"Under the Big Top" was the theme for the GFWC Woman's Club of Mingo Junction's opening meeting of 2013 held at the Mingo Senior Citizens Center.
A carnival atmosphere was featured with balloons and decorations and refreshments that included a midway fare of peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs and cupcakes.
Instead of a speaker, an in-house talent night showcased members' talents, hobbies, craft skills and interests.
Participants included Roetta Lewis, storytelling; Betty Ralston, a song and dance routine; Bernie Carpico, Cheri Carpico and Clara Sue Milewsky displayed afghans they are working on; Joanne Gorney, vocals; Kathy Maguschak, cooking; Carol Lotzgeselle, walking and gardening; Tommy Lou Sogan, walking; Shelly Bateman distributed Bible verses from A to Z; Sharon Cole-Isner, editor of the Buckeye Magazine for the GFWC/OHIO Federation of Women's Clubs; Mary Jane Tiberio, bead work; and Stephanie Rouse, who has launched a new business called Training Connections.
Lewis passed out "prizes" to all who shared their talents.
Cole-Isner, club president, presided at the meeting and offered the welcome. Lewis gave the invocation, and Gorney led in opening exercises.
Rouse announced that the club's second-annual mystery theater fundraiser will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 20 at the Mingo Knights of Columbus Hall. The event will include a Chinese auction and a 50/50 drawing.
Tiberio volunteered to be chairperson of the May banquet.
Everyone entering "the Big Top" was given a ticket. Cheri Carpico won the door prize.
Members of the Community Service Project, Arts Committee were hostesses for the evening with Lewis serving as chairman. She was assisted by Cole-Isner, Lotzgeselle and Ralston.
The next meeting will be held Feb. 14 with Maguschak as chairman.
