"Puttin' on the Ritz" 50th Anniversary Celebration Honors Club

On Saturday, October 2, 2021, the Lakewood Republican Women (LRW) and guests were “Puttin’ on the Ritz” celebrating their 50th Anniversary as a Republican Women’s Club.

LRW was founded and chartered on April 16, 1971; Betty Jo Neils convened the group. The event was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions to gather. Nine of the LRW past presidents attended, including Shirlee Johnson, one of the eleven founders and the first LRW president. The other past presidents attending were Colleen “Coke” Smart (1984-1987; 1994-1996), Pam Trobaugh (1991-1993), Sally Taylor (2000-2001;2012- 2016); Shirley Burrows (2003-2005), Marlene Bostic (2005-2007), Lucile Summerlin (2010-2012), and Connie Coleman- Lacadie (2016 to present).

The Past Presidents were introduced, presented with a rose, and given the opportunity to say a few words. Their greatest statement was “Thank you for recognizing our history and sharing it with us and our community.” Piano music, beautiful black, gold, and sparkly decorations, fantastic food, a photo-op corner, an LRW community activities board, scrapbooks from 1971 to present days, and a festive group of guests made for a wonderful evening to remember.

The foresight of these Republican women back in 1971 was inspiring and makes us all look forward to continuing to promote their purpose of supporting Republican objectives, issues, and policies as well as continuing to move forward to celebrate another 50 years of service!