2006 Fraternalist of the Year ~ Clarice White

In the far north of New York the spirit of the small town of Massena encourages volunteerism from all its inhabitants – many of them members of LCBA Traditional Branch 1100. One outstanding resident and member is Clarice White, chosen as the LCBA 2006 Fraternalist of the Year. Congratulations Clarice and thank you for all you do.

Born in Westville, NY Clarice has lived in Massena since 1944 where she raised her family. Unfortunately her husband Robert passed in 1947 and left Clarice widowed.
As sole provider for the family, Clarice served as a care giver for children, working
as many as 15 years with one family. She also did ironing at home to augment their income. Perhaps this is where Clarice’s determination to help others in need came from. She knows first hand how challenging life can be and how welcoming a volunteer’s helping hand.

In 1968 Clarice joined LCBA Branch 1100 and is actively involved as an officer and volunteer to this day. For 34 years she has held the position of Treasurer. You can be sure that whatever is happening in the branch, whether it is a social event, volunteer work or fundraising, Clarice is a part of the action. A strong believer in tradition, she has kept alive the ritual of branch attendance at a member’s wake or funeral – she gathers members together to make certain the passing member is honored.

A member of St Mary’s Church for 62 years, Clarice is an active member of the Parish Council. She serves in several officer positions within the Core Group by participating in fundraisers and other church events, including their dinners; holding the office of vice-president in the Sacred Heart League; acting as a Greeter welcoming others to mass; serving as a lector and Eucharistic minister; and volunteering at the Trinity Catholic School cafeteria (20 years). Clarice says she volunteers at the school because she “loves to see their smiling faces.”

In addition to branch and church participation Clarice actively volunteers in the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and the Retirees Club, at the Massena Women’s Democratic Club, for the Massena Senior Citizen group, plays bingo at the Nursing Home with the residents and serves Meals on Wheels. For more than 20 years Clarice has been delivering meals on Mondays. She says it “makes me feel good to help the elderly people.” At age 85 others might include Clarice in the “senior citizen” category but nothing keeps this “young at heart” woman from her mission to help others – certainly not age!

Clarice says that even though she lost her husband at a young age and had to raise her two children on her own “I thank God every day for I am so fortunate…God was always there when I needed Him.”

LCBA National President and CEO Jacqueline Sobania-Robison responds – “We thank God for all He has done to support Clarice and are honored to recognize her with the Fraternalist of the Year award for her support of those in need. I am sure God has an even greater reward awaiting her.”