Activities

2002            

2003

           2004

                      2005

                                2006

Adopt-A-Highway

    In 1999, the chapter adopted two miles along Highway 20 west of Stuart. The members pick up trash each spring and fall.

2006

Test Your Well

     December 18 ^- Chapter officers and members of the Plant Science/Leadership class held the first annual Test Your Well night.  This activity offered area residents the opportunity to bring in water samples to be tested free of charge.

National Convention

     October 25^th – Members from the Stuart FFA Chapter embarked on a journey to the national convention.  The eight members attending the convention were:  Ashley B, Cody D, Cody H, Bill K, Amber N, Jacki T, Kyle D, and Megan O.  The members attended several activities including a glass blowing demonstration, the agriculture career show, third general session, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum, Connor Prairie Farm, National Proficiency Award ceremony, and the American Degree Ceremony.

Pit Party

     October 1^st – The “Pit Party” was enjoyed by many FFA and FCCLA members.  Activities included a town wide scavenger hunt, supper, water balloon volleyball, water fights, sand volleyball, and movies. 

Farm Safety Week

     Week of September 17 - To promote National Farm Safety and Health Week 2006, chapter members visited the elementary students at both schools.  Topics were covered through use of demonstrations, board games and a bean bag toss.  Topics included grain bin/gravity flow wagon safety, PTO safety, farm communication signals, ATV and roadway safety, and tractor safety.  The chapter also conducted a FFA Farm Safety Poster Contest for the elementary students and sponsored public service announcements over a local radio station.

Seatbelt Check

     September 15 - The FFA chapter joined with the FCCLA chapter to hold a safety seatbelt check at the gate to the football game with St. Mary's.  Lifesaver suckers were given to those wearing their seatbelts, while Dum Dum suckers were provided to those not buckling up. 

POA (Program of Activities) Work Night

     The chapter held their yearly program of activities work night on September 14th.  Members enjoyed pizza followed by working in three committees to compile their activities for the upcoming year.  All chapter members and prospective members present served on one of the following committees:  student, chapter or community.

Summer Activities

     The chapter was involved with many summer activities.  June 21-helped paint the newly installed pipe fence at the rodeo grounds.  July 19-spruced up the landscaping around the public school.  August 5-assisted with the Sandhills Livestock Show.  August 12-worked together at the "Remember When" historical event.

3rd Annual Softball/BBQ Bash

     July 31 - Despite the stormy weather, the Stuart FFA Chapter had a ball as they gathered in the city park for the annual softball/bbq bash.  Just as last year's game ended, the teams (young and old) battled over who was this year's "raining" champion.  The approximately 50 people in attendance were treated to a cream can supper, followed by the softball game.

July 4th Celebration

     The chapter enjoyed the community's 4th of July celebration by assisting in putting together a float which displayed the theme ... "What Would Sports be Without Agriculture?".  The also helped the Stuart FFA Alumni with the 2nd Annual Bathtub Races which were held on Main Street, Stuart.

A Winning Combination

     On June 15th at the Bassett Ranch Expo, MacDon Industries and Sandhill Equipment teamed up to auction off the use of a MacDon swather.  Thanks to the highest bidder, the proceeds were donated to the chapter.

COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training)

     May 22-24 - 2006 Theme - "Clue In To..."  The officer team attended Chapter Officer Leader Training (COLT) where they spent three days of training filled with specific officer responsibilities, team goals, and officer expectations. 

MFE/ALD Conference

     On February 24th and 25th, nine members attended the MFE/ALD Conference in Kearney.

“Living to Serve”

     The Stuart chapter was kept busy celebrating events of National FFA Week February 19-25.  Members planned activities for each day during the week.  Throughout the week logos were hidden, students and staff participated in daily Ag trivia, goodies were given to the faculty and staff, breakfast was served to all members, and FFA t-shirts were worn.  Jaci Benson, Nebraska State FFA Vice-President was a guest on Thursday and Jill Brown, a UNL College of Agriculture Public Relations specialist, was on hand Friday to conduct workshops.

2005

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Leadership Lab

     On November 18th & 19th, five members found themselves being energized at the NE FFA Leadership Lab held in Grand Island.  "Lighting Your FFA Fire" was the motto during the two day conference. 

