Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 10, 1995 TAG: 9510100017
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Benefactor to many local charities and organizations and the group that took the lead in beautifying Christiansburg before creation of the town's Visual Enhancement Committee, the Woman's Club has enriched the town in ways its residents might not recognize.
The members of the Woman's Club have donated to the town's Fire and Rescue fund; they make sandwiches for the bloodmobile; they donate to Camp Easter Seals and local clothing banks; they contribute to Canine Companions and the Christmas store; and they have created a scholarship for area students who plan to study health sciences. The Woman's Club also planted flowers and shrubs on the median strip near Gates Florists on North Franklin Street, a job it did so well that the recently formed Visual Enhancement Committee took its cue from the club in its efforts to beautify other parts of the town.
Perhaps the best known of the club's activities is its Community Birthday Calendar, which members will distribute next month. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar pay for the group's charitable activities.
The club is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Formed in 1935, the Woman's Club was active with homefront relief and fund-raising efforts during World War II.
The group's members are getting older, prompting organizers to try to increase participation.
"We're the only civic club that is just for women," said President Helen Sowder. "Because we're communitywide, we take in a good assortment of people. I've met people I never would have otherwise."
Sowder said the group is no longer a collection of the town's bluebloods who know Robert's Rules of Order by heart.
"We have a very informal group now. If you wear slacks to a meeting, that's fine with us," Sowder said.
Long-time member Lucy Mae Sarver said when the group started, the town's women had few other avenues for socialization. Today, the Woman's Club is a chance for the members to share each other's company, though the club also sponsors programs on current issues, topics and causes.
Sarver pointed out that the money the group takes in is put back into the community.
Sowder said the group "offers an opportunity to meet and know and work with people that you wouldn't otherwise."
The Woman's Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month from September to June at 7:30 p.m. at 340 College Ave. in Christiansburg.
by CNB