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Andrew Johnson Women’s Club, 104 Andrew Johnson Drive, Greeneville, TN (2026)

05/25/2023

ANDREW JOHNSON WOMEN'S CLUB INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS

May 23, 2023

The Andrew Johnson Women’s Club met on Tuesday, May 9, for its final meeting of the business year.
President Jo Christensen welcomed everyone and recognized the attendance of beloved, long-time members Dot Alexander and Etha Kilday.
She commended the Decorating Committee: Chairperson Betty Carrier, Jane Bell, Sally Bright, Virginia Kite, and Joyce Smith, who had decorated the clubhouse with a beautiful display of fresh cut flowers.
Members joined together in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America the Beautiful.”
President Christensen then dispensed with the usual business program and invited members to enjoy the special program outlined for the meeting.
Bobbie Christiansen, a former Andrew Johnson Women’s Club President, conducted the Installation of Officers ceremony.
She introduced the slate of officers for 2023-24: President, Jo Christensen; First Vice-President, Jane Bell; Second Vice-President, Sharon Hale; Sally Bright, standing in for Libby Hodges, Recording Secretary; Corresponding Secretary, Ann Showalter; Treasurer, Charlotte Bullard; and Trustee, Judy Forshay Plucker.
Each officer, after having stated the responsibilities of her position and indicating her commitment to fulfilling them, was duly sworn in by Christiansen.
Nancy Wilson, Resolutions Chair, assisted by Bobbie Christiansen, honored the club members who had passed away during the 2022-23 business year.
As Wilson shared events from each departed member’s life, Christiansen lit a candle in her memory.
Wilson resolved that the names of those honored would be entered into the Golden Book of the Andrew Johnson Women’s Club and memorials will be given to Greene County Library in their honor.
Following the candlelight memorial service, the Andrew Johnson Ladies Chorus, led by Cindy Sams, sang a mixed selection of songs, including: “Amazing Grace,” “My Favorite Things,” “Bye, Bye, Blackbird,” and “This Land is Your Land.”
Club members thoroughly enjoyed hearing the beautiful voices of chorus members Carolyn Alexander, Tricia Chestnut, Bobbie Christiansen, Sharon Hale, Kathy Hoard, Cathy McIntyre, Jonnie Pierce, Cheryl Reynolds, Ann Williams, Leslie Vaughan, and their director as well as the instrumental accompaniments by Michael Sams on drums and various chorus members on piano.
Christensen thanked the Luncheon Committee: Co-Chairs Nancy Wilson and Juanita Hensley, Beth Boniface, Sharon Hale, Barbara Jones, and Lynette Kluver.
The prayer to bless the meal was offered by Chaplain Leslie Vaughan.
Christensen announced that the next Executive Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m., at the clubhouse and the planned Estate Sale has been rescheduled for September 22 and 23, 2023.
Sally Bright won the drawing for the door prize.
The meeting concluded with the Club Collect.

05/25/2023

Shown below are members of the Andrew Johnson Ladies Chorus: First row: Leslie Vaughan, Jonnie Pierce, Bobbie Christiansen, Cindy Sams, and Cathy McIntyre; Second row: Carolyn Alexander, Sharon Hale, Kathy Hoard, Ann Williams, Tricia Chestnut, Cheryl Reynolds. Michael Sams, seated, provided the ladies instrumental accompaniment on the drums.

04/29/2023

April 11, 2023

AJ WOMEN'S CLUB ANNOUNCES STUDENT WRITING CONTEST WINNERS

President Jo Christensen welcomed everyone to the Andrew Johnson Women’s Club monthly meeting on April 11, extending a special welcome to the honored guests: the club’s annual scholarship, poetry and short story contest winners and their parents.
Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Cathy McIntyre, expressed her pleasure at being able to resume awarding scholarships after being unable to meet during the pandemic. She introduced Kim Kidwell, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Tusculum University, and thanked her for her help in conducting the candidate selection process.
McIntyre also introduced Melissa White, Director of Financial Aid at Tusculum University, and Mark Wills, Dean of Walters State Community College Niswonger Campus, who attended the meeting in support of their students.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Tusculum University’s scholarship winner, Gweneth Gustafson, a native Greene Countian, is an Art major with a concentration in Visual Communication Design and a minor in Marketing. Upon receiving her Bachelor’s Degree, she plans to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Advertising.
The scholarship recipient from Walters State Community College, Jessie Barber, returned to school to complete her nursing degree after having worked for a number of years as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Greeneville Community Hospital East. She and Gustafson expressed appreciation to the Club for helping them obtain their goals.
Shirley Gregg, Poetry and Short Story Contest Chairperson, thanked her committee members, Patsy Crum and Nancy Causey, as well as those club members who had helped with judging the entries. She introduced the first-place winner in each writing category, each of whom received a certificate, ribbon, and monetary gift in recognition of their achievement.

