HCE NEWSLETTER
.
December/January
St. Croix County Association for Home and
Community Education
Hello ladies,
Fall is definitely here. Glad is wasn't snow we got mid-November.
The Executive board put together a calendar for next year and we have some fun events planned. The booklet
is under production and will be available for PICK UP at the Extension office, at a date to be determined. We
will send an email to club presidents when it is done, so plan on stopping in at the Baldwin office some time
in December.
Start thinking about baked potatoes, fairy gardens and zippers! You'll find out how they all go together soon.
HUGE thanks goes out to Char Croes for all her hard work she has done on the Executive board these last
years. She will be stepping down now to take a break and enjoy some free time. Our new secretary, Carol
Kobernick, will be taking over Char's latest duty, Char served as interim secretary part of this year.
Have a happy healthy and loving holiday,
Maggie Hall
IN THIS ISSUE:
Planning Meeting/Bylaws
Stay Warm and Safe
Fall Council Minutes
Executive Board Members
Update/Who Are the Amish
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 6
Nicaragua 50th Anniversary Celebration
Club News/Meet & Greet
Member Contribution Report
Calendar of Events
page 7
page 9
page 10
page 11
Planning Meeting Minutes
Submitted by: Char Croes
HCE NEWSLETTER
St. Croix County Planning Meeting
November 9, 2015; 12:00pm
Ag & Education Center, Baldwin
The meeting was called to order by President Maggie Hall at 12:13 PM.
The HCE Creed was recited and the Pledge to the flag was recited.
Roll Call was taken: 13 HCE exec. Bd. members present, 2 members absent, 3 HCE members present.
Eunice Hop led with a prayer before we had lunch.
Secretary’s minutes from the newsletter were approved by a motion from Donna Wilcoxson, seconded, and
carried.
The treasurer’s report was distributed and discussed. Linda Sutherland made a motion to approve the report; seconded, and approved. The proposed budget was discussed, as well as cookbooks, which we
would need legal advice before selling.
Old Business: Maggie thanked Eunice for heading the fall council/international night.
Maggie announced that it was decided at fall council to increase dues, which will take effect in the fall of
2016. A change to the by-laws on the date of new member dues was not discussed, but it can be brought
up next year.
Discussion of Awards: Joan Brown stated that there are a few wooden plaques left to take care of the next
few years. It was the general consensus that they be used for 25-year member awards until they are gone,
after that a certificate and pin be given. 50-year members receive a certificate from the state plus a pin,
no plaque. Discussion of giving a charm for bracelet or necklace was held for 50-plus year members. This
will all be discussed more at the January meeting.
New business: Election of officers for treasurer and secretary was held. Char Croes made a motion to cast
a unanimous vote for Phoebe to retain the job as treasurer including membership chair and marketplace
chair. Motion was seconded and approved.
Char made a motion to cast a unanimous vote for Carol Kobernick for secretary. Motion seconded and approved.
Committee chairs were appointed by Pres. Maggie: Scholarship--Donna Wilcoxson with Lois Burri also on
the committee; Cultural Arts--Linda Sutherland; International--Eunice Hop and Jean Kelley; Bookworms-Betty Lee, with Shirley Grinley and Dorothy Hughes.
Calendar Planning: Dates were determined for Exec. Board meetings--Jan. 11, Mar. 14, May 9, July 11,
Sept. 6, and Nov. 14. All meetings will begin at 2 PM except the Nov. planning meeting will begin at noon
with a potluck lunch.
Spring Council is planned for Apr. 29 with Honey Doers and Bev volunteering to host it.
Page 2
Fall Council/International night is planned for Sept. 29 with Eunice chairing it.
Meet & Greet lunches are planned for the last Wed. of each month except November, which would be the
week before Thanksgiving, and none in December.
Cultural Arts events are planned for March 12 and Oct. 8. The March 12 session will be a county-wide
Service of Love Project. Garden Gig is planned for April 23. Bev announced that a speaker about the
Amish will be at the Baldwin library in January. Learning sessions on food labeling/cooking for 1 or 2/salt
intake is planned for February or March; and possibly a tour June 25 of gardens to Winter, WI.
