The excessive heat has come and gone and the trees are showing their yellows and reds and rusts. We rounded out our summer activities with a BBQ and rock painting at Blyth Wilson’s home. Blyth's mother, Jo, instructed us on how to paint turtles, ladybugs, cats, and deer on rocks. It was a lot of fun and we got to see the creative and artistic Side of our members. In September Blyth presented a very informative educational on the Amish way of life at our September meeting. We held our annual yard sale in Troy at the home of our DESAs, Aiyana and Cheona Stokes. The weather cooperated and we ended up with a great yard sale. September 29 we had a great turnout for the ISC workshop and fall board meeting. Thanks to all who were able to attend. October started out with our monthly meeting where Sandy Wentz, our educational director, did a presentation on hummingbirds. We learned there is a local group that bands hummingbirds each year in our area and you can actually participate in the banding. Her presentation was really quite cool. October 5 and 6 we had a booth at O'Fallon's Oktoberfest where we joined in the ESA Chocotober membership rush. We displayed posters featuring Xi Chi, ESA, St. Jude, Easter Seals and Hope for Heroes. We raffled off 4 baskets, one of which was full of chocolate goodies. We also handed out chocolate candy and had applications ready for signing. We have signed one new member and have prospects of two more. Our newest member is Carma Lopotenco who was pledged by Chip Shaffer. Also in October Fran Chip and Wanda attended the MARC conference in Kansas City. We had a great time especially at Friday night's trip to Arnold's where we had a sock hop with a live band. We also attended some really informative workshops. Also for the coming year Chip has been appointed MARC’s first Hope for Heroes coordinator. Congratulations Chip!
With the change in seasons it's now time for Xi Chi’s members to begin their holiday preparations. To start off the season we will be having our annual St. Jude fundraiser November 3. This year we are working with MECCA doing a dinner and auction. Xi Chi has put together over 100 baskets for the auction. We are also planning on participating in the St. Louis Veterans Day parade November 10. On November 17 we will be gearing up for our annual Christmas shipments to our military members serving in Afghanistan by packing backpacks and Christmas stockings. And we will be taking Christmas stockings to the veterans at Marion VA Hospital December 1. Through the Christian Charities organization we will be adopting a Secret Santa child who we hope to fill some Christmas wishes. Also through our Hope for Heroes program we are looking into adopting a family from Scott Air Force Base. And of course our holiday would not be complete without our annual chapter Christmas party.
