With 140 registered putters, the highlight of the 26th year began with the annual Founders Day luncheon. This is a special luncheon where all 22 past presidents are honored and recognized for their year of service with the putters. Lou Ann Garvin, founder of the MountainView Lady Putters (MVLP) in 1998, made sure that this became a group of women who formed friendships and provided help and support to all who need that. Her legacy and desire are still a major part of this group and live on.
The doors opened at 11:30 a.m. with JoAnn Wilbour at the piano, inviting the ladies into the MountainView Ballroom. At each table setting was a napkin folded into a rose with a diamond in the center. The chairs of the past presidents, committee members and a founding member were adorned with beautiful red satin bow sashes. The front of the stage was lined with tables that showcased various mementos and display boards. A sea of pink shirts lit up the ballroom.
The meeting started at 12 p.m. with Jean Kraus, current (2024) and past president (2021), welcoming the 90 attendees (which included 16 past presidents). Ginnie Schoepf, head of the committee, introduced each of the past presidents and Dar, presenting each one with a single red rose. Sandy Wolfersberger (2005), Mary Baglien (2006), Marijo Lewis (2008), Patty Elliott Green (2009), Kim Halper (2010), Pat Wysocki (2011), Marcia Munich (2012 & 2013), Maude Ruffin (2014), Cathy Scott (2016), Vicki Strief (2017), Pat Wells (2017), Gay Uhl (2018), Eileen “EJ” Snearly (2020), Jean Kraus (2021), Roberta Wisniewski (2022), Patty Stark (2023), founding member Dar Pittman (1998). Not in attendance: Lou Ann Garvin (1998 to 2002), Nancy Cerney (2003), Dolly Pettet (2004), Shirley Brown (2007), Steff Modos (2015) and Pam Smith (2019). A special drawing was then held, for the past presidents only, to win a decorative gourd made by Putters member Donna Vargas. This year, the winner t was Marijo Lewis. Following lunch past president, Roberta Wisniewski, moderated a trivia quiz prepared by Dar Pittman. Just a few of the questions asked. Did you know “Our rules require guests to be over 16 years old to be able to putt? Was a young child ever permitted to putt? Yes, Dar Pittman’s grandson Shane was allowed to putt when the ladies thought he was so cute. So, Lou Ann Garvin agreed.” “What event did we have that required attendees to bring an item of China? We had two high teas, where we had to bring a teacup for a tea party.”
The next BIG event will be in April when we have the opportunity to host and welcome the Quail Creek Putters for a combined putting and luncheon. To be continued… GO PUTTERS! Looking forward to another fun-filled year of putting and special events!
