GUEST SPEAKER — Joel John, owner of Exquisite Creations by Joel in Wintersville, was the guest speaker during the Wintersville Woman’s Club’s monthly meeting on Sept. 18 at Blessed Sacrament Sargus Hall. John demonstrated putting a floral centerpiece together for the women and spoke about how he became interested in the profession. -- Julie Stenger

WINTERSVILLE — The Wintersville Woman’s Club met Sept. 18 at Blessed Sacrament Sargus Hall, with 31 members and four guests in attendance. The afternoon’s guest speaker was Joel John, owner of Exquisite Creations by Joel in Wintersville. President Cheryl Taylor welcomed those gathered and thanked the Arts and Culture Committee for hosting the meeting. Meditation and grace were given by Connie Cimaglia.

John presented a program where he demonstrated how to make a floral arrangement centerpiece. He spoke about his background, saying he has worked more than 20 years in the retail world. He talked about his business and provided several helpful hints regarding how to arrange flowers. John said he always gives advice to younger students and noted he does mock interviews at area schools, including Indian Creek High School. He heads the volunteer group behind the weekly street fair Wednesdays in Wintersville during the summer months.

John spoke to the women about his business while completing the arrangement, saying there is so much behind-the-scenes work to do with every piece. As long as customers give him 24 hours notice, he said he can get what you want, with the exception of a lily of the valley, which is only grown in the spring or in different countries.

“If I wouldn’t send it as a gift, I won’t send it out,” he said of his arrangements. He then answered questions from the audience and explained the various fragrances of specific flowers. He noted he will be teaching an adult class at the Jefferson County Vocational School in the spring on how to make a bow, a wreath, a silk centerpiece and a fresh centerpiece. The five-week class will take place after Valentine’s Day he said. Registration begins at the end of December.

Once John had finished his arrangement and answered all questions, members applauded the final piece and thanked him for his time.

The club recited the pledge and club collect, after which roll call was taken by Recording Secretary Mary Beth Allen.

Karen Hill gave the treasurer’s report and Corresponding Secretary Michalene King reported 15 birthday cards were sent between June and September to members, along with a sympathy card. Committee reports included Hill, serving as environment chairman, providing information about Belmont County hazardous waste pick up and Domestic violence awareness chairman Cathy Thoburn reminding members to bring in items for hygiene bags, which will be assembled during the club’s next meeting for the ALIVE shelter. Pat Ketzell, membership chairman, distributed name pins to members in need of one.

Taylor thanked the CSP and committee chairman for meeting to select and set up this year’s programs and projects. She reflected on events during the summer and prior to the start of the first meeting of the new year, thanking the board and community service committees for the following: Volunteering for a luau in June and steel drum concert at Gables’s Care Center; the 4-H 50/50 drawing; for passing out flags and club information at the July 1 Wednesday in Wintersville, where the club’s flag box was displayed and worn flags were collected; for serving breakfast at the United Way of Jefferson County’s Day of Action; and to those who cut and wired 1,300 yards of ribbon for Wednesdays in Wintersville.

Taylor stated a table will be placed at the entrance of the monthly meetings where signup sheets and donation baskets for breast cancer awareness and the Mohican Memorial Shrine will be placed. This will eliminate the need for clip boards to be placed at each table, she said.

The GFWC Day of Service took place Sept. 27 at the Wintersville Methodist Church. Members collected suitcases, backpacks, tote bags and coats for the ALIVE shelter from residents dropping off the requested items. Volunteers included Allen, Cimaglia, Claudia Dorich, Hill, Aimee Jaros, Marjean Sizemore and Thoburn.

Taylor thanked Mark Bevilaqua of the Wintersville Fire Department for securing a venue for the club’s last meeting. She also thanked Ryan Hamman for stepping in as caterer of the event. She announced eight members attended the Southeast District Fall Conference in Morristown Sept. 13, where they heard from traveling OFWC officers and were informed about the Great Lakes Conference Ohio is hosting Thursday through Sunday. The club will provide two centerpieces for the affiliates luncheon. Those attending will be Allen, Sizemore, Taylor and Ketzell. The club volunteered to be door keepers during the OFWC Convention in April. An increase in OFWC dues was discussed, with women noting dues have not increased since 1998.

It was announced this year’s menu for Holiday Splendor will include oven roasted chicken, stuffed shells, salad, dessert and a beverage. Models are needed for the style show. Those interested can contact Thoburn.