KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The Woman’s Club of Keystone Heights is one year older than the city itself. Since the club’s founding – back when the area was still known as “Brooklyn” – generations of women have dedicated themselves to improving their community and enhancing the lives of others.

The Woman’s Club celebrated its centennial at its newly renovated club house, located on the aptly named Womans Club Drive. The ceremony honored the club’s century of service to the community such as being the first to sponsor the Keystone Heights Christmas Parade (now sponsored by The Lake Region Kiwanis Club) and planning fashion shows, festivals, classes, scholarships, recitals, reunions and more.

A table exhibited old scrapbooks, photographs and meeting minutes which chronicled the joys and hardships that weaved through the club’s 100-year history. Notably, a fire in 1962 claimed the women’s last clubhouse. Donations from the community helped contribute to the current clubhouse, which the women have cherished since 1968.

The ceremony was also the occasion that merged the junior and senior chapters of the woman’s club into one. Tina Bullock, the outgoing senior chapter president, was honored to pass the gavel over to Brooklyn Hayes-Yelin, the junior chapter president.

“Several years ago, as I watched many community organizations especially those with clubhouses – the Lions Club, the Jaycees – close their doors, I began to look at the inevitable for this club and I had many sleepless nights,” said Bullock.

“The (junior club) formed and proved volunteerism is alive and well as they have put their time, energy and resources to work. I met our Board and proposed that we merge and become one and turn the leadership over to them. Our Board said, ‘Let’s make it to 100,’ and so today it gives me great pleasure to hand this gavel over to Brooklyn, their current president,” said Bullock.

“Service has no age limit. We can now reach and do more good for (the community). This is a fusion of legacy values and collective wisdom… we are building upon a legacy, and we have big shoes to fill. We are excited for an even bigger 2024!” said Hayes-Yelin, the president of the unified Woman’s Club of Keystone Heights.

Hayes-Yelin received the gavel, but she had a surprise to give to Bullock in return. Bullock was presented with the plaque that dedicates the renovated clubhouse in her honor for her 53 years of service and commitment to the community.