Woman’s Club of Starke President Sheila Barnes presented awards to several members at the club’s May 14 meeting, which also included the installation of officers (see related post).
Barnes’ first award went to Charnelle Whittemore, a past president she described as a mentor and one who “took the time to take this club into her hands and run it for four solid years, and through blood, sweat and tears has really made an impact — not only on the club, but on me as well.”
“She’s a great friend to me,” Barnes said, adding, “I just love her with all my heart, so this year’s Woman of the Year award goes to my beautiful friend, Charnelle Whittemore.”
Barnes presented Cindy Little with an Outstanding Service Award, saying, “This young lady has been by my side. When I first asked her to be a part of the team and sit on the board with me as my right-hand woman, she was like, ‘As long as you’re doing it, I’ll do it with you.’
“She’s been a go-getter. She keeps our prayer requests going. She reaches out and keeps our socials going. She’s always asking questions to keep our minds open on the board, so we come up with new ideas and do new things.”
Jaelyn Jackson received a Leadership in Excellence Award, with Barnes saying that Jackson “jumped in” and took on such roles as chairing the arts and culture committee and being involved in multiple projects as well as the General Federation of Women’s Clubs District 4 arts-and-crafts event.
In presenting Charlotte Williams with a Spirit Award, Barnes said, “She’s there with us for everything. If we need something, all we do is call Miss Charlotte, and she will do the best that she can.”
Monterey Wasdin, who Barnes said has “been a blessing to our club,” received a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Lisa Rodgers was presented with a Community Impact Award.
“She has chaired our civic engagement and outreach committee,” Barnes said of Rodgers. “She’s always volunteering.”
Cleo Elder was presented with a Fundraising Champion Award following a year in which the club raised more than $18,000.
“This lady never wants to be recognized,” Barnes said, “but she’s always there, willing to help. When I jumped in as fundraising chair, she was right there by my side, helping me sell those tickets and helping me get things done.
“Now, we’re helping her as much as we possibly can.”
In presenting Lorie Riley with a Creative Vision Award, Barnes described Riley as “very creative” and noted how she, as a new club member, co-chaired the arts and culture committee and assisted with the production and sound for the club’s “Drinking Habits” play.
Jejetta Lee received a Behind the Scenes Award.
“She’s very quiet, but she serves on our board, and she’s always making sure we’ve got our reports in as far as the minutes to our board meetings, minutes for the luncheons and things like that,” Barnes said.
In presenting Brenda Bell with a Best New Member Award, Barnes said, “She has joined forces with Ms. Lisa (Rodgers), helping volunteer with our civic engagement and outreach programs. She helps with the disadvantaged. Anytime we need her, she shows up. She’s helping bring food in, put food on the table, clean up, put chairs away — whatever needs to be done.”
Penny Pearson-Yaxley received a Most Cheerful Member Award.
“Anytime I’ve ever come to this club, this woman has a smile on her face, and she greets people with a smile,” Barnes said.
Barnes’ final presentation was the Problem Solver Award, which went to Linda Lee.
“Anytime I need a question answered, she will answer me,” Barnes said.
All 4 One Farms
The meeting also featured guest speaker Diane Lassiter of All 4 One Farms — a wedding venue north of Lawtey at 5937 John Wilkinson Road. Her family purchased the approximately 110 acres when she was a child.
“I grew up there,” Lassiter said. “It has gone through a lot of different transitions.”
The bottom floor of the two-story main house on the property serves as a bridal suite, with two restrooms and plenty of space to do hair and makeup and to hang up gowns. Lassiter said the space allows the bride-to-be to look out the windows and watch the wedding set-up and the arrival of guests without being seen herself.
Additional space on the ground floor is available for members of the wedding party and family. Lassiter said, “We’ve learned this about weddings: There’s always a grandma and grandpa who arrive hours early.”
A building referred to as “The Shack Out Back” serves as a groom’s room, where he and his groomsmen can enjoy air-conditioning and a Sony PlayStation 4.
“They can stay cold, and they’ve got something to do,” Lassiter said.
An open-air barn is available for entertaining guests, with enough seating and tables for 200 as well as space that can be utilized as a dance floor.
A firepit with bench seating is adjacent to the barn.
The farm has a designated ceremony site that is shaded by oak trees. However, couples are free to choose another site on the farm for their ceremony.
All 4 One Farms provides the space and seating and performs set-up and break-down duties. Ice and coolers are also provided.
Lassiter said all couples have to do is “decorate and undecorate, basically.”
All 4 One Farms does have a list of preferred vendors — those who’ve been to the venue before and have done a good job. However, couples are free to choose other vendors as long as they’re insured.
“Some couples love that because they have a special restaurant they want to cater,” Lassiter said.
Lassiter and her husband, Glenn, made the decision to create a wedding venue in 2017.
“The whole wedding thing has been so fun for us because we just love people,” Lassiter said. “You have to love people to be in this kind of business.
You can visit www.all4onefarms.com for more information.
