Somers Women's Club

Two Local Women Elected to GFWC/CT District Directorship Positions

    At the recent Annual Meeting of District 7 of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of CT (GFWC/CT), Clemence Dumont of Enfield was elected District Director and Joan Sizer of Somers was elected Assistant District Director. GFWC/CT State President, Jeanne Waseleski, installed both officers into their two-year terms, as all of the GFWC/CT State Officers and Member at Large, the presiding District Director, and many Club members observed. The GFWC/CT is composed of seven Districts. The Directors in each provide support to their District’s Clubs and serve as liaisons between the Clubs and the State Federation (GFWC/CT) as well as the International General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC).

    Mrs. Dumont is currently a Director of the Woman’s Club of Enfield and is also the immediate past President of her Club and immediate past Assistant District Director of District 7. Since joining her Club in 1997, she also served as Vice President from 2002-2004. Mrs. Dumont is a 2005 graduate of the GFWC Leadership Education and Development Seminar (LEADS). She is a former member of the Enfield Junior Women’s Club, having held the position of Secretary in that Club. She is the Queen Mum of the Red Hat Society Firecrackers of Enfield, Advisor to the Sun Valley Camping Resort Executive Board in Stafford Springs, and has held leadership positions in her church. Mrs. Dumont has been active in Enfield’s Town government since 2006 and was elected Enfield Town Councilman for District 4 in November 2007. She is also a Justice of the Peace for the State of CT.

    Mrs. Sizer is currently the Director as well as Publicity Chairman of the Somers Women’s Club and is the immediate past President of her Club. Since joining her Club in 2000, she has served in various other Club Officer and Chairmen positions. She is also currently the Chairman of both the GFWC/CT State Nominating Committee and Helping Hands Committee. She has also been active, and has held/is holding various leadership roles, in other organizations. She is the Secretary of the Somers VNA Board, the immediate past President of the Somers Senior Citizens’ Club where she held other officer/chairmen positions, holds leadership positions in her church, etc.

    The five Clubs within District 7, which are located in Ellington, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, and Windsor Locks, were recognized at the District’s Annual Meeting. GFWC/CT State President, Jeanne Waseleski, presented numerous awards to the Clubs for their volunteer hours and donations made as a result of various charitable projects as well as for leadership, education, literacy, arts, etc. In all, 24 awards were presented to these Clubs (approximately 335 members) for their 2007 efforts of 20,770 volunteer hours and $67,484 in donations. During the meeting, individual Club members entered 52 items to compete in a District Level Arts and Crafts Competition (the items having already won first place awards in their respective Clubs). All of the 25 District first place winners will now advance to the GFWC/CT State Level Competition which will be held at the GFWC/CT Convention on May 2nd and 3rd.

    Mrs. Dumont’s theme for her term will be “Rising to New Horizons.” Both she and Mrs. Sizer share the desire to enhance communications not only between the Clubs within their District but also between their District and the other six Districts within the GFWC/CT organization and with the GFWC. It is hoped that new horizons and new accomplishments can be reached for the betterment of those whom the organization serves in the community, state, nation, and the world.

    The GFWC/CT recently celebrated its 110th anniversary and the International GFWC has existed for 116 years. For more information about any of the above mentioned local Clubs, please call 741-2363 or 749-1347.

Somers Women’s Club Gives From The Heart!

