Meeting Notes from March 17, 2007

President Ruth Hoover welcomed all to our meeting with an opening prayer. A special welcome to our new members and visitors: Wanda Mushill, Janet Binder, Shelby Roberts, and Jane Vogt’s daughter, Susan.

Ruth spoke recently to Parkway South High School students at their knit and crochet class led by Jeanie Heskett. It’s wonderful to see young people have an interest in crafts, and in benefiting the community.

SHOW AND SHARE:

• Carol Svirha made some adorable crocheted snug sacks with a zipper front.
• Joyce Roeder made a lovely Easter egg quilt with both appliqué and embroidery. She also made several cute bunnies with embroidery faces.
• Debbie Goskie told about the loving gift baskets that Tri County Birthright puts together for their clients, and the many layette items that each contains.

APRIL MEETING POTLUCK AND FOOD DRIVE:

Our April 21 meeting will be our 5th Anniversary, and we will have a Potluck Luncheon after all the items are packaged and ready to go. Bring a food item to share for the luncheon, and a non-perishable food item for Circle of Concern. If you want to bring the recipe for the item you are sharing, we will publish them in upcoming newsletters.

CONVENTION 2007:

We will be holding out some of our items to show at the annual Newborns in Need Convention to be held on May 3-5 in Bolivar, MO. These items will then be given to Home Office for distribution.  

CURRENT NEEDS AND UPDATES:

• Tri County Birthright needs both 4 and 8 ounce baby bottles.
• We could use some Baptismal layovers in white or ivory only.
• We also need long-sleeved gowns, and receiving blankets.
• St. John’s Mercy has enough hats and booties. They will let us know when they need more.

POSTAL RATES CHANGING:

Effective May 14, 2007, postal rates are changing due to a change in the postal laws. As a result, some prices will go up, and some will go down. This affects us at NIN since we all mail (or ship) a lot. The law change is designed to allow the postal service to be competitive, which it was not previously allowed to be. For a normal letter up to one ounce, first class postage will be $.41. However, each additional ounce will now be $.17, instead of $.24. Postcards will be $.26. Package rates are changing as well, including different rates for different sized packages, so see www.usps.com for details, or talk to your local post office.

Additionally, the “Forever” stamp is being issued. These specific stamps do not have a value printed on them. You would purchase them for the standard (new) $.41 rate, but if rates change in the coming years, you can still use these stamps without affixing any additional postage. They are still valid. This is most helpful for those persons who don’t mail letters often, or to buy before a future postal rate increase. These stamps have the Liberty Bell on them, and are available April 12.