Our February meeting was a real treat! We met at
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum
in Bristol, VA.
We were able to tour the museum for about an hour before the business meeting began. Our tour guide, a fifth-grade teacher, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She encouraged all of us to become volunteers at the museum.
What a delight to visit such a professional and interesting place. We learned, among many other things, about the Bristol Sessions in 1927 and about artists through the 20th century who were influenced by the early years of country music. There was a special exhibit on Bristol's own Tennessee Ernie Ford.
On to the business meeting...
Many thanks to Carol S. and Dana R. for being our hostesses.
Carol also thanks everyone for the VERY generous donations for the Children's Advocacy Center. It took three of us to carry all of the bags to Carol's car!
The first Alpha Zeta Friends of Education Award Ceremony!
The Alpha Zeta chapter of Iota State voted to present a Friends of Education Award to three outstanding individuals who have been well-documented supporters of education for many years. Each of the three represents one of our three geographical areas: Bristol, VA, Washington County, VA, and Scott County, VA.
***The recipient from Bristol, VA, Bill Gatton, was not able to attend the meeting.
***The recipient from Bristol, VA, Bill Gatton, was not able to attend the meeting.
Steve Smith, the Washington County, VA, recipient, was out of the country, but sent Israel O'Quinn. Mr. O'Quinn is the Delegate for the 5th District of the Virginia House of Delegates, and an employee of Mr. Smith. He spoke of the vast financial resources that Mr. Smith has dedicated to educators and students of the area.
* Steve Smith is the father-in-law of our own dear Beegie R.
Eric Lane, our Scott County recipient, was introduced with much joy by some of the Scott County sisters. They spoke of the many students he has helped by offering them jobs at Pal's Sudden Service, by insisting that they meet the stringent standards his restaurant requires, and by never abandoning a student who needs an extra push or another chance. We were happy that Mr. Lane was able to be with us for the museum tour, the business meeting, and lunch.
Next, it was time for the Collect and a delicious lunch,
catered by Basq Restaurant and Catering.
catered by Basq Restaurant and Catering.
Happy Valentine's Day, Alpha Zeta!