin Questers on Nov. 5, at the Kalona Bakery.

President Sheila Gerot conducted the business meeting. The meeting opened with the Quester Invocation. Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as read by secretary Nancy Schmidt. Norma Stutzman gave the treasurer?s report, noting that monies are still being held in the special account. The group could apply for a grant of $5,000 or less, but the money must be spent within one year from when the grant is awarded. Grants are due in November, awarded the following June. Monies then need to be spent by June of the next year. Members will be looking for possible projects for the grant application.

Sheila reported on the Fall Fling, held recently in Story City. Many interesting short program topics were offered. State Day will be April 8-9 in Oskaloosa. International Convention will be held in Des Moines May 19-22. They need volunteers to sell raffle tickets and to host banquets. Chapters are also being asked to do centerpieces, with a theme from the chapter name.

Sheila presented the program on ?flower frogs.? A flower frog is something used to hold flowers in a vase. Some have holes, a wire or mesh grid or a comb of metal spikes. They have been called flower blocks, flower bricks, flower holders and floral arrangers. The flower ?frog? may have earned its name, because it sits in the water like a frog. Flower frogs were present in 16th-century Europe. The first American patent was in 1875. Production and popularity was at its peak in the 1920s and 1930s. The next two decades saw fewer of them, and during the mid-'50s, the introduction of oasis foam for floral arranging took over the frog.

Sheila and several group members showed flower frogs. Some were sculptured, and meant to be part of the flower arrangement. Those had whimsical motifs, such as birds, fish, and turtles. Others were strictly functional, being made of glass, ceramic, cast iron.

Members enjoyed pie and coffee for refreshments. The next meeting will be Dec.10 at the home of Sharon and Ed Hahn. The host will provide the meat and beverage, and members signed up to bring sides dishes to the potluck Christmas dinner.