Advisor Joan Sprain announced that the extension office will still print the newsletters and programs at no
charge for the next year. UW Extension is going to area programming with area leaders being hired
between July 1-January 1 of next year.
Motion to adjourn was made by Wanda Breitbach, seconded and carried. The meeting was adjourned
with the HCE prayer at 3:15 PM.
Keep the Happy in Your Winter Holidays: Stay Warm and Safe
Most of us look forward to the fall and winter holidays as times for celebrating, feasting, homecoming, and gathering, connecting
with our deepest spiritual roots, saying goodbye to the old year and ringing in the new. Yet the record shows a season of Menorahs
and other celebratory candles igniting the drapes, Butterballs flaming up from their fryers, improperly installed woodstoves and
combusting Christmas trees destroying homes.
We’re dizzy with busyness, easily distracted, preoccupied with changes to our normal routines and habits. It’s cold in many parts of
the nation, so we’re revving up furnaces, firing up woodstoves, hauling out space heaters. Blizzards and ice storms can bring
lengthy power outages, so we’re lighting kerosene lamps, oil lamps and candles.
Kathy Hopkins, a University of Maine extension educator, advises and reflects the concerns of people in cold northern states such
as Maine. “When the price of oil spikes, people often haul out an old space heater or woodstove to supplement their central heat,”
she says. “Space heaters create a real danger when people plug them into an extension cord that can’t handle the load, and they
overheat, which can cause a fire.
“Especially for people new to wood heating, we urge them to have the local fire department inspect it to see it’s installed properly
and also that they have a safe, working chimney. For wood heat, we also recommend installing a stack (stovepipe) thermometer
and learning how to use it,” says Hopkins.
“And of course, with space heaters, woodstoves, and open flames such as candles, it’s also important to keep combustible materials
at least three feet away.”
In fact, Christmas week is notorious for generating candle-related house fires. The Allstate Insurance Company notes that the
median cost for candle fires is almost $50,000. And do take special care with those Christmas trees, real or artificial. Allstate data
peg the median cost of a claim for a Christmas-tree fire at more than $100,000. In fact, a fire involving an artificial tree resulted in
the most costly claim in recent years: $4.4 million.
Learn more:
Home Heating Safety, University of Maine Extension Bulletin; Safe, Efficient Woodburning, Tips from the University of New
Hampshire Cooperative Extension; Winter Fire Safety Tips, Good information from the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather
Awareness; Allstate Winter Holiday Safety Data & Tips, Interesting data from Allstate’s claims database and a survey of
policyholders.
Source: Kathy Hopkins, University of Maine Extension, khopkins@umext.maine.edu. Writer: Peg Boyles,
eXtension, writangl@gmail.com.
Page 3
HCE NEWSLETTER
Fall Council Minutes
Submitted by—Mary Hampton
HCE FALL COUNCIL MEETING
October 15, 2015, First Reformed Church, Baldwin
Minutes submitted by Charlotte Croes
Registration was from 5-5:30 PM;
Welcome: Eunice Hop welcomed everyone and led the opening song, Kum Ba Ya
Meal was served at 5:30 PM (catered by Ruth Hurtgen, served by Mari Oman).
Break: After the meal, we took a break and visited the sales tables, items from Africa and
white elephant sales.
Speaker: Eunice introduced the speaker, Nancy Rowe, of His Arms Ministry and spoke about her visits to
Africa and programs to help the people of Africa.
Business Meeting was called to order by President Maggie Hall. Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and
HCE Creed was read.
Maggie reported on the Homestead Project. Two more reading houses are being built at the park.
Roll Call was taken: Deer Park – 12; Glover – 3; HoneyDoers – 4; Woods 'n' Hills – 3; Lincoln – 1;
McKinley – 1; Warren – 3; Pleasant Grove – 3; Springfield – 3; Happy Valley Hour – 4; Nike Neighbors –
4; Individual members – 3; Guest – 1; TOTAL 44.
Minutes were published in the May-June newsletter; Phoebe Shourds made a motion to accept, seconded
and carried.
