Dean Mansfield (left) welcomes Ashley Turner and Peyson Moss to the Washington Woman's Club. Ashley Turner, Washington- Wilkes Tourism Director, presented a very interesting and informative program to members of the Washington Woman's Club at the monthly luncheon meeting Monday, November 13, at the clubhouse

Dean Mansfield, program chairman, introduced Miss Turner, who not only spoke to the club but also sang "Only Imagine" accompanied by Peyson Moss of Lincolnton. Mr. Moss also played several Thanksgiving songs as the members dinner.

In her presentation, Miss Turner related that, even though as Tourism Director she has a very limited budget within which to work, ambitious goals are being set to direct tourism to our community and many are being accomplished. A new brochure for Washington-Wilkes is being produced that will be placed in all the welcome centers in the state. Information about the area is being published in several newspapers and magazines. Television and radio commercials are being prepared for airing. The medium of billboards is being explored. A new logo for Washington has been developed and appears on all stationery, nametags, shirts, etc. The website is constantly being updated.

Miss Turner stated that the Chamber of Commerce is a very busy place on a daily basis and requested that members consider volunteering. She also encouraged everyone to shop in Washington. Miss Turner ended her presentation by stating

that her task is to be sure that everyone knows about Washington and that she absolutely loves her job!

Prior to her program, Vivian Walker presided and Bunny Gunby offered a devotional remembering our veterans and encouraging us to be very thankful for our blessings. After leading members in prayer, everyone stood for the Pledge to the Flag.

After the luncheon Mrs. Walker recognized guests, Paula Sutton and Mary Phillips of Washington, and Connie Turner of Lawrenceville.

During the business meeting following the program, members were reminded to bring Christmas gifts for residents of Wilkes Health Care to the December meeting. Each should bring a gift for a male and female resident and be festively bagged instead of wrapped. Also discussed was the completion of the new front porch and other upcoming additions to the clubhouse.

Hostesses for the meeting were Janie Cravens and Geraldine Dill. The clubhouse was festively decorated in a fall and Thanksgiving motif. Tables were covered with yellow cloths. Many were centered with fresh arrangements of yellow mums, solidago and red and yellow miniatures carnations with accents of fall leaves while other tables held clusters of fall flowers. Turkeys, pilgrims and cornucopias added to the mantels and the buffet.

Approximately 40 members and guests attended.