Williamsburg Ladies Civic Club Full of 'Gratitude'

Thirty-two ladies and guests gathered for the Williamsburg Ladies Civic Club's annual dinner on June 12.

The group enjoyed a dinner provided by the Country Sisters Catering at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Following dinner, the installation of officers began as well as special award winners.

Club member Diana Barroner offered three donations to the Williamsburg Public Library in honor of Peggy Campbell, Dr. Barry and Diane England, and President Donna Tate.

Sue Brubaker presented the Perfect Attendance Awards for not missing a meeting for the past year. Recipients included Anna May Very, Donna Tate, Pam Prough, Sandy Norris, Sandy Kauffman and Dottie DuBois.

DuBois gave the club some history on Mary Stewart, the writer of the club's collect. Stewart was born in 1904 in Colorado, and wrote the prayer for women and it has been integrated into many women's groups. The club collect is said during each of the Williamsburg Civic Club's meetings.

LouAnn Hileman headed the installation of officers for the 2023-24 year. This year's theme for the installation was spices. Each officer was presented a herb/spice for a gift.

"These spices flavor many foods, just as each of the members add spice to the club," Hileman said.

President Donna Tate received chives, a symbol of being tactful, full of devotion and the purple flowers on the chive plant stand for leadership.

First Vice President Pam Prough received sage for patience and wisdom.

Second Vice President Robin Brantner received parsley for a garnish of leadership, and leadership in training.

Treasurer Shirley Kurtz-Flaugh and Assistant Treasurer Ellen Claar both received basil for its distinctive beauty.

Recording Secretary Sandra Kauffman received mint, which is known for quickening of the brain, and according to Hileman, "the icing of all club work."

Anna May Very, the corresponding secretary received chocolate mint, an essence that's sweet and also adored.

"I don't say thank you enough," President Donna Tate said after installation.

Tate went on to thank each hostess of meetings, those who chaired a committee or donated a chance gift, those on the library board and all club members. Tate also went on to honor three members who have been with the Club since the 1970s. Shirley Kurtz-Flaugh has been a member since 1975, and has held almost every position. According to Tate, Flaugh has been the president four different times, has held the treasurer position since 2012-13, and has been in office 31 of the 48 years she has been in the club.

Sandra Kauffman has been a club member on and off since 1974, rejoining in 1994. She has been the corresponding secretary since 2005-06 year, has held the office of president for three years and has been on the Williamsburg Public Library Board since 1998.

Anna May Very has been a club member for 53 years, since joining in 1970. She has been the corresponding secretary a record 29 times. She has been a library board member since 1973-74.

Tate closed her speech honoring the other officers – Pam Prough for her five years as first vice president, Robin Brantner in her three years as second vice president and Ellen Claar for five years as assistant treasurer.

"I surely hope one of you feel the need to move up," Tate said.