FCE Club Holds Recent Meeting

Submitted by FCE

The New Salem Family and Community Education Club recently met at the Farm Bureau Building in Dresden for their monthly meeting with Mary Elizabeth Bell, Aileen Edwards, JoAnne Gill, Kathy Simmons, Sylvia Simmons and Sue Stewart present.

The meeting was opened by president Mary Elizabeth Bell reading the “Thought for the Day:” “When we are grown we’ll smile and say we had no cares in childhood’s day. But we’ll be wrong. Twill not be true. I’ve this much care ... I care for you.” - Mary Englelbreit.

The group recited the Pledge to Allegiance to the Flag and the Club Collect in unison. Sue Stewart gave the devotional, “The Fence Story,” author unknown. In the story a little boy having a bad temper, who learned through the story that when you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars that no matter how many times you say you’re sorry, the wounds will still be there. Proverbs 16:32 and James 1:10-20.

The group sang “Irish Eyes are Smiling” and answered the roll call by telling of a skill learned as a child that they still do today. Many told that they learned embroidery from their mother and still use it. The minutes of the last meeting were read by secretary JoAnne Gill, with no corrections needed. Sue Stewart gave the treasurer’s report for approval.

For the Business Unfinished and New, Bell said March is National Nutrition and Colon Cancer Awareness month. She also announced for the Achievement Luncheon being held on Thursday, March 17, New Salem Club is responsible for the menu, decorations, devotion and music. It will start at 8 a.m. with judging of Cultural Arts and Fashion Review to begin at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. She said the Weakley County Council will meet April 14 at the Farm Bureau Building at 1 p.m. and that for the April MyPlate/YourPlate donation for a service agency will be peanut butter. Also, the roll call for April will be to answer with something that always makes you laugh.

It was announced that on March 8, Sue Stewart and Mary Elizabeth Bell will go to the University of Tennessee Martin Ballroom, where they will witness the presentation of the $1,000 annual New Salem Community Scholarship to a selected student, either a home economic or agriculture major. The scholarship is funded by the historic sale of the New Salem School and Community Center many years ago.

JoAnne Gill brought the Leader's Report on "The Joy of Soy," telling about what we know about the soybean. We learned that soy, a legume, widely grown as an edible bean, has several uses. It is planted on more acres than any row crop in Tennessee, mostly in western and central Tennessee counties. It can be used as a condiment, such as soy sauce, and can be added to many commercial products such as milk, yogurt and cheese. It is packed with protein, fiber and iron. Products such as tofu, soy nuts, edamame and protein bars are nutritious uses of the soybean.

The meeting adjourned by president Bell reading. "Make the most of yourself. For that is all there is of you."- Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The group enjoyed the game of Bingo with Sue Stewart winning the cover card prize. They then enjoyed double chocolate brownies with chocolate sauce, condiments, drink of choice and pleasant conversation.