Springfield Woman’s Club President Shirley Coling accepts Fairfax County Resolution from Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk as Club marks its 70th anniversary
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all Fairfax County residents, expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Springfield Woman’s Club (SWC) with an official Resolution. Celebrating their 70th anniversary this year, the Springfield Women received the Resolution while marking their milestone anniversary with a luncheon on April 13.
Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, wearing pink in honor of the Club’s symbol, the pink rose, and group’s work, attended, presenting the framed resolution signed by Board Chairman Jeff McKay, Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity, and Lusk. Speaking to the group, Lusk recalled the importance of his grandmother in his early life, crediting her teachings with his commitment to public service and to helping the poorest to get opportunities for training and better lives. Saying, “When I see the work you are doing with the Byrd Library and Echo, I appreciate all you do for residents here.”
The Springfield Club was chartered in 1954 by the Virginia Federation of Women’s Clubs to serve the Springfield area, especially those in need of a helping hand. Since that time, the members have exhibited constancy, ingenuity, and enterprise in their charitable endeavors.
The county resolution noted their early support of the Richard Byrd Library in 1955 “with continuous and substantial financial and volunteer support to the library since that time.”
The women created the Pink Elephant Thrift Shop in 1964; a business which they owned and operated with an all volunteer staff, using the proceeds to support community programs. That includes an annual $3,000 scholarship award to a student at Edison, Lewis, or West Springfield High School. Unfortunately, their thrift shop lease will end in June without renewal, forcing the Club to close the Pink Elephant doors. The resolution recognized the many years the shop provided income to consignors and low-cost items to community members.
The Club holds an Annual Spring Faire, recognized by the Resolution for its charitable benefit. The craft and vendor show proceeds benefit the Bethany House of Northern Virginia, which provides short-term housing for women and children escaping domestic violence. The event,
this year on May 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission and door prizes, will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, in Springfield.
The women’s goal to promote good fellowship amongst their members was on full display at their April gathering. Each lady spoken to had another member to praise. Lydia Leone was noted for her arts and crafts skills and willingness to host events, even events which resulted in finding remnant craft glitter for months. Leone spoke warmly of the efforts of other members in making lanyards for Operation Gratitude, which supports military and first responders.
Member Diane Hooper called it “a wonderful group of dynamic and dedicated women.”
Beverly Wauven, who called herself, “not really a social person,” a member for ten years, moved from table to table greeting other members.
The longest serving member attending was Ruth Pispeky, who has served with the Club for 40 years. Pispeky knows something of constancy. Along with celebrating the Club’s 70th anniversary this month, she and her husband will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in May.
You can learn more about the Springfield Woman’s Club, their charitable work and upcoming events at https://womansclubofspringfield.org