Bettye Moore
Joe Wheeler #291 UDC

Joe Wheeler #291 UDC held its December meeting at the Magnolia Room on Moulton Street in Decatur.

Officers brought centerpieces to decorate the tables. Members brought delicious goodies to share. Sarah Gray provided spiced tea for the occasion.

Mavis Kimbrell offered a Christmas blessing. Special guests were Cyndi Himes, third vice president of division and Kitty Cox, district director. Glendora James, Division Registrar and Honorary Division Presidents Kay McCarley and Judy Blackwell were introduced.

Betty Lovvorn, #291 third vice president for the Children of the Confederacy #764. Cyndi Himes reported on the Christmas program at Mountain Creek and shared an invitation from Gary Carlyle SCV

regarding activities in Dekalb County May 2012.

Linda Edwards reported on donations to Meals on Wheels, angel and elder tree purchases. Last minute items were collected for the Tut Fann Veterans Home, which Bettye Moore delivered.

It was decided that poinsettias would be purchased for our members not having been able to attend for several months.

Christmas gifts were donated for Mrs. Vivian Smith, Real Daughter and have been delivered. She was so thrilled to receive the gifts. Her Christmas tree is decorated with cards from UDC ladies nationwide.

Reta Shelton was given her certificate of membership and Linda Clemons received a supplemental certificate. Moore, dressed in Scarlett’s Christmas colors of deep red and white read “One Sunday Afternoon,” her own fictitious rendition of friends forming a UDC chapter following the war. Ginger Reeves, corresponding secretary played guitar and sang Christmas carols.

Prior to the meeting, members met at the Cotaco Square, Morgan County Courthouse for the Alabama Day Program.

A map depicting Alabama, its vegetation, minerals, colors, etc., was displayed as the Alabama Creed was read and “Alabama” sung. Snowman stickers were placed around the Alabama outline, each snowman representing one – five confederate ancestors for each member. A wreath of poinsettias was placed at the Confederate Monument. White Elephant Sale was announced for Jan. 19, 2012, and winter board will be Jan. 21.

Bettye Moore with friends visited the Gain Ridge Diner Club near Camden Dec. 17. The diner is set in an antebellum home, which was built in 1837 by Ebenezer Hearn, Meth-odist minister. An oak and evergreen tree lined drive takes you up to the home. Its Federalist style in this rustic setting momentarily transports you back in time. Betty Kennedy runs the catering business and is related to the current owners.