Photography Club Christmas party

By Rex Dolby

Members of the Van Wert Area Photography Club gathered Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Van Wert Historical Society’s Clark Mansion. Located at 602 N. Washington St., the 1895 mansion, also known as the “House of Seven Oaks”, was the perfect location for the club’s annual Christmas dinner.  It was decorated for Christmas and Jeanne Zeigler and her talented helpers served a memorable meal.

The club enjoyed pork tenderloin, with garnishes of applesauce, cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, and tomato pudding. The pudding was new to just about everybody, but it became a hit after the first spoonful.  Made mainly from tomato puree, brown sugar, and bread cubes, the dish was good enough to be a dessert as well as to add a flavorful and colorful touch to the meat. The meal also included: dressing, peas and carrots, mashed potatoes, dinner roll and cheesecake for dessert.  Several enjoyed a cup of coffee after the meal.

We greatly appreciate all the hospitality and hard work by the Van Wert County Historical Society members in providing such a good meal and place to meet.

The election of officers and dreams for the future followed the meal.  Officers selected to guide the club for 2016 are:  Stuart Jewett, President; Randy Shellenbarger, Vice President; Mike Taylor, Treasurer; and Rex Dolby, Secretary.

Much of the plans for the future hinged on the government’s reply to our request for 501c3 status, which was submitted Nov. 23.  If it is granted, we can then start thinking about a facility that will meet our goals for activity and service.

The club’s next meeting will be Jan. 14.  We suspect that both club members as well as members of the community will have questions about new cameras and photography equipment that they received for Christmas.  Those folks are invited to bring their equipment and questions to this meeting where experienced individuals will most likely be able to resolve their issues. There will be neither cost nor obligation to community members who attend this meeting.