Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, March 20, 2014

Forty years were celebrated by 110 persons in true party form Tuesday, March 4, at Friendship Meal Site in Tingley. The day got underway with a variety program by the site's participants at 11 a.m. Bonnie Manders served a emcee and extended a welcome to everyone. Both groups, the band and Friday Singers, who have come into being at the meal site and entertain there regularly, played and sang a selection of songs. Carmene James is accompanist for the band and Virginia Walden plays for the singers who are directed by Mary Jane Narigon. One of their special couples, George and Naomi Hosfield, danced the "Anniversary Waltz." They just recently observed their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Clone Hosfield and Peggy Wagenknecht, sporting pom-poms, led a cheer to the Tingley Meal Site. Sue Richards directed a fun activity she made up that involved lost of people and red letters. Site manager Nancy Jarred acknowledged several special guests present. The site was privileged to have three ladies present representing the central Corrections Agency on Aging office, Barb Morrison, Sherry Carson and Ronda Engels. Also present was one of the members of the Ringgold County Board of Supervisors, Kraig Pennington. It was good to have Lily Repperger present to share the day.

Julie England made it possible for three folks, Vergene Higgins, Annabelle Jones and Dick Fuqua, to be present from Maple Ridge. The site's cook, Melynda Crawford, George and Naomi Hosfield and all the faithful volunteers were give a big hand for all they do daily. Recognition was given to Neil and Irma Johnston, who are Ringgold County's representatives on the advisory board, and also to the site's council members, Marge Werner, Irma Johnston, Bonnie Manders and Sharon Case.

Decor for the day and the program were all planned using the day's theme, "It's A Red Letter Day." Tables were covered in red table clothes sported red-letter treat cups, made by Ardith Keplinger and filled with goodies donated by Sharon Case and Sue Richards. Hy-Vee at Mount Ayr graciously provided cake decorated with a 40 on top. Everyone at the site received a bag of popcorn for a favor, which was donated by Sue Richards.

Ethel Campbell shared several jokes to ensure that everyone laughed this day. All joined together to sing "Happy Birthday" to the meal site. Dick Walden gave the blessing before all dined on a roast beef menu.

A drawing was used to give away many donated prizes. Winners were Irma Johnston, Naomi Hosfield, Marge Werner, Turk Allen, Betty Oxenreider, Darlene White, Ronda Engels, Rose Campbell, John Overtholtzer, Barb Walters, Muriel Johnson, Virginia Walden, Sue Richards, Doris Overholser, Margaret Hull, Dorothy Barber, Janell Taylor, Connie Eason, Pinkie Collins, Dianne Hulsebus, Neil Johnston, Don Narigon, Carmene James, Barb Morrison, Mary Sue McIntosh, Lloyd Johnson, Norma Webb, Sharon Case, Luetta Lambrecht, Iona Triggs, Bonnie Manders, Vergene Higgins, Bob Eason, Beulah Walters and Melynda Crawford.

Prizes were made possible due to the generosity of the following:

Fireside Bar and Grill, Woodlink, Sweet Escapes, Starbucks, Great Western, Dollar General, Co-op, Lumber Yard, Smith Oil, Subway, Joyce England, Jamie's, Mount Ayr Record-News, Rumors, Casey's, Bean Town, Country Blossoms, CGI, Beauty Brands, Sue Richards, Nancy Jarred, Dayna Campbell and Marge Patch.

Looking at the 40 years, two things really stand out, the many friendships that have developed over the years and all the help the faithful volunteers have contributed to keep everything going.

Whatever the future holds, this day was declared a fun-filled success by all those present and everyone looks forward to celebrating again next year.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2014

 

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