General Federation of Women’s Clubs Pennsylvania
Vicky Ann Trimmer, President
2013 Club Year Awards
Presented May 2014
GFWC Signature Project: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention
This club supported their local domestic violence shelter, Laurel House, with collections of personal and household items
and gift cards valued over $1500.00.
Southeastern District, Montgomery County, GFWC PA Women’s Club of Schwenksville, Carol Gavin, President
GFWC Signature Project: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention
After hearing a speaker on domestic violence at a club meeting, this club contacted their local hospital emergency
department. A need for clothing and personal items was identified so that rape victims whose clothes were needed for
evidence could return home with confidence.
Southeastern District, Bucks County, The Woman’s Club of Perkasie, Pat Schuck-President
GFWC Signature Project: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention-Small Club
Although small in number, this club has continued previous projects and added 2 more projects for Pinwheels for
Prevention. One group of pinwheels was placed on high traffic area properties and the other 24 pinwheels were given to
their adopted fifth grade class and placed in front of their school. Information about the symbolism of the pinwheels
was also given to the students who later took them to their homes.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC Juniors Special Project: Advocates For Children / GFWC PA President’s Project
For six weeks in the spring and fall of 2013, this club partnered with local agencies to present two-hour sessions for such
topics as: interviews, how to properly manage finances, keep a checkbook, relationships and dating, and job searching in
order that the teens would have the life skills and assets needed for a successful transition into adulthood.
Southwestern District, Butler County, GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Butler, Stacy Panei-President
GFWC Juniors Special Project: Advocates For Children / GFWC PA President’s Project
This club partnered with Centre County Children and Youth Services to provide 50 Christmas stockings and summer totes
to give to older youth with summer items such as a beach towel, sunscreen sunglasses, ball cap, water bottle and snacks
and most of all a note of encouragement.
North Central District, Centre County, GFWC State College Woman’s Club, Nancy Spannuth-President
GFWC Juniors Special Project: Advocates For Children /GFWC PA President’s Project-Small Club
The York County children, Youth and Families were recipients of two donations from this club. The first items were
cleaning supplies, toothbrushes and hairbrushes. Before the second group of 65 items of cosmetics that were entwined
in carnation bouquets were donated, they were used for table centerpieces at our 2013 convention Saturday evening
dinner.
South Central District, Cumberland County, GFWC Cumberland Valley Pups, Lauren Kays- President
GFWC ARTS Community Service Program
This club provided their members and the community with four art -related activities such as meeting an author and
holding a book signing at a meeting, attending a local high school play, providing crafts at the community anniversary
and 21 members helped at the Santa’s Workshop.
Southwestern District, Beaver County, New Brighton Civic Woman’s Club, Darcell Fosnaught-President
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GFWC ARTS Community Service Program
This club held an evening arts festival for 100 members, students and families which included 219 entries in four
different categories. The group also attended a local art studio to make crafts and had a one act play at their November
meeting.
Southeastern District, Berks County, GFWC Woman’s Club of Spring Township, Carol Witman-President
GFWC ARTS Community Service Program-Small Club
This club helped school children celebrate youth Art Month, developed a classroom unit on poetry for their adopted
class and collected used greeting cards for a local nursing home to use for craft projects.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC CONSERVATION Community Service Program
Along with continuing their Adopt-A –Highway, conservation tips and Arbor Day celebration, members of this club
collaborated with their local Recreation Board to hold their annual fishing Derby which features prizes for the young
children and instruction on good fishing habits and how a fisherman cares for the lake and its plants and wildlife. This
project was supported with cash donations and scholarships from local businesses and individuals.
Northeastern District, Abington Heights Civic League Inc., Sue O’Day-President
GFWC CONSERVATION Community Service Program
This club had 15 programs that included all aspects of gardening. They planted gardens in two places and also
maintained a butterfly garden.
Southeastern District, Delaware County, GFWC The Woman’s Club of Newtown Square, Julie Behl-President
GFWC CONSERVATION Community Service Program- Small Club
This club participated in America Recycles Day and educated children on recycling. They also distributed a special “Tree
Booklet” for members and families, receiving a new page each month. This club developed information packets for their
adopted fifth grade class that were incorporated into their conservation curriculum with the use of the internet and free
newsletters from conservation organizations. Their newest project is the collection of “worn, but not worn out shoes”
entitled Shoe Box Recycling.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC EDUCATION Community Service Program
This club encourages reading, especially among disadvantaged youth, by supporting Cops and Kids where local
policemen read to the children The members support schools by volunteering up to 15 hours weekly, scheduling Book
Sales, donating school supplies and individual food snacksThey collect books, Box Tops for Education ,Campbells labels
and used ink cartridges to fund children’s events.
