Above: Janet Peterson (left), outgoing president of the Polk County Repulican Women’s Club, passes the gavel to Opal Sauve, the club’s new president.

Below: Peterson (left) presents Sauve with a “temporary” gift. Since 1980, this handmade GOP sweater has been presented to a number of women in Polk County who assumed leadership roles in Polk County Republican politics, including presidents of the women’s club. The sweater will be presented to someone else when Sauve leaves office. All interested Republican women are invited to attend the next meeting of the Polk County Republican Women’s Club on Thursday, March 3 at 11:30 a.m. For reservations or more information, call 828-894-8696 or 828-863-2437. (photos submitted)