Our January program, “The Creation of Books” was presented by Gloria Marple and Connie Sickler. Gloria began by playing a short thought-provoking World Vision video about how the struggles and hardships of the children living in many African countries and other under-privileged areas of the world. Often they are fending for themselves at the age of 5 as their parents have died of disease, unsanitary water and sewer conditions, and other factors. All funds received from the books that she and her husband, Rev. Ken Marple has written goes directly to World Vision. These funds are multiplied by matching funds through various World Vision donors. This totals well over $200,000 to date.
Gloria shared how she guides her thoughts into poems and books and read one poem from her book, “God’s Flower Children” entitled “Daisy May and Brown-eyed Susan”. The subject of each poem in this book is a flower portrayed as if they were a person interacting with others around them and ends with a short scripture verse.
Connie Sickler also read an excerpt from another book written by Gloria entitled “The Lonely Oak”. This is a delightful children’s tale of a young acorn, Ollie, in his quest to find friendship after falling from his mother Oak tree. Throughout Ollie’s journey, he learns that being helpful is the best way to discover new friends and find happiness. Connie explained how she came up with ideas for her illustrations in both books. These books as well as many other interesting writings and sermons by Rev. Ken Marple including “The Village Pulpit” and “101 Facts for Faith” are available at http://www.thecircuitwriter.org.
Connie Sickler shared her education background which includes a BA in Studio Art and an MA in Art Education. She taught Art in the Troy school district for 9 years before deciding to dedicate herself to her own artwork and to open Settlement House Fine Arts on Route 6 in Sylvania, PA. Settlement House was founded as an outlet to sell limited edition prints of her paintings and to promote other Pennsylvania artisans’ works. Connie showed her latest art creation entitled, “The Tree of Life”. She explained that this tree is actually located on Route 13 in Ithaca, NY. The beautiful painting displays 27 different birds and numerous wild flowers found in July and August. She shared that a previous painting, “The Tree of Hope” is a 400-year old white oak tree located on the hillside outside Sylvania. The crown itself measures over 100 feet. As the last part of the process, each painting has a short poem on the back which Connie has composed. You may visit her website http://www.settlementhouseart.com to view other information and works of art available.
The Thursday Study Club ladies thanked Gloria and Connie for their informative presentation with a round of applause.
President Sheila Wilcox began the meeting with the group reciting The Pledge of Allegiance and The Lord’s Prayer. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved as was the Treasurer’ report given by Joan Sinnigen.
The Beautification Committee chairperson, Pat Yearick, reported the bridge decorations were looking quite dirty due to mud and slush from the plows and traffic. It was suggested the committee try to remove the muddy items when the weather conditions permit.
President Sheila reported she has contacted Sarah Murray, new owner and operator of the flower shop, “Rhythms and Blooms” to ask her to speak at our April meeting in place of Marilynne Burchard who previously ran Mrs. Hutter’s Hilltop Florist shop. Sarah was agreeable to this.
The Caring and Sharing chairperson, Pat Yearick, reported Fran Homet was the only birthday this month. Pat and George Yearick have recently moved to a smaller more accessible home on Case Street in Troy. Maureen Peterson thanked the December committee for filling in for her and for the card sent to her husband, Nils. Pat reported she is sending a card to Carolyn Chaapel who was recently discharged from the hospital. Sheila Wilcox read a card she received from Peg Cobleigh. Louise Williams shared that she also received a card with a poem written by Peg who seems to be settling nicely into her Florida home with family.
President Sheila Wilcox thanked the committee members for the beautiful snowman themed table decorations and dessert they prepared and served.
The next meeting will be held, February 19th at the Troy Baptist Church. The program entitled “The Troy Hotel” will be presented by Dorothy Stiles which will focus on her years as proprietress.