Fall and Early Winter 2006 afforded several opportunities for Homemakers’ fun and community outreach. In late October we met at Dainie Tidwell’s lovely home in the Toney Community for Show and Tell with each club member bringing a heritage item and sharing the history of the item. Canned goods were brought for a special family in need.
Early November gave opportunity for Opaline West, Marge Humphrey, Laura Byrd, Frankie Johnson, Faye Gwin, Mabel Byrd, Arlene Sharpe, Emily Haggard, and guest, Bridget Loveday to attend the Holiday Bonanza gala event sponsored by the Madison County Homemakers Council at the Valley View United Methodist Church on SE Drake Avenue in Huntsville. Madison X-Rds. Club turned in 115 Teddy Bears made by Club Members during 2006 (with the help of a group of ladies at the New Sharon Senior Center). Approximately 1,000 bears were made by Homemaker Clubs countywide, and were donated to Huntsville Hospital.
Late November found us traveling to the SE Huntsville home of Emily and Chester Haggard in the Carlton Cove gated retirement community. We met in Emily’s home, and later walked-a few rode-to the Recreation Center for refreshments. Both Emily’s home and the Center are simply elegant and Emily and Chester have adjusted quite well from the contrast of a previous life style of 25 years in their Heritage Home (with acreage) in the Hazel Green Community.
Early December brought participation at the County Council Christmas Luncheon at the Extension Service Office Center in Huntsville. Canned goods were carried to support a Food Pantry in Huntsville. Also in December club members filled 10 large boxes for Homer Wilson’s “Guatemala Shoe Box Ministry.” This outreach is a long-time tradition for the Madison X-Rds. Club. Mr. Homer Wilson and a driver go in a long-haul truck loaded with gift boxes of clothes, shoes, school supplies, and small favors/candies which are delivered to many orphanages in Guatemala shortly after the Christmas Season each year. Many obstacles are met and overcome as the trip is made to the orphanages.
Club activities for the year ended in December with a Christmas party at Frankie Johnson’s home just off Ardmore Highway. There, members and guests toured the newly-furnished “Christmas Room” which has an inviting atmosphere and seating accommodations. Each member brought forger foods to share, a few of which are mentioned: Virginia Laux served a homemade spinach dish with homemade corn muffins and Faye Gooch, a warm Mexican dip; Charlie Johnson had warm homemade sausage/cheese balls; Faye Gwin brought warm country ham and biscuits and Arlene Sharpe, a delicious crab dip; and yummy sounds were heard as people tasted Linda McLemore’s bundt cake. Many desserts and dips were brought. Newt and Ruth Johnson of Hazel Green led the group in the singing of several favorite Christmas Carols plus “Up on the House Top,” and “Jingle Bells.” Also, Ruth sang a most touching rendition of “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” with Newt at the piano.
January 20, 2007 should find us at our county-wide “Celebration Day” luncheon to be held at the Owens X-Roads United Methodist Church, Owens X-Roads. This is an Awards luncheon with honors given in many categories, the top four being Club of the Year, Woman of the Year, Outstanding Homemaker, and Heart of Homemakers awards. This luncheon closes another year of many specialties, such as local monthly meetings, local quarterly Board and Council Meetings, District and State Meetings, Community Outreach, and Reports; but possibly the most special categories in homemakers are having fun, making friendships, and sharing with, caring for, and supporting each other.
The Homemakers and Community Leaders Organization welcomes new members. For time of meetings and a club near you, call Opaline West/Frankie Johnson, 828-4897/852-8449. Madison X-Rds. Club meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m.