WRITING CONTEST WINNERS
Club members enjoyed listening as the following winning writers read their entries:

Category II – Grades 4-6
• Mason Henry-Vaughn, a sixth grade student at Towering Oaks Christian School, is the daughter of Wayne Vaughn and Krystal Haney. She presented her short story called “Jade and the Emerald Heart.”
• Roxie Lopez, daughter of Carolyn Lopez, was unable to attend. She is a fifth grader at Eastview Elementary School and had written a poem named “Thank You, Jesus.”

Category III – Grades 7-9
• MacCormack Cutshall, a seventh grader at Greeneville Middle School, is the son of Stephen and Allison Cutshall and grandson of member Bobbie Christiansen. He read his short story named “Upward Bound.”
• Kaine Ricker, son of Erin and Kelly Ricker, is an eighth grade student at Chuckey-Doak Middle School. He read his poem entitled “The Athlete and the Teacher.”

Category IV – Grades 10-12
• Abigail Murray, a twelfth grade student at West Greene High School, read her short story titled “The Rosebud.” She is the daughter of Amanda Murray.
• Erica Jones, daughter of Nikki Wines, is a tenth grade student at Greeneville High School. Her poem was called “When Happiness Fades.”

Entries were received from four city schools, five county schools, and Towering Oaks Christian School. However, there were no entries for Category I – Grades 1-3.
Speaking on behalf of the Poetry and Short Story Committee, Gregg expressed gratitude for all the students who had entered the contest and their teachers.
President Christensen complimented the scholarship and contest winners on their success and thanked McIntyre and Gregg for their work with the students.
As the business session began, everyone joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America the Beautiful” with Leslie Vaughan providing piano accompaniment.
President Christensen thanked the Decorating Committee: Chairperson Cathy McIntyre, Jane Bell, Sally Bright, Carolyn Hartman, Leslie Vaughan, and Judy Plucker, who had decorated the clubhouse using an Easter theme.
Officer reports by Recording Secretary Libby Hodges and Treasurer Brenda Collinson were approved. Reports were also heard from Second Vice President Sharon Hale and President Christensen, substituting for Corresponding Secretary Ann Showalter.
President Christensen announced that Pat Bradford would once again conduct an Estate Sale in conjunction with the Andrew Johnson Women’s Club. She asked that all members help collect items for the sale, which is scheduled for September 8-9 at the clubhouse.
Focusing on scripture readings from Galatians 6:7 and Mark 16:6, Chaplain Leslie Vaughan’s invocation reflected on the blessings of April showers which bring beauty to our world and her thankfulness for the gifts given to us from God.
Members and guests enjoyed a delicious baked spaghetti lunch. President Christensen thanked the serving committee: Chairperson Ann Regan, Judy Cronin, Cheryl Reynolds, Jeannie Stokes, and Emily Wheeler.
A drawing for Niswonger Performing Arts Center tickets to “Masters of Soul” was won by Elizabeth Wilson.
The meeting concluded with the Club Collect.

