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The GFWC Woman's Club of Westminster, Inc.

Western District, since April 2002
Contact: Carol Kershner, carolandronk65@comcast.net

2010-2012 Officers

  • President: Carol Kershner
  • Vice President: Sharon Quinter
  • Treasurer: Barb Gunther
  • Rec Sec: Debbie Schaeffer
  • Cor Sec: Marge Simmons

 

Meetings

Regular meetings are held at 1 PM on the second Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted.

Evening Division meetings: contact Susan Case at 410-848-5423 for more information.

 

Upcoming Events

None to be reported at this time. Check back frequently for updates!

 

Monthly Newsletters

>> To view older Monthly Newsletters, please visit the Woman's Club of Westminster Archives Page!

 

Club News & Press Releases

January 2012

Members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s Club of Westminster, met January 10 at the Carroll Non-Profit Center in Westminster. After a thought for the day involving hints for drying garden herbs by Trinka Cueman, a “staccato moment” was presented by clubwoman Jan Ober in regard to the Carroll County Education Foundation. This non-profit organization was created to support and enhance the education of all students in the county’s public schools. Some of the Foundation’s goals include improving education for every student, supporting programs or projects initiated by classroom teachers, creating strong partnerships between the community and the school system, and coordinating support from local and national organizations. As a club, we are encouraged to give donations and in kind gifts as well as volunteering, writing grants, and supporting the
fundraisers.



In addition to the various community service programs and committee reports, Mary Dudderar and Karen Soisson were introduced as new members. Guests were Clare Berent, Bharati Morjaria, and Uma Bhatti.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 14 at the Carroll County Non-Profit Center in Westminster from 1p.m. – 3p.m. For more information, call 410-857-9933 or email blpayne@comcast.net. Guests are welcomed.

Top Picture: (left to right) Jan Ober, clubwoman and presenter; Carol Kershner, president; and Dolly Snyder, program chairwoman of the Woman's Club of Westminster.

Bottom Picture: (left to right) New members - Karen Soisson and Mary Dudderar.


December 2011

Several members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s Club of Westminster toured Carroll Child Care Center on December 21. Education chairwomen Jackie Hering and Etta Ray Griffin with Debbie Schaeffer and Linda Payne donated age-appropriate books to the center in celebration of the 100th. anniversary of the Woman’s Club. They were greeted by Fred Teeter, Jr., CEO and Julie Wilhelm, Director of Management & Enrollment. The center has been serving families of all income levels by offering a healthy environment in which children discover, learn and grow since 1969.


Jackie Hering with the Carroll Child Care Center children.


(left to right) Fred Teeter, CEO of Carroll Child Care Center; Debbie Schaeffer, Secretary of Woman's Club of Westminster; Julie Wilhelm, Director of Management & Enrollment.


Children left to right: Daniel Bowers, Miles Mongar, Hannah Harris, Abby McCall.  Adults left to right:  Etta Ray Griffin, Education Community Service Program Chairwoman; Linda Payne, Publicity Chairwoman; and Debbie Schaeffer, Secretary of Woman's Club of Westminster.


left to right: Jackie Hering and Etta Ray Griffin, Education Community Service Program Chairwomen; Linda Payne, Publicity Chairwoman; and Debbie Schaeffer, Secretary of Woman's Club of Westminster.


Club members also met December 13 at The Riding Club in Westminster for a Christmas luncheon and a holiday silent auction. Carol Kershner, president, welcomed members and 42 guests. She read a book about a child’s Christmas in Wales. Recognition was given to Dolly Snyder, program chairwoman, and her committee on an outstanding job in arranging this event. Entertainment was provided by soloist Carol Raber, choir director at Sandymount United Methodist Church. Clubwoman Barbara Humbert led the group in the singing of Christmas carols. Sandy Ferguson, chairwoman of the Ways and Means Committee, and her members were organizers of the various auction items which included baked goods, greenery, holiday décor, gifts for giving and gifts for members.

Guests are welcomed at the meetings. Call 410-857-9933 or email blpayne@comcast.net for more information.



November 2011

Members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s
Club of Westminster, met November 8 at the Carroll Non-Profit Center
in Westminster. After a thought for a day involving life lessons by
Gerri Reck, clubwomen Maryl Harshey and Fran Rock presented an
informative “staccato moment” on water issues in Carroll County. They indicated that in 2010 a new and very comprehensive plan entitled “Water Resources Element” was adopted. The plan proposed ideas for land use and growth balanced with water. Goals included restoring and maintaining good water quality and protection from pollution and encroachment. County has started assessing pollutants in the Prettyboy Reservoir watershed and some of the smaller areas of Liberty Reservoir watershed from storm water discharge. An area of concern is the treatment of wastewater. Recommendations in the
2010 plan for upgrades to the Westminster wastewater treatment plant would make available an additional 705,905 gallons per day in wastewater flow.

Jackie Hering and Etta Ray Griffin, co-chairwomen of the education community service project, introduced Savannah Walker, one of the scholarship winners for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. She is currently a junior at Westminster High School and attended a seminar at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg to develop leadership skills. The purpose of the seminar was to teach these students how to think – not what to think. By exploring new ideas and serving others, they are encouraged to help our county meet the myriad challenges of the 21st century.

In addition to the various community service programs and committee reports, new members were introduced by chairwoman, Norma Jean Swam. They were Robyn Allers, Dottie Moore, Debbie Schmidt, Gini Bosse, Mary Lou Porier, and Suzanne Albert. Guests were Ellen Nicodemus, Lynn Walter, Mary Dudderar, and Karen Soisson. For more information, call 410-857-9933 or email blpayne@comcast.net. Guests are welcomed.

