Civic Club Celebrates 67 Years in Sierra Madre

Press Release:

This month the Sierra Madre Civic Club celebrated its 67th birthday by honoring their past presidents and honorary lifetime members. Many of the honorees, including three of the original charter members of the club, were able to attend the party, some coming from as far away as 250 miles.

The club thanked the 59 past presidents for their “devoted service and willingness to lead” and for bringing “new and different ideas from year to year” to the membership.

The club spokesperson, committee co-chairman Vicki Vernon, read a note from past president and charter member Ann Tyler (president 1951-1952), who was unable to attend, that spoke to the club’s beginning and reason for being.

“I was 21-years-old, the mother of two-and-a-half babies, living with my parents while my husband was in the Navy, when 15 members in similar situations…organized the Sierra Madre Civic Club in June of 1944.

The faces have changed but the aims and purposes of the Club are still the same. All of the proceeds of our many endeavors were given back to the community. 

You are still doing the same things today and I am so proud to be a charter member of the Civic Club.”

Honorary lifetime memberships are given for “service above and beyond the call of duty” and have been bestowed on 28 members for contributing to the club with tireless enthusiasm and dedication to the community.

A special salute was given to honorary lifetime member Arly Hahn who, at the spry age of 97, is a beloved member and an example of the caliber of membership the club attracts.  Arly volunteered with the Red Cross for approximately ten years and performed two three-week tours in Hawaii in the aftermath of hurricane Iniki. She also went to Missouri after the floods to render aid, commenting that she “never wants to see another flood in (my) life – so devastating.”  Today Arly’s activities with the club may have slowed down a bit, but her efforts have helped make the club what it is today.

Vickie Vernon went on to say that “today’s members are the bones of the club.” The club has grown from the 15 original charter members to a membership of more than 95 and growing. Its members represent all ages and walks of life in our town with old and young, students, retired, and business people joining together in an active, community-centered organization. 

Current President Colleen McKernan said, “It’s an honor to serve in the capacity of President considering the history of the club and its service to the community.”

The Civic Club meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. at the Hart House in Memorial Park. Guests are always welcome.