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Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club plans picnic table refurbishment project

By Club Reporter Bella Reeser

At 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the McNally House, the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club met. Under the guidance of club leader Caleb McNally, together the members refurbished one of the picnic tables from the Melvern fairgrounds.  At 5:04 p.m., the club’s  meeting was called to order by President Gradey McNally. The club began the meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge led by Gradey.

Reporter Bella Reeser called the roll; members and parents were to answer with, “Would you rather jump in a pool of chocolate pudding or strawberry ice cream?” There were six members and six adults present. Bella read the minutes from the previous meeting; they were approved as read. There was no correspondence.

Treasurer Landon Roy read the treasurer’s  report; it was approved as read. Bella said she submitted three article to the newspaper. In historian’s report, Historian Levi Arb read the History of 4-H. In council report, council member Braelyn McNally reminded club members Blue & Gold orders will be delivered March 13; Regional Club Days will be March 25, at Gardner; Beef weigh in will be 4-6 p.m. March 29  at Overbrook fairgrounds; small animal weigh in will be4-6 p.m. May 2, at Osage City fairgrounds; drop or add deadline is May 1; Osage City fair will be July 7-9; Overbrook fair will be Aug. 2-5. There will be a fair grievance policy this year. In leader’s report, leaders Caleb McNally and Lisa Reeser reminded club members to enroll in the new 4-H year.

There was no old business. In new business, a motion was made and seconded to hold the Melvern Easter Egg Hunt again this year at 1 p.m. April 8, at Melvern City Park. It was discussed, then a motion was made and seconded for the club to refurbish the remaining two tables at the Melvern fairgrounds before the Melvern fair.

In program, Braelyn gave her speech on the beef industry, and Gradey gave his multimedia presentation on composting. In songs, song leader Gentry McNally led the group in singing “Red Kingdom”. At 5:27 p.m., it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting.

Melvern Jr. Highline’s next club meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, April 2 at Melvern Community Center. Members enjoyed snacks provided by the McNally Family. For recreation, members and parents enjoyed the playground equipment at the McNally house.

Help House dress shop attires local girls with beautiful prom gowns

By Raylene Quaney

This was the sixth year for the Help House Prom Shop, the most successful to date with the large donation from the Green Prom Movement, a non-profit run by Marc and Melissa Roberts, of Vassar, Kan. Plus, many dresses were donated throughout the year by others in our communities. These were some of some of the most beautiful gowns we have ever had.

This year we gave out 132 dresses, a record number of prom dresses, with close to 450 people through the doors, parents, grandparents, and friends came to help the girls find just the right dress.

I would like to thank the Help House Board of Directors for allowing us to continue to offer this opportunity to the girls in Osage County; also thank you to USD 454 for allowing us to set up shop in their facility and “take it over” for over a week, the gentlemen that had to work around the racks of dresses during that time, and Chris Burk and Mike Barlow and their assistance for getting the building ready. We would like to thank Jaryl and Stephanie Seth for loaning us the display racks for dresses.

And thanks to the volunteers who worked endless hours sorting and hanging and steam pressing all of the dresses and then working each day to assist these shoppers in finding their special dress. We feel so blessed to have been apart of this, watching their smiles and sometimes tears. The special thanks we received from everyone was so special. This endeavor took several hours and days of work from a small army of volunteers to make it such a success. The volunteers were Corinne Dubois, Donna Young, Jan Newman, Carol Grady, Lee Ann Smiley, Connie Bonczkowski, Cindy Ledgard, Tammi Brabb, Nancy Alley, Ann Hladky, Sheila Curtis, and Jaclynn Ruth.

Each girl who found a dress was eligible to register for a $25 Visa gift card. The winner was Alexis Kelly, who attends Santa Fe Trail High School. Congratulations to you.

Melvern Jr. Highline members take top awards at District 4-H Club Days

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Central Heights High School, the Frontier 4-H District held the district 4-H Club Days.  Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club was represented by four members, Braelyn McNally gave a speech on Sustainability in the Beef Industry and received a top-purple; Gradey McNally presented a multimedia presentation on The Art of Composting, receiving a top-purple; Allie Reeser’s multimedia presentation on Anti-Heroes received a top-purple; and Bella Reeser preformed a solo dance to the song “Shake the Room”, and received a top-purple.

All four Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club members earned the opportunity to participate in Regional 4-H Club Days, Saturday, March 25, at Gardner High School.

Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club hits the lanes to bowl in the New Year

By Bella Reeser
Club Reporter

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club met at Fusion Alley, in Ottawa, Kan., and enjoyed an hour of bowling. At 4:01 p.m., the meeting was called to order by President Gradey McNally. The club began the meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge led by Gradey. Secretary Allie Reeser called the roll; members and parents were to answer with, ‘Would you rather have butterfly wings or a horses tail?’ There were eight members and six adults present. Allie read the minutes from the previous meeting; they were approved as read.

In correspondence, Allie shared two letters; one from Extension agent Jo Hetrick-Anstaett wishing the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club a Merry Christmas. The second letter was from Don and Ann Becker, thanking the club for coming to their house to Christmas carol.

Treasurer Landon Roy read the treasurer’s report; it was approved as read. Reporter Bella Reeser stated she submitted one article to the newspaper. There was no historian’s report.

In council report, council representative Braelyn McNally said re-enrollment is past due, please renew ASAP.  4-H Day with Wildcat Women’s Basketball is Feb. 12. District Club Days is Feb. 18, at Central Heights High School. Regional Club Days is March 25, at Gardner. Blue & Gold Sales have begun; return to Extension office by Feb. 27. Livestock camp will be March 4-5 at Camp Chipawa. Beef weigh-in will be at Overbrook fairgrounds 4-6 p.m. March 29. Small animal weigh-in at Osage City fairgrounds will be 4-6 p.m. May 2. Osage City Fair will be July 18-22. Overbrook Fair will be Aug. 2-5.

In leaders’ report, leaders Caleb McNally and Lisa Reeser reminded club members to enroll in the new 4-H year by Dec. 1. Also, we received a letter from the Extension Office, all our 2021-2022 financial reports were in order. There was no old business and no new business. In program and for recreation, members and parents bowled before the meeting.

At 4:09 p.m., it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The Melvern Jr. Highline’s next club meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at Melvern Community Center. Members enjoyed snacks of nachos and pop while they were bowling.

Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club spreads Christmas cheer during December meeting

Members of Melvern Junior Highline 4-H Club sing Christmas carols on a Melvern resident’s doorstep. Courtesy photo.

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club held its monthly club meeting at the Melvern Community Center. At 5:04 p.m., the meeting was called to order by President Gradey McNally. The club began their meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge led by leader Caleb McNally. Reporter Bella Reeser called the roll; members and parents were to answer with, “Would you rather have Christmas tree tinsel for hair or have fingernails that light up like Christmas lights?” There were six members and four adults present.

Bella read the minutes from the previous meeting; they were approved as read. Treasurer Landon Roy read the treasurer’s report; it was approved as read.

Bella stated she submitted three articles to the newspaper.

There was no historian’s report, and no council report. In leader’s report, leaders Caleb McNally and Lisa Reeser reminded club members to enroll in the new 4-H year. Club shirts should be done this week. We will deliver MAYS House gifts before Christmas. There was no old business and no new business.

In program, members were going to go Christmas caroling around the Melvern Community. In songs, the club went over songs to sing during caroling.

At 5:14 p.m., it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The Melvern Jr. Highline’s next club meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at the Melvern Community Center.

Members enjoyed snacks brought by the McNally family. For recreation, members went Christmas caroling.

Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club: Members plan to share Christmas spirit in December

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club held its monthly club meeting at the Melvern Community Center. At 5:01 p.m., the meeting was called to order by President Braelyn McNally. The club began their meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge, led by Braelyn. Historian Allie Reeser called roll, and members and parents answered with, “What is your favorite food at Thanksgiving Dinner?” There were eight members and five adults present. Allie read the minutes from the last meeting; they were approved as read.

Treasurer Gradey McNally read the treasurer’s report; it was approved as read. Reporter Bella Reeser stated she submitted one article to the newspaper. In historian report, Allie shared “4-H Fun Facts” about how 4-H got its name. In leader’s report, leaders Caleb McNally and Lisa Reeser thanked members for attending Achievement Night and Trunk or Treat. They also reminded members to write thank yous to the Lions Club, and that officer training will be Dec. 22 at Lyndon High School.

In old business, club members voted and approved a new club T-shirt design (Please let Lisa know your sizes as soon as possible). In new business, it was moved and seconded to adopt the residents of the Mays House in Melvern, Christmas carol at homes, and deliver fruit baskets for December’s meeting.

