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April 11, 2008

Sunday, April 13: Sweet Harmony concert at 3 pm at the Rippey UMC, followed by a soup, sandwich, salad and dessert supper.

Thursday, April 17, Lions Night In, 7 pm UMC Fellowship Hall.

Sweet Harmony will have a concert at 3 pm on Sunday, April 13 in the Rippey United Methodist Church. The quartet is made up of Pastor Deb Parkison of Rippey, her sister, Pam Koso, of Riverton, Gail Wallin of Clarinda and Deb's daughter, Jessica Yoakum of Red Oak. Their first love is gospel music but the also sing music from the 30's, 40's and 50's. Everyone is invited to share in the afternoon of sweet harmony, fun, and fellowship.

Jan Friess and Kathy Jackson attended the guest day at the Grand Junction UMC on April 2.

Several from the Rippey area attended the Greene County Historical meeting and dinner last Friday at the Cooper UMC. After the great ham ball dinner those attending enjoyed a program by Chuck Offenburger and Dot Lawton about girls' basketball in Iowa. Chuck gave a back ground of girls' basketball including the formation of the Girl's High School Athletic Union. Dot then talked about her mother, who played basketball in the late 1920's, working to keep girls sports in schools and later playing in the Girls State Tournament. Dot had many pictures and newspaper articles as well as her mother's letter sweater. Historical Society President also added to the fun demonstrating a few cheers from her years as a Grand Junction cheerleader and those attending helped identify their school's mascots. As usual, Don Coon and Carson Griffith entertained with conversation and jokes. The next meeting will be Friday, May 2 at the Churdan UMC.

The Ladies Aid of the Rippey United Methodist Church are making plans for their annual guest day on Thursday, May, 1 at 9:30 am. The group met on Thursday, April 3 with Phyllis Bardole as lesson leader, who shared several readings. The remainder of the afternoon was spent planning their guest day and preparing for the Father/Son Banquet which was held that evening. Refreshments were served by Jean Borgeson, hostess.

Jean Borgeson and Velda DeMoss went to Boone on Sunday afternoon, where they visited Jean's great-aunt Margaret Mills and Margaret's sister, Leora Pratt, who live at the Evangelical Free Church Home. Another friend of the two older ladies, Evelyn Wirts, spent some time with the ladies, also. The remainder of the afternoon was spent in the home of Doris Stewart where the hot topics of the day were family history and quilting.

Friday, April 4, Phil and Toni Roberts met their friends Sue and Jim Doty for dinner at Cheddars in Des Moines. The dinner was special as it celebrated the fact that Jim has finally joined the rest of us “oldies” who are eligible for Medicare!. Sue and Jim were returning home to MN from their winter stay in AZ and had stopped in Des Moines to visit their daughter and family.

On April 6, Toni Roberts took her daughter and daughter-in-law, Lori Bardole and Brenda Roberts and granddaughters, Cassie Bardole and Sarah and Karen Roberts to the Highland Elk in Perry for Sunday brunch. The occasion was a pre-birthday celebration for Lori Bardole. Following brunch, everyone shopped for awhile downtown. The previous Sunday Toni had brunch with her high school classmates known as “JIGS” at the Highland Elk. The seven classmates attending were from Jefferson, Rippey, Grimes, Urbandale and West Des Moines.

The Rippey Library will be celebrating National Library Week, April 14-19 with several special events. Monday, April 14 will be Movie Night complete with pop and popcorn for the kids and one of the newest movies will be shown. Wednesday April 16 during library hours there will be a come and go coffee and cookie open house for the adult patrons with special book displays to entice the readers. Saturday April 19 all kids are invited to the Birthday Reading Club for story time, activities, and treats with a special grab bag gift for those who have a birthday in March or April. Remember to support your local library not only during this special week but all through the year!!!!

Tuesday, April 29 at 7 pm there will be another book discussion at the Rippey Library. The book to be discussed is Angela's Ashes, an award winning memoir written by Frank McCourt. Books are still available at the library. Mary Weaver will lead the discussion of this very interesting book.

Several members of the Rippey Lions Club went to the home of Virgene and Dale Morse on Sunday afternoon, March 31 to present Dale with a plaque for his 40 years of membership in the Rippey Lions Club. Dale has been active in the club by his actions to assist those identified in the community with a need. Dale was instrumental in inviting the first female Lion member into the club. Because of his strong connections and interest in the Greene County Historical Society, he was able to provide several programs for the regular meetings. Dale served as club president for at least two terms and always had an excellent attendance for the meetings. He was an integral part of the club, being involved in the "spring clean up" at the ball park, assisting in fish sales and other fundraiser efforts including the food concession stand for summer baseball games. Health has forced Dale to relinquish his membership in the club. Club Secretary, Chris Roberts stated, " The Rippey Lions Club will miss Dale's service to the club. His years of excellent service are an example that the present Lion's Club members can be proud of and should strive for, now and in the future. "

Randy Vodenik presenting Dale Morse his 40 year membership award in the the Rippey Lions Club

Picture of Lion members presenting 40 year award to Dale Morse.

Pictured: L to R. Laurence Huber, Myron Rinker, Maralynn Rinker, Virgene Morse, Club President Randy Vodenik and Chris Roberts. Seated: Dale Morse.

The Father/Son Banquet was held Thursday, April 3 in Fellowship Hall of the RIppey United Methodist Church. The event is sponsored by the RIppey Lions Club. The meal was prepared by the Ladies Aid of the church and served by the Washington Winners 4-H Club. Sarah Roberts provided piano dinner music. The Call to Order was given by Lions' President, Randy Vodenik, who led the pledge to the flag and introduced Pastor Deb Parkison, who gave the invocation. Following the banquet the Welcome was given by Lyle VonBehren and the Response by his son, William VonBehren.

There were several recognitions preceding the program. Rev. Robert McBlain, 98, was honored as the oldest father attending and Darin Jacobs was honored as the youngest father. The oldest son was Robert Huber and the youngest son was Aden Bardole. The father traveling the greatest distance was Ken Cobbs of Tucson, AZ. and the son that traveled the greatest distance was Emmanuel Sang of Kenya. There was a tie for the father bringing the most sons, both Haven Hick and J.J. Hoyle had three sons present. One four generation was recognized, Keith, Randy and Andy Riley and Andy's sons, Brent and Max. Three generation families included the families of Roy Bardole, Phil Roberts, Dennis Jacobs, Kevin Hick, Dale Thompson, Jim Hoyle and Ben Vannatta.

The program was given by Omega and Emmanuel Sang as they talked about their life and the experiences in Kenya. Omega has been a missionary in Kenya, working in a school. The recent political unrest in Kenya forced the couple decide to come to the United States for several months hoping the situation will improve so they can return to Kenya.

The Rippey Lions Club sponsors a banquet each year with Myron Rinker as chairman of the event. Next April's banquet will be a Mother/Son Banquet.

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