04/02/2023

March 14, 2023

AJ WOMEN'S CLUB HEARS FROM HUMANE SOCIETY DIRECTOR

Amy Bowman, executive director of the Greeneville-Greene County Humane Society, was the guest speaker at the March 14 meeting of the Andrew Johnson Women’s Club.
Bowman was introduced by Libby Hodges, chair of the AJWC Public Affairs Department.
During her talk, Bowman explained the work of the Humane Society and shared information about the new adoption center at 400 N. Rufe Taylor Road.
She reported that the Humane Society has been successful in reducing the euthanasia rate from 80% to less than 10%. Additionally, more than 1,500 shelter pets were placed in new homes last year and over 1,000 dogs and cats were spayed or neutered.
She recognized the work of the shelter staff and volunteers, who provide quality care for the animals and place them in good homes.
There is no charge for taking in animals at the shelter and adoption fees are kept at a minimum. The low rates are made possible through charitable donations.
Humane Society representatives provide educational programs to children in Greeneville and Greene County schools, teaching them how to care for animals and giving each of them (and the library) a relevant book.
Bowman shared posters with pictures of the beautiful new facility, pointing out several housing improvements that had been made for the health and comfort of the animals.
She invited everyone to tour the new 8,000-square-foot shelter and get a first-hand look at the larger, more comfortable kennels and outdoor play yards for the dogs; spacious rooms and large, outdoor “catios” for the cats; increased number of holding areas for the animals; and sizable lobby.
She stressed the importance of volunteerism in caring for shelter animals and praised the community at large for their generous support of the Humane Society.
During a period of questions and answers, Bowman explained how microchips are used to reunite pets with their owners. She told about changes that have been made in the use of chips and recommended that new owners register the chip numbers for their pets.
For more information, visit the Humane Society website at gchumanesociety.com.
In other matters during the club meeting, Betty Weemes, retired Executive Committee member of the Laughlin Healthcare Foundation Board and Derby Day Planning Committee chair, spoke to the group about the return of “Derby Days in Greeneville.”
She explained that the event, which will be held at General Morgan Inn and Conference Center on May 6, from 4-8 p.m., is designed to be a fun, festive fundraiser.
The event is being conducted in memory of Cecil Easterly, who was a well-known philanthropist and former Laughlin Health Care Foundation board member.
Tickets are $125. To purchase tickets or obtain additional information, email [email protected].
Funds raised will be used to provide support for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee’s summer food program for the children of Greeneville and Greene County.
Pianist Cheryl Reynolds performed entertaining background music as members socialized.
During the business meeting, President Jo Christensen called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone and joined the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America the Beautiful.”
Christensen thanked the Decorating Committee: Chairperson Anne Dawe, Angie Clendenon, Wendy Hankins, Carol Martz, and Becky Myers. She noted that members were enjoying “flamingos in the snow” due to the sudden drop in temperatures.
Devotions, based on scripture readings from the book of Isiah, were presented by Chaplain Leslie Vaughan. She discussed the need to let go of the winter season and “spring forward in faith” to embrace all the new plans God has in store for us.
Officer reports by Recording Secretary Libby Hodges and Treasurer Brenda Collinson were approved followed by standing committee reports.
Membership Chair Jonnie Pierce presented the slate of candidates to be considered for membership.
Shirley Gregg, Chair of the Poetry and Short Story Committee, announced that the contest entries had been judged. The contest winners will be invited to attend the April club meeting where they will present their writings.
President Christensen reported on the completion of various clubhouse repairs and improvements, including the addition of metal safety railings to the handicap ramp. She mentioned that an Ad Hoc Committee from the Executive Board had been formed to investigate the cost of other facility upgrades needed.
Second Vice President Sharon Hale circulated sign-up sheets for next year’s committee assignments. Members were encouraged to volunteer to help with the committee work.
Members enjoyed a delicious catered lunch. Christensen thanked the serving committee with herself as chair, assisted by Phyllis McKinney, Becky Rideout, Ann Showalter, Betty Carrier, and Marma Lee Boles. Appreciation was also expressed to Arlene Shelton, who helps with lunch each month.
Etha Kilday won the monthly drawing for Niswonger Performing Arts Center tickets.
The meeting was concluded with recitation of the Club Collect.

