The Shadow
GUEST SPEAKER — Jenna Downer, right, a forensics RN at LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany, was the guest speaker for the October meeting of the Covington Woman’s Club. At left is Carolyn O’Conner, chairwoman of the CWC Public Issues and Safety Committee, who introducted Jenna. (Jerome Johnson Photo)
GUEST SPEAKER — Jenna Downer, right, a forensics RN at LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany, was the guest speaker for the October meeting of the Covington Woman’s Club. At left is Carolyn O’Conner, chairwoman of the CWC Public Issues and Safety Committee, who introducted Jenna. (Jerome Johnson Photo)
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By Charlotte Williamson
The Covington Woman’s Club met October 20 in the Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
President Cynthia Baroody called the meeting to order and presented a Thought for the Day.
She thanked the Public Issues and Safety Committee, chaired by Carolyn O’Conner for making the arrangements for the meeting. Luanne Osborne was the greeter, Ruth Fleming led the pledges to the U.S. and Virginia flags, and Anita Proffit led the Club Collect.
Carolyn O’Conner introduced the guest speaker, Jenna Downer, who is a Forensics RN at Lewis Gale Hospital-Alleghany.
Jenna spoke about how she gathers evidence in rape cases, including the surrendering of all clothing. The entire process takes four hours to complete and the nurse has to be meticulous in getting the paper work right.
Not all rapes are reported. She said the youngest victim she has seen was a two month old baby and the oldest was an 88 year old nursing home resident. Club members expressed an interest in providing clothing for victims to wear home from the Emergency Room.
Minutes of the September 2014 meeting were read by Secretary Charlotte Williamson. Treasurer Nancy Caperton gave a report.
Corresponding Secretary June Walton reminded members to send cards to Anne Deligt, Phyllis Bosserman and Shirley Post who are unable to attend meetings. She will send a card to Jannie Crawford on the passing or her brother.
Arts Chairman Joyce Loving reported that the student art will be received at the C.P. Jones Library Community Room on Monday, February 2, and judging would be on Friday. The exhibit will be open to the public from February 20 through March 6.
The reception will be Thursday, February 19, at 4:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Conservation Chairman Sandi Wilson will take the collected pop tabs to Ronald McDonald House in Roanoke.
Education Chairman Bonnie Keyser reported that she will make contact with teachers about the writing contest.
Home Life and Health Chairman Anne Mcmennamy reported that the Halloween Party at Covington Manor will be held on Wednesday, October 29. Carpool from the library parking lot at 1:30 p.m. Members were asked to bake cookies. Club members will be asked to help address Christmas Cards to the residents.
International Outreach Chairman Bea Kasnick reported on the Christmas Brunch. She also gave an update on the flu shot and research she had done with Dr. Unity Powell.
Public Issues and Safety Chairman Carolyn O’Conner reported that the Meals on Wheels schedule had been completed for the week of October 27-31.
Volunteers are needed for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing which will take place on Monday, December 1 at the food side of Wal-Mart.
Her committee is also seeking donations for phone cards for service men and women to call home. A $25 card will provide 70 calls. She urged everyone to vote on Election Day, November 4.
New Business
A club Newsletter is in the process of being organized by Lisa Cole, Anne Mcmennamy and Clara Moseley.
The 2014 Christmas Mother, Pat Hartman, reported that last year 1,500 people were assisted by the program. She asked for volunteers to sign up to work at the shop and in registering recipients.
President Baroody handed out information on the GFWC Epsilon Sigma Omicron Reading group. She would like to begin on November 18 at her house with dinner at 6 p.m. and book discussion from 7 to 8 p.m. The GFWC website has the reading list.
Unfinished Business
President Baroody reported that the Teddy Bear Project was a great success and there were 24 bears ready to be given away.
Three were given to Jenna Downer for the LGH-A Emergency Room. The first box of Books for St. Cuthbert’s Mission in Guyana arrived safely. The next paperback book collection will be in March.
AARP Fraud Protection handouts were given to members. Members were also reminded to vote in the Tuesday, November 4 election.
The November meeting will be held on November 17 at 7 p.m. at Granbery UMC.