National Convention

     Participants left on October 25th to attend this year's convention. They toured Churchill Downs, Huber Orchard & Winery and the Louisville Slugger Museum while attending convention.

Gutter Party

     October 9 - The Stuart FCCLA Chapter invited members of the FFA Chapter to a Gutter Party.  After enjoying supper from the "gutter," kids began to play a variety of games.  Some got a little wet while playing water balloon volleyball, other got dirty in a game of touch football, and some even had fun playing Bohemian horseshoes.  Later in the evening, members sat around the fire to roast marshmallows.   

Farm Safety Week

     During the week of September 18-24, chapter members visited the elementary students.  The agricultural education students played games and did presentations on suffocation hazards, animal safety, grain bin safety, ATV safety, and roadway safety.  The chapter also sponsored a FFA Farm Safety Poster Contest for the elementary students promoting this year's theme "Stayin' Alive in '05."

POA (Program of Activities) Work Night

     The chapter held their yearly program of activities work night on September 13th.  Members enjoyed pizza followed by working in three committees to compile their activities for the upcoming year.  All chapter members and prospective members present served on one of the following committees:  student, chapter or community.

Sandhills Livestock Show

     August 6 - The Sandhills National Livestock Show held its 19th Annual 4-H and FFA livestock show in Stuart.  FFA members provided labor for checking in exhibitor's livestock, weighing sheep, lining up classes, handing out medals and ribbons, as well as operating the concession stand for people attending and participating in the show.  

2nd Annual Softball/BBQ Bash

     After a summer filled with chapter activities, the Stuart FFA could think of only one way for members and their families to get together and just have a ball! Literally.  Just as last year's game ended, this year also found parents and members battling over who was actually the game champion.  The BBQ started as the softball game ended.  Over 70 people enjoyed the evening.

Bathtub Races

     During the 4th of July celebration, teams for consisting of three people weaved their way through an obstacle course.  Two individuals pushed the tub while one person sat in the water filled tub.  Prizes were awarded to the top three teams. 

Paint-a-Thon

     June 15 - Eleven members put on their paint brushes to work.  Two houses were painted in Stuart as part of the Home Town Competitiveness Program.  The members met at 8:00 a.m. and were finished by 3:00 p.m. the same day. 

COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training)

     May 23 - The nine newly inducted officers traveled to the Leadership Center in Aurora to attend Chapter Officer Leader Training (COLT).  The conference allowed the officers to embark on an exciting training program with their teammates to learn more about the power of growth, responsibilities of chapter officers and strategies to complete their mission, which is to serve their chapter.  Each officer set a goal for themselves and their team for the upcoming year.  Sessions focused on leadership, teamwork, and service. 

     On May 2nd, the Stuart FFA Chapter held it's annual awards banquet.  The 2004-05 officers conducted the opening ceremony followed by the invocation.  Following a potluck meal, the awards portion got underway.  Achievement Awards were presented to members for the progress they made in their SAE Programs.  Local proficiency winners were then announced and presented with their awards.  Members were also recognized for their participation in the leadership development events at the district and state levels.  Honorary chapter degrees were bestowed on a number of individuals and businesses for contributing to the success of the chapter over the past year.  Additional awards presented were:  Star Greenhand in Production and Placement, Chapter Star Award in Production and Placement, and the Dekalb Award.  The senior members honored their parents for the support and encouragement given to them during their years of membership followed by the retiring senior officers being recognized for their efforts and leadership given to the chapter.  The year in review video was shown with a special section dedicated to advisor, Mrs. Sara Scholz.  The 2005-06 officers were installed and they performed the closing ceremonies and adjourned the Awards Banquet.

     On January 16th, twenty-two members of the Stuart FFA Chapter enjoyed an afternoon of bowling fun.  In addition, members and their sponsors enjoyed sub sandwiches and pizza. 

“Learn, Lead, Succeed”

     FFA, a youth development organization devoted to preparing students for leadership and career success through agricultural education, will celebrate National FFA Week, February 20-26.  The purpose of National FFA Week is to create an awareness of the organization, which was created in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America.  This name was changed to the National FFA Organization in 1988 to recognize the growing diversity of the agricultural industry.  FFA now has a membership of nearly half a million students nationwide.

