Coming up with subjects for columns is often difficult. A person runs out of ideas for stories to interest readers and often, so to speak, scrapes the barrel for an idea.

Writing this week’s column, however, was easier than usual and the subject is not to be construed as my attempt to sway any woman voter toward becoming a member of the Mingo Counmty Democrat Women’s Club. I’m just discussing the club and many of the women with whom I am acquainted.

This club, organized by the late Peggy Hatfield, now has 93 members, all of whom have indicated their desire to do things for this community that are more than just of social interest.

One reason I like this organization is because of its leader – President Helen Childers. I have never met a more sincere person. She is active in the East Williamson Baptist Church and heads the Women’s Missionary Union, which is a most active group.

I have attended many of our church women’s annual retreats at Ripley and enjoyed them immensely because of being well-planned (by Helen and her WMU group).

At the last retreat I attended, we met in the small chapel beside the lake. It was my assignment to teach the Sunday School lesson that Sunday morning as our retreat drew to a close. As I stood behind a small pulpit with sun beaming in from a nearby window, I admit to almost being overwhelmed by the beauty and solemnity of the occasion. I understood how a minister must feel when he faces a congregation as he delivers his message.

Each year, several women from Beckley, including Williamson native Debbie (Childers) Smith, join our group at the Cedar Lakes FFA-FHA State Camp. Much of the weekend is spent in study and prayer, interspersed with hikes around the lake and fun-filled periods.

As I started out in his column, my intention was to discuss the Democrat Women’s Club and some of the projects it has undertaken lately.

“We are proud of our club efforts for our area,” said Helen. “We are trying to be useful to our community and received much helpful information at our club’s June 19 meeting when addressed by Tim Hatfield, administrator of the Appalachian Regional Hospital.”

Hatfield gave club members a good outlook on what’s happening with regard to healthcare in this area. A gracious guest, he brought several gifts for distribution to club members.

“All area women are invited to attend our monthly meetings, dates of which are published in the Daily News’ Community Calendar,” said Helen.

Back in the spring months (April and May), the Democrat Women turned their attention to the preparation of 39 gift bags for the patients in the ARH Skilled Nursing unit.

With the help of Diann Hannah and Southside Mall, Helen reported, the club purchased items needed to fill the gift bags, which were delivered in May.

The month of May also featured a “Family Fun Day” for soldiers and, appropriately, the guest speaker was the Williamson area’s own four-star General Robert Foglesong, now retired from the U.S. Air Force but still active in things military and in furthering education.

The Women’s Club actually assisted Debbie Bowens in arranging for the Family Fun Day event. The women helped serve what was declared a delicious catered dinner, to members of the National Guard and their families. No one had a better time, though, than the kids in attendance.

A fun-filled event for the Democrat Women was their annual picnic at the West Williamson municipal pool on June 19. They were joined there by their families, as well as several of the club’s elected officers. “Everyone enjoyed good music, good food and great fellowship,” President Helen reported.

Recent weeks have not been happy ones for Helen Childers, as her husband, Tex, has been hospitalized because of health problems and her mother died after an illness. Despite the emotional weight on her, Sundays find Helen in her usual seat in church. If our area had a regular award like “Hometown Hero” or such, we would readily nominate her.