By Stephanie Dean

Mocksville Woman’s Club

Members of the GFWC-NC Mocksville Woman’s Club not only acknowledged the upcoming holiday season at their December meeting at Bermuda Run Country Club through community projects, but they gave special recognition to club member, Gail Walker Kelly, for her exemplary dedication.

Joining the club in 1969, Kelly has been a member for 48 years.

President Marlene Shamel had these words to say about Gail and the leadership she has provided the club over the years.

“She guided our club to be large in thought, in word, and in deed. Our club has supported many worthwhile projects such as the March of Dimes, Red Cross Bloodmobiles, the Davie County Hospital, and countless others under the leadership of Gail Kelly.”

As an innovative leader, she gave members of the club the inspiration and direction that have helped make Mocksville Woman’s Club one of the most active clubs in the state.

Kelly received the Clubwoman of the Year Award in 1986 and earned her Honorary Life Membership in GFWC-NC in 1988. She has also served as district president as well as other district offices and several state committees.

She was further recognized with a slide presentation arranged by club member, Sidniee Suggs, which depicted her many contributions to the club, and a heart charm presented by Shamel.

While referring to her mother as “my hero,” Kelly was presented a bouquet of red roses sent from her daughter who attended “in spirit.”

The banquet wait staff of Bermuda Run Country Club was also recognized with a holiday gift as a thank you for their professional and courteous service at monthly club meetings.

Following the presentations of gratitude, club members participated in an executive board sponsored, hands-on art project making Christmas ornaments, which were later delivered to residents of Autumn Care of Mocksville.

Public Issues chair, Sidniee Suggs, organized the community service project, “Just Desserts for our Hometown Heroes,” and on Dec. 7, club members delivered homemade baked goods to the Brock Center where club volunteers delivered the homemade items to community first responders.

Also during December, as part of the Arts CSP, Shamel and Stephanie Dean participated in a holiday art project for middle and high school students at Central Davie Academy. Students were given a holiday box to decorate with markers. Each box contained candy and a gift certificate for the student.