Northeastern District, Monroe County, GFWC Pocono Mountain Women’s Club, Andrea Hauck-President
GFWC EDUCATION Community Service Program
In order to promote literacy this club spearheaded a project dubbed “B.A.G.” which stood for “Books Are Great.” Club
members put together brightly decorated canvas totes filled with books, bookmarks, activity sheets and parent
instruction sheets. The club contacted school districts and teachers and also presented the bags in person in the
classrooms. Totes were “checked out” each week for children to take home each week to read at home and return to
school for another student.
Southeastern District, Chester County, GFWC New Century Club of West Chester, Ruth Ainis –President
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GFWC EDUCATION Community Service Program-Small Club
This club adopted a fifth grade class at a local parochial school in 2013. They supplied the class throughout the year with
various educational packets which are researched and compiled for their grade level. The packets included games,
puzzles geared to cognitive thinking in math, language arts, vocabulary and reading comprehension. In addition the
packets covered a wide range of holidays.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC HOME LIFE Community Service Program
This club did 12 Home Life projects including cooperation with a local restaurant that provided balanced dinners to
children at risk, walking to raise money for Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer and providing baskets to families for holiday
meals.
Northeastern District, Luzerne County, GFWC West Side Woman’s Club, Shelley Russin-President
GFWC HOME LIFE Community Service Program-Small Club Award
This club cooked meals at the Ronald McDonald House, walked for Alzheimer’s Disease, Ran for Rachel-a fundraiser for
duodenal cancer and volunteered at Pamper Your Care Giver Day.
South Central District, Cumberland County, GFWC Cumberland Valley Pups,Lauren Kays-President
GFWC HOME LIFE – Partnership Award—INSIDE KNOWLEDGE
This club supported Inside Knowledge by holding a High Tea to raise awareness of gynecological Cancers as well as raise
money for a local medical center’s research of gynecological cancers.
North Central District, Northumberland County, GFWC Warrior Run Woman’s Club, Julie Kessler-President
GFWC INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH Community Service Program—Overall Award
Nineteen members of this club spent over 2200 hours making and packing 1001 gowns, 61 stuffed animals, 13 quilts, 6
knitted hats, 116 armbands and 804 other items for Operation Smile bags that a club member drives to the Operation
Smile headquarters in Virginia. The in- kind donations of $9540.24 helped play an integral part in helping children attain
a pleasant experience to their journey of smiles.
Southeastern District, Montgomery County, GFWC PA Women’s Civic Club of Schwenksville,Carol Gavin-President
GFWC INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH- Partnership Award
The 156 members of GFWC Bucks County spent 100 hours raising $1050.00 to purchase two wells to aid the Central
Africa Republic. Each of three clubs raised $500 for the first well and two silent auctions at their county meetings raised
the funds for the second well.
Southeastern District, Bucks County Federation of Women’s Clubs, Lenore Souder- County President
GFWC INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH—SMALL CLUB AWARD
This club adopted a fifth grade class and introduced them to various cultures by hosting events throughout the year such
as New Year’s Around the World and Cinco de Mayo. They also donated items and sent a cash donation to Operation
Smile.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC PUBLIC ISSUES Community Service Program
This club collected Coupons for Troops. The club collected $72,000 worth of coupons that were sent to troops around
the world.
Southwestern District, Beaver County, GFWC Woman’s Club of Baden, Donna Napoleon-President
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GFWC PUBLIC ISSUES-Partnership Award-USO
This club received the USO newsletter and forwarded it to their members to discuss during the club year. For Operation
Enduring Care the members made a patriotic collection can and donated the money to the project. They also sent a
donation to USO’s Operation Phone Home Program.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC PUBLIC ISSUES- SMALL CLUB AWARD
Besides generously supporting the USO programs, these club members prepared safety lessons in a local school on
bicycles, crime prevention, fire safety, drug free zones and sending coupons & cards to veterans and active duty soldiers.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA- COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS-Promoting GFWC Awareness
The club’s Public Relations efforts promoted community awareness in many ways. The club utilized newspapers,
newsletters and local community electronic boards to announce upcoming events along with their website and
Facebook page. Information on the club is also on printed materials such as the club tri-fold and the annual coloring
book. Red aprons and T –shirts with the club name and logo are worn at community events. The club receives further
recognition as it sponsors a girls’ softball league with the name of the club on the shirts and jerseys.