Officer elections were also held: President, Gradey McNally; vice-president, Braelyn McNally; secretary, Allie Reeser; treasurer, Landon Roy; reporter, Bella Reeser; historian, Levi Arb and Harper Melton, council reps, Braelyn McNally and Allie Reeser; song leaders, Khloe Rice and Gentry McNally; and recreation, Nathan Ferris.

For the program, each member shared which project they are looking forward to this upcoming 4-H year. In songs, the club sang “We Will Rock You” by Queen. At 5:39 p.m. the meeting adjourned.

Melvern Jr. Highline’s next club meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at Melvern Community Center.

Members enjoyed snacks brought by the Roy family and played tag for recreation.

Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club fall update

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club held its monthly meeting at the Melvern Community Center; the meeting was called to order by President Braelyn McNally. The club began their meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge, led by Braelyn. Braelyn called roll, and members and parents were to answer with “Would you rather slide down a rainbow or jump on clouds?” There were eight members and five adults present.

Vice-President Gradey McNally read the minutes from the last meeting; they were approved as read. Gradey read the treasurer’s report; it was approved as read. Reporter Bella Reeser stated she submitted one article to the newspaper.

In historian report, Historian Allie Reeser shared “4-H Fun Facts” about the emblem of 4-H.

In leaders’ reports, leaders Caleb McNally and Lisa Reeser reminded club members of Achievement Night Oc. 26, and this week is 4-H Week. There was no old business.

In new business, it was moved and seconded to have a Trunk at the Melvern Trunk or Treat 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31.

It was moved and seconded to order new club shirts; Lisa will inquire for designs and bring it back next month.

In program, MJH members created posters to hang up at the Melvern and Quenemo buildings to promote and advertise 4-H.

In songs, the club sang Happy Birthday to Jennifer Roy.

At 5:24 p.n. it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The Melvern Jr. Highline’s next club meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, at the Melvern Community Center.

Members enjoyed snacks brought by the Reeser family and played at the park for recreation.

Help House: Give warmth to someone this winter, coat closet accepts donations

By Raylene Quaney, Help House

At the first of October, the Help House Coat Closet opened for regular business hours and will remain open throughout the month. Help House accepts donations of coats currently in all sizes for men, women, and children. Children’s coats are always in short supply. If you have good, clean coats in your closets at home that you no longer wear and would like to pass them along to someone who is need of a good warm coat for the winter, we would appreciate your donation.

Prom Shop

We realize this is a little early to be thinking of prom, but the prom shop will be open in February, and we are accepting donations of dresses for this event. This will be the third annual shopping experience for any girls in the Osage County area. If you have any dresses that have been worn for homecoming or last year’s proms and they are taking up space in your closets and will not be worn again, please consider donating them to the prom shop. Then someone who cannot afford to go out and purchase their special dress can still shop for the one that makes them feel like a queen. We do not charge for these; they are all given out at no charge.

Almost here: Drop box for clothes and shoes

We have heard you and are trying to make it a little easier for those who wish to donate shoes and clothing at your convenience. We are expecting to add an outside drop box that will set under the roof at the front of the building. Only shoes and clothing will be able to be deposited there. No liquids, or household items. It will be necessary to place your items in smaller bags to deposit them into the box.

Help House begins school supplies collections; donations welcomed

By Raylene Quaney

Help House is again collecting school supplies to be distributed among the elementary schools in Osage County that do not supply their student body, just as we did last year.

Drop off donations that have been purchased anytime during regular business hours, or make secure cash donations on our website at www.helphouse.online and designate it is for school supplies, or mail to Help House at PO Box 356, Lyndon, KS 66451.

Home schools that could use supplies for students are asked to contact Scott Perkins for other arrangements.

Fan club

Clients can now sign up to receive a free box fan for the summer. Check in at the desk for details on the fan program.

Volunteer?

Have you been thinking of volunteering? Help House could use volunteers 4-7 p.m. Monday evenings and also 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays. Anyone able to volunteer one or two days a month, that is fine also. Stop by anytime and fill out a volunteer application and visit with Scott Perkins or Raylene Quaney, and they will be happy to visit with you about the different areas of service, such as the pantry, sorting, reception, and receiving. Come join the Help House family. We believe you will find your service to God and others will be very rewarding and fun.