Treasurer's report was given by Phoebe Shourds; Eunice made a motion to accept the report, seconded and
carried. Garden Gig and County fair were discussed; Phoebe invited members to come to the November
planning meeting to discuss the budget.
Executive Board members were introduced by Maggie. Each stated name, club represented, and any offices held.
Club presidents were introduced and presented with gifts.
55+ year members were introduced by Maggie and presented with certificates and gifts.
Cultural Arts chairman Linda Sutherland reported on state convention and cultural arts winners.
International co-chairman Eunice gave a report on well water project and water filters.
Vice-President Wanda Breitbach gave a report on state convention.
International co-chair Jean Kelley gave a report on Nicaragua and selling the doll dresses.
Bookworms reader Elizabeth Lee reported on reading to 47 children with Shirley Grinley and reading at the
Homestead Park.
Dues amount was discussed. Carol Keller made a motion to raise the dues to $10; motion seconded,
discussed, call for the vote by Eunice, motion carried. Increase will take effect October 2016.
Fund-raising activities will be discussed at the November planning meeting. Let Wanda know of any ideas.
Other business: Louise Peterson stated she could take items for the Family resource center sale.
Carol Keller invited members to St. Joe Town Hall the following Saturday for card party put on by her
club.
Eunice thanked everyone for coming.
Adjourn: Phoebe made a motion to adjourn; seconded, carried; adjourned at 8:30 PM with the HCE
Prayer.
Page 4
15-17
15-17
16-18
Dec 15
15-17
15-17
Cultural Arts
Scholarship
Treasurer
Secretary
Past Pres/Int Sec
Vice President
President
Position
Eunice Hop
Linda Sutherland
Donna Wilcoxson
Phoebe Shourds
Carol Kobernick
Charlotte Croes
Wanda Brietbach
Maggie Hall
Name
1429 130th Ave, New Richmond 54017
1600 Birchwood Dr, Baldwin, 54002
1594 5th Ave, Star Prairie 54026-5304
1027 Hazel St River Falls 54022
401 State Hwy 65, River Falls, 54022
310 South St W. Deer Park 54007
2264 200th St, Deer Park, 54007
879 220th Ave, Somerset, 54025
783 Badlands Rd Hudson 54016
Address
Individual
Happy Valley Hour
Individual
Glover
Glover
Deer Park
Deer Park
Individual
Woods n Hills
Club
Jeanekelley07@hotmail.com
wehop@baldwin-telcom.net
tagalongacres@yahoo.com
gramma12@pressenter.com
pnpaulson@yahoo.com
Email Char Croes
jccroes@amerytel.net
wjbright@frontiernet.net
hallmaggie@hotmail.com
Email
246-5591
684-2052
248-7279
425-5071
425-8857
269-5229
269-5201
248-3806
386-6139
Phone
2016 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS)
15-17
International
Jean Kelley
Term
13-15
International
269-5145
15-17
Email Char Croes
684-2348
698-2832
Deer Park
belaw@baldwin-telecom.net
772-4503
Email Bev Wubbels
2215 Hwy 46, Deer Park, WI 54007
Individual
Email Bev Wubbels
386-2532
Honey Doers
Lois Burri
37 6th Ave Baldwin 54002
Honey Doers
mlnelson12@hotmail.com
2684 Pecan Lane, Woodville 54028
15-17
Bev Wubbels
158 Cty Rd NN, Spring Valley, 54767
Woods n Hills
Betty Lee
15-17
Mary Hampton
453 Tower Road, Hudson 54016
Bookworms™
15-17
Marie Nelson
15-17
15-17
Executive Admin
Family Living Agent
International
Fair Board
Marketing/Marketing
Cultural Arts Co-Chairs
Betty Lee
Melissa Heath
Jean Kelley
Joan Sprain
Eunice Hop
Eunice Hop
Phoebe Shourds
Phoebe Shourds
Linda Sutherland
349 Lindsey Rd Hudson 54016
2684 Pecan Lane, Woodville 54028
1960 8th Ave Ste 140 Baldwin, 54002
1429 130th Ave, New Richmond 54017
1960 8th Ave Ste 140 Baldwin, 54002
1600 Birchwood Dr, Baldwin, 54002
1600 Birchwood Dr, Baldwin, 54002
401 State Hwy 65, River Falls, 54022
401 State Hwy 65, River Falls, 54022
1594 5th Ave, Star Prairie 54026-5304
Hughes78@sbcglobal.net
Bev Wubbels - belaw@baldwin-telecom.net
Melissa.Heath@co.saint-croix.wi.us
Joan.Sprain@ces.uwex.edu
