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Chester Women's Club installs officers, names Woman of the Year

The Chester Women's Club held its annual May Luncheon meeting Friday, May 20, at the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church.

President Chris Bowles was named the club's Woman of the Year. Bowles served as club president for four years, playing a key role in maintaining the momentum of the club during the COVID pandemic. Cathy Sauer presented the award and Bowles' family was on hand to see the presentation.

Gwendy Garner presented a memorial ceremony for six club members who passed away during the past 2 1/2 years since pandemic restrictions kept the club from holding its May Luncheon in 2020 and 2021.

Memorials were given for Dana Thornton, Jean Link, Marilyn Runge, Mary Ann Koeneman, Marlene Seymour and Jane Stallmann. Roses were presented in remembrance to family members of the deceased.

Bowles conducted a brief business meeting. Longtime club auditor Betty Wagner announced her retirement from that position; Donna Clendenin will be assuming her duties.

Scholarship Committee Chairman Mary Ann Stumpe announced that the club's annual educational scholarships have been given to Chester High School 2022 graduates Madison Kribs and Alyssa Seymour. Both girls will receive $500.

Kribs plans to pursue a nursing degree at Southeast Missouri State University at Carbondale. Seymour plans to major in clinical psychology but has not yet declared a university.

Stumpe, along with co-chairman Joan Montroy, reported that the Club will again be assisting with the Chester Public Library's summer story hours. A collection was taken from members to assist in treats for the story hours.

The final order of the day was the installation of officers for the 2022-2023 club year. Linda Sympson served as installing officer for the following new officers: President, Barb Fricke; First Vice President, Nikki Aubuchon; Second Vice President (Program Chairman), Melissa Gross; Recording Secretary, Joyce McGee; Treasurer, Chris Bowles; and Corresponding Secretary, Cathy Sauer.

The next meeting of the Chester Women's Club will be the Officers' Tea on the fourth Friday of September.

Chester Women's Club Installation of Officers for 2022-23, left to right: Treasurer Chris Bowles; Corresponding Secretary Cathy Sauer; Recording Secretary Joyce McGee; Second Vice President Melissa Gross; First Vice President Nikki Aubuchon; President Barb Fricke; and Installing Officer Linda Sympson. Gwendy Garner Photo