Melvern works together to honor service members on Memorial Day

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter
Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club

Mud boots and rain coats were needed, but nothing stopped the Melvern community from coming together to honor those at the Melvern Cemetery who have served our country. On Saturday, May 28, 2022, members of the community placed flags on the graves of local community members who had served.

Grateful citizens work together to honor those who have fallen

Sprinkles and mud puddles didn’t stop local adults and youth from coming out May 26, 2022 and together decorating Oak Hill Cemetery, near Quenemo, Kan., for Memorial Day. Youth helpers included Bella Reeser, Olivia Lacey, Levi Arb, Gentry McNally, Gradey McNally, Braelyn McNally, and Allie Reeser. Adults not pictured, Caleb McNally, Mike Reagan, Heidi Arb, and Dwayne and Lori Meiers. Photo submitted by Bella Reeser.

Melvern Jr. Highline goes bowling for meeting with Lyndon Leaders

By Club Reporter Bella Reeser

On Sunday, March 13, 2022, the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club held its monthly club meeting at Fusion Alley, in Ottawa, Kan. This was an exchange meeting with the Lyndon Leaders 4-H Club.  At 4:06 p.m. the meeting was called to order by President Braelyn McNally. The club began their meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge, led by Braelyn.

Secretary Amelia Arb called roll, both clubs’ members and parents were to answer with “one thing they are planning to do over spring break”. There were 20 members and 13 adults present. Amelia read the minutes from the last meeting; they were approved as read.

Treasurer Gradey McNally read the treasurer’s report; it was approved as read.

Reporter Bella Reeser stated she submitted two articles to the newspaper.

In historian report, Historian Harper Melton shared “4-H Fun Facts” about the 4-H colors.

In leader’s report, leader Caleb McNally reminded members about Blue & Gold sales coming in on March 15. Leader Lisa Reeser reminded members of filling eggs at the April meeting and the Melvern Easter Egg Hunt on April 16. There was no new business.

In program, each club member share what project they were looking forward to for the fairs. In songs, the girls of the club led everyone in singing “MILK Song”.

At 4:36 p.m. it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The Melvern Jr. Highline’s next club meeting was scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2022, with stuffing eggs at 4 p.m. Both clubs members and parents then enjoyed a taco bar provided by the clubs. Prior to the meeting, bowling was enjoyed by all for recreation.

Melvern Jr. Highline makes ‘mighty’ showing at regional club days

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

The Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club might be small, but they are mighty. All five members that participated in District Club Days qualified for Regional Club Days, which was held Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Ottawa High School.

Braelyn McNally presented a multimedia presentation on livestock and earned a purple. Harper Melton and Bella Reeser preformed a duet dance and earned a purple. Allie Reeser presented a demonstration on cat grooming and earned a blue. Gradey McNally presented a demonstration on making fruit pizza and earned a purple.

Melvern Jr. Highline members demonstrate talents, head to regional

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, five members of the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club competed at District 4-H Club Day, held at West Franklin High School, Pomona, Kan.

Allie Reeser presented a demonstration titled The Purrrfect Way; she earned a blue. Bella Reeser and Harper Melton preformed a duet dance; they earned a top-purple. Braelyn McNally presented a multi-media presentation titled Gelbveih, More than just a breed; she received a top-purple. Gradey McNally presented a demonstration titled Fruit Pizza; he received a top-purple.

All Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H club members who attend District Club Days qualified to participate in Regional Club Days, Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Ottawa High School, Ottawa, Kan.

Help House celebrates 18 years of service

By Raylene Quaney

Our story: In July 2003, a vision came together with the opening of the Help House of Osage County, Kan. This effort by the Churches of Osage County United Inc. has now been serving the county for more than 18 years!

Giving of food and clothing for that long has taken a lot of donations, too. From the bottom of our heart, we thank all of the sponsors and donors over the years to make this ministry the success that it is today.

As we look to the future, Help House will continue to be a place where families can find hope.

Matthew 25:35-40 is our guiding principle.

Remembering 2021

During the calendar year of 2021, Help House served a total of 379 unduplicated households, which included 1,053 unduplicated individuals. Household served by zip code were: 66413, 31; 66414, 46; 66451, 48; 66510, 22; 66511, 1; 66523, 128; 66524, 23; 66528, 47; 66537, 15; 66543, 8; 66856, 2; other, 4.

