The Pierian Study Club met January 13, 2011 at the elegant home of Kay Nettleship. Kay, being the gracious lady that she is, opened her home for the meeting even though she was out of town on a holiday with some family members. Her daughter-in-law, Susie Nettleship, filled right in and hosted the event in her own charming way, along with the other hostesses Linda Sloan, Sandy Kuykendall, and Geanne Taylor. Other members present were: Connie Adams, Bebe Bagley, Donna Baker, Paula Barrier, Loy Nell Behrens, Gail Bruner, Millie Burnham, Sharon Clawson, Barbara Gilger, Kathleen Hawkins, Jeri Jones, Cherry Kay Lange, Ann McElroy, Joycelyn McRorey, Dorothy Miller, Martine Miller, Jane Randolph, Debbie Shahan, Patty Shaw, Sandy Smith, Vickie Stephenson, Patricia Warren, Becky Whitley, Martha Leigh Whitten, Louise Williams, Anna Wilson, Nancy Bannister, Betty Jo Miller, Elsie Millican, Lisa Theodosis, and Anita Miles.

Upon arrival the members were served a delicious pound cake decorated with whipped cream and of course, the traditional toasted pecans, and iced tea or coffee.

The President, Kathleen Hawkins, called the meeting to order and the Club Collect was led by Patty Shaw.

Anita Miles, Yearbook Chair, introduced the program for the day. Dean Keisling from Brownwood, Texas presented varied and entertaining selections of piano music. Mr. Keisling graduated from high school in Richardson, Texas and received his Bachelor of Music degree from East Texas Baptist University, and his Master’s degree from Baylor University. He now serves as the Director of Choirs for the Brownwood High School. He also serves as the piano player for the First Baptist Church in San Saba, Texas. His humor and wit were enjoyed throughout the performance, as he remarked on his life experiences and education. All of the ladies enjoyed his choice of songs, as one remarked, he had me from the first note of "Misty" and the other numbers were also well received by his captivated audience. A highlight was "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and "Amazing Grace." As he played some of the old familiar hymns he asked the ladies to join in in song and it completed a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon! Jeri Jones, yearbook member, presented Mr. Keisling with a pecan gift basket from Alamo Pecan following his performance.

The president called on the secretary, Sandy Smith, for roll call and the reading of the minutes. The minutes were approved as read.

The treasurer, Louise Williams, gave the financial report and announced that it is time to pay dues for 2011. Louise, with her charm and wit, is the only person I know that can get a laugh from a financial report.

The membership chair, Patricia Warren, brought it before the club to consider making Zolly Jones an Honorary Member. This was voted on and passed unanimously. Zolly has now moved, but has been a faithful member for many years and is most deserving of this honor.

The members also voted unimously to send a memorial to the Cherokee Home to honor Alice Reese, even though she was no longer a member, she was a long time member of the club in the past.

An update was given on Danny Duggan, who suffered a terrible accident and is in ICU and in serious condition. His wife, Janiece, was a past member of the study club and our prayers go out to this beautiful Christian family. The club was also informed of the progress on the liver transplant between Sandy McHorse’s children. The surgery was a success but the doner, Kim, is having problems and they also need to be lifted up in prayer.

The yearbook chair, Anita Miles, announced the February meeting will be at Donna Baker’s home on February 10, 2011 and called on Barbara Gilger for a preview of the program. Barbara’s cousin, Keenan Fletcher, will be giving a violin presentation and Barbara related that she plans to bring some of her students to enhance the program. It should be a delightful and entertaining meeting that you don’t want to miss!