First Ladies and First Citizens
There’s a story from a friend that always stirs me. Her friend shared during a hard time, that he just wanted to come over and put his feet under her table. On this night, with these ladies, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for just the opposite - that these ladies had their feet under my table. It was a night I’ll hold close to my heart and never forget.
When Brian comes home from Rotary on Thursdays, I’m always curious to hear the news around town. One evening he said, “You’re going to love this. This year’s First Citizen is Joyce Trump.” He was right — I was thrilled.
Joyce is someone I treasure. She has that rare combination of being funny, bright, and deeply accomplished, yet she never leads with her résumé. She walks into a room ready to laugh, ready to listen, and always ready to say the right thing at just the right time. And when it’s time to end a meeting, Joyce knows how to land the plane — a skill every group needs and one I admire more than I can say.
In her honor, I set a table at The Truitt House and invited a small circle of women who’ve long carried the banner for Suffolk’s downtown. They’ve preserved its stories, fought for its landmarks, and passed along their wisdom to a new generation. As I read through the list of past First Citizens, I realized something extraordinary: two of the women at my table, Sue Woodward and Betsy Brothers, had also received the honor.
No one mentioned it that night. There were no speeches, no fanfare. Just friends sharing food, telling stories, and carrying on in the way that women have always led communities — quietly, faithfully, with equal parts humor and grit. They are still committed, still making a difference today, and still the First Ladies of Suffolk.
That evening, we lifted a glass with Margaret Mead’s timeless words: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Fittingly, Joyce echoed that same quote in her speech at the First Citizen event. It’s a reminder that hospitality and citizenship aren’t so different. Both are about showing up, creating a sense of belonging, and keeping the heart of a place alive.
As I looked around that table, I realized that Suffolk’s story is still being written by women like Joyce, Sue, and Betsy. And it made me wonder — who are the “First Citizens” in your life, the ones still showing up, still making a difference?
Always at the table,
Kristy
