Association

CSA WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

A Century Strong

End-of-Season Wrap-Up  •  Summer 2026

What a season it has been. As the Women's Association steps into its second century, we are filled with gratitude for a summer that reminded us, again and again, what this community can accomplish when we show up for one another. From our Centennial celebrations to another banner Arts & Crafts Fair, this was a season worth remembering, and it was made possible entirely by you.

A Centennial to Remember

Our 100th anniversary festivities drew the whole community together. More than 100 guests joined us for a truly special (and sold-out) traditional tea, and over 200 attended our Roaring Twenties celebration, an unforgettable evening of music spanning the generations. Thank you to Kate Kirkwood, Mia Henley, and the entire Centennial planning team for their vision and tireless work in making these milestones so memorable.

A Standout Arts & Crafts Fair

Blessed with beautiful weather and a village of volunteers, this year's fair was another tremendous success. We expect to land around $31,000, right in line with last year's strong results. More than 30 young vendors brought wonderful new energy to the ball field, credit-card sales performed well, and vendor feedback was overwhelmingly positive. As our co-chairs so aptly put it, the fair truly "takes a village," and our community consistently shows up.

A heartfelt thank-you to Jennifer Thomson and Cynnie Hood for leading this year's fair, and a warm welcome to Kathy Dwyer and Alison Siles, who will co-chair in 2027.

With Thanks to Our Arts & Crafts Fair Team

This fair simply doesn't happen without the dedicated volunteers who chair its many moving parts. With deep gratitude, we recognize:

Fair Co-Chairs:  Jennifer Thomson & Cynnie Hood

Vendors:  Barb Patterson & Cynthia Rauschert

Cottage Treasures:  Olivia Fox, Heather Green, Claire Perry, Darcy Sherman & Kellie Walker

Cottage Treasures Clean-Up:  Cindy Cox

Treasure Trove:  Jodie Ricklefs & Kathy Way

Silent Auction:  Jen Potter, Julie Kirkwood & Mia Henley

Bake Sale:  Barbara Cooper

Food Booth:  Kathy Dwyer

Publicity:  Jen Potter & Katherine Laidlaw

Kids Korner: Olivia Kockaya

Ball Field Layout:  Janet Dertz

Set-Up & Tear-Down:  Steve Walton

Parking:  David Belknap

Traffic Control: Molly Hood Jones

Vendor Appreciation:  Margie Finley

Treasurer:  Jan Lauerman

A Record-Setting Silent Auction

This year's Silent Auction raised over $13,000, a wonderful result that reflects the generosity of our donors and the creativity of our team. Experiences proved especially popular, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed items, time, and enthusiasm. Special thanks to Jen Potter and Mia Henley for their leadership.

Commemorative Merchandise

Joni Leete did an amazing job curating a special commemorative collection celebrating our Centennial and the CSA's 125th. Highlights included limited-edition reproductions of the historic 1934 and 1957 posters, festive drinkware, keepsake ornaments, and a brand-new offering this year: a beautiful needlepoint kit of the Doghouse on Crystal Lake Beach. Thank you for wearing, displaying, and sharing a piece of our shared history.

Recognized with the Citation Award

We are proud and humbled to share that the Women's Association received the Citation Award in recognition of a century of service to the CSA community. This honor belongs to every member, volunteer, and supporter who has given their time and talents over the years. Thank you for carrying this legacy forward.

A Season of Fellowship, Fitness & Fun

Beyond our marquee events, the everyday moments of community life flourished this summer. Our yoga and pilates classes, thoughtfully coordinated by Dana Query, were more popular than ever, with participation up roughly 20 percent over last year. Our potluck dinners were a joyful highlight once again, now with a lively round of BINGO added to the fun, and cherished traditions like Lemonade Sundays continued to bring neighbors together in the simplest and best of ways. Thank you to everyone who organized, cooked, set up, and simply showed up.

Lasting Improvements to Our Community

We are also delighted to share two additions that will serve our community for years to come. A new water fountain has been installed in the Assembly Building, making it easier for everyone to stay refreshed. And at the Crystal Lake beach playground, new shade now offers welcome relief from the sun, part of our ongoing work to make our shared spaces more comfortable and accessible for all.

Looking Ahead: A Request for You

As we plan our giving for the year ahead, we want to hear from you. If you know of an organization you'd like the Women's Association to consider supporting with a donation, please send your suggestions to Tammy Moore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by September 1. Your input helps ensure our contributions reflect the causes closest to our community's heart.

With Gratitude

None of this happens without our volunteers, committee leaders, and the many hands that make each event possible. Thank you for another remarkable season, and for being part of a community that gives so generously of its time, talents, and spirit. Here's to our second century, together.

Women's Association Purpose:

The Women's Association was founded in 1926 and marked its 100th anniversary in 2026, coinciding with the CSA's own 125th anniversary. For a century, the Women's Association has worked to enhance the holistic well-being and community connection of Congregational Summer Assembly individuals and families through targeted programs, fundraising, and service initiatives.

The Women's Association is an independently governed organization with its own Board and finances, and holds a voting seat on the CSA Board of Trustees. Under the leadership of its Executive Committee and approval of its Board, the Women's Association considers funding requests from Association members, the CSA Board of Trustees and/or Committees, and other members of the CSA community at large.

