On January 10, 2013, the Pierian Study Club met in the home of Brooke Bagley. Co-hostesses for the meeting were members of the Yearbook Committee, Connie Adams, Ann McElroy, Martine Miller, Debbie Shahan, and Sharon Clawson, Chair. Other members present were Nicole Bagley, Loy Nell Behrens, Gail Bruner, Ella Burton-Pavich, Barbara Gilger, Kathleen Hawkins, Jeri Jones, Cherry Kay Lange, Lynn McHenry, Anita Miles, Kay Nettleship, Patty Shaw, Linda Sloan, Sandy Smith, Vickie Stevenson, Geanne Taylor, Patricia Warren, Rebecca Whitley, Louise Williams, Anna Wilson, Bebe Bagley, Millie Burnham, and Martha Roe Terry.

Mrs. Bagley graciously welcomed guests as co-hostesses served a grape salad with a side of assorted sugar cookies and a choice of coffee or iced water to complete the serving. A rose floral centerpiece adorned the serving area.

Prior to the scheduled program for the afternoon, Patty Shaw introduced to club members, Nikwai Noble, Executive Director of the Dove Project, who gave an overview of the philosophy, mission, and services provided by the project. Ms. Noble then discussed the type of donations which would be welcomed when the study club makes its annual donation to the shelter next month.

Ann McElroy then introduced the day’s presentation, Traveling Trunk Program, sponsored by Friends of the Library and the San Saba County Museum and presented by Celia Bell, Rosemary Cox, Ann McElroy, and Lynn Blankenship. The trunks, which function as a “community outreach” resource, represent topics of historical significance within the county including its diverse water resources, its famous pecan heritage, an overview of the county’s social development as seen through the pages of Sears & Roebuck catalogues, and a salute to the county’s first responders and its patriotic pride in the wake of the 911 tragedy. Further information about the Traveling Trunk Program, as well as general information on both the county museum and Rylander Memorial Library, can be found at http://sansabamuseum.org and http://www.sansabalibrary.org respectively. At the close of the program, President Miles thanked the ladies for their informative and provocative presentation with Sharon Clawson and Connie Adams presenting each with a gift basket of assorted pecans.

Ms. Miles then called the meeting to order with Patricia Warren leading members in the Club Collect. Sandy Smith, club secretary, read the roll call and the reading of the minutes. The minutes for both the November meeting and the December Christmas Tea were approved as read. Treasurer, Louise Williams, gave the monthly financial report. Corresponding Secretary, Cherry Kay Lange, read a note of thanks from Mike Kearby, local historian and author, for the pecan basket he received in appreciation of his November presentation. Projects Committee Chair, Loy Nell Behrens, reminded members to bring their donations for the Dove Project at the next meeting. Kay Nettleship, Membership Chair, reported that there were no changes in the present status of membership. Patricia Warren, Telephone Committee Chair, announced that the committee would continue contacting members on a monthly basis through email. Sharon Clawson, Yearbook Chair, announced again that the March meeting would be on March 7th rather than March 14th. She also noted that the meeting would begin at 4:00 p.m. rather than the traditional 3:00 p.m.

During announcements, Bebe Bagley gave an update on the health of fellow member, Jocelyn McRorey. The death of Lewis Jones, husband of honorary member, Zolly Jones, was also discussed. It was then agreed upon that the Gifts/Cards/Flowers Committee would send a card to the ailing Mrs. McRorey. Following a motion made by Kay Nettleship and a membership vote, it was decided that the club would make a donation to the local EMS in memory of Lewis Jones. In closing, President Miles thanked Mrs. Bagley along with her co-hostesses for their time and preparations.

Mrs. Clawson then announced that the next meeting of the Pierian Study Club will be held on February 14th beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the home of Angela Smith, daughter-in-law of member, Sandy Smith. Co-hostesses for the Valentine gathering are members of the Telephone and Membership Committees, Ann Allison, Gail Bruner, Vicki Stephenson, Kay Nettleship, Jane Randolph, Geanne Taylor, Lousie Williams, with Patricia Warren as Committee Chair.