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New Holland Area Woman's Club celebrates its 40th anniversary
BY CAROLE DECK, Correspondent
"Not for ourselves, but for all."
The club motto may be 40 years old, but the New Holland Area Woman's Club still enthusiastically supports it.
Thirty-five past and present club members gathered at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Holland to celebrate the club's 40th anniversary on Jan. 14.
"It's exciting to see some of the original members and all our projects over the years," said Nancy Caffrey-Schafer, a charter member of the club.
Cathy Eby, also a charter member, agreed as the two looked at 40 years of memorabilia featuring the original 1972 club charter, awards, photographs, yearbooks, projects and other items.
President Jean Martin welcomed the 15 past and 20 current members who attended the event. She read the minutes of the past meeting and reviewed last week's meeting agenda before the anniversary celebration.
Lucy Pryor, anniversary celebration chair, kicked off the celebration by reading a poem, "The Joy of Women."
"We invite you to visit, remember and enjoy refreshments as we celebrate the past 40 years," Pryor said.
She introduced Gloria Hollinger, the club's first president, who shared the organization's history.
"I can't believe it's been 40 years since the club began," said Hollinger, who admitted to being surprised at how quickly the original club grew to 40 members.
She highlighted some of the numerous projects over the years that benefited various organizations in the community such as the Festival of Trees, Tour of Homes, park playground, library story time, plant care in town, help with farmer's fair crafts, student art awards and fashion show luncheon. Some projects continue, such as the fashion show luncheon.
The club even hosted the county convention one year.
Original club officers were Hollinger; Linda Hable, vice-president; Bonnie Hollinger, secretary; and Lynn McGinnis, treasurer.
Current officers are Martin; Beth O'Donnell, vice-president; Jan Haas, secretary; Trudy Kuzerk, corresponding secretary; and Melody Ream, treasurer.
Pryor said that until 2011, the club's projects annually raised close to $12,000 to fund charitable causes.
Following the end of the popular house tour in 2011 -- a major source of fundraising revenue -- the club brought in $3,000 in 2012.
The club also joined other clubs in the county by dropping their federated status a year ago.
At 96 years old, Anna Weaver is the club's oldest member. The New Holland resident, who joined in 1973, said the club still follows its motto of 40 years.
"It's a wonderful organization that really does care about others," Weaver said with a smile.
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