BERLIN – The Worcester County Commission for Women will honor four ladies for their contributions to the county’s history at its 10th Annual Gems’ Tea ceremony Oct. 30 in Ocean City.
The Commission for Women is an organization that promotes a positive image and equality for women in Worcester County through finance projects, activities and events.
The commission, along with Friends of the Worcester County Commission for Women, will recognize Ann Coates of Snow Hill, Annette Wallace of Pocomoke and Barbara Purnell and Vicky Nock of Berlin from 2-4 p.m. at the Dunes Manor Hotel.
Each of these ladies was chosen from a selection committee within the commission for their involvement and positive image within the community, according to member Diane McGraw.
These women were asked to answer questions about their volunteer work and background as a part of the commission’s criteria, McGraw says.
The committee members selected Coates for bringing arts and entertainment to Snow Hill; Wallace for her achievement as Maryland’s Principal of the Year; Purnell for her involvement with the Germantown School Heritage Community Center; and Nock for her involvement with Stevenson United Methodist Church’s Spirit Kitchen Ministry.
The County Commissioners will be present as the ladies receive commendations and a gift from the commission.
One of these gifts includes a “tussy mussy,” or small bouquet that dates back to the Victorian era. Friends member Gerri Garner makes them each year.
The honorees will share their life experiences with those who attend, which will be put on DVD and shared with the ladies and Worcester County libraries for future generations to see.
Since its first event in 2006, the annual tea ceremony has outgrown its original location at the Main Street Enchanted Tea Room in Berlin.
The commission usually hosts 80 people for each year’s event, with the exception of 2012, in which the commission did not have a ceremony, according to McGraw.
The acknowledgement ceremony will include introductions, the commendation, tea and camera interviews with Jack Barnes.
For reservations and tickets, those interested can make checks payable to FWCCW and mail to Lou Etta McClaflin, 11108 Dale Rd., Whaleyville, Md., 21872, by Oct. 24.
For more information, contact Event Chair Carol Rose at 410-641-2017.