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Dorothy Renshaw Recognized By Woman's Club

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Dorothy Renshaw, 88, listens to the kind words of fellow members of the Ruskin Woman’s Club as they honor her for 50 years of membership and service to the community Sept. 3.

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2008

RUSKIN - The Ruskin Woman's Club recently honored one of its own for 50 years of membership in the 96-year-old organization.

Dorothy Renshaw, 88, received a standing ovation from the crowd of almost 40 as her name was called out by Sharon Sweat, treasurer, during the group's first meeting of the 2008-09 season on Sept. 3.

"It was such a surprise," Renshaw said the next day, acknowledging she didn't know how fellow club members kept it a secret. "I'm still recovering."

On behalf of the club, Sweat gave Renshaw a crown, costume amulet and ring and a gift bag that contained a photo album recounting the past 25 years or so of Renshaw's association with the group.

"It meant a great deal," Renshaw said. "I've worked closely with these women all these years and I consider all of them friends."

Sweat recounted Renshaw's five decades of community service, which included the membership on the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library association, Order of the Eastern Star, poll work for the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office and 37 years as treasurer of the woman's club. She was also president of the club from 1964-66.

"Dorothy Renshaw is the person we need to be patterned after, because without people like her we wouldn't have anything here in Ruskin," said Frances Hereford, president of the friends group and longtime club member.

"I've known her for 18 years," said Sonja Council. "Dorothy's an amazing woman; she's done it all. When I was president, she was very encouraging. She's been a mentor to us all."

Several women spoke about Renshaw's community involvement, personal commitment to the club and helpfulness to other members.

"I'm speechless," Renshaw said. Opening her gift bag, she stood silent for several minutes looking over the photos in the album, and then read aloud the dedication:

"This book was assembled with love, appreciation and honor for all your years of hard work and dedication to the Ruskin Woman's Club."

"Good heavens," she said, looking at some of the pictures when she was younger. "Where did you get all these things? This is really something."

Renshaw said what kept her going back year after year were the community service projects and the people.

"The club has changed over the years for the better," she said. "Now, we are able to spread our good will even further than we used to. It's all about the service."

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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