For members of the Chicora Senior Center, conducting fund-raising events is more than just a requirement, it's a tradition.

Last week, several members of the senior center went to work making homemade noodles they sell to raise money for their activities.

A ritual that has gone on for more than 10 years, the women at the center have the process down to an art. This year, they have even added a recipe for wheat noodles.

"We have our recipe," said Helen Maley of Chicora. "If you don't follow it, it won't work."

Each participant is assigned a certain role in the process. The noodle-making staff includes people to mix the dough, several to roll and cut the dough using hand-crank pasta machines, and a few to hang the delicate noodles on laundry drying racks until they are dry enough to be packaged in 1-pound bags.

Yet the noodles aren't the only culinary craft members of the senior center have perfected. Other food-making fund-raisers include, but are not limited to, apple and pear butter, usually made in September; funnel cakes, sold during the annual Christmas in Chicora event; pickles; and soups.

"We're very active in here," said Anna Marie Knoll, manager of the center.

She added that in addition to the recipes they use for fund-raisers, they often cook for each other - giving members an opportunity to share their favorite recipes.

For most of their fund-raising events, orders are taken about a month in advance, though in many cases community members call several months in advance, not wanting to miss their opportunity.

"We have a good reputation for anything we make," said Knoll.

In addition to the acclaim the center receives from the community, the Chicora cooks now have a blue ribbon to prove their talent.

This year, the center entered both its apple and pear butter into the Butler Farm Show, taking first place for the pear butter.

"We're gonna perfect (the apple butter) for next year," said Knoll, who said that the group used to make the apple butter outdoors in large copper kettles.

Not only has the sale of homemade goods been profitable, but an enjoyable time for those involved.

"It keeps everybody busy," said Knoll. "It's just a great project.

3 cups flour4 eggs (must equal cup)1 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon oilCombine egg, salt and oil in a mixer and beat well. Add flour gradually.If the mixture does not form a stiff ball, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time until a stiff ball forms.Roll into a 3-inch by 12-inch roll and cut into 1-inch slices. Use a pasta-rolling machine to both roll and cut the dough.Hang the noodles until dry. Noodles may be frozen until needed.

3 cups whole wheat flour1 cup white flour5 extra large eggs2 tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon saltCombine eggs, salt and oil in a mixer and beat well. Combine wheat and white flours and add to egg mixture gradually, until a stiff ball forms.If the mixture does not form a stiff ball, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time until a stiff ball forms.Roll into a 3-inch by 12-inch roll and cut into 1-inch slices. Use a pasta-rolling machine to both roll and cut the dough.Hang the noodles until dry. Noodles may be frozen until needed.

1 peck Bartlett Pears (about 8 quarts)4 cups granulated sugar1 teaspoon grated orange rindcup orange juice½ teaspoon nutmegPeel and cook the pears and put through a fruit and vegetable strainer to make a smooth pulp.Add other ingredients and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until thick.Pour into sterilized jars and seal.

1 bushel apples-mixed varieties (about 8 gallons)5 pounds granulated sugar2 pounds brown sugar2 tablespoons ground cinnamon1 teaspoon clovesWash and pare apples. Cook and put through a fruit and vegetable strainer to make a smooth pulp.Place in a large electric roaster and cook at 325 degrees for several hours or until thick.Add sugars, spices and cook until very thick. Place into sterilized jars and seal.