FCE Club Holds Monthly Meeting

Submitted by the FCE Club

The Family and Community Education Club recently met at Shepherd’s Field Church for its October meeting. President Mary Elizabeth Bell welcomed Betty Bequette, Eileen Edwards, JoAnne Gill, Pat Potter, Jerry Seamans, Kathy Simmons, Sue Stewart, McKenzie Hurst, Extension Agent and special guest, Linda Plunk, by reading the Thought for the Day, “Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.” – Calvin Coolidge.

The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, read the “Club Collect” and sung the song “Whistle While You Work” all in unison. For the roll call, each member passed a Halloween Treat to the member on their right when answering. 

Secretary JoAnne Gill read the minutes of the last meeting with no corrections needed. Betty Bequette gave the Treasurers report, again no corrections needed.

Bell announced that October is National Apple, Pork, and Cranberry Month. The Weakley County Council will meet (today) Thursday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Building in Dresden. Club Officers’ list is due to the Extension Office. The TAFCE Conference will be held Nov. 8-12 at the Kingsport MeadowView Conference, Resort and Convention Center in Kingsport, Tenn. Also, Bell said to remember the Roll Call for November and to share a “Random Act of Kindness” idea to keep blessings flowing forward.

Bell read the recently-received “thank you” notes received, which included a note from We Care for club’s donations, from Volunteer Community Hospital for the Books for Newborns donated to the nursery, from the American Cancer Society for the donation from the club and for a donation to the 4H Club.

McKenzie Hurst gave the Agent’s report. She said that the orders for the Year Books are in. The monthly inserts are in the office. The Year Books will be assembled in December before the Christmas break.

Hurst shared an exercise that could be helpful when dealing with stress or physical pain, that could bring a state of calm and balance. It is called “Body Scan. A Mindful Practice.” 

Here are a few practices: (1) Take a few relaxing breaths, inhale 1 … 2, then exhale 1 … 2. (2) Feel the sensation at the top of your head down to the base of your neck. (3) If you feel any tightness, feel free to move. (4) If your mind wanders, bring attention back to breathing. (5) Roll your shoulders, find a spot of comfort. (6) Focus on your arms, wrists and fingers. (7) Notice your stomach. Feel your belly rise and fall. (8) Move attention to your legs and feet. Feel the blood rushing down. (9) Do you feel tense or calm. (10) Lastly, check your heart. Do you feel happiness, comfort or warmth? (11) These sensations help you to understand how you feel. When you feel physical or emotional discomfort, accept it, then say, “let it go.” Take another breath and release.

Bell introduced Linda Plunk, a special writer for the Weakley County Press, who has lived in Weakley County all her life and knows the history of our county.

Plunk announced that she is a member of Friends of the Library, a group that wanted to make a calendar to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of Martin. They collected 120 photographs, enough to fill an 18-month calendar, starting with July 1. She shared the beautiful historical photographs of Martin shown in the calendar. Some of these are: a fire truck in 1916; the UTM Dome Pool 1974-1999; the old Dairy Queen building; the UTM Pacers Bus; the old Gil-Dove hanger on 45E that opened in 1940; Martin High School (torn down for years); a picture of West Side of Lindell Street looking north prior to 1907; Southern Milling Company in 1988 now Blake’s at Southern Milling; El Rancho Restaurant;  Westview High School; Shoney’s Big Boy and “never forgotten” car left in a Field;  Martin Tigers Baseball Team 1944; Martin Concert Band and the Community Band; KN Root Beer Drive In; Varsity Theater opened in 1949, the first movie shown was, “It’s a Great Feeling;” the UTM farm; Chancellor Cigar Factory, January 30, 1924; Main Street 1929 looking toward Lindell Street; Marshalldale: the Oldest Home in Martin built in 1850; the sign “Welcome to Martin, Tenn. One of Nine Happy Towns in America.”

Plunk had many rich and interesting stories of each picture, even able to remember the names of people involved.

Bell closed the meeting by reading the closing thought, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

The group enjoyed the game of Bingo with Sue Stewart winning the Cover Card Prize.

They then enjoyed Butter Pecan Pound Cake, Chex Mix and drink of choice.