Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach honors Barbara Crane as Woman of the Year
As president of the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach, Barbara Crane was an exception.
Club presidents typically serve two-year terms, but the board pleaded with the Laguna Beach resident to stay on another year.
“We could not bear to have her quit because she has done such a fabulous job,” club member Anne Johnson said in a program prepared for last week’s ceremony honoring Crane as the organization’s Woman of the Year.
The annual award recognizes a woman for her consistent volunteer service. Club members nominate candidates and members then vote by ballot, the program said.
Speakers praised Crane’s attention to detail and her caring nature.
“We used to be able to cover tables with a single white tablecloth and plastic silverware, but no more [after Crane became president],” Elsa Brizzi, board member and the club’s 2015 Woman of the Year, told attendees during a lunch at the clubhouse at 286 St. Ann’s Drive. “Barbara insists on two colors of tablecloths and real silverware.
“She is truly a person who cares. I felt cared for and nurtured in decisions and dreams I have for the club.”
Crane, 64, struck a grateful tone, thanking family and friends who have supported her along the way.
“I am humbled and honored to be elected Woman of the Year,” said Crane, an investment adviser. “When I was nominated by the committee to serve as president, I did not know what to expect. I hoped you would back me and support me and you have.”
Speakers attested that Crane is a woman who gets things done.
Early in her presidency, Crane spearheaded a fundraising drive to raise money to buy “Ranger,” the Laguna Beach Police Department’s current K-9 dog.
During her tenure, the club membership increased from 128 to 190, according to the program. Crane has worked with property manager Doety Marks to boost revenue from renting the clubhouse to outside groups, the program said.
A portion of the club’s revenue stream goes toward gift certificates and backpacks to families in need during the holidays, college scholarships and women in need.
“She takes no B.S.,” Crane’s daughter Samantha Crane said in telling how her mother will not back down from customer service representatives who say there is nothing more they can do for you.
Born in Detroit and raised in Jackson, Miss., by a single mom, Crane moved to Washington, D.C., in her early 20s and landed a job as a communications consultant on Capitol Hill.
While in Washington, Crane met her future husband, Peter, and the couple eventually wed at Laguna’s St. Francis by the Sea Church, American Catholic Church.
Crane later became a regional marketing manager for Avery Products Corp. and currently works as an investment adviser for Schwab. She has served on the boards of both SchoolPower and the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“She cares for and protects the people she loves fiercely,” Samantha said.
When hiccups come, Crane said you make do.
Crane told of a time soon after she became president that the club would hold a birthday party for the late journalist and entrepreneur Stu Saffer, who created the online website Stu News Laguna.
Crane said she expected between 85 and 130 people. She later discovered that more than 300 people would show.
“I was setting up and cases of beer and liquor came rolling into the clubhouse,” Crane said. “I better start putting beer in the fridge.”
Crane left for a few hours and returned later that day to find the refrigerator stopped working.
“SOS ladies, bring an ice chest,” said Crane, who remains on the Woman’s Club board.
Earlier this year members voted Kathleen “Kitty” Malcolm to succeed Crane as president.
“You elevated the bar of those who will follow you,” Malcolm told Crane.
Crane replied: “I love the club, thank you for honoring me.”
Twitter: @AldertonBryce
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