Amity Club at 83 years strong hosts first meeting of the year

The Amity Club hosted the first meeting of the season at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Olney, Thursday, Sept. 3, at 10:30 a.m. President Bobby Wright called the meeting to order and led the members to recite the “Club Collect” written by Mary Stewart in 1904.

The theme of the meeting was “Front porch Friends” which coincides with the club’s annual friendship theme. Club member Jeanie Spivey hosted the meeting and provided floral arrangements for the tables. Mrs. Spivey, along with the program committee members—Chairwoman Gail Spears, Rita Choat, Ronni Walker and Judi Winslow— prepared the brunch that comprised a variety of breakfast casseroles, fruit and deserts.

The members discussed club business that included a financial report presented by Treasurer Lucretia Taylor, followed by Phyllis Whitsitt’s induction of new officers. Evelyn Altmiller shared correspondence submitted to the club to show gratitude for the Amity Club’s support to organizations such as the Senior Cub Center.

Senior Cub Center Director Jerri Corbin Ford shared her appreciation in a note stating, “Thank you very much for your donations to the Olney Senior Cub Center. The donations to the Center help us to continue providing services to all our senior citizens. Your thoughtfulness, your concern and your support of the Cub Center are truly appreciated.”

Every year, the Amity Club positions itself to provide support to local organizations such as the Senior Cub Center to enhance residents’ quality of life while ensuring the club’s mission is met, which is “to be the united effort toward intellectual advancement and service.”

President Bobby Wright said, “I am thankful to be part of the Amity Club, and I look forward to the year ahead as a service club. As a team, I know we will succeed in service to others.”

Members listed on the 2020-2021 roster include Mrs. Evelyn Altmiller, Mrs. Judy Averett, Mrs. Rita Choat, Mrs. Janice Gauger, Mrs. Nita Hearne, Mrs. JoAn Key, Mrs. Ann Lundy, Mrs. Marilyn Norris, Mrs. Betty O’Dell, Mrs. Carolyn Penn, Ms. Margie Snyder, Mrs. Gail Spears, Mrs. Jeanine Spivey, Mrs. Lucretia Taylor, Ms. Ronni Walker, Mrs. Phyllis Whitsett Mrs. Judi Winslow and Mrs. Bobby Wright. The 2020-2021 Club Officers are President Bobby Wright, First vice president Gail Spears, Second vice president Carolyn Penn, Recording Secretary Marilyn Norris, Corresponding Secretary Evelyn Altmiller, Treasurer Lucretia Taylor and Reporter Ronni Walker.

The Amity Club was introduced in the May 28, 1937, issue of Olney Enterprise, followed by a subsequent article published Sept. 17, 1937 that announced the first meeting. Take a moment to look back in the archive clippings below that acknowledges the women who started a service club that has remained socially and financially viable for 83 years.