Árdís - 01.01.1956, Page 38

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ÁRDÍS
was assembled, printed and sold; a play was put on, and much
enjoyed by all. One rather novel and remunerative method of
raising money was the sale of calendars in 1948. The idea was in-
troduced by Mrs. Louise Gudmunds, now of Berkley, Calif., at that
time the president of the W.A. These were not ordinary calendars,
for they had the names of members and friends printed by the date
of their birth, and were found interesting and informative. It was
the only year that I ever remembered to send my family birthday
cards on the correct date! Yes, the ladies worked hard, raised money
and gave it to the church, or to charity.
Do you remember a “thank you” note from Rose Olson, Laufey
Gudmundson, Freda Johannesson and others, they having received
gifts from the W.A. for their new-born babes. It is rather interesting
to note that on the society’s lOth birthday Mrs. G. F. Jonasson made
amotion to give $50 to the church for purchasing new hymn books
to commemorate the lOth anniversary. And now on the 25th anni-
versary we give $200 for this same purpose.
During the war years we worked for the Red Cross and con-
tributed to soldiers’ comforts. We have also sent gifts to Betel and
a good will visit to the Home usually in May, has become an annual
event. Our gift of $500 to the new building fund may be called an
anniversary project.
Do you remember the different displays and attractions at our
Teas? The old family album, Dr. Agust Blondal’s painting exhibit,
a carved wood, work display, natural history and others.
I have now skimmed along the highlights of the activities of
this society for the past 25 years. But there is much that cannot be
recorded. Such as friendships formed, loyalty displayed and the
unselfish and untiring work by many of the members. I well re-
alize that it is necessary, and essential, that we continue to work,
and to raise money. But there is an other angle of the work, which
I consider fully as important. It is that little bouquet of flowers
sent to the home of a bereaved member . . . the door bell, rings,
and she takes the parcel. On opening it she finds a card saying,
“With sincere and deepest sympathy from your W.A.” Or it may
be the card received by the member who is ill saying, “I hope you
are feeling better—your W.A. is thinking of you.” It is that feeling
of "belonging", that you are not alone in your sorrow, or your illness,
because you are a member of the W.A. you are loved and you are