 2004

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     As a kick-off to National FFA week, February 21-28, 2004, the chapter sponsored the "Kiss the Pig" contest.  The lucky candidate obtaining the most monetary donations and having the opportunity to "Kiss the Pig" was Amanda W.  A total of $305 was collected from the contest and proceeds were sent to the Nebraska Diabetes Foundation.

     On May 3rd, the Stuart FFA Chapter held it's awards banquet.  The 2003-04 officers conducted the opening ceremony followed by the invocation.  Following a potluck meal, the awards portion got underway.  Achievement Awards were presented to members for the progress they made in their SAE Programs.  Local proficiency winners were then announced and presented with their awards.  Members were also recognized for their participation in the leadership development events at the district and state levels.  Honorary chapter degrees were bestowed on a number of individuals and businesses for contributing to the success of the chapter over the past year.  Additional awards presented were:  Star Greenhand, Chapter Star Award in Placement, Star Award in Production, and the Dekalb Award.  The senior members honored their parents for the support and encouragement given to them during their years of membership followed by the retiring senior officers being recognized for their efforts and leadership given to the chapter.  The 2004-05 officers were installed and they performed the closing ceremonies and adjourned the Awards Banquet.

COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training)

     On May 24th the newly inducted officers traveled to the Leadership Center in Aurora to attend Chapter Officer Leader Training (COLT).  This year's theme was "Unlock ... Explore ... Discover".  With this theme, the officer team spent three days finding different keys to help make this year successful for the chapter, school, and community.  They developed teamwork and individual skills through sessions and activities. 

July 4th Celebration

     The July 4th weekend proved to be a fun celebration for the chapter.  During Cruise Night, members gave children rides up and down Main Street on the Bronco Train.  The chapter joined in the festivities by entering a float in the parade.  Its theme was "Once Upon A Time We Lived The FFA Legacy...And The Legacy Continues".  Members also assisted with the concession stand during the stock car races.

Stuart Public School Landscaping Project

     July 8th & 15th, Oct 2nd -  The landscaping around Stuart Public School has taken on a new look thanks to grants received and the help of FFA members.  The project is funded through a Nebraska State Arboretum Greenspace grant received by the school and a NIFA grant awarded to the FFA Chapter.  On July 8th, members began preparing the landscaping site by moving and leveling dirt and raking the areas.  On July 15th, members started the planting process.  A variety of trees, shrubs and perennials were placed on the west and south sides of the building.  Members raked, planted and put cedar mulch around the planted areas.  Finally, on October 2nd, different types of grasses and perennials were planted to complete the project.   

1st Annual FFA Softball Bash

     The chapter held its 1st annual FFA softball bash on July 29th at the Stuart Park.  Fifty-three members and their families were able to enjoy a night of fun and food.  The evening started with a softball game between the "oldies" and the members.  It was reported the game was a tie.  Following the softball game, everyone enjoyed a potluck barbecue in the park.

Sandhills Livestock Show

     The Sandhills National Livestock Show held its 18th Annual 4-H and FFA livestock show in Stuart on August 7th.  FFA members provided labor for checking in exhibitor's livestock, weighing sheep, lining up classes, handing out medals and ribbons, as well as operating the concession stand for people attending and participating in the show.  

POA (Program of Activities) Work Night

     The chapter held their yearly program of activities work night on September 14th.  Members enjoyed pizza followed by working in committees to compile their activities for the upcoming year.  All chapter members and prospective members present served on one of the following committees:  student, chapter or community.  Prior to working in committees, the chapter officers held a fashion show demonstrating the proper and improper official dress of the National FFA organization.

Farm Safety Week

     September 19-25--To promote National Farm Safety and Health Week 2004, the Agriscience class visited the elementary students. The agriculture education students presented a farm safety skit entitled "Kids are Key", demonstrated the suffocation hazards with a gravity flow wagon model, put together a farm scene puzzle, and completed chalk drawings.  The students stressed the importance of following clear and detailed instructions, which are often given and need to be followed on a farm/ranch setting.  The also played the "Farm Safety Jeopardy" game which portrayed categories such as 4 Wheelin', Got Grain, Safety Potluck, Rowdy Roads and Creature Feature.  Students also demonstrated proper ATV safety including such things as proper gear, road safety, and how to determine if the rider properly fits the ATV. 

