E D U C A T I O N A L
P H I L A N T H R O P I C
VIRGINIA BRANCH
112th VIRGINIA BRANCH CONVENTION
Held November 7th
Theme: "Amazing Grace"
Guest speaker:
Kenneth "Swift Eagle" Custalow of the Mattaponi Tribe in West
Point, VA
Ken Custalow
Pictured below are Mary Jo Robins, Founders Award recipient and Nancy
Layng, Unsung Hero award.
Mary Jo Robins was a skilled and revered school teacher for 27 years.
She retired in 1977, and her former students still approach her with fond
memories. Her family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
gather at her home whenever possible and look forward to the special dishes
prepared just for them. Each generation has experienced the safety and
comfort of her steadfast faith and love.
Mary Jo has been a lifetime member of her Church where she and her husband instilled the importance of knowing and experiencing God to their children and neighbors. She initiated a class for young adults which bears her name. She has served on every committee imaginable and continues to teach Sunday School and support the Church in many ways. She has been a member of the United Methodist Women all of her adult life and is active in a local Woman's Club.
This kind lady continues to serve others in her family and community by providing transportation for neighbors to the local grocery store or beauty salon, or offering a meal, kind words, encouragement and advice when asked. (And she's asked often!)
Mary Jo has been a King's Daughter for twelve years and is always willing to serve where needed. The number one quality she possesses as a King's Daughter is consecration to the King. She is a spiritual, devout Christian leader with rousing enthusiasm for everything she undertakes and is well known for her beautiful devotionals. She is especially interested in missions as she has grandsons who are in mission work, as well as a daughter and son-in-law who are pastors.
This faithful King's Daughter recently celebrated her 91st birthday. Mary Jo is truly a gentle woman with high standards who provides an example of uncompromising deep moral values and unwavering love of God. Her family and the members of the Chesapeake Bay Circle consider themselves blessed to call her their own.
Nancy Layng is a member of Chesapeake Bay Circle in Virginia. She is always eager to help with any Circle project, including Children's Hospital, Literacy, Autism, and the Healing Eagle Free Clinic. Recently she played a major role in an auction to support the Circle's special projects. She has been a member for eleven years and is always mindful of the Circle's goals. She ensures that fresh flowers from her garden are on every table at luncheon meetings. Although she freely gives of her time, financial resources, and energy, she will never take credit for her work, preferring to remain in the background. For all she does in her unassuming way, the "Unsung Hero" Award is presented to Nancy Layng.
Not pictured here as she was unable to attend convention is a second Founders Award Recipient during this Virginia Branch Convention:
She was a high school math teacher for 30 years, initiated many creative teaching programs, and won numerous awards, both during her career and since retirement. Quote: "She was the best teacher the high school has ever known." In addition to her career, her leadership and willingness to serve others radiates through numerous organizations. Her life is the epitome of service. She has participated in all aspects of her Church since 1962. Her love of the Lord and interest in spreading His love to others is very important to her heart.
For purposes of this Award, we will concentrate on her contributions during her ten years as a King's Daughter. She has served as her Circle's President, Vice-President, annual Christmas Tea co-chair, Publicity and Newsletter Chairman, and Membership Chairman for the Virginia Branch. Always willing when called upon, always present, she is an active participant in every event and the one her members turn to for expert guidance and strength. In all she says and does, her character and integrity radiate. The charcteristics of Margaret Bottome's "inner circle" perfectly describe this member, who is optimistic, loves life, spreads hope and joy, and sets a wonderful Christian example for everyone. She is always forgiving, patient, and kind.
Recently, this valued member was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and literally is fighting for her life. Her Circle members stand in awe of the strength of her faith, her courage, and her positive attitude. She continues to be their "rock." Although she cannot be with us today in person, we know we are in her thoughts and prayers, as she is in ours.
Luke 6:45 reads, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart." The "good things" this member brings to all she touches comes from her precious heart and spirit. It is of no surprise that she is the overwhelming choice of the Ware River Circle for this Award and the one nominated with hearts full of love and admiration.
On behalf of Ware River Circle, and with the enthusiastic endorsement of the Virginia Branch, the Founders Award is presented to MARTHA BORDEN.
Pictured below from left to right are Violet Brownley, Chesapeake Bay Circle President; Mary Jo Robins, Founders Award recipient; Brownie Bartley, York River Circle President; and Faye Hutchinson, Virginia Branch President.
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