As has been the tradition of the Somers Women’s Club for 86 years, its members have continued to “give from the heart” to those in need, not only in Somers, but elsewhere. Their recent projects have clearly demonstrated that.
At a recent General Federation of Women’s Club of CT meeting, the Somers Women’s Club was the recipient of an award from the Rocky Hill Veterans Home and Hospital. This award was in recognition of outstanding support the club has given to the VA CT Healthcare System and the veterans they serve. The club made and donated various items including large handmade bibs for the Veterans.		Erlene Earle, Margaret Nourse, Jeanne Waseleski & Arlene Yarnes
Connie Carenzo & Arlene Yarnes	At the beginning of the winter season and as fuel needs erupted, club President Arlene Yarnes presented a donation check on behalf of the club to Connie Carenzo at Town Hall for the Town of Somers Emergency Fund. These funds are used to help those in town who are in need of financial assistance. Mrs. Yarnes arrived on Halloween Day dressed in costume and assured Ms. Carenzo (who was also in costume for the day) that the check was no “trick.”
As the club members celebrated at their Holiday Party, they were still thinking of others in need. In lieu of a gift exchange amongst members, they chose to bring toys to donate to Toys for Tots. President Yarnes delivered the abundance of toys to Postmaster Rick Paskewitz at the Somers Post Office. Once again, Postmaster Paskewitz was delighted with the huge annual donation of toys from the club members.		Rick Paskewitz & Arlene Yarnes
Ann Osborne, Arlene Yarnes & Kathy Barron	In addition to the donation of toys, club members also brought to the Holiday Party various nonperishable food items, household products, and personal items for donating to the Domestic Abuse Center in Enfield. Those utilizing the Center are constantly in need of such items as they go through such traumatic times in their lives. Of course, the Center was delighted to receive the donations, as they are constantly in need of replenishing their supplies for domestic abuse victims.
The above are just a few examples of how the Somers Women’s Club gives “helping hands” to the community. Of course, they also give annual scholarships to students residing in Somers who graduate from a high school and who will be pursuing college educations. The Somers Women’s Club is proud to be a member of the General Federation of Women’s Club of CT and also of the International General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The Somers Women’s Club is just one example of how the various clubs associated with these organizations try to render assistance to those in need in their local communities, as well as in the state, nation, and the world.

Crazy Whist Party

The Somers Women's Club is once again sponsoring a Crazy Whist Party.  Come one, come all, to our Crazy Whist Party to be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at the Somers Town Hall Auditorium, 600 Main Street, Somers, CT.  It's right in the center of town.

Doors will open at 12:30 pm and the game will begin promptly at 1:00 pm.  Crazy Whist is a fun game -- you don't have to know how to play cards.  We will have prizes and refreshments.  The public is invited (adults only).

Tickets are $6. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 749-6611 or 749-3501.  The Somers Women’s Club is proudly celebrating its 86th Anniversary. It is a member of General Federation of Women’s Clubs of CT and the International General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Scholarships Available to High School Seniors

   The Somers Women's Club is offering two $1000 scholarships to high school seniors who live in Somers and plan to attend college next year.  The primary requirements for the scholarship are academic achievement, character, extracurricular activities, and work/volunteer activities.  Seniors attending Somers High School may obtain an application form at the Guidance Department.  Seniors attending other schools should contact Florence at 749-3119 for an application.

Applications must be received by May 2, 2008.  Mail completed applications to Florence Brown, 439 Hall Hill Road, Somers, CT 06071

College Scholarships Available

   The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Connecticut (GFWC/CT) is offering Memorial Scholarships to qualified women pursuing their education.  Applicants must possess a minimum 3.0 average and must have completed two years of undergraduate study at an institution of higher learning at the time of making application.  The application deadline is February 14th, 2008 and deadlines must be strictly observed.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Please contact Florence Brown, Scholarship Chair of the Somers Women's Club, for an application and further information at 860-749-3119.

Somers Women’s Club Honored for Outstanding Membership Growth
at GFWC State Convention

   At the recent 110th annual convention of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of CT (GFWC/CT), the Somers Women’s Club was the recipient of the prestigious Sutton Gavel. Each year the gavel is presented to the GFWC/CT Club having the largest net percentage growth in membership in the past year. The gavel was first awarded in 1937 by Miss Florence Sutton during her term as the thirteenth president of the organization (1934-1938). At that time, the organization was known as the Connecticut State Federation of Women’s Clubs (CSFWC). As Club President, Arlene Yarnes, proudly accepted the gavel, GFWC/CT Third Vice President, Mary Antey, announced that the Somers Women’s Club had incurred a 24% growth in membership in the past year. As a result, the Club not only was recognized as the First Place winner amongst the medium-sized clubs for having the largest net percentage growth in that category, but it then also received the Sutton Gavel because the Club had the largest net percentage membership growth amongst all of the Connecticut clubs. This is the first time the Somers Women’s Club has been the recipient of the Sutton Gavel. It will be proudly displayed at its monthly membership meetings in the forthcoming club year, which begins in September. A number of Somers Women’s Club members were in attendance at the convention and each was extremely proud of the club’s recognition.

