Penny Darling was named Cedar Springs Women’s Club Woman of the Year. Courtesy photo.

by Sue Harrison

Each year the Cedar Springs Women’s Club recognizes one woman for her exemplary spirit and contributions during that Club year. The candidate is an enthusiastic supporter in the promotion of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club and is actively involved in community activities. That honor has been bestowed on 46 women in the Club since 1969.

The Women’s Club honoree is usually recognized and honored at the June meeting.  However, because she would be on a field trip in June with her grandchild, a very surprised Penny Darling was presented with that honor at the May meeting.

Caroline Bartlette, 2013 winner, read a short biography about Penny, including information about her family, her service as secretary to the Women’s Club and involvement in Club activities as well as her involvement in Red Flannel Festival as chaperone for the Red Flannel Queen and Court for many years.

Many of Penny’s family attended the ceremony, including son Joe and his family, daughter Stephanie and her children, and Sarah, a good friend of Penny’s. They presented her with flowers, and, after a lot of tears and hugs, Penny was presented with  a plaque commemorating her choice as Cedar Springs Women’s Club 2014-2015 Member of the Year, a certificate, and a dozen roses by 2014 recipient, Sue Harrison.