02/25/2023

ROUJA GREEN SHARES MEMORIES OF BULGARIA WITH AJ WOMEN'S CLUB

Rouja Green, director of the Center for the Arts at Tusculum University, was the guest speaker at the Feb. 14 meeting of the Andrew Johnson Women’s Club.
A native of Bulgaria, Green shared some memories of her youth while growing up in the Eastern European country, a club news release details.
Green was introduced by Jeanne Stokes, the chairperson for the AJ Women’s Club International Affairs Department.
She was born and reared in the small country of Bulgaria while it was under communist rule. She stated that the communists wanted to control all aspects of citizen’s lives and thinking. They were not allowed to see American movies or art or listen to western music.
Green grew up in a well-educated, artistic family, who still lives in Bulgaria, which, following the fall of communism in 1993, now has a democratic government, is westernized, and provides a life very similar to that of Americans.
Rouja’s mother sewed her clothes when she was a child because she said there were so few choices available in the market. Food choices were also restricted with foods and beverages such as bananas and Coca-Cola only being available at Christmas (and even then, with limited availability).
In high school she said she was required to join the Young Atheist’s Club, in which she was told that there was no God and was threatened to be kicked out of school if she attended church. The imposed restrictions only led to greater interest in freer thought and religion.
Seeking further religious enlightenment, Green searched for and found a Bible, her first, in an antique bookstore—a Bible she says she still has, protects, and considers very precious.
Green studied visual arts in high school. She went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Pedagogy of Fine Arts from Veliko Tãrnovo University in Bulgaria.
At age 23, she moved from Bulgaria to Brooklyn, New York, with only $60 and one bag of clothes in hand, planning to stay two months as a camp counselor. She has now stayed in America for 23½ years.
Green did post-graduate studies and mural painting at the Art Students League of New York. Her next move was to Ranchos Palos Verdes, California, where she served as executive manager of the European School of Music and Art. From there she moved to Greeneville.
She remarked that she felt that she had started her life over three times and joked that she speaks six languages, all with an accent.
Today, Green holds dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Bulgaria. She visits and loves her native country; however, she says she chooses to live in the United States, where she finds people to be welcoming, friendly, kind, and more positive and opportunities and freedom to be greater.
For the Valentine’s Day meeting, the Andrew Johnson Women’s Clubhouse was adorned with “beautiful red roses and numerous heart-shaped balloons prepared by the Decorating Committee, chaired by Peggy Fox, assisted by Carolyn Roark, Shirley Snyder and her daughter, and Jane Williamson,” club officials note in the release.
The meeting was called to order by President Jo Christensen, who thanked the Decorating Committee for creating the festive setting.
Following member updates, the group recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by pianist Ann Williams.
Devotions, based on the word “love” and its meaning, were given by Chaplain Leslie Vaughan, who suggested that the most meaningful way to express love is through action, as we are told in 1 John 3:18 (“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”)
Chaplain Vaughan stated, “The most important and lasting gift is that of yourself: in time; sacrifices; devotion; faithfulness; and humble, selfless acts of service, such as we are given by Christ.” True love equates with action.
President Christensen noted that, for the first time ever, the minutes of the previous meeting had been sent out electronically, thus giving members an opportunity to review or learn about the events of the last meeting and affording more time for current meeting activities.
Treasurer Brenda Collinson reported through January
The Nominating Committee, consisting of Chairperson Bobbie Christiansen, Jonnie Pierce, and Becky Myers, presented the following 2023-24 Slate of Officers for consideration: President, Jo Christensen; First Vice President, Jane Bell; Second Vice President, Sharon Hale; Recording Secretary, Libby Hodges; Corresponding Secretary, Ann Showalter; Treasurer, Charlotte Bullard; and Trustee, Judy Forshay Plucker. The slate of officers was accepted by acclamation.
President Christensen once again reminded everyone of the Bylaws requiring active members to attend at least two meetings each year.
Second Vice President Sharon Hale circulated sign-up sheets for next year’s committee assignments. President Christensen encouraged all members to volunteer to help with the committee work.
Following a delicious catered lunch served by Luncheon Committee Chair Elaine Bredenberg, assisted by Shirley Butler, Susan Jones, and Marge Saulsbury, the meeting closed with the Club Collect.
The month’s drawing for Niswonger Performing Arts Center tickets was won by Libby Hodges.
The AJWC Executive Board will meet on Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the clubhouse. All board members are encouraged to attend.

10/14/2022

The Christmas Tour of Homes is back! We have an outstanding group of historic homes to tour this year. Cost is $10
For tickets, please contact Linda Kelly 423-258-5259

07/18/2019

The Andrew Johnson Clubhouse is owned and maintained by the Andrew Johnson Women’s Club. It was built in 1923 and purchased by Andrew Johnson Women’s Club in 1935 from the Country Club Land Co. for $3000. Many improvements and repairs have been made over the years to the interior and grounds, but the structure is basically as designed.

Because of its hospitable atmosphere, the clubhouse is frequently used by members of the community for various social functions including weddings, reunions, birthday and anniversary parties, meetings, etc. To reserve the clubhouse for your event, please contact Judy Kennon 423-972-5946.

Andrew Johnson Women’s Club

05/25/2023

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