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On the coldest day, so far, this season, the Brownsdale Study Club met at the home of Mary Kidwiler-Moritz  who hosted the first meeting of the new year and the beginning of the group’s 101st year as an organization.

Every member braved the frigid temperatures to attend and answer roll call to the question, “Why is it?”  The Collect was read in unison, followed by the Minutes from the December meeting, as presented by newly elected Secretary, Mary Kidwiler-Moritz.  No changes to the Minutes were needed and they were approved as presented.  The balance brought forward stood at $36.00.  However, after careful counting, the  balance on hand showed $37.00.  Mary serves as treasurer for the organization, as well as secretary, and this discrepancy will need to be addressed at February’s get-together.

The group determined to forego a business meeting in January, so no new items for discussion were brought up.  Instead, Barb Swanson provided the main topic in which she shared information about John Quincy Adams who became the 6th president of the United States in 1825.  Adams was a long-time opponent of slavery.  It is believed he lost his bid for a second term in Office due to his strong opposition to slavery.  He was succeeded by Andrew Jackson.

One hundred years later, in 1923, John Calvin Coolidge, the vice president, was sworn into the Presidency by his father, who was a notary public.  This occurred due to the sudden death of Warren Harding.  Coolidge, like Harding, adopted an “isolationist” position when it came to forming alliances with foreign nations.  He opposed the United States entering into membership of the League of Nations.  Following his partial term as Harding’s successor, and a full term as President in 1924, Coolidge decided against seeking a second term in 1928.  He died in 1933.

Therese Manggaard had the outside reading, and shared My Old Age Beautifiers written by Donna Evans Grindove for the Meadow Area News of which a portion is shared for this article.

Blessed are they who understand my faltering step and palsied hand.

Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.

Blessed are they who never say, “You have told that story twice today.”

Blessed are they who know I am not at a loss to find the strength to carry my cross.

Before Mary served a blueberry cheese cake, Shelley Vogel made the announcement that Sacred Heart Church in Hayfield would be hosting a Clili and Chocolate luncheon on Wednesday, Feb.12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Submitted by Mary Kidwiler-Moritz, Secretary