FCE Club Holds Monthly Meeting

BY JOANNE GILL

FCE Secretary

The New Salem Family and Communication Club recently met in the lovely home of Mary Elizabeth Bell, with JoAnne Gill serving as hostess. Those attending were Kathy Simmons, Sylvia Simmons, Ailene Edwards, Sue Stewart, JoAnne Gill and Mary Elizabeth Bell.

Bell welcomed the six members present by reading the thought for the day, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” - Albert Einstein.

The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and read the club’s collect in unison. The devotional was given by Ailene Edwards titled, “Time.” She told that in the dictionary time is defined as a period between two events, during which something occurs. That time is a very special gift. She read Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven ... .” She led the group in prayer.

The group sung, “Bringing in the Sheaves,” and “Happy Birthday” to Edwards. During roll call each member passed a Thanksgiving treat to the person on the right. The minutes of the September meeting were read by secretary Gill with no corrections needed. Stewart gave the treasurers report, also with no corrections needed.

For Business Unfinished and New, president Bell told the group that October is National Apple, Pork and Cranberry Month. She also announced that the County Council will meet October 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the Farm Bureau building in Dresden, and that the club officer’s list and the club members list for 2022 is due to the Extension Office. The Tennessee Association of Family and Community Education Conference is being held November 14-17 at Cool Springs Comfort Suites in Franklin.

Bell also said the November MyPlate/YourPlate donation will be canned seafood. She also told the group to remember the November roll call by sharing an example of a “Random Act of Kindness,” as an idea to keep blessings flowing forward.

For New Business, Bell called the meeting to order for the election of club officers for next year. Edwards made the motion that the club retain the present officers and Kathy Simmons seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Gill brought the Agent’s Report, “Load up Your Digital Grocery Cart.” During the Covid-19 pandemic, shopping for food online is a convenient and time-saving method to minimize exposure. Some retailers allow you to place an order to be picked up at a designated time and location. Things to consider are the following: (1) Determine if there is a subscription or delivery fee. (2) Is there a minimum order required for pick-up or delivery? (3) What are the substitution policies if your item is out of stock? (4) Is the price for the food item similar to what you would pay in person? (5) Can you use debit cards, credit cards or EDP cards? (5) Are you able to check the quality of produce or perishable items during pick-up? (6) Are online coupons offered or are paper coupons acceptable? (7) Can you view the nutrition facts label and ingredients list for the food items?

Beginning in June 2020, Tennesseans could use SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, to purchase food online. They can be used to purchase food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages and seeds and plants that produce food for consumption.

Shopping for food online, whether for home delivery or store pickup, can be a convenience for many individuals and families.

After the Agent’s Report, Bell closed the meeting by reading the closing thought, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The game of Bingo was played by the group with Edwards winning the cover-card prize. Delicious dessert with drink of choice was served.