June 4th was an exciting night in Welcome, NC, for the Welcome Civitan Club was celebrating its 80th anniversary. The club was chartered on that very day, June 4, in 1946. For the past several years, the Club meetings were held twice monthly at Beulah United Church of Christ and that is the location that members chose to host their celebration.
Approximately 65 guests attended, which included current members, their spouses, and invited guests.
A list of Past Presidents and their spouses were welcomed as well as dignitaries, representing Civitan International.
John Sofley, International President, and International Region 3 Director, Chuck Bowman, spoke to the club and updated the group on the future of Civitan. They also encouraged the group to consider attending the International Convention to be held in August in St. Louis, MO.
Clifton Murphy and Doug Meredith had compiled clippings and pictures in a video presentation of the club’s history. It was well received by the group, as it brought back memories of the projects that the club had completed through the years, trips to the Circus for special classes, working the fair booth, with the help of the Junior Civitan Club at North Davidson, and many other projects to aid the needs of the community.
Prior to the program, a meal of pulled pork, slaw, apples, potato salad, rolls, and a special decorated Civitan cake was served to the group.
President Murphy also presented special awards to two members: Ray Baity has been a member for 25 years, and Clifton Murphy, recognized for 50 years of membership.
The evening ended with a group photo of all those attending that night.
Officers for the Welcome Club are Harriette Murphy, President; Ray Baity, President-Elect; Secretary, Clifton Murphy, and Randy Black, Treasurer. Board of directors include, Rocky Hedrick, Elizabeth Berrier, and Tatum Alverson. There are currently 27 members in the club.
If anyone is interested in learning about what Civitans do and what they stand for, any present member will be glad to talk with you. New members are welcome.