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The Woman’s Club of Bakersfield celebrated its 112th birthday with a luncheon on March 24, 2008. This year’s theme, “Festivals and Holidays Around the World,” was chosen to honor California Federation of Women’s Clubs’ theme “Celebrate in 2008.”  Chairman of the event was Bonney Friday.  Past presidents of the club are honored at this event. Seventeen past presidents were present. Our program featured the sweet voice of our member and past president Diane Wheat. 

On this day, President Claire Smeed was pleased to present the 2008 Beth Henley Award to Darle Stolte for her service to the organization.  Mrs. Stolte, a long time member, has been the chairman for our MiDears Volunteers (the “Helping Hands” section of our Club).  She has been instrumental in packing and mailing 12 boxes monthly to our service personnel in Iraq for the past three years.  She also held two fundraisers to purchase twenty Spinoza Bears for local children with traumatic injuries or illnesses.  The Beth Henley Award is the highest honor we bestow on our members.  Darle Stolte is our outstanding member of the year.

The Birthday Luncheon was also the culmination of the Annual Student Art and Photography Contest and Clubwomen Art, Photography and Crafts Contest which were all on display.  Club Arts and Crafts Chairman Patricia Sprayberry said there were 150 entries by local students from kindergarten through graduating senior.  First Place winners went on to compete at the Kern District Women’s Clubs. Winning students, their families and teachers were honored at an awards reception on April 3 at the Woman’s Club of Bakersfield clubhouse.  Kathleen McCutheon, graduating senior from Bakersfield High School and instrumental music winner, performed two selections.  Kathy Schilling, owner of Schilling Arts Studio, was the guest speaker.  Seven of our club’s student winners will go on to compete at the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Convention in May.