Northeastern District, Lackawanna County, Abington Heights Civic League Inc., Sue O’Day- President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS-Overall Communications
This club used a wide variety of overall communication efforts to promote the club internally and externally. The club
has great success getting information to the public with 9 articles including pictures in the newspaper, radio public
service announcements, online community message boards and flyers and posters placed and distributed to promote
their fundraiser and annual food drive. These different media outlets educated and informed their community, An
updated Facebook, a scrapbook with all photos and supportive written information, and monthly club newsletter
showed the club’s increased awareness of our commitment to the community.
South Central District, Blair County, GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Women’s Club, Patricia Hoyne-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS-Small Club
Along with a website, published yearbook, monthly newsletter and local newspapers, this club communicates in many
updated technological ways. Social media such as Facebook is a large part of how the member share photos of meetings,
events. They use Dropbox- a file hosting service offering cloud storage where information can be retrieved when
needed. The members use a QR code to advertise club initiatives and events. A QR code consists of black square dots on
a square grid that can be read by an imaging device such as a smart phone. The group also belongs to the local Chamber
of Commerce- a group that provides leadership to enhance the quality of life in the community.
Southwestern District, Butler County, GFWC Junior Women’s Club, Stacy Panei-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-LEADERSHIP
This club project promotes leadership skills for young middle school age women in their community. An 8th grade
student is honored every marking period based on academics, school activities, community service and good citizenship.
The student and her parents attend a club meeting for recognition and also receive a plaque and a gift card. The club
will follow and encourage this young lady throughout her high school years.
South Central District, Cumberland County, Upper Allen Woman’s Club GFWC, Eppie Rigney-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-LEADERSHIP
Nine of twenty-four members of this club actively served on the GFWC Pennsylvania Board of Directors for the 2012-14
administration along with holding a club office or serving as a committee chair in their local club. These ladies also work
full-time but seek volunteer leadership opportunities and serve as members of boards and committees within their local
community. Southwestern District, Butler County, GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Butler, Stacy Panei-President
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GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-LEADERSHIP-Small Club
Reporting is done as an everyday basis. Information is compiled after every meeting on a special form and saved until
January when reports are written. Copies are saved for the club archives. Award certificates won at state convention are
placed in an Awards Book along with a copy of the winning report.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC POLICY
This club promoted the importance of voting in their community by sponsoring the distribution of three hundred voter
registration packets to high school seniors. The packets encouraged the seniors to understand how to support
community legislative issues through the voting process.
Northeastern District, Lackawanna County, Abington Heights Civic League Inc.,Sue O’Day- President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC POLICY
This club involved their members in two successful projects. First, club members were apprised on current Pennsylvania
Congressional legislation by the chairman. Second, chairman read historical information on the United States of America
flag and asked all members to display the flag at their homes.
Southwestern District, Beaver County, GFWC Woman’s Club of Baden, Donna Napoleon-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC POLICY-Small Club
This club developed and presented an “election” curriculum for the club’s adopted fifth-grade class. National and State
Congressional newsletters, bulletins, and updates have helped educate the members on current and pending legislation
issues at club meetings. With awareness of the legislation topics, the membership voted and took the necessary action
to benefit their community.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-RETENTION FOCUS
From September to June, this club’s membership chairman used funny money to encourage members to participate.
Members were given funny money dollars for participating in club and federation activities. At an auction at the June
meeting, there was much laughter as members used only their funny money to bid on items donated by members.
Northeastern District, Monroe County, GFWC Pocono Mountain Women’s Club, Andrea Hauck-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-RECRUITMENT FOCUS
Travel was not only a method of recruitment, but also fun. After members presented info about the club on a bus trip,
the women on the bus completed an interest survey. The membership chairman followed up. The trips provided a time
to socialize and also educate as they traveled to a local historic site, a concert, a museum, Phipps Conservatory and the
University of Pittsburgh.