Funding Criteria:

• Spiritual and Religious Enrichment
• Recreation and Creativity
• Nature and the Environment
• Health and Safety
• Education and Training
• General Administrative needs of the WA and CSA

In the past, the Women’s Association has approved funding for speakers, for supplies for Art Classes and Workshops, for the Children’s Library, Ecology Projects, Tennis Program, Lemonade Sunday, Youth Programs, and Equipment for the Assembly

The primary source of our funding is the annual Arts and Crafts Fair and associated events, including the Silent Auction and Cottage Treasures Rummage Sale. In 2027, the Fair will be held on Wednesday, July 28. More details are available on the Art Fair Information and Q&A for Vendors pages.

The CSA Women’s Association looks forward to “FUN-Raising and “FUND-Raising” with you, and seeing you at our events!   Click here to Learn More about us

Questions? Suggestions? Comments?                                                            Contact: Tammy Moore

 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

SERVICE, SUPPORT AND FUNDING

MEMBERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP

FINANCE POLICY AND ANNUAL REPORT

SERVICE, SUPPORT AND FUNDING

The Women's Association, under the leadership of its Executive Committee and approval of its Board, considers funding requests from Association members, the CSA Board of Trustees and/or Committees, and other members of the CSA community at large. Funding will be considered for programs and purchases in these categories:

• Spiritual and Religious Enrichment
• Recreation and Creativity
• Nature and the Environment
• Health and Safety
• Education and Training
• General Administrative needs of the WA and CSA

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION FUNDING APPLICATION

To be considered for funding for specific projects, programs and/or purchases, please complete the CSA Women's Association Funding Request Form.   Please note the following:

Funding requests to the CSA Women's Association will be accepted from October 1st through June 1st of each fiscal year on a rolling basis, pending the availability of funds.

• Each funding request must fit one or more of the funding categories.
• The earlier requests are received during the Oct. 1 - June 1 time period, the better the Women's Association is able to plan its overall budget and programming for the coming season.
• The WA strives to honor all eligible funding requests, however, based on the variability of each year's funding raising and circumstances, funding is not guaranteed.

Questions? Contact Tammy Moore                                                                                              

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PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

The service, support and funding generated by the Women’s Association contributes to many CSA and community activities, programs and projects. Below is a list of recent initiatives supported with WA funds:

CSA Programs and Activities

• Art Workshops
• Authors and Artisans Fair
• Children’s Library
• Ecology Fun
• Ecology Interns
• Fitness Classes – yoga, Pilates and water aerobics
• Landscaping
• Lemonade Sunday
• Speakers
• Youth Arts and Crafts Classes
• Youth Program – weekly pizza
• Welcome gifts for CSA Births
• Welcome Teas to meet new members

CSA Special Projects and Purchases

• Butterfly Garden at Crystal View
• Tennis Shed
• File Cabinet for Membership
• Beverage Recycling Receptacles and Recycling Bin Lids
• Materials for replacing swim rafts
• Access Ramp at entrance of Crystal View
• Crystal Beach Playground -- ongoing fundraising and installation

Charitable Donations to Benzie County Non-Profit and Social Service Organizations

Each year WA makes donations to area non-profits and/or social service organizations that directly support programs for women and children in Benzie County. We encourage anyone interested to support these worthwhile organizations which serve both year-round and seasonal residents.  Organizations receiving funding from the Women’s Association in recent years include:

• BACN - Feminine Hygiene products
• Benzie Senior Resource Center - Senior Essential Needs Fund
• Cognition Beulah - Interactive Science and Discovery Playground
• Crystal Lake & Watershed Association - Swimmer’s Itch Prevention Program
• Grow Benzie - Early Childhood Nutrition Program/Neighborhood Center Program
• Imagination Library, Frankfort - Monthly books to registered children    (National Dolly Parton reading program)
• Paul Oliver Healthcare Foundation - Pediatric ER – iPads/cover/headphones
• Philips Baby Pantry - Snow suits                                                                                                                  
  

Fundraisers

The Women’s Association’s impact and contributions would not be possible without successful fundraising, which often involves many volunteers from the larger CSA community. The Women’s Association primary fundraiser is the annual Arts & Crafts Fair and associated events:

The Annual Arts & Crafts Fair

• Artist Booths
• Cottage Treasures
• Silent Auction
• Treasure Trove

Merchandise Sales

• Throughout the season at the Crystal View
• At the July Fair                                                                                                                                                            

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MEMBERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP

There is no formal “membership” in the Women’s Association.  All CSA members are welcome to participate in, or volunteer for, any Women’s Association activity or event. 

The Women's Association is led by a board of very dedicated, active, fun-loving CSA volunteers who strive to make the CSA a vital, safe, and welcoming community. The board meets in person monthly during the summer season and typically holds two or three virtual meetings as needed throughout the year.

New Women’s Association Board members are nominated (or self-nominated) and approved at the annual meeting held in the summer and serve for a term of three years.  Due to life’s unexpected nature, some Board members serve for two years, and we strive to be flexible.  

The Women's Association holds a voting seat on the CSA Board of Trustees, represented at meetings throughout the summer and at the November winter meeting by the WA President, or an approved designee.

2026 WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION BOARD

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FINANCE POLICY AND ANNUAL REPORT

The Women’s Association budget and expenditures are approved by the WA Board, managed by the WA Treasurer, and reported to the CSA Board of Trustees Treasurer and Budget Committee. For more information on the Women's Association finances and budget, please contact the Treasurer Jan Lauerman.                                                                       

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