BY CLIFF SMELLEY
The installation of officers for the Woman’s Club of Starke was a cause for shell-abration, if you will.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs Florida District 4 Director Terry Laws conducted the installation at the club’s May 14 meeting, using a theme of “Gifts from the Sea” and highlighting each position with a particular seashell.
“The ocean is filled with many wonders,” said Laws, who’s a member of Jacksonville’s Lakeshore Woman’s Club. “Among these wonders are found beautiful and useful sea animals — their homes are known to us as seashells. There are lessons to be learned from our ocean friends, and today, I’d like to present a gift from the sea to each one of you to remind you of the office that you are to hold next year.”
Laws began by presenting President Sheila Barnes with a conch shell, saying, “In the olden days, this shell was often used as a trumpet, perhaps to herald the beginning of a meeting or to give notice of a gathering. Appropriately enough, one kind of conch is known as the queen conch for its qualities.”
Barnes will preside over club and executive-board meetings as well as serve as the club’s official delegate at district and state meetings, Laws said, adding, “May you, madame president, let this shell remind you that your club has elected you
because of your leadership qualities.”
First Vice President Cindy Little was presented with a clam shell.
“Clams live in the midst of many coral animals and at times with sea plants and animals actually living on the clams’ shells,” Laws said.
After explaining that Little’s duties would include assuming the president’s duties in her absence, arranging programs for monthly meetings, handling annual reporting and promoting the club’s service in the area of arts and culture, environment and education and libraries, Laws said, “Like the clam, you will help others to thrive as they join your group, and you, too, will gain by having many members around you.”
Laws presented Second Vice President Lisa Rodgers with a murex shell, saying, “The murex has a hard shell and strong spines. You shall serve the duties of the president or first vice president as needed. You shall be over membership, health and wellness, and civic engagement.
“Like the murex, you will be strong in promoting your club’s functions.”
As she presented Third Vice President Cleo Elder with a cone shell, Laws said, “These shells are the favorite of many collectors and are considered some of the most highly valuable shells in the world. You shall serve the duties of the president or first vice president or second vice president as needed. You shall be responsible for fundraising and service projects, which shall include education.
“May the thought of this valuable shell encourage you in this position.”
Lori Thompson’s office of fourth vice president was represented by a cowrie shell. Thompson wasn’t present, but the script Laws went by described the cowrie shell as being “as smooth on the outside as it is on the inside” and that the shells
were valuable and used by fur traders.
With the fourth vice president being responsible for social activities and the house and grounds, the cowrie shell is to serve as a reminder that the role makes her “valuable to us all.”
Recording Secretary Jejetta Lee was presented with a scallop shell.
“This type of shellfish travels by a kind of jet propulsion,” Laws said. “After the shell opens and closes, a jet of escaping water pushes the scallop forward.
“As you accurately record the minutes of the executive board and club meetings, you will perform quickly and efficiently. You shall be the custodian of all official documents and papers and the preparing of the yearbook.
“May this shell remind you of your responsibilities.”
Laws presented Corresponding Secretary Jaelyn Jackson with an auger shell, saying, “These high-spined shells have many whorls, which wind down, resembling a writing tool. They are said to inspire intuition.
“You shall attend to all the correspondence of the organization. You shall give notice to the election of new members and publish the newsletter.
“May you remember this shell when you correspond with others as you represent the organization, and may you always have your heart in your job.”
Treasurer Linda Lee received a quahog shell.
“Many years ago, Indians used this shell animal for two purposes — for food and as money,” Laws said. “May you be reminded to be useful to your organization, and may the quahog especially remind you to be cautious as you handle the
finances. You shall keep a record of all income and expenses. You shall hold all monies and keep records of all receipts and disbursements and make a monthly, written report. You shall submit your records to the auditor at the end of the year.”
In conclusion, Laws told the officers they were only a part of the club.
“May each one of you do your part, and may the rest of you do your part, so that you can function effectively, harmoniously and joyfully, as do our friends from the sea,” Laws said.
