Cynthia Eckert, presenter, introduced Pat Rogers who told her story, which began in Bloomsburg, Pa. Pat wore a sweatshirt that read Bloomsburg, Pa. Where My Story Began. Pat actually grew up across the creek in Fernville and her parents owned a grocery store which was attached to the home. Pat waited on customers at a young age and enjoyed, with her Sister, picking out their favorite candy for the candy case.
Pat and Scott's first child was born May 23, 1977 and Gretchen lives outside of Troy with her husband, Matt and their two children, Elizabeth and Evan. Their second child, Zach, lives in Selinsgrove with his wife Megan.
Pat remarked that Troy has been a wonderful place to live and raise her children. She has been blessed with many friends, church family and the love of reading, gardening and counted cross stitch. However, her favorite is spending time with her family.
Cynthia introduced Olynda Smith who grew up in LeRaysville. Olynda attended the LeRaysville School for all 12 grades and participated in many activities. Olynda took the home economic course and was able to enter a dress at the farm show and also won a county cake baking contest.
A huge part of growing up for Olynda was belonging to 4-H. She was song leader at Camp Brule, chicken projects and sewing projects. The sewing projects have now included three generations.
Olynda attended Mansfield State Teachers College and enjoyed the music program. After graduation Olynda taught at Towanda. She was asked to be choir director at the Towanda Presbyterian Church and it was there that she met Howard. They will celebrate 56 years in October, 2015, all that time living in downtown West Burlington.
In 1968 Olynda started teaching in Troy and was the elementary music teacher within the school system She retired after 27 years.
Olynda now plays bridge for 4 different groups, is active in clubs and enjoys time with her church family, family, and has remained close to the vocal music department at Mansfield University taking many trips as chaperones.
President Sheila Wilcox opened the meeting with the reciting of The Pledge of allegiance and Lord's Prayer. The minutes were read and approved and the treasurer's report was read , accepted and filed for financial review. Pat Yearick, chairman of the beautification committee reported that the bridge winter decorations will be removed as soon as it thaws. There were 2 March Birthdays and the ladies sang Happy Birthday to them. Get well cards were sent to those having health issues. The ballots are printed for the April meeting when we will be voting on new members.
President Sheila thanked the refreshment committee for the delicious cake and table arrangements.
The next meeting will be April 16, 2015 at the Troy Baptist Church with Sarah Murray, owner of Rhythms and Blooms in Troy.