Community: Connie White honored for dedication, service

For her dedication to the Women’s Athletic Club, member Connie White received the News-Press Perpetual Trophy during a tea last week at the group’s clubhouse in Glendale.

For many years, I have presented the award and it is always an exciting experience for me to read the biography of the recipient. White said she knew she had received the honor after I read the first sentence, because I said she was born in Iowa. Only one other member was born there and she had already received the award.

“This is a really big surprise!” she said. “Thank you!”

Since joining in 1997, White has been art chairwoman on the Standing Committee for nine years, handled philanthropy, press and historian responsibilities, each for two years, and was co-chairwoman of the Hiking Department from 2010 to 2012. She has also served on the executive board as director of finance for two years.

She loves gardening and has grown so many epiphyllums that she is known as the “Epi-queen.” Her flowers have graced the tables at Women’s Athletic Club events many times. But her careful and artistic attention to the photo albums as historian for the Hiking Department for 13 years really set her apart.

“I think she’s terrific — a great lady,” said outgoing President Margaret Hammond. “She is dedicated to the club. She has donated lots of things to our parking-lot sale. She is very humble and didn’t expect it.”

The award was first presented in 1938. It is bestowed on the person who goes above and beyond what is expected in service, loyalty and accomplishment to the club. It is voted on first by the assembly and then the board of directors.

Also at the meeting, it was announced that last year’s scholarship recipient, Alyssa Selve, will receive another $1,000 scholarship. She is attending Adams State University in Colorado.

Donations were also made to Glendale Healthy Kids and the YWCA’s domestic violence program.

New officers installed were President Martha Moren, First Vice President Gail Nelson, Second Vice President Kathleen Abelman, Third Vice-President Olga Rothenbecker, Treasurer Alene Shaibi and Secretary Carol Hart.

When the club resumes in September, Moren will concentrate on planning the club’s 90th birthday party and increasing membership.

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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be contacted at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.