wehop@baldwin-telcom.net
pnpaulson@yahoo.com
pnpaulson@yahoo.com
tagalongacres@yahoo.com
377-0173
698-2832
531-1930
246-5591
531-1930
684-2052
684-2052
425-8857
425-8857
248-7279
COUNTY COMMITTEE MEMBER CHAIRS –
Wisconsin Bookworms™
Dorothy Hughes
749-3302
698-2325
Shirley Grinley
Mona Karau monak@cesa11.k12.wi.us
grandmajoanbrown@gmail.com
Joan Brown
471 270th Woodville 54028
Send INVOICE CESA 11 Head Start New
1010 Hwy 12 Roberts 54023
Awards (plaque Lady)
DISTRICT and STATE OFFICERS
UPDATE Newsletter
Sign up for the Update before the end of the year at the reduced price. The price will increase at the beginning
of the year
Who Are the Amish
Baldwin Public Library
January 11, 2016; 6:30pm
One of America’s most familiar yet widely misunderstood religious groups are the Old Order
Amish. This presentation will address central aspects of Amish life and the Christian faith
that anchors it, with a special emphasis on Amish communities in Wisconsin, which has
the fourth-largest population of any U.S. state. A main goal of the presentation will be to
clarify a number of misunderstandings about the Amish, as well as their close spiritual cousins, the Mennonites. The presenter will be Mark Louden, a professor of German at the UWMadison. Prof. Louden is a Mennonite and a fluent speaker of Pennsylvania Dutch, the main
everyday language of the Amish.
Submitted by: Bev Wubbels
On page 10 is the 2015-2016 Member Contribution form.
I got a great idea from Sauk County for us to use at our County Fair Building. A check in the
amount of what our county provides in volunteer hours and dollars and a board listing the hours
and dollars of the individual projects we each participate in.
Pillows, food shelf, county fair, Nicaragua items/dollars, quilting projects, anything we do in 2016
like the Dementia kits
or the hospital blankets (see UPDATE newsletter) etc.
When you get ready to send your forms off to JoAnn -- send me a copy or send to me and I can
compile and send to her for next year. Should give me enough time to work on before the fair.
Send to: Phoebe Shourds 401 State Road 65, River Falls, WI 54022. Thank you for your time
and thanks for volunteering
Phoebe Shourds 715-821-1606 Mobile
Page 6
Nicaragua 50th Anniversary Celebration in Stevens Point November 7
Jean Kelley and I attended the above event, along with over 250 other attendees, many from WAHCE
board, but from other supporters, special guests and dignitaries.
They also had a several different fund raising things we could do: Silent Auction, Doll Dress Sales,
Mystery (Red or White) Wine and Mini Raffle, along with very interesting displays.
About 15 guests from Nicaragua came and were honored and spoke of all the appreciation they have
for the efforts Amy and her team and all the people that have donated and taught over the years to
Nicaragua. Wisconsin has donated over 10 fire trucks plus ambulances and other equipment to the
people of Nicaragua. They are in the process of appreciating “Volunteerism” in their country and how
important that is. Jaime Delgado, spoke on behalf of the Fire Departments (he’s the head man) has a
hot line to the President (and his wife) of Nicaragua, when trouble with the incoming shipments, he gets
them involved, problems are solved immediately.
A few things I learned about the Nicaragua Project that you may or may not already know, but I think is a
good reminder. One of the first people I met was Dr. Arthur Angove, who helped me put the doll dress
rack up, always prepared he had a pocket knife with a screwdriver in there. After a brief conversation,
he did surgery for Dr. Glenn Hoberg in the River Falls area (My doctor for many years) Small world!! – in
a short slide show from 50 years ago – how instrumental they were in starting this worthwhile program
from a few people to what it has grown into.
