Business & Professional Women's Club marks its 70th anniversary

April 05, 2007

The Hagerstown Business & Professional Women's Club (BPW) recently celebrated its 70th anniversary of serving the community and changing the lives of women in business and in the home.

The celebration, at Always Ron's on March 5, was attended by representatives from the national and state federations, BPW members from Montgomery County, Md., local members and guests. A governor's citation was presented by Past BPW/USA President Patricia Cornish, who also brought greetings from BPW/USA.

The program "Years Remembered - A Look Back in History and Today" was presented by eight past presidents reminiscing about the club's accomplishments and about world news in every decade from 1937 to 2007. Those participating were Marlene Spielman, for Betty Winn-Malchenson (president 1936-37); Sandy Mills, for Gladys Poole (1946-47); Rosalie Ridenour, for Carolyn S. Judge (1956-57); Donna Smith, for Hazel B. Lohman (1966-67); Sandra K. Shepherd (1976-77); Betty J. McCune (1986-87); Bernadette Gettel (1996-97); and Marlene Spielman (2006-07).

Girls Inc. was organized as the Girls Club of Hagerstown with the help of BPW members during the fall of 1948. Scholarships totaling more than $36,000 have been awarded to young ladies and men since 1962. In 1976, the club presented a portrait of Mary L. Titcomb, painted by Bruce Etchison, to Washington County Free Library. Titcomb was the founder of the bookmobile.

Benefit dinner dances were held, contributing more than $24,000 to local nonprofits in support of women's issues. Hagerstown BPW was a partner in helping implement the first Kids Voting in Washington County in 1996. Members are active with voter registration, serve as judges and chief judges, and attend legislative lobby days in Annapolis.

Hagerstown BPW has a long history of helping women by offering programs that provide personal development and career enhancements. The club partners with the Small Business Administration for workshops during monthly dinner meetings.

Hagerstown BPW meets on the first Monday of each month at Always Ron's. Networking is at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30. The cost is $14.

For reservations, contact Sandy Mills at 301-733-2530, ext. 103, or by e-mail at smill@kellerstonebraker.com. For membership information, contact membership chair Donna Smith at DSmith7119@aol.com.

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