     The chapter also sponsored a FFA Farm Safety Poster Contest for the elementary students. These elementary students were invited to participate in the poster contest with prizes and certificates being awarded.

     Stuart FFA Awards Greenhand and Chapter Degrees

      On December 6th, the Greenhand and Chapter Degree Ceremonies were held at the high school gym. Twelve members received their Greenhand degrees, while ten members were recipients of their Chapter degrees. Members receiving their Greenhand degree (first degree in the FFA) were: Becki K, Corey B, Jacki T, Jake E, Tuck J, Gavin K, Tommy S, Austin B, Amber J, Katie K, Lance K and Luke O.  Recipients of the Chapter degree were: Ashley B, Cody D, Cody H, Billy K, Jenny L, Amber N, Josh O, Audrey P, Kristen W and Zach W.

2003

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Stuart FFA Chapter Celebrates 2003 National FFA Week

     The Stuart FFA Chapter found themselves busy celebrating the events of National FFA Week February 16-22. The members planned activities for each day of the week. Beginning on Monday and throughout the week, members hid FFA logos in the school and the person finding the logo won a prize. In addition, all students and staff were given the opportunity to guess the number of corn kernels, soybeans, cotton balls and hardware located in containers. On Tuesday morning, FFA members were treated to a wonderful breakfast. Wednesday found the members sporting the blue and gold, as they were attired in their official dress. Thursday found the FFA chapter providing baked goodies for the administration, faculty and staff in appreciation for their support to our organization. On Friday, students concluded the week by wearing their FFA T-shirts.

Character Counts! Graduation

     On April 10th, the fifth grade class at Stuart Public School took part in their Character Counts! Graduation.  The graduation ceremony culminated their achievements of the past seven months.  Beginning in September the Agribusiness class conducted projects and activities with the fifth graders emphasizing six pillars of character.  The six pillars included RESPECT, CITIZENSHIP, FAIRNESS, TRUSTWORTHINESS, CARING, and RESPONSIBILITY.  Three sessions were held to emphasize each pillar.  The Agribusiness class enjoyed the opportunity to be reminded of important character traits and to help the fifth graders strengthen theirs.  As Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training)

     May 26-28--The theme for this year's conference of "Create Your Legacy" provided for interesting activities, and a great opportunity for building leadership skills that would better help the officers serve the chapter, school and community.  Aside from improving leadership abilities, the officers corresponded with other chapter officers from around the state, as well as got acquainted with this year's new state officers, had flashlight relays, participated in a scavenger hunt, and much more.

    The July 4th celebration was full of activities for the Stuart FFA Chapter. Children were given rides on the "Bronco Train" during "Cruise Night", July 3rd. 

     Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the chapter was represented in the annual parade by a "Tropical Paradise" theme float.

Murphy Building Project

     June-August--Through applying for a grant, the chapter was awarded $1000 to apply toward the restoration of the Murphy building.  Twenty-three members assisted with "gutting" the building, providing 149 hours of labor for the project.

    The Sandhills National Livestock Show held its 17th annual 4-H and FFA livestock show in Stuart on August 2nd.  This year's show featured over 66 head of beef and 50 head of sheep.  Members provided their labor for checking in kids with their livestock, weighing sheep, lining up classes, handing out medals and ribbons, as well as operating the concession stand for people attending and participating in the show.  Participants traveled from all over the state of Nebraska and South Dakota.

Husker Harvest Days

     On September 9th, the Junior and Senior FFA members attended Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island. The participants learned new things about livestock, livestock management, and about various items that were on display. They were assigned to do two cattle breed interviews. Each participant was then given the assignment of writing a report about the two types of cattle.

POA (Program of Activities) Work Night

     The chapter held their program of activities work night on September 16th. All chapter members and prospective members present served on one of the following committees: student, chapter or community.

