The Cherokee County Connection's first meeting on September 10 was no ordinary meeting as seen through the eyes of eager attendants. 48 women of Cherokee County walked into the Chamber of Commerce meeting room and saw tables beautifully decorated with tea cups and fresh flowers. They knew. This was a tea party for returning members and new members of the Connection. Kay Rhodes, President, welcomed the members with a broad smile, letting them know what the meeting held for them. Pointing to a table of beautiful and unique tea pots, Rhodes invited members to share the stories behind the teapots. Secretary Sherron Davis then shared a reading with the members and all recited the Lord's Prayer before the ladies enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by Pat's Perfections. After lunch, Diane Traister, Vice-President, announced the local events occurring in Cherokee County so members would be informed of what was going on in the County. The ladies then were treated to a variety of hot tea served with coffee cake. Carolyn Priebe, one of the members, beautifully sang “Getting to Know You” from the Broadway show, The King and I. Priebe was then joined in song by the other members. During the tea party, Activity group leaders shared information about their groups. These groups are formed by members who have mutual interests. Presently they are the Lunch Bunch, the Book Club, the Cards Sharks, the Day Adventurers, the At The Movies group, and the Phase10/Domino Players. Rhodes commented that these outside activities afford the ladies further “opportunity to bond” with each other “and to have more great conversations and laughs.” The meeting ended with members at each table sharing interesting things about themselves.

The Cherokee County Connection will hold its next meeting on October 8 at noon at the Chamber of Commerce building. It will be pumpkin day for the ladies as they will be decorating pumpkins. Awards will be given for the “prettiest, scariest, and funniest” pumpkins. Kay Rhodes, President, stated that some decorations will be provided but encouraged members to bring decorations from home. The officers of the Connection guarantee that this meeting will bring out the creativity and humor of the members and hence another meeting of laughter. Lunch will be catered by Pat’s Perfection.

Membership is open to women of Cherokee County. The annual dues are $15. The cost of the lunch is $7.00. For reservations, needed by October 3, contact Kay Rhodes at 256-927-6314. Those attending are asked to park in the parking lot behind the Chamber.