FARMINGTON – The January meeting of Farmington Emblem Club 460 was called to order by President Claudetle Merchant. An initiation of two new members was held. Joining the club were Becky Houle and Susan McMaster. With 31 members present, and 102 absent, this brings the club’s total membership to 135. Two more women will join the club at the February meeting.

The sunshine committee, Becky Powell and Quinnale Kinsey, reported on the cards and flowers given out the during the past month.

Lois Barker, Americanism chairwoman, read a copy of a letter written by a former Wilton woman to family and friends about her experience at an airport and observing a group of soldiers heading to their homes after several months in Iraq.

Community Service chairwoman, Nancy Chase, reported that six club members helped out at the foster children’s Christmas party in Turner in December. Seven women helped Sue Malice purchase gifts just before Christmas for a family. Gifts were wrapped at the home of KamiIIa Hall later that day.

Jean Corcoran is asking for donations of used books for a book sale to be held on Feb. 21 at the Elks Lodge in West Farmington. Money earned from the book sale will go toward scholarships to be given out at the end of this school year.

Shannon Smith reminded members that she still has tickets available for the Valentine dance to be held at the Elks lodge Feb. 14, sponsored by the Farmington Emblem Club.

Linda Abbott will be in charge of a group who will prepare the supper to precede the dance. Music will be by The Legends. There will be more discussion at the March meeting about the club’s Longerberger basket beano fund-raiser to be held on March 21.

State Emblem Club President Charlotte Mills will visit Farmington Emblem Club 460 at the February meeting. A representative from the Umbagog Dialysis Center will address the group.

The club voted to donate $200 to a family who have had the water pipes frozen at their home and need help getting them repaired.

This month’s mystery gift was won by Kathy Sylvan and the 50-50 raffle by Jean Corcoran.