The celebration begins

The Wintersville Woman's Club kicked off a year-long observance of its 75th anniversary and honored members with 50-or-more years of service at its opening luncheon meeting held at St. Florian Hall with Marjorie Sizemore presiding.

The club was federated with the state organization in 1934 and the national in 1935.

Several of the members serving more than 50 years came from the Wintersville Civic Service League, which merged several years ago with the Wintersville Woman's Club. Honorees included Fredda Baker, Blanche Moores, Mary Lois Eft, Eleanor Gache, Anna Huffman, Imogene Louk, Patricia Perry, Ruth Cunningham and Helen Reed.

Mary Beth Allan, special recognition chairman, introduced the honorees and gave a brief history of the two clubs.

Honorees in attendance were presented a yellow rose, the club flower, and a 50-year pin. Roses and pins will be taken to those unable to attend.

Joan Powell, a member of De He Wa Mis chapter of Questers and mentor of three new Quester chapters, spoke on "A Charmed Life."

. She reviewed the history of charms and charm bracelets, describing them as a "perfect map of a fully lived life, building blocks for life stories."

She traced their origin to pre-historic times, when they were used as amulets to ward off evil, then focused on fertility and love.

Powell said the first charm bracelets came about in 400 BC--to-500 BC when Egyptian pharaohs looked upon charms as identity tags that would lead them to the proper status level after death.

She said charms have a history of fluctuating popularity. They were most significant during Queen Victoria's reign and during World War II. The fascination ended in the 1970s but is having a resurgence.

Powell said charms,, like quilts, can tell a woman's history, "an autobiography on a chain."

The roll call topic was "Do You Have a Charm Bracelet?

Sizemore asked that information for the club newsletter be sent to Joan Martinez, who has agreed to be club secretary and publicity and newsletter chairman.

Linda Nolf and Jackie Anastasia said Phyllis' Fashions of Washington, Pa., will be featured in the 2008 "Holiday Splendor" luncheon and style show. Vendors for the event are needed and suggestions can be made to Fran Sohovich.

Charlotte Shively, arts department chairman, said the Ohio Valley Young Woman's Club is selling discount cards for Domino's Pizza and also discussed federation contests.

Sizemore spoke on a Home Life project that would focus on improvements at the YWCA women's residence and Ella Jane Burns, special projects chairman, said a workshop to make lap robes for the elderly will be held in October.

Pat Daily, ways and means chairman, spoke on fund-raising, including the sale of holiday and every day gift wrapping items, foods and kitchen utensils.

Other department and committee reports were given by Charlotte Wasson, special concerns, Barbara Thermes, telephone, and Kathy Frey, conservation.

Arts Department members serving as hostesses were Cheryl Taylor, Claudia Dorich, CarolynLee Barrett, Jackie Davis, Anastasia and Sizemore.