Southwestern District, Beaver County, GFWC Woman’s Club of Baden, Donna Napoleon-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-RECRUITMENT FOCUS-Small Club
This club’s October meeting was the Harvest Cook-Off and Guest Night, as well as the crowning of the new Pumpkin
Queen. Each member was encouraged to bring at least two guests as well as appetizers and desserts that were sampled
and voted on for prizes. One member was selected as the new Pumpkin Queen. Five new members joined at this
meeting.
From the Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Rostraver Woman’s Club, Leamar Gilmore, President.
BIGGEST GAINER AWARDS
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-BIGGEST GAINER-DISTRICT
South Central District, Karen Hartman-District Director---10.6% gain
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GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-BIGGEST GAINER- SMALL CLUB < 25
Southwestern District, Butler County, GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Butler, Stacy Panei- President
10 New Members----34.5% gain
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-BIGGEST GAINER- LARGE CLUB > 26
Northeastern District, Luzerne County, GFWC West Side Woman’s Club- Shelley Russin-President
17 New Members… 58.6% gain
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-CLUBWOMAN SPONSORING THE MOST NEW MEMBERS
Northeastern District, Luzerne County, Deidre Kaminski, GFWC West Side Woman’s Club-9 new members
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP- CLUBWOMAN FROM EACH DISTRICT SPONSORING THE MOST
NEW MEMBERS: NORTHEASTERN DISTRICT
Luzerne County, GFWC West Side Woman’s Club, Deidre Kaminski-9 new members
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-CLUBWOMAN FROM EACH DISTRICT SPONSORING THE MOST NEW
MEMBERS: SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT
Bucks County, Warrington Women’s Club-Nancy Brownless-6 new members
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-CLUBWOMAN FROM EACH DISTRICT SPONSORING THE MOST NEW
MEMBERS: NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT—3 members who brought in 2 new members each
Centre County, GFWC Bellefonte Woman’s Club, Mary Addis
Northumberland County, GFWC Woman’s Club of Milton, Dotti Zimmerman
Centre County, GFWC State College Woman’s Club, Roberta Sticht
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-CLUBWOMAN FROM EACH DISTRICT SPONSORING THE MOST NEW
MEMBERS: SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT—2 members who brought in 4 new members each
Adams County, GFWC Women’s Community Club of Littlestown, Janice Oaster
Cumberland County, Upper Allen Woman’s Club GFWC, Karen Cochran
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-CLUBWOMAN FROM EACH DISTRICT SPONSORING THE MOST NEW
MEMBERS: NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT-2 members who brought in 3 new each
Erie County, GFWC The Woman’s Club of Erie, Inc.- Judy Santone Husted
Crawford County, Johnsonburg Woman’s Club, Jeanette Prencipe
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP-CLUBWOMAN FROM EACH DISTRICT SPONSORING THE MOST NEW
MEMBERS: SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT
Butler County, GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Butler, Rebecca Lozzi -7 new members
SHOE AWARD
Nomination for GFWC Coveted Shoe Award that was sent on to GFWC---Federated Women’s Club of Hershey
$50 Club Nomination – GFWC Pocono Mountain Women’s Club
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-MEMBERSHIP- STAR AWARDS
WHITE STARS-Sponsoring 5-9 members
Donna Napoleon, GFWC Woman’s Club of Baden
Maria Blose, GFWC Intermediate League of Butler
Rebecca Lozzi, GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Butler
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Kathy Long, GFWC Curwensville Woman’s Club
Mary Bish, GFWC Grove City Woman’s Club
Karen Boback, GFWC Harvey’s Lake
Mary Braun, Federated Women’s Club of Hershey
Dianne Stultz, GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Woman’s Club
Mary Jo Lanzel ,GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Woman’s Club
Linda Stailey, GFWC Mechanicsburg
Pam Fleck, GFWC Mechanicsburg
Anita Keiser, Junior Woman’s Club of Milton
Nancy Slease, Junior Woman’s Club of Milton
Dotti Zimmerman, GFWC Woman’s Club of Milton
Carol Postupac, GFWC New Brighton Civic Club
Judy Rittenhouse, GFWC Plymouth
Joanne Pitzer, GFWC Pocono Mountain Women’s Club
Leamar Gilmore, GFWC Rostraver Woman’s Club
Jackie Bice, GFWC Saxonburg District Woman’s Club
Joan Schmitt, GFWC PA Women’s Civic Club of Schwenksville
Karen Cochran, Upper Allen Woman’s Club GFWC
Nancy Brownlow, Warrington Women’s Club
