Gathering on the front porch at the home of Ames and Ashley Barnett are members and guests who attended the Wills Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Membership Tea that included (front row, l-r) Pat Niemann, Debbie Holes, Cissy Murray, Wanda White, Jeanette Dozier; (second row) Jean Rhodes, Cathy Stackhouse, Diana Dougan, Gail Boyd, Franny Robinson, Laura Toburen, Rosemary Hopkins, Susan Pope, Laura Houpt; (third row) Joanne Pollock, Paula Butts, Shirley Gunter, Mabel Johnson, Sharlene Zima, Margaret Norris, Kay Nelms; (fourth row) Rachel Arnold, Amy Johnston, Oleta McAvoy, Pat Grimaud, Mary Bradford, Ashley Barnett, Martha Barrett; (fifth row) Marvin Goldman, Avola Callaway, Ginny Coe and Elizabeth Coe. Nearly 40 members and prospective members of the Wills Memorial Hospital Auxiliary gathered Tuesday afternoon, September 22, at Beauvoir, home of Ames and Ashley Barnett on Court Street.

Mrs. Barnett welcomed members and guests to her beautifully appointed home for the membership tea.

Everyone enjoyed a tour of the home before Amy Johnston, outgoing president, called the meeting to order and led an opening prayer.

The business meeting followed and several reports were given. Members were given handouts that included a multitude of projects accomplished during the past two years. Sheets were circulated for members to sign to help with upcoming projects that will include the Tree of Love to be lighted on the grounds of the Courthouse for the Downtown Candlelight Shopping night in late November.

Members were encouraged to attend the Annual District Auxiliary Conference in Augusta October 19- 21.

Marvin Goldman, WMH CEO, was recognized and thanked the Auxiliary for all their efforts in supporting the hospital.

Just prior to the installation of new officers by Pat Niemann, Mrs. Johnston thanked members for their support of her but mostly of the hospital which is vital to our community.

Laura Houpt was installed as new president. Other officers are Paula Suggs, vice-president; Cathy Stackhouse, secretary; Oleta McAvoy, treasurer; and Rosemary Hopkins, membership.

It was announced that the next meeting will be Tuesday, January 26, in the WMH Nash Library.

Following the meeting members enjoyed delicious refreshments supplied by the hostess and several Auxiliary members. Kay Nelms served punch. The table held beautiful matching fall arrangements.

Members and prospective members attending were Amy Johnston, Oleta McAvoy, Peggy Barnett, Jean Rhodes, Joanne Pollock, Kay Nelms, Vivian Barnett, Gail Boyd, Susan Pope, Mabel Johnson, Sharlene Zima, Franny Robinson, Paula Butts, Shirley Gunter, Jeanette Dozier, Avola Callaway, Elizabeth Coe, Ginny Coe, Ashley Barnett, Pat Niemann, Margaret Norris, Laura Houpt, Laura Toburen, Debbie Holes, Kathy Stackhouse, Diana Dougan, Wanda White, Martha Barrett, Mary Bradford, Pat Grimaud, Rosemary Hopkins, Rachel Arnold, Cissy Murray, Dackie Callaway, Bernie Pope and Lefreda Adair.