By Karen Clem Fritz

Our choices determine our success.

That was the message of keynote speaker Holly VanDerAa, a local county office holder and dedicated volunteer who has been honored for her dedication to her community.

She was speaking at the fifth annual Women of Pulaski County Celebration Feb. 16 at the Winamac Church of the Nazarene hall. The event “celebrates women as ‘givers’ in the past, present and future who through their service, leadership and resources have helped to build positive relations between our county’s communities.”

Mrs. VanDerAa did not define success has attaining a lot of money or living in an expensive house, but rather as spiritual satisfaction and contentment. She outlined six choices which guide her life: accepting responsibility for her actions, seeking wisdom, being a person of action, having a “decided” heart, having a happy heart, and striving for a forgiving spirit.

Once again, the elegant and charming celebration proved to be an inspiration to those in attendance to renew their commitment to serve their communities and families - in keeping with the heritage of the remarkable women who have gone before them.

Guests were treated to a tasty brunch which featured beautifully set tables, soft lighting and tasteful centerpieces of confetti-filled glass bowls and sparkling red candles.

Miss Pulaski County Sarah Miller helps Sue Nies distribute door prizes

The event is organized by a group of ladies who came together five years ago to recognize the numerous and varied contributions of women to the quality of life in their communities. The group calls itself the Women of Pulaski County.

The mission and core purpose of the organization is to improve the lives of women and girls in communities throughout the county. The organization is also committed to the core values of community goodwill and understanding, volunteer action, leadership development, and fellowship and diversity.

The Women of Pulaski County also work to help women achieve economic and political equality.

Ten women, selected as the 2008 Women of Pulaski County honorees, were featured in a video presentation which chronicled their life stories. The women (some now deceased) were selected from throughout Pulaski County.

The honored women included farm wives and homemakers, teachers and business women, and community activists who have contributed untold hours and dedication to special projects and community organizations.

Each year the Women of Pulaski County Celebration honors women throughout the county whose quiet work has benefited their communities. The 2008 honorees were (front) Julie Kasten, Sue Nies, Rachel Thompson Gast and Midge Stump with speaker Mrs. VanDerAa; and (back) Rosemary Capouch, Becky Dilts, Judy Stinemetz and Rita Carpenter.