CLUBS NEWS

El Campo Garden Club

Members of the El Campo Garden Club met Tuesday morning at the El Campo Country Club. President Karen Jenkins called the meeting to order and club chaplain Florence Adamitis opened with a prayer.

Treasurer Judy Waligura presented the club's financial statement and scholarships were discussed. Committee chairwomen gave an update of their committee's work.

Carol Slaughter was introduced as a guest of Susan Carville.

The club program consisted of each member telling the best and worst occurrence happening to them over the holidays. Some shared humorous and some serious incidents.

The table decorations were the brain child of club member Patsy Korenek. Each table was decorated by the members using whatever they chose to contribute for a centerpiece. The most unique table decoration was an Egyptian theme of canopic jars, silk scarves, gold rope, candles, fresh flowers and greenery.

The prettiest table decoration used a Mexican theme and incorporated a colorful table runner, sombreros, a burro, an armadillo and figurines. Golden candy awards were presented by Korenek to club members seated at each of these tables. All members enjoyed this innovative manner of table decorations.

The meeting adjourned and members enjoyed a meal of beef stew, cornbread and pie.

Taiton EE Club

Taiton Extension Education Club members gathered at the VFW Hall Wednesday, Jan. 9 to hear a leadership training program by Grace Glaze entitled: "Antioxidant Powerhouse: Melting the Chocolate Myth."

She stated, "Research has shown that some of the health benefits of dark chocolate and cocoa may include improved cardiovascular function and lower risk for heart disease, lowering high blood pressure and lower cholesterol numbers. When including chocolate in the diet, one should have no more than 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate, which is approximately 200 calories. Cut back on other sweets, snacks or high fat-foods to reduce calorie intake 200 calories. Avoid drinking milk with chocolate because it will counteract the benefits of the chocolate."

During the regular meeting it was noted the group made a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Members also brought sweaters, gowns and robes for the nursing home.

Georgia Henderson was elected club nominee for delegate to the District 11 TEEA spring meeting in Sealy on March 11.

Mary Ann Kainer, Patsy Legler, Jeanette Mazoch and Edith Poncik served a sandwich lunch and provided door prizes. Birthday celebrants were Delores Nafegar, Betty Parma, Edith Poncik and Rose Marie Janak. They received gifts from their "Sunshine Sisters."

The next meeting will be Feb. 13 at the VFW Hall. On Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m., Wharton County Extension Education Association will meet at the Wharton Extension office. The Rice Clinic will be Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. at the El Campo Civic Center.