Minutes of Kappa Chapter Of Delta Kappa Gamma Intl. Meeting

Co-Presidents Kathy Lundy and Virginia Shellhouse of Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Intl. welcomed 17 members on October 8 at 10 a.m. to Pickwick Place at 1875 N. Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus. They thanked the committee of Patti Palmer, Linda Osborn, Lorrene Roberts, and Janine McMillan for the lovely arrangements.

Speaker Ethan Stuckey gave a history of the country market and purposes of the buildings. He invited all to tour after the meeting. The family acquired the buildings and farm in 2015. One barn, being over one hundred years old, had progressed from a dairy barn of the 1920s to a horse barn in the 1950s. The barns had been empty for over 30 years before they decided to renovate in 2015 to open The Loft in 2016. It is a space for up to 240 people who can attend weddings, receptions, or celebrations. More remodeling continued so to make the stalls into areas for around 60 vendors for their crafts or antiques. They added a full service cafe for breakfast and lunch plus insulation and heat with restrooms so it can be open year round. They are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on all days except Tuesdays and holidays. A greenhouse has been added so as to provide vegetables such as squash and tomatoes all year long. Clients can pre-pay for ten weeks of a variety of vegetables.

They are making it a destination place for families by planning weekends for Strawberry Jamboree, Sunflower Festival, and Flannel Festival. There is a 2 1/2 acre orchard for people to pick their own apples and gather apples for cider. Animals are included for the children to pet at times. They work with other businesses in the community to provide a variety of items such as pumpkins to sell. In December they freeze around 1,000 gallons of cider to be offered for sale starting in April.

Kappa members thanked Stuckey and had lunch. A short meeting followed. Shellhouse read a poem. Sec. Harris’s report was filed as digitally sent. Norma Frederick read a thank you from Sue Alger of Love INC for the $25 donation in Kenton. A short discussion was carried on about a state officer to attend Kappa’s next meeting. The Kappa’s presidents will check on who will be available.

Treas. Elaine Hoover gave her report which was filed for audit. Sandy Berry recognized Hoover for her outstanding treasurer’s report in the audit process. Hoover distributed the budget and discussed it. It was approved. The pin/brag bag funds are specified for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in both Hardin and Wyandot Counties.

In other business the speaker fees were discussed. It was approved to raise the speaker fee to $30. Bags for donations for pin/bragging rights and the African project were collected. Anyone who did not receive a program book is to contact the presidents. Donation of cards and stamps to Wyandot County’s Rep Cindy Lupton and Hardin County’s Rep Ruth Ann Poling for Remembrance is appreciated. Sandy Berry will contact those of the former Lambda Chapter that they are welcome to join Kappa Chapter at future meetings. On October 22, Kappa Presidents will attend the State Executive Board meeting. It was voted to provide the extra $15 fee for the second President. Registration will be online. Shirley Spitler is inviting any newspaper clippings for the chapter’s scrapbook. Ann Frisch has offered to hold the planning meeting at her house in June. She would like attendees to bring various salads to share.

Having no other business, the next meeting will be on November 12 at Splinter’s Cafe at 117 S. Vance St., Carey at 10 a.m. Speakers will be Liz and Kevin Steen and the importance of organ donation. Hostesses will be Kathy Lundy, Virginia Shellhouse, Cindy Lupton, and Suzanne Sawyer.

The meeting was adjourned and all were wished safe travels.