77 Years of Homemakers Clubs celebrated

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • April 15, 2013
  • 425
                        
Birds, Blossoms, and Butterflies were featured at the Tuscarawas County Homemakers’ annual Spring Luncheon event in New Philadelphia ‘Spring B’s: Birds, Blossoms, and Butterflies’ was the theme of the Ohio Homemakers and Community Education 77th annual Spring Luncheon April 11. The dedicated ladies of the group, more commonly referred to as “Homemakers”, are often decades long members themselves. They meet regularly to share education and information about all types of topics related to healthy, happy, and successful everyday living. At the luncheon, held at Broadway United Methodist Church, ladies were treated to tables set with all types of springtime decorations in the Spring B’s theme. Christine Kendle of the Tuscarawas County Ohio State University Extension office welcomed guests and Karen Stalcup led those in attendance in the Homemaker Pledge: “As homemakers in an ever changing society, we will strive to preserve those ideals and values that strengthen our families, improve our community, and achieve harmony with those around us.” Tuscarawas County Commissioners Chris Aubihl, Belle Everett, and Kerry Metzger were guests of the group for the luncheon. The commissioners’ office helps to provide support for the program, a long time institution in the county. They were on hand to also add their congratulations to two women receiving special recognition for their contributions not only to the Homemakers’ clubs, but also to their communities as a whole. Chosen as the Homemaker of the Year was Donna Anderson, who Kendle commended for her commitment and service to her church, community, and family, along with her loyalty to the Cleveland Indians baseball team. Anderson is also well known for being a jigsaw puzzle ‘whiz’ by her friends and family. Homemaker Family of the Year award went to Karen Stalcup, a very active Homemaker volunteer whose family includes two daughters. Awards were also presented for photography, arts, and craft contest entries, and a silent auction and raffle were also held. President Lucille Steel encouraged members to attend the East District Council Spring Meeting in Cambridge on April 30, which will include presenter Kathy Bennett speaking on herbs and cooking, as well as modeling of chic outfits found through thrift shopping. Attendees at the luncheon were treated to a fascinating program on amateur bird watching and identification from Brenda Franey, a former environment educator and 4-H agent, now of Sugarcreek. Franey shared about the repopulation locally of the bald eagle, the need to protect and increase the endangered barn owl population, and best area spots for bird watching success. Franey also showed photos of the many species of colorful and exotic hummingbirds she encountered during a birding expedition to Ecuador. There are currently two active Tuscarawas County Homemaker Clubs, a number down from the multiple clubs in the area at one time. Winfield Homemakers began in 1952, and currently has 18 members, and Modern Homemakers started in 1976, with a current membership of 15. Each meets monthly and also participates in various community service and educational activities. Examples of topics and trainings to be offered in 2013 are healthy meals, identity theft prevention, canning basics, and freezing and drying the garden harvest. Homemakers will also be once again participating in a three day camping adventure July 6 -8 at Camp Piedmont. They also participate in regional and state meetings and at the Tuscarawas County Fair each September.


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