BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Altrusa International of Starke, with help from Rep. Kat Cammack, honored three of its members for their service during a brief ceremony on Aug. 10 at the Downtown Grill.
Martha Epps, Beverly Hardy and Dimple Overstreet were presented with commemorative plaques and flowers. Club member Carole DeCelle, who organized the event, said, “Today, we’re here to honor three women who have been an integral part of Altrusa.”
The event began with DeCelle presenting a history of Altrusa International, which was founded in Nashville in 1917, before sharing the accomplishments of the day’s honorees.
Cammack said she felt “woefully inadequate” listening to all that Epps, Hardy and Overstreet had done.
“Listening to the list of accomplishments — that’s pretty incredible and very humbling,” Cammack said, adding, “It truly is such an American trait — service before self. Really, that’s the whole meaning of what you all do here with this club. It is incredible to see so many women come together to do so much and do much good. Thank you for setting an example for so many.”
Hardy was the first honoree. She joined Altrusa of Starke in 1994 and served many roles before eventually becoming club president. She went on to serve in various roles at the District Three level, culminating in becoming governor.
Altrusa International had announced that districts weren’t required to have special projects, but Hardy, as a district governor, instituted Project: SOS (Support our Soldiers). All the clubs in the district, which is composed of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, participated in Project: SOS, which resulted in sending food, books and supplies to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Hardy was elected as Altrusa International president after her time as a district-level governor. She made the creation of more ASTRA (Ability, Service, Training, Responsibility, Achievement) clubs internationally a top priority, while also continuing Project: SOS along with the Days for Girls project.
“Beverly is a woman who exemplifies integrity and acts as an advocate for issues relating to women,” DeCelle said. “For these reasons, and for her actions in Altrusa leadership, she was chosen as a Woman of Distinction by Santa Fe College.”
In presenting plaques to the recipients, Cammack read what was written on each. Hardy’s plaque read: “As a result of your visionary guidance and exceptional dedication as Altrusa Club of Starke president, District Three governor and Altrusa International president, communities worldwide have benefitted from your efforts. Thank you for your mentorship, experience and commitment to Altrusa. We are a better organization because of you.”
Epps, who served the community as a nurse for 41 years and was the director of Patient Services at the local hospital for 16 years, joined Altrusa of Starke when it was created in 1991. She served in a number of roles before becoming club president in 2004. Epps has served on the foundations of both the Starke club and (for the past 12 years) District Three.
“Amazingly, she has used her leadership and expertise by mentoring new members along the way,” DeCelle said. “Martha is a true leader who has served our community well by her dedication, devotion and heart.”
Besides Altrusa, Epps is active in her church and has devoted time and money to Shriners Children’s and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Epps’ plaque read: “For your commitment to Altrusa as a charter club member who continually strives to make our club better by your involvement in Starke’s club and foundation as well as Altrusa’s district foundation. We offer our greatest appreciation. You are part of the backbone of Altrusa, and we are grateful to you.”
Overstreet joined Altrusa of Starke in 2005. She served in various roles before becoming president and was recently elected as District Three governor. She has also been an Altrusa foundation board member.
Besides Altrusa, Overstreet, who was once named a Santa Fe College Woman of Distinction, spent many years as a local businesswoman, giving back to her community by supporting schools with time and money. Her support of schools includes being a part of the Bradford County Education Foundation, for which she currently serves as treasurer.
“Dimple Overstreet is a leader, mentor and example of what being an Altrusan is all about,” DeCelle said. “She is caring, giving and devoted to all of us in Altrusa, and we are proud to call her one of our own.”
Overstreet’s plaque read: “In appreciation for your outstanding commitment and dedication to service in our community as a leader in Altrusa, highlighted by your election to Altrusa International District Three governor. Thank you for devotion. You make Starke proud.”
After the honorees received their plaques and flowers, Cammack announced she had another presentation. She said DeCelle had reached out about having a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in Hardy’s honor. Cammack presented Hardy with that flag.
Cammack then told Hardy she had one more item for her.
“I wanted to personally thank you for everything you have done and personally present you with one of my challenge coins from Washington, D.C.,” Cammack said.