Deidre Kaminski, GFWC West Side Woman’s Club
RED STARS-Sponsoring 10-14 members
Jean Larkin, GFWC: Bethlehem Women’s Club
Deb Jewett, GFWC Camp Hill Junior Civic Club
Dawn Garrity, GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Women’s Club
June Waha, GFWC PA Nazareth Woman’s Club
Marian Wellington, GFWC The Woman’s Club of Newtown Square
BLUE STARS-Sponsoring 15-19 members
Shelvy J. Moorhead, GFWC Dillsburg Woman’s Club ( Red and Blue)
Joanne Dusinski, GFWC PA Nazareth Woman’s Club
SILVER STAR—Sponsoring 20-24 members
Lorraine Martin, GFWC PA Saucon Valley Woman’s Club
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-WOMEN’S HISTORY AND RESOURCE CENTER
The members of this club celebrated their 100th anniversary in September. This event was attended by 5 GFWC PA
officers, six Past Presidents of the club and many of the members. GFWC PA President Vicky Trimmer presented the
100th anniversary scroll and commended the club for their commitment to GFWC. An anniversary booklet containing the
club history and a Wendell August engraved ornament was presented to all attendees. A group photo was taken. Thirtyfour members worked 165 hours to plan and carry out this successful event.
Northwestern District, GFWC Meadville Woman’s Club, Norma McClay-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-WOMEN’S HISTORY AND RESOURCE CENTER
This club believes in the research and preservation efforts of WHRC. They gave a cash donation and also placed a copy of
their club history in the WHRC archives to share what the club has accomplished for over 100 years.
North Central District, Centre County, GFWC State College Woman’s Club, Nancy Spannuth-President
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GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-WOMEN’S HISTORY AND RESOURCE CENTER-Small Club
This club commemorated the economic, political and social achievements of women in several ways. They used
International Women’s Day to highlight in-depth information on granting women the right to vote and shared stories
about the special achievements of women through the years. Members presented quotes by women at their meetings
or in the newsletter. They focused on Pennsylvania women and highlighted former state presidents and their
administrations using information compiled in the latest edition of the GFWC Pennsylvania History.
Southwestern District, Westmoreland County, GFWC Town & Country Woman’s Club, Dawn Himler-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT
This club has 38 members and they spent 291 hours planning their 13th Holiday House Tour. They selected 4 homes, one
church and a historic building for their tour. The members sold tickets, made refreshments, got sponsors, organized
hosting the homes, distributed posters, sent thank you notes and had a wrap-up meeting to select next year’s
volunteers. A profit of $5,667.98 was realized.
Southeastern District, Montgomery County, GFWC PA Women’s Civic Club of Schwenksville, Carol Gavin-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT
This club worked with the Lions Club for a 5K walk, manned a booth for a week-long fair and sold savings bonds and club
cookbooks, held two craft and flea markets and in October participated in a Chinese Auction to create enthusiasm
among members. They realized $4,595.00 and In –Kind donations were $2,785.00.
Northwestern District, Clearfield County, GFWC Curwensville woman’s Club, Tracy Lytle-President
GFWC ADVANCEMENT AREA-FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT-Small Club
The organization of this report on the club’s main fundraiser was thorough. From theme to organization to donations to
conclusion it was a great success. This club of 24 members voted on where to donate the $25,185.00 realized from their
Twilight Magic Benefit Gala. Volunteer hours were 963.5.
Southwestern District, Butler County, GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Butler, Stacy Panei-President
GFWC COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AWARD-FIRST PLACE FOR GFWC PENNSYLVANIA- $50 award
***Report sent on to GFWC for national judging***
The two phase Kid’s Kingdom Play Park and Canal Basin Park Renovation Project is the renovation and restoration of two
of our community’s largest parks with playgrounds for children located in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
South Central District, Blair County, GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Women’s Club ,Patricia Hoyne-President
GFWC PA STATE JENNIE AWARD WINNER-EBBY SCHIRMER
This award honors individual members for personal excellence. Ebby is also a Middle Atlantic Region finalist.