Meetings
Charles Carroll DAR

Charles Carroll Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met for the January meeting at the home of Lucille Brown. The meeting was called to order by the Regent Karen Ward.

The program was given by State Regent Cynthia Stout concerning the Continental Army's winter at Valley Forge. Arriving there Dec. 19, 1777, many of the soldiers were ill. Some had no shoes or warm clothing and many died and were buried in unmarked graves at Valley Forge. By spring they received some new recruits and engaged the British in the battle at Monmouth, N.J. After several battles, the British General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Va , Oct. 19, 1781. On Sept. 1, 1782, United States and Great Britain signed the final peace treaty in Paris, France. Regent Stout gave information on how to check if our Patriot was at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777/78.

The next meeting will be April 10, place to be announced.

Habitat for Humanity

Carroll County Habitat for Humanity met Jan. 8 at the Camden Public Library with ten members present. The Rev. Janet Hildreth led devotions.

In preparation for the 2008 build, a Partner Family has been recommended and the local group is awaiting approval from Lafayette.

Carroll High School Building and Trades class has expressed an interest in providing walls for the 2009 build.

Janet Hildreth and Diane Justice met with 2006 Partner Family member Angel Fontenot to discuss the possibility of holding a fundraiser in April at Terry Callender's pond.

Two applications have been sent out with one returned at this time for the 2009 build.

A letter from 2004 Partner Family, Greg and Heather Kaufman, was received, along with a donation for Habitat.

The Cheryl Morgan family held its closing Dec. 17 and was able to move in before Christmas.

The next meeting will be Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Camden Public Library. All meetings for 2008 will now be held on the second Tuesday of the month and will be at the Camden library. Meetings are open to the public and anyone interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity is invited to attend.

Flora Psi Iota Xi

Beta Alpha Chapter of Psi Iota Xi meet for its January meeting with 14 active members, one honorary conferred, one honorary active, and one honorary retired member in attendance.

Judy Ayres explained the purpose of the Helping Hand Fund that the sorority organized in 1977-78. Prior to then help was given to those in need through the sorority's philanthropic fund. To get the fund started, local businesses were solicited for donations for a few years.

The intent of the fund is to be a "lift up" for those in need, said Ayres. The money does not have to be repaid, although recipients may choose to do so.

Ayres said she keeps records of the amounts given, phone numbers, and names of recipients. She also works closely with the township trustee, churches and public assistance agencies to make sure the people in need are helped and to prevent "double dipping."

The current area served is the Town of Flora. That boundary was expanded to include the entire Carroll Consolidated School Corporation.

Judy Hoffman reported that Santa was pleased with the turnout at his house on Center Street before Christmas. She requested that the door to the Santa House be fixed.

Sara Hoffman has been working on the chapter bylaws to make them inline with the national bylaws. Items that relate only to the local chapter will be made into "Standing Orders," which will make them easier to change, if needed. She will bring copies to the February meeting to look over.

A vote on the changes will be held at the March meeting.

President Deanna Herr read the bylaws regarding membership. Applications are now available.

Herr and Laura Marley will participate in the 2008 Leadership Carroll County class.

It was announced that dues of $30 are payable with a $2 late fee.

Sorority members will deliver Hot Nutrition Meals the week of Jan. 28.

The next meeting, Feb. 6, will be required. Those unable to attend must notify Herr by phone 856-9877 or email sdherr@ tds.net by Feb. 6.

Classy Classics EH

Twelve members of the Classy Classics Extension Homemakers Club met at the home of president Diana Alter in Burlington.

It was decided to provide blankets and bedding for the flood victims in Carroll County and pre-kindergarten books for Head Start.

Members need to report their total number of volunteer hours to the secretary at the March meeting.

Loretta Lambert related her experiences as a nurse, working for the Red Cross last year. She volunteered in Tyler, Texas, and later in New Orleans. She told about dealing with flood victims there.

Elgie Avery will host the Feb. 11 meeting, where cheer baskets will be assembled. The location will be announced later.