CENTER TWP — Sue Morrow will be installed as the Butler GFWC Intermediate League's new president next month.

She hopes.

Like so much else in this COVID-19 pandemic year, plans could change.

For example, Morrow was to be installed in May, but pandemic restrictions prevented that, just as they caused changes in Morrow's election.

“We had an email vote,” she said. “There was a slate of officers, and members had a week to nominate other candidates. No one did, so we were elected by acclamation.”

Morrow said a nominating committee talked to everybody in the club over three months.

“We did what we usually do except we didn't have a vote or an installation,” she said.

“We hope to have our first general meeting and installation Sept. 21 at Community Alliance Church.”

Joining Morrow as she begins her two-year term as incoming Intermediate League officers will be Peggy Tonini, first vice president; Maria Blose, second vice president; Maureen Mossman, recording secretary; Mary Jane Weisenstein, corresponding secretary; Carole Goldinger, treasurer; and Sara Pellegrini, assistant treasurer.

Morrow takes over for outgoing President Yolanda Cypher.

“I feel very comfortable the way the last two years went, except for March through May,” Cypher said. “Like everything else it came to a halt.”

Cypher said it was a shame the league didn't get to mark its 70th anniversary because of the pandemic.

“I know Sue has a lot of foresight and good ideas, and the league will continue to do good for the community as it's always done,” Cypher said.

Service club

Morrow said the 63-member organization is part of the international General Federation of Women's Clubs.

She said the Butler GFWC Intermediate League is a service club, but “it has the benefit of not being dedicated to a specific cause.”

She said the league in the past as supported causes such VOICe (Victim Outreach Intervention Center.)

Money for the causes the league supports usually comes from the league's annual antique show and sale at the Tanglewood Center in Lyndora in March.

The pandemic caused this year's antique sale, which would have been the 70th, to be canceled. But Morrow said the league was still able to contribute to organizations donations, sponsorships and one anonymous benefactor.

The pandemic has also made conducting league business harder.

She said the members have been meeting on Zoom and communications by email so much that she's set up a new committee this year to try to help people get comfortable using technology.

While Morrow has yet to select a focus for her term, her intent is clear.

“My theme is to believe in the power of everyday kindness. I get so frustrated with the world right now,” Morrow said. “You see people honoring health-care workers and then you see riots and fighting.

“The simplest gesture can have the greatest impact. There's a quote from Maya Angelou: 'Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud.'”

“I'm not a Pollyanna, but there are kind people. We don't talk about the good ones,” she said.

Volunteerism comeback

Morrow is the latest president of an organization that was founded in 1950.

“At one time there were 20 women's clubs in Butler County. Now it's down to three,” she said.

“I think in the '60s, there were all kinds of young mothers and women who didn't work volunteering for all kinds of things.

Then, Morrow said, enthusiasm for volunteerism seemed to decline.

“But I believe it is coming back. Right now there is a huge need because of the pandemic,” Morrow said.

She noted there are volunteers running area food banks and mask giveaways and continuing community meals as takeout food.

“There's so much work people have to do, and volunteering is work, but you have got to find a way to make it fun,” she said.

Volunteering is something Morrow has long practiced.

She was involved with the Girls Scouts of America for many years and just finished an eight-year stint with the Butler County Symphony Association Board serving as its vice president for the last three years.

Her mother, Shirley Mold, with Roberta Ruff founded and ran the symphony's consignment store for many years.

Morrow is ready to get to work and wants to get the annual antiques sale back on track. It's slated for March 19 to 21, 2021.

It's been an unusual year and an unusual club election, but Morrow said the league has to carry on.