Because the Assistance League Glendale annual meeting was canceled for the last couple of years, many of the members from previous years were honored at the Nov. 9 meeting.

ALG VP Membership Linelle Vincenti announced the milestone awards for the day’s honorees. Members who were present received flowers from Rayma Halloran. Those recognized for 2019 were Rita Turkmany (10 years of service), Kathy Prosser (20 years), Danette Erickson (20 years) and Marnie Morrison (30 years).

From 2020, Karin Jonke was recognized for 10 years of service, Karen Saunders (10 years), Pat Spencer (10 years) and Margaret Hammond (20 years).

ALG VP Education Rayma Halloran then presented the Ada Laughlin Edwards Award. She first gave a brief background of the history of the Assistance League and the meaning of this highest award that is rarely given. Recipient Sunny Wheeler was presented flowers by Halloran and her name was added to a plaque for the Ada Laughlin Edwards Award.

Wheeler has served for 50 years as an active member of ALG including once being on the national board.

She comes from a farm in Illinois. Her father was a livestock trader until he died leaving Wheeler’s mother to raise five kids ranging in age 3 to 13.

Wheeler earned a full ride scholarship to University of Illinois graduating in home economics. She met her husband while in college, he a pre med student during the war trained by the military who never wanted to be a doctor.

Wheeler has always been active in community service as is her daughter Pat Rabe and her daughter Christina. Christina was president of Assisteens while Pat, with her math ability, taught the league’s SAT seminars.

Wheeler was known for her high-end gowns and one year was even named “Best Dressed in Glendale.” She has six grandchildren – all who ask her anything knowing she will have the answers.

Looking ahead, the ALG Christmas party will be on Dec. 5 at Oakmont Country Club.

President Carol Svatora is available to answer any ALG-related questions; call her at (586) 202-8764 for more info about ALG or Thrift Alley.