WINTERSVILLE — Members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Wintersville Woman’s Club met on Nov. 20 at St. Florian Hall.

The group had 30 members in attendance, along with two honorary members and two guests, including Debbie Elias, a guest of Vicki Brozka, and Marci Crawford, a guest of Tyra Timmons.

President Cheryl Taylor welcomed the women and thanked the Education and Libraries Committee for serving as the afternoon’s hostesses.

Pat Ketzell gave the meditation and grace prior to a buffet-style meal served by Undo’s Restaurant.

Following the meal, Connie Cimaglia gave the day’s presentation, speaking on the topic of St. Anthony’s Head Start program.

Cimaglia spoke to the group, filling in for her daughter-in-law, Halley Cimaglia, who was unable to attend. Halley is the director of the Head Start program.

The club learned how Head Start began in 1965 by President Lydon B. Johnson with the War on Poverty.

Part of the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, Head Start offers early childhood education and family support services.

In 1992, early childhood development was added to the program for pregnant mothers and those up to 5 years of age.

The St. Anthony’s Head Start and Early Childhood Development serves 100 children and families. Busing and transportation are its biggest challenges.

The average income is $15,000 per year.

SNAP and foster children automatically qualify.

At the conclusion of Cimaglia’s presenation, Taylor called the meeting to order, leading in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Leading in the reciting of the club collect was Cimaglia.

Attendance was taken by Recording Secretary Mary Beth Allan, who posed the question to members: “What was your favorite subject in school?”

The answers varied, with many answering science and math.

The minutes were approved, as well as the treasurer’s report, which was given by Treasurer Karen Hill.

Corresponding Secretary Michalene King reported she had sent one birthday card to a club member, a sympathy card to Carol Yaich and thinking-of-you cards to Louise Ball, Suzie Crawford, Natalie Doty and Peggy Hickenbottom, OFWC second vice president.

Under education and libraries, Joyce Palmer thanked her committee for helping with the meeting.

Regarding environment, Hill thanked the club for bringing in plastic bags that will be donated to Indian Creek High School for its campaign to build a new bench. Hill provided an example of the buckeye necklace which grade school students at Indian Creek and Jefferson County Chrisian School will have an opportunity to make at a future date with club volunteers.

The purpose of visiting the schools and working with the children is to educate them about the buckeye tree — the state tree of Ohio.

The executive board agreed to donate to the Wintersville Methodist Church as thanks for use of its parking lot during the club’s collections.

The executive board made the decision to donate to Meals of Hope, sponsored by the United Way of Jefferson County and held Dec. 8 at Christ the Teacher Academic Hall at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

The club’s donation was able to provide approximately 111 shelf-stable meals to families in need throughout the area. The meals were distributed to food pantries, churches and other organizations within the Ohio Valley that help people during times of difficulty.

During the meeting a motion was made by Aimee Jaros to provide two additional trays of cookies to the Wintersville Fire Department for shifts.

Judy Weaver seconded the motion, which was passed by membership. The second tray of cookies was presented to firefighters during the Dec. 7 Holiday Splendor event at St. Florian Hall.

It was announced Wednesdays in Wintersville sought the club’s help and was in need of volunteers to assist on Dec. 6 at the Wintersville Methodist Church Center of Hope.

Six club members offered to work two shifts at the welcome table at the Center of Hope. Those who accepted were Linda Nolf, Taylor, Cimaglia, Janet Liggett, Marjean Sizemore and Claudia Dorich.

Taylor informed members wreaths for Wreaths Across America were being sold for $17 each. Palmer made a motion for the club to purchase 10 wreaths. The motion passed.

Pat Ketzell, membership chairman, assisted by Sizemore, leadership chairman, held the initiation of new members. Members included Crawford, Debbie Frasca and Sheila Milic. Each was given a membership pin and yellow rose, which is the club flower.

The women were welcomed into the organization by Taylor and membership.