GFWC/Miosac Club learns about the USO
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The GFWC/Miosac Club met at Thayer Parkway Nov. 17 with 12 members answering roll call. President Vicki Moschella called the meeting to order. Roxy McGlauflin led the Club Collect, American’s Creed and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minnie McCormick, substituting for Cathie Goodine, took roll call and read the minutes of the last meeting with one correction. Carol Kilpatrick gave the treasurer’s report and said she had mailed the cards for USO including some postage stamps.
McGlauflin read the following correspondence: thank you from Barb Austin for the money collected for the Kiwanis Community Christmas Campaign; Suzanne Raymond for the club’s contribution to Dover-Foxcroft housing; and George Barton for the $350 donation to the food cupboard. She also read a letter from James Macomber noting his resignation as president of the food cupboard.
Pat Jones reported that the work at the Marion Doore Park has been done. She noted the next meeting will be a Christmas party at Austin’s house.
Dot Finnemore passed a basket with names and members drew. It was decided that club members will buy a gift that reminds them of the person whose name they drew and purchase a gift for the Kiwanis.
Elaine Larson displayed a Linus blanket she has finished. Members continue to work on them during the year and will present them at at a Project Linus day in the spring.
Under new business the yard sale was discussed. A date of July 9 with a rain date of the 16th was chosen. It will be at the McGlauflin home on Lincoln Street.
Public service announcements were a Kris Kringle Koffee during the morning on Saturday, Dec. 5 the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church.
The meeting was adjourned and McCormick presented information on the USO. The organization has been in existence since 1941 when President Franklin Roosevelt was in office. Other organizations helping were YMCA, YWCA, Salvation Army, Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid and the National Jewish Welfare Board. Many famous stars such as Bob Hope entertained the troops.
The USO did more than entertain. It provided a place for troops to gather, eat and visit with others. The USO also provided religious counseling. As of 2004, the USO is currently operating 123 centers in 21 states and 10 countries. Eighty-six USO family centers feature childcare, employment opportunities, parenting, nutrition, budgeting and recreational programs. Even today with threats of terrorism and continued acts of war, the USO continues to serve the needs of those who serve the country– “Until everyone comes home.”
Following that message, delicious refreshments were served by Brenda Quiet on a table decorated by Rheba Michaud. The last meeting of 2015 will be the Christmas party. Meetings will resume in January.