Farm Safety Week

     September 21-27--In honor of promoting National Farm Safety and Health Week, the freshmen and Agriscience class visited the elementary students. The agriculture education students/FFA members showed a safety video and demonstrated the suffocation hazards with a gravity flow wagon model, put together a farm scene puzzle, and did chalk drawings with the kindergarten class. In the first and second grade classes, students stressed the importance of wearing protection devices when performing ranch or farm tasks. Students in the third and fourth grade classes played the Wheel of MISfortune game. Students were introduced to the danger of a rotary lawnmower, auger entanglement, belts & pulley, PTO shafts, stalk rolls on a corn head and the distance equipment falls during reactions time. The “Drive Head Over Wheels” display saw its way into the fifth and sixth graded classrooms. Students demonstrated the improper and proper ways of driving up steep slopes and responding to a tractor wheel coming off of the road. 

     The class also sponsored a FFA Farm Safety Poster Contest for the elementary students in Grades 1-6. These elementary students were invited to participate in the poster contest by drawing their views of what it meant to stay “safe” in the agricultural industry. Prizes and certificates were awarded.

     Stuart FFA Awards Greenhand and Chapter Degrees

      On December 1st, the Greenhand and Chapter Degree Ceremonies were held at the high school gym. Ten members received their Greenhand degrees, while six members were recipients of their Chapter degrees. Members receiving their Greenhand degree (first degree in the FFA) were: Ashley B, Cody D, Cody H, Billy K, Jenny L, Amber N, Josh O, Audrey P, Kristen W, and Zach W.  Recipients of the Chapter degree were: Tiffany M, Amanda M, Emily E, Pat R, Will H, and Matt R.

     On December 21--members of the Stuart FFA Chapter enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon of bowling!  Along with bowling, the members enjoyed pizza and occasional games of pool.

2002

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“FFA Makes It Real”

     National FFA Week-February 17-23--Activities were planned by the members for each day of the week. Beginning on Monday and throughout the week, members hid FFA logos in the school for students and staff members to find and win a prize. Tuesday, members were treated to a delicious breakfast. Members showed their spirit by wearing FFA t-shirts and welcomed the State Vice-President as she made presentations to each of the agricultural education classes throughout the day. Wednesday, members were attired in their official dress. Thursday, baked goodies were provided for the administration, faculty and staff in appreciation for the support they give to our organization. Friday, all students and staff were given the opportunity to guess the number of corn kernels and soybeans located in respective containers.

     On February 22nd, five FFA members traveled to Kearney to attend the MFE (Made For Excellence) Conference. 

     “America’s Largest Classroom on Agriculture” was back in classrooms around the nation. During National Agriculture Week, March 17-23, the “Largest Classroom” engaged students nationwide as they discovered agriculture’s role in their future.  

     Sea to shining sea, America’s landscapes are as diverse as its people. Land throughout the United States has many different purposes. It is used for schools, city skyscrapers, national parks, grazing cattle, growing crops and its rivers for fishing, dams and transporting cargo. The 2002 National Agriculture Day program celebrated America’s diversity of landscapes and how agriculture sows them together and brings harmony to our great land.

    The Natural Resources and Introduction to Ag. class at Stuart Public School assisted with the National Agriculture Day program. On the 20th, the Natural Resources students conducted activities in the elementary classrooms. Activities included making agricultural objects out of play dough, making the parts of a pizza out of construction paper, and playing “Pizza Jeopardy.”

    Leadership was the key word for the Stuart FFA Officer Team as they attended the COLT conference in Aurora at the Leadership Center on May 20-22. The officers spent three days finding the route of leadership needed for their new year in office. They developed teamwork and individual skills through sessions and activities with the Nebraska State Officer Team. Through these sessions they also learned how to recruit new members and keep their chapter fully active in their community and school. The theme “The Amazing Race” was a gateway into leadership in which the officers participated in a scavenger hunt to save the riddle, flashlight relays, and swimming parties. The Stuart FFA Chapter entered their 2001-02 scrapbook in the COLT Conference competition and received a superior rating. The officers also competed in an opening/closing ceremony competition and received 2nd place.