Governor Scott Walker, via Senator Julie Lassa and Katrina Shankland, 71st Assembly District, from the
Stevens Point area – proclaimed Nov 7 as “Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the America’s Inc. Day”
Guest speaker from Washington, Steve Vetter, Partners of the America’s, made a special trip from
Florida, after family wedding, just to be here for this event, talked about how impressed he (and
representative from Nicaragua) was on how the Bowen Family and their team is able to collect all these
goods and orchestrate the shipping and distributing all these goods from Wisconsin to Nicaragua,
Wisconsin is the only state in the USA that has it working properly. Other states have tried but can’t
figure it out. He also has written two books, Soul Deep (has a chapter about Sharon Bowen) and Power
of Partnership. Both fairly small books, but for those interested – check them out. – Website:
www.Partners.com.
Not only do we provide sewing centers in Nicaragua, but learning centers so they can learn to handle
the money they make from the doll dresses and now all the other goods we are selling, Pine needle
bowls and Hats, jewelry, coffee and small child dresses. All people are paid prior to us selling these
dresses, they are all monitored so they know what sells, etc. and try to make it even, teaching other
sewer’s how to make the most popular dresses, etc.
I think we should all be commended for our support of this program, started so many years ago and
growing strong. For the newcomers in our organization, we provide: Eye Glass Cases, Sewing Machines
and material, Stoves, Baking Supplies, Other groups provide, uniforms, footballs, benches from
restaurants, dentist chairs, white sheets for bandages, gardening equipment and so much more.
Submitted by: Phoebe Shourds
(Photos on next page)
Club News:
Deer Park—Monthly lesson on reading labels and food portions with handouts from State Convention. Lois
and Carol attended cultural arts in October. Club has gained two new members. Char and Carol reported on
attending State Convention, received Community Service Award and $50 for book bag project. Lois received
People’s Choice Award, both Lois and Renee got blues. Officers elected, same as last year. Members made
popcorn balls for the 4-H club that hosted the Halloween Party at the Community Center. Some members are
going to the World Sewing and Quilt Expo in Bloomington. County Recycling Specialist came and spoke to the
club. The club will hold Holiday Fair on December 12. Their Christmas party will possibly be a tour to Bachman’s Holiday House with lunch or dinner out.
Lincoln—October monthly lesson was Boo!/Eek! Blocks and assembled gift mugs that will be donated to the
Children’s Shopping Spree. Louise will bring the 13 completed mugs to the Resource Center. She also had 3
knit dishcloths she was donating. Louise attended the Fall Council and reported that dues remain the same this
year but club voted to have their dues be $10. Louise gave the President gift to her and showed her charm she
received for being an HCE member over 55 years. Club members will be bringing baked goods for the Children’s Shopping Spree. Jody suggested contributing bake sale items at Bingo at the American Legion in Baldwin as a fundraiser to be freewill offering. Christmas party will be December 11 at Louise’s home. In lieu of a
gift exchange we will each make a donation to the food pantry of our choice. The January meeting will be at the
Baldwin Public Library for the speaker Mark Louden “Who Are the Amish?”
McKinley—Club had a booth at St. Joe Fall Festival. The club hosted a senior citizen card party with 35 seniors playing 500. The next card party will be in May. A check was mailed to Family Resource Center. Will
adopt Operation Help family for Christmas.
Nike Neighbors—The pie booth at Good Neighbor Days made a profit so purchased two maple trees in
memory of Nona Sullwold. Donations to Pennies for Friendship and Grace Place were sent as well as gifts for
the Family Resource Center. Bea talked about her trip to New York and seeing the 9/11 Memorial.
Springfield—Pennies for Friendship collected. Discussed the Fair that Junalee and Janice worked. Global
Missions will take unopened medical supplies.
Meet and Greet Opportunities
No Meet and Greet in December
Wednesday, January 27
South Fork Café, River Falls
(Parking in rear sometimes has more accessible parking than Main St.)
