(9-30-22) The Twenty First Century Club met for the opening meeting of the year on September 27, 2022. The club is officially 100 years old. The meeting was held at the Rockford United Methodist Church for a lovely dinner featuring Italian spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. An ice cream dessert topped off the meal by President Janet Steffy. Karla Butler, vice president, welcomed everyone (in the absence of the president) and called the meeting to order. 12 members were present. Roll-Call was completed with everyone stating something funny that had happened to them in the past. This got everyone laughing.

Minutes from the tea in May of 2022 were read by secretary Kim Carr and approved. The treasurer, Valerie Fritzinger was absent, so there was no treasurer’s report.

Dues of $5 were collected. Karla reported that the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Rockford needs chunky soups to be collected at October’s meeting.

50 year member Judy Evans was at the meeting as was Sheryl Frahm, 47 year member. Sheryl recalled the late Dee Lewis’ mother as one of the founding 4 members of 20th Century Club.

New member, Melanie Shindeldecker, was heartily welcomed and presented with a potted mum, the club flower.

The new year’s program booklets were passed out. The theme for the year “Funny Girl – Funny Guy” was introduced by Karla. She also explained that a famous Ohio comedienne and comedian will be featured as the program at each upcoming meeting. Karla went on to explain that laughter has benefits: boosts mood; inspires hope; releases anger; strengthen the immune system; triggers endorphins; burns calories. Laughter is good and free. The two funny people for the evening were: Kym Elizabeth Whitley and Bob Hope. Whitley worked with Red Fox and was in many movies. Bob Hope worked with the USO, Vaudeville and had his own radio show. He went on to films and Broadway.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Rockford United Methodist Church Cafe Room. Karla Butler and Toni Fisher are hostesses with Sheila Baltzell-Linn and Kim Carr providing the program.

Contact Sheila Baltzell-Linn if you are interested in attending a meeting.

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