CHAPTER NEWS

           APRIL & MAY

Little Egypt’s first outing for the year was the State Spring Outing on April 23^rd-25^th at Iroquois County Fairgrounds in Crescent City, IL.  Randy & Linda Burlison, Kelly & Chris Crabtree, Bob & Judy Huller, Buddy & Judy Lyles attended the outing.  Our chapter duty was parking and for once we were able to park on the grass.  Usually in the spring they have had a lot of rain and the fairgrounds always ask us to park on the road but this year they had been very dry and were hoping for rain.  Well, we planned an outing and the rain came but in between the weather was nice.  Cissna Park, a community nearby, had a town wide yard sale which some of our members took advantage of, while others just enjoy seating out in the sun.  Prairieland Quilts is also located in Cissna Park.  They are a full service quilt store with over 3000 bolts of fabric and a wide selection of books and patterns.  We visited Prairieland Quilts on Saturday as part of the ladies outing.  Later that evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by card bingo.  On Sunday everyone met for coffee and donuts, a short prayer service and then we said our good-byes until the state rally.

            Our May 20^th-23^rd outing was held at Camp Lakewood in Effingham, IL along with Fourwinds Winnies.  Randy & Linda Burlison, Bob & Judy Huller, Buddy & Judy Lyles and Loretta Schneider arrived on Thursday and Kelly & Chris Crabtree arrived on Friday afternoon.  The campground is located right off I-57/70.  They offer special club rate to all members and can comfortably accommodate 20 RV’s in the area surrounding the club house.  They have 55 full hook-up sites, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, camp store and playground.  They are located on Lake Pauline where you can fish without a license. On Friday, we were invited to join Fourwinds for a wiener roast and potluck.  They have a large fire ring just outside the clubhouse so it was convenient to cook you hotdogs or brats and then set down in the clubhouse and enjoy the potluck.  Later on several members set around the campfire or played games inside.  On Saturday, Fourwinds made pancakes and sausage for everyone.  Later that morning we had our meeting, then went into Effingham.  First stop was the Cross at the Crossroads.  I know many of you have seen the cross as you travel I-57 and if you get a chance take some time and visit the cross.  It soars nearly 200 feet into the sky.  The cross was completed in July 2001, dedicated on Sept. 16, 2001, just after Sept. 11^th.  New additions include the Ten Commandments displays surrounding the base of the Cross and a Visitor’s Center.  The Cross has become a symbol of hope to millions of travelers who pass it each year.  For more information log on to www.crossusa.org            

            After lunch, we visited the Corvette Museum.  It is located off exit 162 on I-57 at Mid America Motorworks and My Garage Museum.  They have thousands of pieces of automotive collectibles and memorabilia including a 1910 gas station.  They showcase automobiles that car lovers would not be able to see up close anywhere else.  Between 15 and 20 cars are on display with the specific display changing each year. Later that evening we enjoyed a catered meal with Fourwinds.  A delicious meal of grilled pork chop, cheesy potatoes, California blend vegetables, salad, rolls, homemade apple and cherry cobbler served with ice cream.  All of this for only $6.00 a person!  Fourwinds were also celebrating four of their couple’s 50^th wedding anniversary.  They were Steve & Linda Martin, Les & Donna Reinert, Bob & Sheila Ritter, and Richard & Sherry Wieland.  Linda Martin made a cake for the occasion. Linda Burlison brought plates, cups and made cards for us to sign. Judy H. & Judy L. made punch.  Mary Zumwalt showed us how to make our own homemade ice cream using a quart Ziploc bag.  With sugar, heavy whipping cream, whole milk and vanilla in the bag, sealed and placed in a gallon bag of crushed ice and rock salt and a few minutes of shaking it, you have ice cream.  What a treat!  Two desserts in one night!  

            Sunday morning we gathered for a prayer service, before heading home.  Until next time, safe travels.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

            State Rally—June 25^th-27^th: Iroquois County Fairgrounds, Crescent City, IL

            July outing has been canceled.

            August—19^th-22^nd, Centralia Balloon Festival:  Flying M Ranch Campground

            Our condolences go to Randy & Linda Burlison, Randy’s mother passed away on Sunday, May 23^rd.  If you would like to send a card their address is 7520 Tunnel Road, Goreville, IL 62939

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

Nathalie Walker—May 3^rd

Evelyn Smothers—May 25

Buddy Lyles—June 15

Kenton Schafer—June 19

Kelly Crabtree-June 25

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

Kenton & Kimbra Schafer—May 9^th

Bill & Evelyn Smothers—May 30, 1970

Kelly & Chris Crabtree—June 15, 1974

Virgil & Vonda Kloke—June 17, 1961

Congratulations!