The Gardenia Art Colored Women’s Club recently hosted a Program of Honor on Saturday, November 1 at the Checotah Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. The club works diligently to:
– Honor God in Worship and Praise
– Honor Club Founders
– Honor United States Veterans
– Honor Community Citizens.
The annual program this year included several musical selections that had the whole congregation clapping and joining in songs of worship. Rev. Stanley Carlis, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, led the service with several songs asking God to use everyone in attendance echoing the refrain “whatever you’re doing in this season, Lord don’t do it without me.” Then there was a tribute to the club founders and a special recognition of U. S. veterans in attendance. The award presentations were given by Gardenia Club president Deborah Dan and vice president DeLois Mc-Gee honored select area citizens who have impacted the lives of others in a positive way and daily strive to make the world a better place.
The honorees were:
- Bettie Striblen “Community Service Award” Striblen has worked 44 years as a home health worker caring for elderly and disabled persons; and currently prepares and serves meals for the Rentiesville community.
- Lois Marie Grayson “Community Service Award” Grayson volunteers to help with financing, preparing and delivering weekend meals for elderly and disabled area persons for more than five years, and many other acts of kindness.
- Rhonda Foreman “Humanitarian Award” Foreman is a Green Country Mental Health worker and is part of a personal outreach program providing helping needy families, especially children.
- LaDonna Rhodes “Humanitarian Award” Rhodes is a journalist who not only provides vital information through the newspaper but also is personally involved in humanitarian concerns, shows open interest in sharing every story, and is known for her bold expression of personal views through editorial comments.
- Thessly Grant Griffin “Outstanding Citizen Award” Griffin is a U. S. veteran, Purple Heart recipient, model citizen and community leader who is continuously involved with family, church, and community concerns. She has had an outstanding career and still has a commendable work ethic.
The Gardenia Club is part of the National Association of Colored Women’s Club and the Oklahoma Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.
The National Association of Colored Women (NACW) was founded in 1896 and is a historic African American women’s organization focused on social reform, education, and advocacy. Operating under the motto “Lifting as We Climb,” the NACW has worked to improve the lives of African Americans and secure civil and political rights through community programs, lobbying, and fighting against racial injustices. Its mission includes empowering women and protecting their rights, uplifting families and their communities, and promoting educational opportunities. They also fight against racial and social injustices in the world.
These strong women continue to be a significant force in advocating for social justice and equality in all that they do as they also honor others doing the same.
