Fortnightly conducts Christmas meeting

NORTH ENGLISH — The December meeting of the North English Fortnightly Women’s Club was held Dec. 6 at the home of Susan Elwood. Sue Mertz was co-hostess.

Carol Montz read “The Hush of Christmas,” by Carl F. Verge.

Fourteen club members answered roll call by sharing their stories of connection with the English Valleys Care Center.

A buffet of various charcuterie boards and mimosas celebrated 120 years of the Fortnightly Club.

Kathy Huber gave the Treasurer’s report. The balance as of Nov. 9 was $1,351.64. The club made $821 on the Silent Auction, with one check still out).

The club sent $100 to Erin Custer for resident Christmas gifts at the Care Center. The balance as of Dec. 6 was $2,026,64.

The next meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 1 at the History Center. Members are to bring four or five Valentines to be given to Katie Taukei for distribution at the Care Center and to residents receiving delivered meals from the Community Center.

Taukei will also make special table cards for those dining in the Community Center on Valentine’s Day.

Bonnie’s News Flash announced that Taylor Swift was Time magazine’s Person of the Year. This year Swift produced three Number 1 albums.

Swift’s positive impact on the world stage and her tours changed the gross domestic product of several countries, Bonnie said. Swift has also encouraged tens of thousands of fans to register to vote, and her influence has resulted in universities offering classes to study Swift in literature, business and law.

Bonnie introduced English Valley Care Center Director and Administrator Scott Christianson who invited the members to the sunroom to view the recent video created by Jacob Glandon commemorating the 50-year anniversary of the Care Center.

Following the video, Christianson shared the goals and visions of the Center, noting how important quality care is for residents in both the Care and Assisted Living facilities.

Christianson said these are difficult times for all care facilities to meet the needs for staffing, to meet the governmental reporting requirements and to keep costs down for families.

The home in which the club met was that of Dick Elwood — the man whose vision 50 years ago created the English Valley Care Center of today.