Hickory Creek FCEC met April 13 for its monthly meeting at Billy’s Restaurant. The meeting was called to order by President Vicki Gibbs, and she recognized guests Frances Hobbs, Jeanette Stroud, Maggie Hodges, Naomi Smith, Carolyn Borum and Alda Bandy. Chaplain Ann Whitman read “An Obituary for Someone Else.” It reminded us to do our share not to rely on someone else. We were led in the pledge to the flag by Gibbs. 
Secretary Phyllis Hillis was asked to call roll, with 16 members and guests answering with a plant that attracts butterflies. The minutes from the previous meeting were read by Hillis and approved as read. Treasurer Marian Jacobs gave the financial report.   
Vice president Davis asked for member reports and demonstrations. Martha McBride showed a flower made from colored golf balls. Hillis showed a quilt top made from handprints of ladies that attended a retreat.  Gibbs brought banks made by her grandchildren for a 4-H project, a flower pot decorated for Easter filled with candy and a bunny decoration. She also demonstrated how to make a candle from a pound block of butter.  Twelve members reported reading since the last meeting and book reports were given by Carolyn Womack, Jacobs, Janis Darnaby, Whitman, Brenda Clark, and Hillis.
President Gibbs deemed the recent Visitation Day a huge success. The leftover pot holders will be sold at the County Store.  A&R Day was held on April 6 at the Midway CIC where county FCE members enjoyed a delicious meal, fellowship and recognition for their hard work. The silent auction netted $244. Hickory Creek was awarded third on its scrapbook and on the secretary book.
The quarterly county council meeting was held March 20 where members enjoyed a demonstration on yarn spinning. Business conducted included participation in canned drink tabs being collected for the state project and future Visitation Day meeting will be completely planned by each club on a rotation basis. McBride encouraged members to continue to turn in hours for state projects.  
 Final plans were made for the club spring outing to the Cornbread Festival. Several members will be attending the Spring Rally in Grundy County. We were reminded of the spring bake sale to be held May 5 at Foodland. The club voted that the third quarter community project donation be given to Maddie Gibbs to help pay for 4-H Camp.
The next county council meeting will be June 19 and Hickory Creek will be providing the meal as a fundraiser. County council president Hobbs said the donation of bleach and laundry detergent collected at county council meetings for the women’s shelter is much appreciated and to continue to bring these items to each county council meeting. She also announced that Lisa Harvey from the Hamilton Street Activity Center will be the speaker at the meeting in June.
Secretary Hillis requested the date of the June meeting be changed and it will be held June 5 at Billy’s Restaurant at 9 a.m. Several Hickory Creek members will be attending the leadership retreat May 30 - June 1.  Other upcoming events to be discussed later are International Day on May 17 exploring the country of Germany, June Dairy Day on June 8 and a project to feed Warren County law enforcements officers on May 15. 
Everyone enjoyed lunch after the meeting and celebrated Brenda Clark’s birthday with a delicious cake made by Janis Darnaby.