Washington Women's History Consortium

Women's Clubs and Organizations

Lavonne Hoivik, Tacoma, President, 1990-1992

Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs

The fiftieth President of WSFWC was born in Spokane, WA and moved to Grandview and later to Mabton where she met her future husband, George. They married in 1960 and moved to Tacoma. George served as Director of the Planning Department until his retirement.

They had two children - Amy and Eric, both graduates of Washington State University. As a matter of fact, the entire George Hoiivik family are graduates of WSU.

Lavonne became involved in her community by serving on the YWCA Board, Secretary of the county-wide Bond Committee to reconstruct Remann Hall, was cochairman of the Pierce County March of Dimes and founded and chaired the "Women in Art" show for the YWCA.

She served as a Guild member of the Tacoma Art Museum, was a docent at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and Treasurer of Sherman PTA.

She was employed as manager of the Tacoma Art Museum Store. She has her own business making and selling miniature doll house flowers, plants and furniture. She sells retail at Doll House Shows and wholesale to select shops around the country and overseas. This business started from her hobby ofcollecting for the doll house she had made.

Laverne served in several elected offices and chairmanships within WSFWC. In 1983 she was named State Advisor of the Year and she was elected President in 1990.

The theme during her administration was "Together We Can." The emphasis for the two years was communication, communication, communication!

At the post-convention board meeting following her election, a motion passed to discontinue the sewing contest on the state level.

Mid-year board meeting was at Fort Worden in Port Townsend on October 5-7, 1990. "Together, We Can Make a Difference" was the theme. Dinner was the Tirstever" state-wide pot luck dinner.

Fund raiser ideas for the 1993 Western States Region Conference and the 1995 GFWC Convention, both set for Washington State, were discussed. It was decided to sell metal license plate holders, imprinted with WSFWC, as a fundraiser for GFWC Convention.

The 1991 convention was at the Tyee Hotel in Olympia April 25-28. Club members enjoyed a tea at the Governor's Mansion hosted by the Governor's wife, Jean Gardner. Members also participated in mock trials at the Washington State Supreme Court.

A Memorial Service was conducted for the 60 members who had gone before us. Among them was Marie Kulzer and Gladys Schmidt, Past Presidents of WSFWC.

Member of the year award was presented to Kathie Jorgensen from King County District.

Twenty-one Washington State clubwomen attended the GFWC Centennial Celebration Convention in New York City in July.

The WSFWC 21st Century Endowment Fund was completed with a balance of $2179.34.

Resolutions included teaching financial education in our school system, statehood for the District of Columbia, and pensions for war veterans'widows whose spouses died before 1972 when the new law was passed.

Speaker for the Saturday evening banquet was GFWC President-elect Ann Holland.

Mid-year Board Meeting was at the Pasco Red Lion Inn September 19-22, 1991.

A grant writing workshop was presented by Jan Carlin. A Westinghouse Leadership Workshop w as gi% en by Linda Blackman. John Buck discussed at length the relationship between Westinghouse and WSFWC and ,lated that Westinghouse must have Federation involvement for an ongoing partnership.

The last convention of this administration was April 23-25 at the Enzian Hotel in Leavenworth. The theme was "Illuminating Federation."

Faye Dissinger, GFWC Second Vice-president was our GF guest.

Named outstanding member of year was Jeanette Jester. WSFWC Scholarships totaled $6,600.

The WSFWC Juniors merged with the Generals at this convention. A unity ceremony took place led by President Lavonne. The ceremony was patterned after the Charter Ceremony in which the Executive Committee began the ritual, joined by the entire membership (General, and Juniors). All joined hands in a pledge to unite our membership, illuminate togetherness, however diverse, inspire ourselves and others to take up the light.

The 1992-94 officers were installed by Faye Dissinger and the installation address was given by Bonnie Walden, Incoming President. A reception honoring Bonnie brought to a close this administration.