Homemakers throughout Madison County had a very busy, exciting, and enjoyable day, March 20, 2007 as they hosted 90 Homemakers from neighboring counties in District I of the Alabama Homemakers and Community Leaders (AHCL) organization. The Madison X-Roads Club diligently supported this effort. “A Stitch In Time” was the theme of the March 20 meeting. Table decorations were unique ranging from oversized “spools of thread” (three per table, made from Oatmeal Boxes/Coffee Cans wrapped with knitting yarn with each “spool” pierced with a homemade wooden needle, complete with an eye) to CD’s hand painted to look like buttons, then to miniature table favors of scissors, thread and thimbles. Pinked-edge calico squares adorned each table. The walls and extra floor space were graced with 50+ sewing-related items including antique sewing machines and hand stitched heirlooms, to name a few. All the decorations were, in fact, conversation pieces that led to a congenial fun-time.
Lunch was catered by Kirk, serving tables and décor were by Homemakers. The menu was salad greens, chicken, pork, scalloped potatoes, green beans, roll and choice of desserts, iced tea and coffee - very delectable for a catered lunch.
Two very young and gifted speakers were welcomed at the District I Meeting. They were Cory Brown and Charlotte Wessell. Cory has a major in Horticulture from Auburn University and operates a garden shop/nursery in Madison, AL called Catbird Seat. Cory has a great interest in plants that grow well in this area. Charlotte is part of the Adm. Dept. of the newly-established St. Jude’s Clinic in Huntsville. She talked on the Clinic’s purpose and accommodations available to children dealing with and overcoming cancer. Each year statistics improve, showing success in patients. Charlotte seems to have an unusual sensitivity to the children helped by St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. It was enlightening to hear of the help given to all children in need. Incidentally, Homemakers from the entire State of Alabama are participating in the quilt-making project for St. Jude hospital patients. Quilts must be made of all cotton material and in compliance with St. Jude’s requirements.
Ten members of the Madison X-Rds Club attended the District I meeting, all of whom helped in some way planning and preparing for the meeting. To mention a few, Laura Byrd and Opaline West helped with displays and table decorations; Laura, Opaline, Marge Humphrey and Dainie Tidwell furnished mini-muffins for the occasion (other Clubs furnished fruits, sausage balls, drinks). Frankie Johnson hosted State President, Esker Harrison, who drove from Moundville, AL to attend the meeting. The Spring District meeting is one of fun and celebration, with all clubs donating to a State Scholarship Program, whereas the Fall District meeting is more of a work and planning session.
A “Heap” Going On - A “Heap” To Come - FUN!! FUN!! FUN!!
Many projects are set forth in the State Program of Work for the year 2007. To elaborate on the Madison X-Rds Club involvement:
JANUARY -- We had our Club’s Planning Session at the home of Virginia Laux.
FEBRUARY -- We met at the home of Marge Humphrey and brought Coats and Warm Sweaters to be given to Madison X-Rds Elementary School. Pat Pope, who heads up an outreach program at the school, was to speak at our meeting; however, due to sickness the morning of the meeting, she was unable to come. We brought an abundance of new or nearly-new, clean coats and sweaters for distribution by Pat. The school program not only reaches the students, but also their entire families. Pat is dedicated to this program and is getting excellent support from the community. At the February meeting, two short State Programs were offered: (a) Quiz on Health and Nutrition; and (b) Families Eating Together.
MARCH -- Two of our members attended the county Board Meeting and Council Meeting at the Stone Agriculture Building, Huntsville. Our Club’s monthly meeting will be at the home of Frankie Johnson on March 27. Karla Crum will be our guest speaker, and will give the AHCL program on Fire Ants. Karla is well-versed on this subject and adds bonuses over and above the State Program. We are looking forward to her being at our meeting. Our In-Club Reading Program is getting underway. We will have a checkout/return system set up for our March meeting and all club members are to place a sticker showing ownership in each book (a return address label does the trick). All members will be encouraged by phone to bring books to be shared with other club members. We look, with anticipation, to this program in which all clubs in Alabama are involved. Ready reading can be at our finger-tips for us to enjoy and to broaden our knowledge of today’s world. Reading is great discipline for the trend of our thoughts.
APRIL -- On April 5, members plan to have lunch at Ruth’s Crisp, located at Embassy Suites, Monroe Street, Big Springs Park, Huntsville. Marge Humphrey is in charge. April 24 will be our regular monthly meeting and annual plant sale. Several members have started plants from seeds and cuttings. April 26, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., Madison X-Rds Club and Carlton Cove CCRC will be co-hosting a quilt show at the Carlton Cove Clubhouse, Huntsville. We’re hoping for a big success and many special quilts from various sources have been promised for this event. Refreshments will be served by Carlton Cove. For more information, call Emily Haggard, 883-2001.
Madison County Homemakers COOKBOOK (hardback, 3-ring binder, published October 2006) is available for $20.00 and can be mailed for add’l cost. To order, call Karla Crum at 256-776-3063.
To readers of our news, thanks for being interested enough to read the articles. We extend a special invitation to you to be a part of our monthly meetings and/or work projects. Give us a call and/or visit us -256-852-8449 or 256-828-4897.