Wednesday, February 24
Azul Tequila, Hudson
Meet and Greet gatherings are at 11:30 am.
Join us for lunch, conversations and laughs
Committee:
Joan Brown 715-749-3302 and Ann Rebholz 715-386-2887
A variety full menu is offered at all restaurants
** If area school are cancelled due to weather, Meet and Greet will also be
cancelled. Stay warm and safe! If roads are clear, bring a car load **
Ag Services and
Education Center
Hours of Operation:
Monday—Friday
8:00 am—4:30 pm
715-531-1930
Page 9
Impact of HCE -- 2016
HCE Club Member Contribution Report
To recognize the achievements and contributions of HCE members, each member is asked to complete the following
sheet. Information will be compiled into an “Impact of HCE” Report. The dates for the report for 2015 are June 1st
2015 to May 31st 2016. Please give your reports to your Club President or your County Vice President for Family and
Community Life so they can be compiled and sent to JoAnn Blonien, WAHCE Vice President for Family and
Community Life by June 20th 2016. Thank You!
Contact information: (will not be shared, for record keeping only)
Club Member’s Name:
Phone:
Club:
In the past year please indicate the number of times you attended and the amount of time you gave for the following:
Event
County HCE Executive Board Meetings
County HCE Spring Event
County HCE Fall Event
County HCE Educational Sessions
HCE Club Meetings
HCE District Meetings
HCE State Meetings
# Attended
Please list any fundraising activities you were involved with on behalf of HCE.
(example: bake sale at the bank)
Fundraising Activity
Time Spent
Time Spent
Please list any community outreach activities you were involved in on behalf of HCE .
(example: Bingo at the nursing home)
Community Outreach
Time Spent
Please list the value of any individual donations (monetary or otherwise) you made on behalf of HCE. Note: Club
donations will be obtained from Club Treasurer.
(example: crocheted baby blanket)
Donations
Estimated Dollar Value
Calendar of Events
Month
Jan
Jan
Jan
Feb
Feb
Mar
Date
1
11
27
4
24
14
Event - 2016
Submissions to UPDATE Britelites
Executive Board Meeting
Meet & Greet
Food Labeling, Food for 2, Salt
Meet & Greet
Executive Board Meeting
Placemats for Dementia Patients Activity –
Services of Love, Community, etc Award
District Annual Spring Meeting
Spring Council Meeting / Women Walk the
World – (Honey Doers Club)
A Healthy Homes and Gardens Gig –
Executive Board Meeting
Reports Due: UPDATE, Service Awards,
MISC
Executive Board Meeting St. Croix County Fair
Location/Time
Marcelline Protheroe
Ag Center 2:00 – 3:30pm
South Fork Café, RF 11:30am
Coventry England
Crisdome? Farms – Star Prairie
Ag Center 2:00 – 3:30pm
Eau Claire
Mar
12
Apr
Apr
21
29
Apr
May
June
23
9
1
July
July
11
20-24
Aug
Aug
Sep
Sep
17-23
13
6
12-14
Sep
Oct
Oct
Oct
29
8
20
31
NVON – TRIENNIEL
Farm City Day (2nd Saturday)
Executive Board Meeting
State Conference –
Office to mail out Club Packets
Fall Council Meeting/International
Cultural Arts –
Fall District Annual Meeting – Dunn?
Club Dues are Due to treasurer
1 week
14
Mid
10
HCE Week –Make a Difference
Potluck - Planning Meeting/Elections
Items to Family Resource Center
Deer Park Holiday Fair
Nov
Nov
By Nov
Dec
Azul Tequila, Hudson 11:30am
Ag Center 2:00 – 3:30pm
Peace Lutheran - Poplar
TBD
Badlands 10 am- 2 pm
Ag Center 2:00 – 3:30pm
Ag Center 2:00 – 3:30pm
Glenwood City 9am-9pm
First Reform Church
Ag Center – Band Bracelet 1-3pm
Pending
Ag Center 12:00 – 3:30pm
9:30 – 1:30