   In addition to the above, the Somers Women’s Club also received awards for its monthly newsletter, its involvement in Arts in the Community, and its successful publicity campaign and Publicity Press Book. These awards were in addition to the six awards the club received for Leadership, Women’s Health, Helping Hands, Community Safety, Fundraising, and Beautification at the recent District Day Conference.

   Individual members of the Somers Women’s Club were also recipients of awards at the convention for the statewide GFWC/CT Arts and Crafts Contest. Their various entries had previously won First Place awards at the Club and District Level Competitions. Somers Women’s Club members who received First Place Awards at the State Level Competition were Deb Pero, Dorothy Thompson, and Arlene Yarnes. Second Place Awards were also awarded to Estelle Lech and Deb Pero, Ms. Pero having had two entries.

   The Somers Women’s Club is proudly a member of the GFWC/CT as well as the International General Federation of Women’s Clubs. It has been a foundation in the Town of Somers for 86 years. The International General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the world’s largest and oldest women’s volunteer community service organizations, was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Washington, DC. GFWC has over 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and members in 16 countries outside the US. For membership information, contact the Somers Women’s Club Second Vice President and Membership Chairman, Karen Anderson, at 749-0567.

Somers Women’s Club Remembers – Then and Now!

   When the Somers Historical Society Museum recently reopened for the season, Somers Women’s Club members were elated. As part of the museum’s opening day, the Town of Somers’ first fire truck was on display. This 1938 fire truck was particularly meaningful to the Somers Women’s Club members who visited the museum that day. As verified by newspaper articles from the early 1930s, Club members were the initiators for pushing the Town to purchase its first fire truck and to establish a Fire Department. For almost eight years prior to 1938, club members stood up and spoke out for what they believed to be an important need within the Town and took appropriate actions to see their goal reached. They held various fundraisers in order to raise the $600 which they donated to the Town. This money was added to Town funds in order to effectuate the purchase of this truck. As current Club President Arlene Yarnes, Club Historian Charlotte Stopa, immediate past Club President Joan Sizer, and Club Photographer Terri Ramsey examined the 1938 fire truck, they were amazed to realize just how much technology had advanced over these past 70 years.

   This almost eight year effort on the part of the Somers Women’s Club represented their single largest contribution to a worthy cause. It was just one example of the fortitude these women had and which current members still have. Over the 86 years of the Club’s existence, more than 600 women have served as club members and have participated in similar projects. To this day, there are many facets of the community in which the Club lends a Helping Hand. The Somers Women’s Club is a member of the CT State and International General Federations of Women’s Clubs. The Club will resume its meetings in September and welcomes all women in Somers and the surrounding communities to join the Club.

Somers Women’s Club donates Surveillance System to Somers Resident Trooper’s Office

Every two years, the Somers Women’s Club picks a “Town Project” within Somers to which it makes a noteworthy donation. The recipient of the 2006 Town Project Award was the Somers Resident Troopers’ Office. With the troopers moving into their new location on Main Street in September 2005, the Club decided to purchase a surveillance camera system for their new home. Temporary Resident Trooper Sgt. Jack Sauve` and his staff were thrilled when Arlene Yarnes (who was the 2006 Town Project Chairperson and is now the Club’s President) and Joan Sizer (who was the 2006 President and is now Publicity Chairman) presented the check for the new addition to their office. The system is now fully operational and Sgt. Sauve` gave a demonstration of the system to the two ladies during their visit.