    The Stuart 4th of July celebration proved to be a day full of activities for the Stuart FFA Chapter. Seven children rode the train through the 4th of July Parade sporting its patriotic theme. During the afternoon games at the Stuart Park, the FFA gave free Bronco Train rides around the park.

    The Sandhills Livestock Show was held on August 3rd at the Stuart Rodeo Arena. Members helped in various activities such as weighing sheep, recording results, checking in classes, and handing out prizes. The Livestock show consisted of 74 head of cattle and 42 head of sheep. Because of generous donations from businesses throughout the community, the Livestock Show Committee was able to award approximately $1,000 in prizes.

    The Program Of Activities work night was held on September 9th. Members worked in committees to compile their activities for the upcoming year. All chapter members present served on one of the following committees: student, chapter or community.

     In honor of promoting National Farm Safety and Health Week, the freshmen Agriscience class recently visited the elementary students at Stuart Public School and St. Boniface School. The agriculture education students/FFA members showed a safety video and demonstrated the suffocation hazards with a gravity flow wagon model to the kindergarten class. In the first and second grade classes, students stressed the importance of safety on the farm and ranch through the use of activity sheets. Students in the third and fourth grade classes had to answer questions regarding farm safety in order to make their way through an obstacle course. The “Farm Safety Jeopardy” game saw its way into the fifth and sixth grade classrooms portraying categories such as 4 Wheelin’, Got Grain, Safety Potluck, Rowdy Roads and Creature Feature.

     A new event this year found the Kindergartners, with assistance from the Animal Science class, making sidewalk chalk drawings of farm safety scenes in front of the school. The class also sponsored a FFA Farm Safety Poster Contest for the elementary students in Grades 1-6 of both school systems. These elementary students were invited to participate in the poster contest by drawing their views of what it meant to stay “safe” in the agricultural industry. Prizes and certificates were awarded to the top three poster winners in each class.

     To promote seatbelt safety, “Click It-Don’t Risk It” table tents were placed at the eating establishments in Stuart. The week’s events were brought to a close with a collaborated effort by the Stuart FFA and FCCLA chapters making a safety seatbelt check at the entrance gate to the football game on Friday night.

     On October 29, 2002, nine FFA members and their advisors boarded a bus in Norfolk to begin their road journey to Louisville, Kentucky to participate in the 75th National FFA Convention. Members shared their bus experience with other Nebraska FFA Chapters from Plainview, West Point and Freeman.

     The Stuart FFA members reached their destination of Louisville, Kentucky October 30th. Later that evening, the members and advisors stepped foot into the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center and attended the Second Reflections Session, which brought forth the opening of the 75th National FFA Convention. The 75th National FFA Convention took on the theme: One Mission-Student Success.

     On the 31st, the members began their day by attending the agriculture career show, which found more than 350 exhibitors present. In the mid-afternoon, the members went on a tour of either the Henry Ford Company or Glassworks. The remainder of the day consisted of attending the Second General Session, which recognized the National Chapter Award Winners. Stuart members received the National Chapter two-star rating Award. That evening the group went out to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Members also had the opportunity to have a carriage ride around downtown Louisville.

     November 1st began with the group attending the agriculture career show. The remainder of the afternoon the group went to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, where they were able to see the horse races. Later that evening, the members attended a motivational Hypnotist. After the hypnosis, the members attended the Seventh General Session, where they were able to listen to the keynote speaker.

     On the morning of November 2nd, the students attended the American FFA Degree Ceremony where they observed over 2,000 members from across the United States receive the highest degree the organization bestows upon its members. The FFA members than boarded their bus to return to Nebraska about 10:30 AM. The Stuart FFA Members arrived home in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 3rd with many great memories and experiences of a National FFA Convention.

Fruit and Meat/Cheese Sales

     The Stuart FFA Fruit and Meat/Cheese sales concluded November 20th. FFA members sold oranges, grapefruit, apples, tangelos and pears. Members also sold varieties of meat/cheese boxes, cheese spreads, cheese logs, and chicken pot pies.

     Members of the Stuart FFA Chapter enjoyed an evening of bowling fun at the Atkinson Lanes on December 15th. In addition to bowling, members enjoyed sandwiches and pizza.