The life of Maya Angelou discussed at Kilgore Woman's Club

The Kilgore Woman's Club held the February 28th meeting at the First Christian Church. Hostesses Sharon Cox and Patti Cunyus served delicious refreshments: a breakfast casserole with fruit and tiny muffins and assorted goodies with coffee and punch.

President Peggy Bowne opened the meeting with the Club Collect. Ruth Ann Camp read the minutes. Caroline Kennedy gave the Treasurer's report.

Billie Oliphant read the Legislative report, her subject being the state of the TYC facility, which houses minors convicted of criminal offenses. Billie spoke of the abuse of young inmates by other prisoners and also by the guards. Administrative mismanagement was blamed for much of this condition. Gov. Perry has named Richard Nedelkoff as conservator. He will succeed Ed Owen.

Social Chairman Sharon Cox reminded us of the upcoming Tea to be held at the First Christian Church Family Life Center, on April 10, with a great program. Further details forthcoming.

Virginia Wallace reported on Civic Affairs. The Women's Auxiliary still needs paperback books. The books are sold for 25 cents, the money helps to buy medicine for indigent or needy patients at the hospital, and for scholarships for nursing students.

Saturday, March 8, a "Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back' fundraiser will be held at City Park. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Proceeds for Cancer Research. This will be a fun event for the whole family.

On Feb. 29, the Boy Scouts of America held their Eagle Scouts Recognition Banquet, recognizing 104 Scouts and awarding the Silver Beaver Awards for outstanding volunteers for Boy Scouts.

The program was given by Sharon Cox. Sharon chose for her subject, Maya Angelou. Sharon spoke of this remarkable woman's endurance of racial discrimination, molestation as a child by her mother's boyfriend. She did not speak for 5 years, until she was 13. She returned to high school, becoming pregnant with her son Guy. She married a white Greek sailor in 1952, and became a nightclub singer. The marriage did not last, but her career did. She was active in eh civil rights movement and later married an activist and moved to Cairo mastering several languages. Returning in 1964 she worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was assassinated on her birthday, and devastated, she returned to her love, writing. Her first book was published in 1970 all about her life in Arkansas up until the birth of her child. She has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Awards, among her many accomplishments. The little girl with the troubled childhood who lost her voice, is now heard around the world.

Attending this meeting were Patsy Abernathy, Peggy Bowne, Ruth Ann Camp, Sharon Cox, Patti Cunyus, Lauren Cunyus, Ray Cunyus, Morada Early, Frankie Flory, Carolyn Kennedy, Martha Lee, Billie Oliphant, Virginia Wallace, Ellen Watson, and guest Eukie Greutink.

Peggy Bowne closed the meeting with a quote. The next meeting will be March 13. Hostesses Patsy Stovall and Billie Oliphant. Place to be announced.