LINTHICUM RESIDENT Frances "Fran" Thomas recently was installed as president of the Southern District of the Maryland Federation of Women's Clubs Inc. at a luncheon held at Rod 'n' Reel restaurant in Chesapeake Beach.
The Southern District, composed of thirteen clubs, including the Woman's Club of Linthicum Heights, is one of six districts in the Maryland Federation and is a part of the nationwide General Federation of Women's Clubs based in Washington.
Thomas was installed by Jo Rousseau. Thomas succeeds Janet Morgan of the Severn Town Club and immediate past president of the Southern District.
Among Thomas' duties will be to conduct district meetings, participate in executive board meetings and conventions of the Maryland group and attend the national group's convention. Thomas also will keep district clubs informed of pending legislation and promote the philanthropic works of the group.
Thomas has lived in Linthicum since 1968 and attends Linthicum Baptist Church, where she is chairwoman of the board of trustees. She joined the Woman's Club of Linthicum Heights in 1988 after retiring from the business owned by her late husband. "My husband thought I needed something to do," she said.
She served two terms as treasurer of the Linthicum group, a term as second vice president and was president from 1994 to 1996. She has served as chairwoman of the Literature and Education Committee and the Bylaws Committee.
On the state level, she served in several capacities, including federation treasure and vice president.
Being a part of the organization has been fulfilling, Thomas said. "The diversity and the fact you can meet so many interesting women who are willing to volunteer is just a wonderful feeling," she said. The theme she has chosen for her two-year term as president is "Volunteers are the Heart of the Community."
Strike up the band
The Bay Winds Band, under the baton of Michael J. Svec, will open the 22nd season of Concerts in the Park on June 30. The series is sponsored by Woman's Club of Linthicum Heights.
The program will include patriotic music and a salute to our armed forces, including "America the Beautiful" with a narration, and marches by John Philip Sousa, Karl King and Edwin Franko Goldman. Also featured will be a saxophone solo titled "Caprice," written by Steve Bulla. Bulla, a resident of Anne Arundel County, is an arranger for the U.S. Marine Band.
Other selections include a suite, "The Carnival of Animals" by Saint-Saens accompanied by humorous poems of Ogden Nash; music by Ferde Grofe and George M. Cohen; songs of Frank Sinatra; classic big-band arrangements and selections from the musical Annie Get Your Gun.
Based in Annapolis, the Bay Winds Band was founded in 1980. The membership of the band includes students, military band members, educators and professionals.
Svec has conducted the band since 1991. He graduated from Morehead State University in Kentucky. He has taught in the county's public schools for 35 years. He has been music director at Annapolis High School for 30 years.
Support for the concerts comes from the Cultural Arts Foundation of Anne Arundel County; Crestwood Improvement Association; Linthicum-Shipley Improvement Association Inc.; Linthicum Rotary Club; AARP chapters 2244 and 3850; Performing Arts Association of Linthicum; Linthicum Lions Club; and Anne Arundel County Council member Pamela G. Beidle.
Other concerts on the schedule are:
July 7: The Young Columbians (patriotic variety show).
July 14: Frankie and Company (1940s and 1950s vocalists).
July 21: Zim Zemarel Orchestra (big band).
July 28: Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition (traditional and contemporary bluegrass).
Aug. 4: Crabtowne Big Band.
Aug. 11: Naval Academy Band (patriotic, classical, Broadway.)
The free concerts begin at 6 p.m. in Linthicum Park, Benton Avenue (off Route 170 at the blinking light). In event of rain, the concert will be canceled. Attendees should take chairs. Picnics and coolers are welcome; alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Information: Jo Barker, 410- 859-3308.