Prior Somers Women’s Club Town Project donations have touched upon many aspects of the community including, but not limited to, the elementary, middle, and high schools; the fire department and paramedics; the Senior Center; etc. Throughout each year, the club raises funds through various fundraisers so that it can continue to do similar Town Projects as well as grant its annual high school scholarships and do other charitable deeds to help those in need.

The Somers Women’s Club is proudly celebrating its 85th Anniversary year. It is a member of the CT and International General Federation of Women’s Club.

In Photo: Arlene Yarnes, Sgt. Jack Sauve`, and Joan Sizer. The surveillance system’s monitor appears in the background (TV screen pictured on the right).

GFWC/CT Celebrates 110th Anniversary

General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Connecticut (GFWC/CT) President, Jeanne Waseleski, held a brief ceremony on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in front of the State Office Building in Hartford. The purpose of the ceremony was to dedicate a 60-foot long banner in recognition of the Organization’s contribution to Women’s History and the GFWC/CT’s 110th Anniversary of Federation. Connecticut State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Karen Jarmoc (State Representative of the 59th District) were guest attendees. The banner was displayed on the State Office Building for one week to promote awareness of GFWC/CT.

Mrs. Waseleski highlighted some of the accomplishments of GFWC/CT including, but not limited to, promoting the first Hospice Center in the country; linking Connecticut and the National Poison Control Center; and adopting a wing for renovations at the Rocky Hill Veterans Hospital. She stated that currently the 50 clubs and approximately 3,000 members are focusing their considerable strength behind the hidden epidemic of Domestic Violence. Mr. Blumenthal and Ms. Jarmoc commented on their own efforts to combat Domestic Violence. Mr. Blumenthal congratulated the organization on its 110 years of service and expressed his gratitude for the time and commitment given by the members. Also present at the event were GFWC/CT state federation 1st Vice President Grace Matyskiela; 2nd Vice President JoAnn Calnen; 3rd Vice President Mary Antey; Assistant Treasurer Patricia Kaczynski; Member at Large (and a past GFWC/CT President) Jean Brown; and members from some of the Hartford area clubs, i.e., Enfield, East Hartford, Newtown, Farmington, Trumbull, and Terryville.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Waseleski highlighted the three words that were the main theme of the banner by stating, “Today, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we emphasize FRIENDSHIP with others; PRIDE in our organization; and SERVICE in our communities.” GFWC/CT is a member of the international organization, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

GFWC/CT President Jeanne Waseleski and the State of CT Attorney General Richard Blumenthal

GFWC/CT is proud to have been recognized by then Lt. Governor Rell as a “Connecticut treasure” for its contributions. In the past years, GFWC/CT has helped to support such causes as Greenwood Nature Camp for Girls, CT Hospice, the CT Sexual Assault Crisis Center, Literacy Volunteers for America, CT Canine Search and Rescue, and the Rocky Hill Veteran’s Hospital. Currently GFWC/CT has a Two Year State Project supporting the Connecticut Community Care Independent Living Fund.

GFWC/CT also encourages women to attain leadership roles within the community and within the organization. Personal growth, pride, friendship, and service to the community are benefits of membership.

GFWC/CT is a member of the international organization, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs with headquarters in Washington DC.
 

Somers Women’s Club Installs New Officers

At their recent Annual Meeting, the Somers Women’s Club installed its new slate of officers and directors. Each will serve for a term of two years. Jeanne Waseleski, President-Elect of the CT General Federation of Women’s Clubs was the Installation Officer.

The new officers of the club are: Arlene Yarnes, President; Linda LaCasse, 1st Vice President; Karen Anderson, 2nd Vice President; Tammy Wilson, Secretary; and Dorothy Schwarz, Treasurer. The three new directors are: Joan Sizer (immediate Past President), Judy Siracusa, and Marie Burnette. Mrs. Siracusa and Mrs. Burnette are also former club presidents.

