Submitted photo Sandy Grahame, center, celebrates her 50-year membership in General Federation of Woman’s Clubs-West Virginia with daughters Jenna Gongola, left, and Joelle Kenney, right. Back row are Babs Condon, International GFWC Past President; Rosemary Thomas, GFWC-WV Secretary; and Natalie Hinkle, GFWC-WV First Vice President.

Submitted photo
Sandy Grahame, center, celebrates her 50-year membership in General Federation of Woman’s Clubs-West Virginia with daughters Jenna Gongola, left, and Joelle Kenney, right. Back row are Babs Condon, International GFWC Past President; Rosemary Thomas, GFWC-WV Secretary; and Natalie Hinkle, GFWC-WV First Vice President.

ELKINS — Although it took a little longer than originally planned, Elkins General Federation Woman’s Club member Sandy Grahame recently received her 50-year membership pin from the General Foundation of Women’s Clubs of West Virginia.

Grahame, who was supposed to receive the award for her many years of dedication back in March, had to wait an extra eight months to be honored after COVID-19 canceled the annual GFWC-WV convention.

“We were supposed to have a presentation at the Greenbrier Resort back in March,” said Grahame. “I’m a snowbird now, so I came back from Florida that weekend and that’s when everything got shut down. So when I got back there was no convention, no nothing.”

Last week Grahame was visited by GFWC-WV First Vice President Natalie Hinkle, GFWC-WV Secretary Rosemary Thomas, and GFWC International Past President Babs Condon. During the stop at Grahame’s home in Elkins, the three presented the pin and a certificate to Grahame.

“It was an honor to receive the 50-year pin,” said Grahame. “I’ve really enjoyed all the years and all the friends I’ve made across the state since becoming a part of the woman’s club.”

Grahame joined the Junior Woman’s Club of Elkins in 1970 and the Woman’s Club of Elkins in 1976. She served as president of both organizations. Grahame was also Central District President and was on the GFWC-WV Board for 12 years.

Grahame, who holds lifetime membership in the Woman’s Club of Elkins, said the Elkins organization helps the community whenever they are needed. One of the many things the club contributes to is getting scholarships to high school students.

She said one thing she’s proud of that many people don’t know about is that women’s clubs all across the country have been instrumental in the opening of libraries.

“Women’s clubs have started like 75 percent of the libraries in the country,” she said. “And that’s including the one right here in Elkins.”