The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner
Helen Van Tine, 90, of rural Gladstone, was honored as the First Republican Woman of the Year at the Henderson County Republican Women's Annual Meeting Saturday,
The 10:30 a.m. brunch was held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church Fellowship Hall outside Raritan where over sixty members and guests gathered.
Vieva Pence gave the invocation and Marcella Cisna led the pledge to the flag of the United States flag of America.
After the delicious brunch was served by the ladies of the Raritan Baptist Church For Missions, Wilma Van Tine along with her husband Roy were honored.
Wilma has been a Republican all her life, never missed an election, and said, "If you don't vote, don't complain. Voting is a privilege."
She believes the Republican party is the party of the people and for the people.
She served as Precinct Committeewoman and a charter member of the Henderson County Republican Women's Club.
President Joyce Louden also honored her husband Roy, an active Republican in the county. He served on the county board for 18 years and precinct committeeman for 25 years.
Today Wilma is 90 and Roy is 91 and has been an active farmer on the same farm where they have lived 71 years. Roy is retiring as of December 1st when they are having their farm sale.
Wilma, born in rural Gladstone, met Roy in 1934 during the Gladstone Homecoming celebration. married in 1936.
Two children's books and one a third book for adult reading were presented to Carolyn Fry, Henderson County Librarian in the Van Tine's honor.
Jodi Scott, Regional Supt. of Schools, spoke of the future in Education complementing West Central students for getting into Civics on a first-hand basis during their promotion of a safer Highway 34.
Judy Roessler, the club's Vice President, recognized the Precinct Election Judges that were present and gave a commentary describing the long day of an election judge. In honor of all present and past Republican Election Judges, the club gave a donation for a brick for the cannon project in the park with the inscription:
REPUBLICAN WOMEN
EST. 1964 SALUTES
PRECINCT JUDGES
Chuck Neff, County Precinct Committeeman introduced the past and present elected officials and the candidates.
Kathy Cavanaugh gave an update on the summer golf outing candidates. The club approved two $750 scholarships to high school seniors.
Included in the silent auction was a donation from the late endearing artist and active Republican woman Marjory Barber whose funeral was in the afternoon.
A candle was lit and a moment of silence was offered.
The Henderson County Republican Women's Club will celebrate their 44th Anniversary in 2008. It was organized by Elaine Neff and Kathy Jacobs of Stronghurst.
Wilma VanTine along with her husband Roy of rural Gladstone, is being honored at the Henderson County Republican Women's Club brunch.