Longtime Masury-Brookfield Women’s Club Treasurer Carrie Davis, left, holds her “Woman of the Year” plaque, which was presented by Ruth Hawkins, right.
The Masury-Brookfield Women’s Club’s annual banquet on May 18 marked a changing of the guard.
Amanda Murphy was sworn in as president, replacing Ruth Hawkins, who had been president since 2015, and the long-time treasurer, Carrie Davis, gave way to Nancy Lees.
“I’m getting a break,” said Hawkins joyfully, although she will remain an officer as vice president.
Hawkins named Davis, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatments, “Woman of the Year” in honor of her support for Hawkins over the years.
“I think she (Davis) is doing a wonderful job keeping up with everything that I have put her through,” Hawkins said.
Lees presented a thank-you gift to Hawkins for her leadership.
“Ruth, you’ve led us all these years and I think all of the regular members would agree with me, you’ve done a hell of a job,” Lees said.
Terri Crabbs, Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs’ Northeast District President, right, installs the new officers for Masury Brookfield Women’s Club. They are, standing from left: Rene Martin, Brenda Truchan, Ruth Hawkins, Amanda Murohy and Nancy Lees.
Rounding out the executive committee are Rene Martin, corresponding secretary, and Brenda Truchan, recording secretary. The officers were installed by Terri Crabbs, Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs’ Northeast District President.
Scholarship committee member Melissa Sydlowski introduced the three graduating Brookfield High School students who received $1,000 scholarships: Alexia Baker, Tyler Miller and Brooke Montgomery.
Masury Brookfield Women’s Club’s chair of the scholarship committee, Melissa Sydlowski, second from left, stands with the scholarship winners, from left: Brooke Montgomery, Alexia Baker and Tyler Miller
OFWC State President Barb Saverin outlined her agenda for the two years of her term. She said her theme will be “Acres of Diamonds,” which is based on the book of that name by Russell H. Conwell, founder of Temple University.
She is asking the women’s clubs statewide to look for the hidden gems within their own clubs and their communities.
“All the opportunities you could possibly want can be found now, where you are,” Saverin said.
Within the club, focus on leadership and membership, she said. “Learn about your members and you will discover their true potential. Cultivate those members by providing opportunities to become leaders.”
Within the community, “Look for organizations that we can partner with, organizations that need our support and can provide educational programs,” Saverin said.
She asked women’s club members to invest the same degree of care in themselves as they do in their families, professions and communities.
“Women have higher rates of depression, heart disease and certain cancers,” Saverin said. “By caring for ourselves, we strengthen the work we do for others. When women are healthy, our communities shine brighter.”
The club will spotlight health issues, preventive care, screenings, mental health awareness, stress reduction, and activities that require body movements, she said.
“Together, we will strengthen the communities that we serve, starting with ourselves, as health is our greatest wealth,” Saverin said.
Other than participating in special events such as the Grove Street Block Party and the Warrior Nation Community Summerfest, the club will be on hiatus until September.