Visit the Help House website

The Help House website is the place to go to find all kinds of information, such as alerts, services, where to find help, make a donation online, where to call if you need a ride, mobile food pantry schedules, place an online order for the food pantry for current clients, numerous other Osage County resources, and all of our contact information. Check it all out at www.helphouse.online. Currently we are collecting soup and crackers for the pantry.

Volunteer

If you have been thinking of becoming a volunteer at Help House, we can always use you. Right now we have openings in the schedule on Friday’s especially. If you have one day a week or one day a month stop by and fill out a Volunteer application.

Help House hours

  • 4-7 p.m. Monday
  • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
  • Closed Saturday and Sunday

Stop by

Appointments for shopping are no longer necessary. Help House is first come, first serve. No appointment needed to donate items – come to the south garage door anytime we are open. Stop by at 131 W. 15th St., Lyndon, Kan. For more information, see www.helphouse.online, call 785-828-4888, or email info@helphouse.online.

Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club readies for spring

By Bella Reeser, Club Reporter

On Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club held its monthly meeting at the Melvern Community Center. At 5:02 p.m. the meeting was called to order by President Braelyn McNally. The club began their meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge led by Braelyn.

Reporter Bella Reeser called roll, members and parents were to answer with “Would you rather build a snowman or a sand castle?” There were 10 members and eight adults present. Bella read the minutes from the last meeting; they were approved as read.

Bella then read correspondence from the Harsch family for the flowers the club sent to John Harsch’s funeral.

Treasurer Gradey McNally read the treasurer’s report; it was approved as read.

Bella stated she submitted one article to the newspaper.

In historian report, Historian Allie Reeser shared “4-H Fun Facts” about the 4-H clover.

In leader’s report, leader Caleb McNally reminded members about Blue & Gold sales that are due on March 1, and Club Days coming up Feb. 19.

In new business, it was moved and seconded to hold the annual Melvern Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. April 16 at Melvern City Park. It was moved and seconded to have an activity with the Lyndon Leaders 4-H Club for the March meeting.

In program, each club member who is participating in District Club Days told a brief description of what they were going to do. In songs, the girls of the club led everyone in singing “Baby Bumble Bee”. At 5:32 p.m., it was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Club members then enjoyed refreshments provided by the Roy family, and playing in the park for recreation.

Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club’s next meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, March 6, with the place to be determined.

Help House gets warmed up for annual Souper Bowl

It is time once again for the Super Bowl, which means it is also time for the 6th Annual Souper Bowl Soup-a-Thon, at Help House.

Help House is asking all local supporting churches and other clubs and organizations to help stock the pantry with cans of soup and boxes of crackers.

Anyone can be a part of the contest fun or just participate by helping out. Food should be delivered to Help House by Feb. 21, 2022. Trophies will be given for top three collection amounts.

For more information, see Help House online at www.helphouse.online, call 785-828-4888, or stop by at 131 W. 15th St., Lyndon, Kan. Help House appreciates and depends on the financial and prayer support from local churches and communities. We could not continue this ministry without it.

Thank you,
Raylene Quaney, Help House

Willing Workers 4-H Club celebrates holidays by giving back to community

Caroling at a local nursing home, front from left, Charlotte Ferrer, Clara Thielen, Kassie Thielen, Jack Ferrer, Ruby Stucky, Hadley Bosse, Lelia Wilcoxson; middle row, Paige Thielen, Reece Wilcoxson, Kaiden Bosse, Lena Stucky, Avery Thielen, Colleen Stucky; back row, Brody Thompson, Kevin Whitmer, Grace Croucher, Jaiton Bosse and Dustin Stucky; not pictured, Julian Ferrer and Cole Thompson.

By Avery Thielen, Club Reporter

The Willing Workers 4-H Club have been busy celebrating the holidays, providing a lot of volunteer time to the club and community. To kick off the holiday season, the members celebrated Candyland Christmas in Osage City on Nov. 13, 2021, by having a bake sale in the morning and riding a float they decorated for the evening parade. The club’s Candyland float receive second place in the parade.

On Nov. 20, members took turns throughout the day volunteering to ring the bell for the Salvation Army in front of Jerry’s Thriftway, at Osage City.

On the afternoon of Dec. 5, members spent time decorating sugar cookies. Those cookies were then the treat given out the evening they went Christmas caroling at Vintage Park Assisted Living, Park Place Apartments, and Peterson Assisted Living.

The Willing Workers 4-H Club wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season!

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