The Somers Women’s Club is proudly celebrating its 85th Anniversary year and will resume monthly meetings in September. It is a member of the CT and International General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Sitting (left to right): Joan Sizer, Director, and Arlene Yarnes, President.
Standing (left to right): Linda LaCasse, 1st Vice President; Dorothy Schwarz, Treasurer; Judy Siracusa, Director; Karen Anderson, 2nd Vice President; Tammy Wilson, Secretary; and Jeanne Waseleski, President-elect of the CT General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

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Somers Women’s Club Celebrates 85 Years

Seated (left to right): Arlene Yarnes, the Club’s President-Elect; Rita Hartley, GFWC’s New England Regional Vice President; Barbara Feinstein, CT GFWC President.
Standing (left to right): Joan Sizer, the Club’s President, and Nancy Wyman, CT State Comptroller.

The Somers Women’s Club did it up right.  Their recent 85^th anniversary celebration was an event of the year!  They were honored to have in attendance CT State Comptroller, Nancy Wyman; District Director for Congressman Robert Simmons, Jane Dauphinais; State Senator John Kissel; State Representative Penny Bacchiochi; and all three Town Selectmen – David Pinney, Kathy Devlin, and Ernie Allsup.  Many congratulatory letters, proclamations, and citations were announced during the celebration including letters of congratulation from President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush, Senator Dodd, Senator Lieberman, and a proclamation from Governor Rell declaring April 6^th as “Somers Women’s Club Day.”  President Joan Sizer presented a scroll of the approximate 600 women who have been members of the club over the last 85 years.  It was a wonderful celebration with 84 people in attendance. 

Numerous General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) dignitaries were present.  The New England Regional Vice President, Rita Hartley, presented a citation from the New England Regional President, Diana McLean.  The General Federation of Women’s Club of CT President, Barbara Feinstein, was a keynote speaker and presented a citation on behalf of the GFWC International President, Ernie Shriner.  Many other women’s club presidents and their club members also attended.  A number of the local organizations to which the Club has made donations were also present (i.e., Somers VNA, Johnson Memorial Hospital, State Troopers, Network Against Domestic Abuse, Somers Library, Somers School System, Somers Fire Department, etc.).  Club member, Charlotte Stopa, who has been a member of the Club for 44 years and who has been active in the GFWC CT for 40 years gave a historical presentation.  She was also the recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation from President Sizer and GFWC CT President Feinstein for her many years of wonderful service.

The Somers Women’s Club was founded on April 5, 1921 and joined the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in October 1921.  The club’s goal is to serve the community and beyond in many ways.  They have done just that, and successfully, for 85 years!

A Brief History of Accomplishments of the Somers Women’s Club

Collectible Pewter Ornaments

Pewter medallions depicting Somers High School, Mabelle B. Avery Middle School, Somers Elementary School, and the Somers Free Public Library are on sale by the Somers Women's Club. The limited edition keepsakes are sold for $8 each, with a special of three for $21. The medallions are on display at the Somers Public Library and the Somers Historical Society Museum and available for purchase at Kassandra's Herbs Unlimited, 54 Springfield Road in Somers; and at the Somers Branch of the Rockville Bank or by calling 749-7387

What We Do

Every two years the Club raises funds and makes a
significant contribution the Community. For the years
2000-2002 we donated $1,500 dollars towards the
purchase of a score board for the Mabel B. Avery
Middle School, $300 dollars for the Mabel B. Avery
Technology Department to buy saws.

1998-2000 We donated $3,000.00 for the Somers High
School Band Uniforms, $1000.00 for the Somers Police
Explorers, and $1,400.00 to the Somers Fire Department
for a Hand Held Carbon Monoxide Detector.

We give two high school seniors scholarships every
year based on their grades, participation in school
activities, volunteer and community service.

We give an annual financial contribution to the
Cultural Commission for the Summer Concerts on the
Green.

We also accept applications from women in town who are
continuing their education and submit them to the
General Federation of Women's Clubs of Connecticut for
scholarships from the Phipps and Schoelzel Memorial
Scholarship Funds.

