The N.C. Federation of Republican Women held its annual convention Feb. 1-2 in Concord.
Valerie White, chairman of the NCFRW from Raleigh, kicked off week-end activities at the opening banquet at the Lowes Motor Speedway Club. The theme for the 2008 election year is “Racing to Victory 08.”Members and guests attending from the Salisbury-Rowan Republican Women’s Club (SRRW) were: Phyllis Cain, Lois Elliott, Susan Morris, Jonnette Powell, Frances Shepherd, and Celeste Ward.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Sen. Elizabeth Dole. She presented a summary of key election issues and reiterated the importance of all citizens participating in the election process.
Other statewide Republican candidates were also introduced, and all participants had the opportunity to meet and discuss various topics and issues. ToastmastersGoldmine Toastmasters opened the new year with three new members: Matthey Charity, Joyce Preston and Pam Taylor.During January, Goldmine met only three times, one Saturday being devoted to officer training activities. Two loyal members, Pam Taylor and Alex Porter however, reported for duty and carried on a great meeting, so both of them are winners.During the remaining three meetings, Brian Woolf, Alex Porter and Bob Boylan were voted Best Speakers; BurtHall, John Shepherd and Kim Jackson were voted Best Evaluators and Wayne Jones, Loren Smith and Betty Walker were voted Best Table Topic Responders.
On the evening of Jan. 12, the group met at Bill Battermann’s home in Salisbury for a themed party focused on ‘Talking Turkey.” Roast turkey was one of many items on the menu and the house was decorated with turkeys to set the scene for after dinner entertainment of speeches related to different aspects of “Turkeys.”
Jay Nodine went away with the Turkey Trophy for his talk, “The Turkey Buzzard, My Role Model.”
Alpha Kappa AlphaAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. celebrated its 100th anniversary Jan. 15 at Howard University, Washington, D.C.Members of the sorority returned to its birthplace to commemorate the vision of its founders. The sorority was founded on Jan. 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the first African American sorority established for college women. The sorority’s motto is “to provide service to all mankind.”
The four-day celebration attended by over 2,000 Alpha Kappa Alpha women was a significant milestone. Highlights of the centennial celebration included the presentation by the sorority’s international president, Barbara A. Mckinzie, of a check for $1 million from the sorority to Howard University for the Nellie Quander Scholarship and the AKA Archives.
The sorority presented $10,000 to Howard’s Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, the site of Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders Window, a historic marker on the campus. Sorority members contributed books for the middle school for mathematics and science and the Asbury Dwelling for Senior Citizens libraries.
Carolyn Holt, Renese Bates and Selma Suiter, members of the Delta Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. represented the Salisbury graduate chapter at the centennial celebration. Lovetta E. Moore is president of Delta Xi Omega.Church Women UnitedThe annual assembly meeting of the Salisbury-Rowan Unit of Church Women United was held at the Milford Hills United Methodist Church Feb. 3.Jean Kennedy, president, called the meeting to order. Betty Jo Hardy of the host church welcomed the group and introduced her pastor, David Hockett, who also extended his greetings. Jacquelyn Sims led the devotions and Linda Tutterow sang, “When the Poor Ones.”Flo Peck introduced the speaker, Jeanie Doty, who spoke of her faith and how it has sustained her through the most difficult periods of her life. For 18 years she was the owner of a local Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise and has spoken on the subject, “Don’t Forget Your Inner Beauty.”
A highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of two outstanding members as “Valiant Women.” Each of the women has contributed to this organization to a great extent but also in many other ways through their churches and community.Hardy read a tribute to Joan Yates Ashley describing her service to many.
Ashley is a Salisbury native married for almost 50 years to Kermit Ashley, whom she met when they were students at Appalachian State University. They are parents of three children and grandparents of six.
A retired elementary school teacher, she has served as John Calvin Presbyterian’s Church Representative, World Community Day chair and as vice president of the Salisbury-Rowan Unit of Church Women United in NC. She was installed as president of the unit in January 2007, but ill health forced her resignation from that position in July 2007.
At John Calvin, she served as moderator of the Session and has taught Sunday School for many years. She has worked with the Rowan County Literacy Council, where she serves on the Board and also tutored numerous students. She recently served as president of the Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and chapter newsletter editor, creating a “must read” informative newsletter. An article she wrote about an RCLC student was published in the international DKG newsletter.Receiving the pin and certificate for Joan, who is in the hospital, was her son Mike Ashley.
Virginia Shuford told about award recipient Brenda Venning’s gifts and service and gave her a pin and certificate.
Venning is a Rowan County native and is married to Nathanial W. Venning. She is a graduate of Dunbar High School and attended Livingstone College and Salisbury Business College. She has worked 20 years at the Hefner V.A. Medical Center. She has also worked at GE and for the Rowan County Community Service Council.In the local unit of CWU, Venning has served as St. Luke Baptist Church representative, nominations chair, historian and currently as secretary. She serves as Area II council secretary and at the state level of CWU. As nominations chair she chaired the April 2007 State Assembly in Greensboro.
At church, Venning is active in its missionary work at the local, area and regional levels. She has served as financial secretary, sung in their choir, served Rowan Helping Ministries and represents her church at nursing home visits.
At the VA, she has been in charge of the Martin Luther King Breakfast Celebration. She was chosen as a Valiant Woman for her dedication to service and compassion.
During the business session, which followed the program, Catherine Krider gave the treasurer’s report. Virginia Booth read the proposed budget for 2008, and it was approved.Virginia Shuford, CWU in NC Area 11 chairperson, recognized outgoing officers and installed board members and church representatives for 2008.