Scribblers share memories from the year

Nine Mt. Pleasant Scribblers met Monday, Dec.17, 2018, at 6 p.m. at Mama's Back Porch in Rome for their annual Christmas dinner. Several members were unable to attend.

Claudia Streeter and Valerie Kreutner provided beautiful holiday table decorations and a nice packet of goodies to each member to give them a nice boost while writing. A generous and delicious dinner was served to the group.

After the group filled take out boxes and had their serving of pie, the meeting was called to order by Marilyn Vincent in the absence of President Karen Osborne. Rita Davis took minutes in the absence of Mary Shy.

Ann Porter, November's recorder pro tem, read minutes from last month's meeting. The minutes were approved with a minor correction. The treasure's report was given by Marilyn Vincent. There was no old or new business. After reviewing the hostesses and co-hostesses for the year we were reminded there will be no January meeting. The meeting adjourned to the program of shared writings.

Martha Wiley's 'Christmas Dinner” was written as a report on a theater production. Mary Ann Freeland responded that when pork and other meats are served on her grandmother's platter, they just don't taste right. Only turkey will do.

Waunita Hobbie shared a timely journal entry of her meeting George. H.W. Bush when he was vice president of the United States, on Dec. 12, 1987. She related the procedures for security clearance and the wait to shake his hand at the IW Student Union. She stated that a friend noted he looked quite old then. She thought he seemed serious in demeanor.

Ann Porter wrote a story of her first memory of a Christmas just after her father returned from war, having a Charlie Brown-type tree and humble homemade type ornaments. When she saw, admired, and was awed by a cousin's grandmother's tree she was aware of her own family's comparably lesser status, financially, but feeling gratitude for the gifts that she received - a reconditioned bike and a homemade dress. She plans to take supplies to assist her grandchildren in making ornaments, hopefully helping them to see the beauty in simple things.

Rita Davis read a Christmas letter, focused on her journeys this year - domestic trips with her husband to the southwest and the northwest, to visit family and friends and her trip to Israel and Uganda, as well as changes in addresses of some of her children. She reported briefly on nursing classmates traveling to her home for a 51st year reunion. She also stated some challenges she had physically in travels, but being blessed to be able to do so.

Valerie Kreutner shared 'Notes About Scribblers,” some historical trivia that the group enjoyed with lively discussion following. Valerie brought a 1979 Scribblers Anthology with a Christmas sonnet written by Waunita Hobbie, who then read it to the Scribblers.

Claudia Streeter read her Christmas letter, stating she is ready to renew her passport and continue her travels. She also told of her activities enjoying monthly live theater events, working at the Old Threshers Theater Museum, and other volunteer activities.

”Baking Christmas Cookies with Piper,” as Kathy Wiley's contribution describing the challenges and delight of baking treats with her young granddaughter. A photo was proof of the good time experienced in making this memory for Piper.

Marilyn Vincent's 'Reflections” of her 50 years of marriage and her and her husband's recent 75th birthdays closed the readings for the evening.

A Christmas greeting from Emory Styron sent to Claudia Streeter was also shared for others to read.

The group gathered their take out boxes and disbanded in carpool fashion until the February meeting.