(5-20-26) The Twenty First Century Club met on April 28th and May 19, 2026 for the last two meetings of the program year “Time Flies When You Are . . . .” 

Vice president Julie Henkle led the April gathering in the lovely home of Susan Coburn. She called the meeting to order. Members answered roll-call by naming a waste of time.  

Minutes from the previous meeting were read by and approved as was the treasurer’s report. 

Susan began her program on time spent by indicating her lush Spring yard full of flowers and passing pictures of the seasonal flower beds she has tended over the years. As a Canadian, living in Chicago, she at one time wrote and produced a show she performed, as well, of singing and dancing called Songs of Canada. Her show was a hit! Later she took up sewing, knitting, crocheting and passed around items of her lovely handwork. Her husband, recognizing her talent, once gave her a gift of colored markers. That began a long career of creating abstract artwork. The members enjoyed viewing them framed and hanging on the walls. 

Ann Gage’s program took the members into her family and husband (Phil’s) family pasts. She showed many heirlooms, hidden talents, antiques, handmade clothing, artwork, and photos which are all carefully cataloged for future generations. She was early on (as an only child) impressed with keeping track of the family genealogy, a passion she shares easily. Among the items were: researched genealogy books, complete with birth and grave details and photos; handmade items of knitted baby clothes, blankets, party aprons and dresses; and toys such as a miniature iron and other antique irons. One grandfather was a talented caricaturist while living and working the family farm where reunions are still held. Abraham Lincoln was a favorite subject of this grandfather.

Officers were voted on for the coming year.

Hostesses Susan and Kim Carr served delicious Canadian cookies and tea. The meeting was adjourned.

The May 19th meeting was held at Praise Point Church with President Twyla Hayes greeting everyone and thanking the members for a successful and fun year. Roll call was explaining how members are looking forward to doing something new with their time.

The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were read.

Donna Bates shared her quilting talents and then dug into a passionate explanation of her main hobby “Pickleball”. Always an athlete and coach, when Pickleball came into her retirement phase of life, she took it up with gusto averaging 3 to 4 matches per week, now, as well as weekend tournaments with husband Tal. She is really good at it, too, with a lesson provided in the church gym for the members who wanted to give it a try. There are rules, an area o the floor called the kitchen, special whiffle balls and paddles. Explained the many brands of paddles and which ones were good, Donna says, “Blame the Paddle,” if the hit is bad, The gym is lined for the game and a low net keeps the two-some teams apart. 

Julie Henkle then presented a fun game that she and husband Todd enjoy with family and friends “Singo”. They even go to local pubs for the game. It is a musical version of Bingo where songs are played on a device, and players have a “Singo” sheet in front of them to mark off the songs they hear and can identify. Using Bingo rules, winners who get a SINGO in any direction or a coverall wins prizes. Fresh-cut bouquets from The Farmer’s Granddaughter near Rockford were really pretty prizes for the winners. Members enjoyed refreshments of strawberry and raspberry cookie pizzas while playing the game served by Julie and Twyla.

The 21st Century Club will retire for the summer and begin meeting in September 2026 for a new year. Julia Henkle is president and Melanie Shindeldecker is vice president.

Are you looking for a fun club of women who enjoy learning? Try our club out!
Yes, we are over 100 years old and still broadening our horizons. Contact Sheila Baltzell-Linn 419-733-3326.