Our funds our raised through the sales of our Building
Plaques of Somers' Historical Buildings, Arts and
Craft Auction, Annual Fashion Show,
Bus Trips, and our new line of Pewter Ornaments of
Buildings and Scenic Views of our town.
Medallions of the Somers Free Public Library, the Somers Elementary School and Somers High School are now on sale.

A Brief History of Accomplishments of the Somers Women’s Club

· Services and donations for the library have been continuing projects since 1921, including the formation of the “Friends of the Library” (an organization that continues today). We have also made various donations of equipment and books throughout the years (including a recent collection of books regarding women’s health issues).

· As a result of our initiating efforts in 1923, our concerns regarding the need for a community and school nurse in Somers ultimately resulted in the creation of the Somers Visiting Nurses Association. We still support the VNA each year.

· As a result of our making arrangements for serving hot soup or hot cocoa to the children who carried their lunches to school between 1921 and 1939, this program was expanded to the lunch program which was then taken over by the PTA and eventually the Board of Education

· Our biggest single contribution reflected eight years work between 1930 and 1938 when we encouraged the formation of the Somers Fire Department and helped purchase a fire engine together with funds from the Town.

· In 1937, we sponsored a Junior Women’s Club. It was disbanded in 1963 and some of the members joined the Somers Women’s Club.

· Girl Scouts and PTA (PTO) and the Ambulance Corps got a boost in their starts and continuing support from our Club. In 1938, we sponsored a Girl Scout Troop.

· Every year since 1957, one or more scholarships have been given to Somers students headed to college.

· A large contribution was made toward the children’s wing of the then new Johnson Memorial Hospital.

· Our services and contributions relative to our Veterans started in the 1920’s with the raising of funds for the Veterans Memorial located near the Town Hall. It has continued through the years with knitting/crocheting hats for Veterans, rolling bandages during WWII, making up and sending “goodie boxes” and greeting cards to our military personnel in Viet Nam and Iraq, contributing to a new wing for the Veterans Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill, CT, etc.

· In 1969, we collected dress material for an orphanage in Paracha, Brazil. This enabled them to make their own clothes and to teach them a trade. This was not the only international assistance rendered through the years.

· Through the years we have purchased such things as a large television set for the Senior Center; mobile radio programmer, a two-way radio for town emergency vehicles and other equipment for the ambulance, paramedics, and Fire Department; a computer and surveillance camera system (the latter being purchased in 2006) for our State Troopers Residence Office; a flag pole and pear tree for the Historical Society Museum, etc.

· A reading area was provided for the library of the new Elementary School; Japanese motif stained glass window and panels, fountain and rock garden, plantings, cushions and books; uniforms for the High School band students; saws for the industrial arts program of the Middle School as well as a scoreboard for the school’s field; numerous hours have been spent volunteering at the elementary school for after-class assistance to the students, working in the office or library, etc. For a number of years, we have contributed to the Summer Concerts on the Green that are co-coordinated by the Somers Cultural Commission.

· Over the years, we have stepped in and helped individual town residents in times of need, be it a disabled individual or an accident victim. We have also made contributions to such worthy causes as Salvation Army, Easter Seals, American Cancer Society, etc. For several years, the members have donated nonperishable foods at our monthly meetings and donated them to food pantries at our local churches and the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen. In addition, each year we hold a luncheon for the seniors in town. During the Holiday Season, members have been donating items to the Domestic Abuse Center. This is in addition to other services and donations made throughout the years. Likewise, each Holiday Season members have been donating toys to the Toys for Tots Drive.

The bulleted list above is just a sampling of the services and donations the Club, as a whole, has made to the community and beyond. This list doesn’t begin to cover all the thousands of hours individual members have volunteered to such things as delivering meals to those in need for the Meals on Wheels Program and cooking/serving meals at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen; assisting the elderly with tax return preparations as part of the AARP Taxes for Elderly Program; assisting their respective churches and synagogues in so many ways; assisting local hospitals, schools, senior centers, VNA Board, and the library; mentoring young people; assisting victims of disasters; etc. In addition, our individual Club members have donated thousands of dollars to various charities and worthy local, state, national and international needs.