2013-2014 President's Report

Blue Stocking Club is a club that has always been held in high esteem within our community. I remember going to Society Day on numerous occasions and being so impressed that only 35 Blue Stocking club members put on these grand events, so I was eager and excited when I was invited to join the club.

When asked to serve as president, I was honored, but also in awe. My thoughts were, this wonderful group wants me to be their leader, are you sure? I thank you for putting your trust in me as leader, and I hope you have enjoyed the past year as much as I.

As President, I am very proud of the successful year we have had. After all, one might think we would take it easy after our hard work last year raising $76,737.37 for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, but we did not. We volunteered numerous hours at Bristol Faith in Action and Believe in Bristol. In addition to those volunteer hours, we filled our months with hard work. In October we donated diapers to BFIA; in November we took non perishable food items and made a monetary donation of $519.00 to the Emergency Food Pantry and we donated funds to the Literacy Academy to purchase caps and gowns for their graduates; In December we collected cereal for the Food Pantry at the Christmas luncheon and donated $1680.00 to the Community in Schools Program; in January we took detergent to BFIA; in February we assisted Healing Hands with their Valentine Day Cupcake fundraiser which raised over $19,000.00; in March we collected items on the Girls, Inc. wish list; in April we collected hygiene supplies for Abuse Alternatives and in May we had a very special event for our sustainers.

A special thank you goes to Debbie Gwaltney for taking care of our finances and to Becky Smith for showing the true BSC spirit by agreeing to be Co-Chair of the Community Service/ Field Committee! ( And a special thank you to Becky Smith for agreeing to serve as Chair next year.)

We are pleased to welcome new members Alice Blanton, Jennifer Deal, Andrea Ford, Jan Rainero, Jean Slack, and Janet Smith into the club. With reluctance, we accept the resignations of Connie Bullock, Judy Slaughter, Becky Wilkerson, Susie Gordon, Vickie Ward, Peggy King, Carol Bannish, Carol Bell and Joyce Kistner, but we look forward to seeing them as sustainers. We were saddened to learn of the passing of Mary Dean Snodgrass, Jane Tayloe, Annettee Lowder and Betsy Hall.

I want to thank each of you for your support and friendship this past year, especially at the time of my dear mother’s death. It has truly been a great honor to serve as your President for the 2013-2014 year.

"Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”

Barbara Sue Kurre, President

May 1, 2014