Rogers City Area Zonta Club celebrates its 25th anniversary; Matthews is named Volunteer of the Year
Zonta State Gov. Sue Erickson and Area 1 director Pat Lewallen were special guests over the weekend as the Rogers City Zonta Club celebrated its silver anniversary. During the annual banquet, the local service organization named Cathy Mayes Matthews its Volunteer of the Year, awarded three scholarships, and recognized three charter members for their quarter of a century of dedication. It was 25 years ago that Matthews? grandmother Lucy Micketti received the first-ever Rogers City Zonta Club Volunteer of the Year award, and now 25 years later, the volunteering spirit lives on in the family.
In addition to receiving a commemorative plaque, Matthews will have $200 donated to a charity of her choice, which will be the Daughters of Isabella Scholarship fund. ?I think it is particularly fitting that Cathy Matthews is honored this evening,? said Lewallen. ?What an inspiration to think that 25 years ago your grandmother was the first one to be honored.?
MATTHEWS WAS nominated by Rogers City Area Schools principal Deb Jones for unselfish and tireless efforts as president of the Parent-Teacher Organization. With fresh ideas and zeal, she has helped the PTO raise $12,000 to $15,000 each year to pay for programs that are not normally paid for from the school budget. Incoming club vice president Linda Speen, before awarding Matthews her plaque, said ?in Deb?s words, ?Cathy makes sure it all comes together.? ? Matthews also has been involved with the Rogers City Little League, Daughters of Isabella, and Relay for Life. Scholarships went to high school seniors Megan Hanson of Rogers City and Marilynn Ellenberger of Onaway, while Alpena Community College student Brittany Posthumus received a scholarship for continuing education.
HANSON WILL graduate in June from RCHS with a GPA of 3.0 and will pursue a career in radiology and/or teaching. She was recognized as being a role model for younger students and for having an excellent work ethic. Megan plans to attend ACC in the fall. Ellenberger will graduate Sunday from Onaway High School and has maintained a GPA of 3.698 while attending North Central Michigan College part-time. She plans to attend Grand Valley State University to take classes in pre-veterinary medicine. Postumus was described as a tenacious young lady who has overcome various stumbling blocks and is now attending ACC with a 3.6 GPA. She is chair of the daycare and Earth Day committees at ACC. She is currently in Gambia, Africa for a two-week stint volunteering in a rural village as part of a leadership course. All received scholarships of $1,000.
?I?M AN educator and an administrator from the Traverse City Area Schools, so personally and professionally it is nice to see you are supporting the things here in the community,? said Lewallen. ?That helps us with the next generation that are going on before us. You have much to be proud of and I say that from the bottom of my heart.? The Rogers City Zonta Club was organized in 1980 when Frances Rye of Rogers City learned about
Many projects have been conducted through the years which have enabled the club to provide many services to the community. In addition to the scholarships, the Zontians host the annual Nautical Festival kiddie games and tractor pull. Last month a tea party was conducted for residents of Tendercare and the group also makes an annual donation to the Nautical Festival fireworks.
?I AM EXCITED to hear about your service projects. As I have been chatting with people and reading your program,? Lewallen said, ?you really have done a lot to be proud of over the last 25 years. You are looking to the future as you are honoring the young women and you?re recognizing people in your community. That is what we are all about.? Of the 24 original charter members, only three were in attendance and were presented gifts. They include Shirley Karbon, Kris Sorgenfrei, and Donna Kuznicki. There also was an installation of officers. Jenine Shaw is the incoming club president, while Gloria Adrian will serve as treasurer and Bonnie Willey as secretary.