GSWC 50th Anniversary Celebration (2024)

Event Overview

A Memorable Milestone for GSWC

The highlight of our 50th anniversary year was a catered celebration held on May 19, 2024, at Garrett’s Restaurant in the Student Center Building at Washtenaw Community College. Members gathered to celebrate five decades of genealogical research, education, and fellowship.

Planning & Acknowledgments

50th Anniversary Committee

Many thanks to the volunteers who planned and coordinated this special event.

• Nancy Howard
• Marcia McCrary
• Connie Olson
• Tim Salatin
• Cyndy Steward
• Janet Tarolli
• Omer Jean Winborn
• Rodger Wolf

Special Thanks

• Herb Loner - event photography
• Rob Steward - photography and directional signage

Food & Decorations

Celebration Highlights

Members enjoyed a barbecue buffet featuring:

• Pulled pork slider
• Macaroni and cheese
• Baked beans
• Cole slaw
• Fruit and vegetable trays with dip
• Assorted beverages
• A commemorative logo cake from Baker's Nook (Saline, Michigan)

Round tables were decorated with white tablecloths, floral arrangements, and framed photographs of society founders, with biographies displayed on the back. A separate display area showcased photographs from cemetery readings and summer picnics through the years.

Program & Presentations

Business Meeting & Program

The business meeting opened with the Annual Statement by Nancy Howard, President, followed by the election of officers. Certificates of recognition and tributes to the society were read aloud. The tributes are PDF documents and will open in a new window. Click on the number, not the name.

Society History & Special Guests

Janet Tarolli presented a concise history of GSWC using timelines and a handout created for the event. State Senator Sue Shink attended in person, presented a framed certificate, and shared brief remarks.

An original four-act skit—written and produced by Nancy Howard and Marcia McCrary—was enthusiastically performed by a large troupe of GSWC players.

Attendance

Total attendance for the hybrid meeting was 48:

• 39 in person
• 9 via Zoom

Photo Gallery

Entrance to Garrett's Restaurant at Washtenaw Community College.

Cyndy Steward with the 50th Anniversary logo cake from Baker’s Nook.

Founder photographs and biographies displayed on decorated tables.

The performance of an original four-act skit was enjoyed by all.

Looking Back -- and Ahead

Thank you to everyone who helped make our 50th anniversary celebration a success. We look forward to continuing our mission of preserving and sharing family history for years to come.