Top Picture: (left to right) New members are Robyn Allers, Dottie Moore, Debbie Schmidt, Gini Bosse, Mary Lou Porier, and Suzanne Albert.

Bottom Picture: (left to right) Etta Ray Griffin, co-chairwoman of Education Community Service Project; Savannah Walker, a scholarship winner for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.


The Home Life Community Service Program of the General

Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s Club of Westminster, sponsored a fundraiser by Pat Harter for Carroll County Safe House and
New Life for Girls on October 17. Club members enjoyed a delicious four course luncheon meal and a cooking class by master chef Ken Lurie, owner of Bud’s of Silver Run. Representatives from Human Services Program, Family and Children Services, and New Life for Girls joined the event. New Life for Girls is a non-denominational Christian discipleship program for women and children involved in alcohol and drug addiction. Carroll County Safe House provides a safe shelter environment for women and their dependent children who are victims of domestic violence. Services of advocacy, counseling, court accompaniment, and attorney referrals are provided.

For more information on various programs of Woman’s Club of
Westminster, call 410-857-9933 or email blpayne@comcast.net.

Picture Above: (left to right) Pat Harter, Home Life Community Service Program Chairwoman of Woman's Club of Westminster; Cindy Parr, Executive Director of Human Services Program; Ken Lurie, Owner and Master Chef at Bud's of Silver Run; Sharon Howell, Assistant  Director at New Life for Girls; and Connie Sgarlata, Assistant Executive Director of Family and Children Services.



“We are beneficiaries of knowledge from all nations of the world for the welfare of mankind.”

Members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s Club of Westminster, met October 12 at the Carroll Non-Profit Center in Westminster for an inspiring presentation by Major General Melissa Rank, (retired Air Force). With an international theme, clubwoman Billie White gave the thought for the day – “We are beneficiaries of knowledge from all nations of the world for the welfare of mankind.” Guests introduced were: Gini Bosse, Karol Griffin, Cathy Lucadamo, Dottie Moore, Mary Lou Poirier, and Debbie Schmidt. Clubwoman Barb Gunther introduced the Major General, a resident of western Maryland and a member of the Oakland GFWC. Ms. Rank presented firsthand knowledge of life in Iraq and Afghanistan and she said that over 745 women who have served in these two countries have received the Purple Heart. With a nursing background, she indicated that medicine practice in Afghanistan was far behind the standards of today in our country. In Iraq, children are brought to the front gate of hospitals for treatment and parents appreciate what is being done for them. With a salute to the troops, she brought home wounded Marines on her last mission. In addition to the day’s program, various community service programs and committee reports were presented. For more information, call 410-857-9933 or email blpayne@comcast.net. Guests are welcomed.

Picture Above: (left to right) - Marge Simmons, corresponding secretary; Major General Melissa Rank, retired; and Barb Gunther, treasurer of the GFWC Woman's Club of Westminster.



2011 Holiday Ornament - The Shellman House

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s Club of Westminster is selling ornaments depicting local landmarks in the area. This year’s ornament, The Shellman House, costs $21. The land was purchased from William Winchester, Jr., son of the founder of Westminster, and the house was built in 1807 for the Jacob Sherman family. In 1842, the house was sold to John Fisher, and then later owned by the Shellman family from 1864 until 1939 when it was purchased by the newly formed Historical Society of Carroll County.

Mary Shellman (1849-1938) made her mark on county history by starting Westminster’s first Memorial Day Parade in 1868, which is believed to be the longest continuously running Memorial Day Parade in the country. She was a writer, a humanitarian, and a composer. She is most noted for composing the words of the Memorial Hymn for Arlington National Cemetery, the Memorial Day poem for Antietam Battlefield, and the rally song for William McKinley’s 1900 Presidential Campaign. Ornaments of The Shellman House are being sold at the following places:

The Gift Shop at the Historical Society of Carroll County, Village Book Store at McDaniel College, Carroll County Arts Council, Westminster Armory, O’Lordon’s Irish Pub, Westminster Antique Mall, Harvestin’ Natural Foods, Benn’s Menswear & Formalwear, Shop on the Square at Carroll Lutheran Village, and the monthly meetings of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Westminster.

Sandy Ferguson is also available to take orders for the ornaments
at 410-848-3032.

Picture Above: (left to right) Linda Cunfer, operations manager of the Historical Society of Carroll County and Sandy Ferguson, chairwoman of the Ways and Means Committee of the GFWC Woman's Club of Westminster, hold this year's ornament.




Annual Potluck Picnic and September General Meeting

Members of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Westminster enjoyed a lovely evening with their annual potluck picnic at the home of Lura Griswold on Tuesday, August 30. Members and guests were entertained by author Lucie Snodgrass with her recipes from the cookbook, Dishing Up Maryland. She shared stories and recipes from farmers, watermen, and chefs who she interviewed throughout Maryland as well as her own recipes. Her hope in writing this book was to give people a guide and some inspiration to help them shop, cook, and eat more locally and seasonally as well as plant their own garden.

Club members met September 13 at the Carroll Non-Profit Center in Westminster for a general business meeting. After an inspirational story about Marines helping children on September 11, 2001 by clubwoman, Pat Amass, various guests were introduced. They were Gini Bosse, Mary Dudderar, Mary Lou Poirier, and Karen Soisson. A report on the history of the scholarship endowment fund was given by clubwoman, Jackie Hering. Members of community service projects and committees within the club shared their community and international programs which include sponsoring art exhibit projects, a poetry and short story contest, volunteering at SERRV, reading across Carroll County in March, donating to Safe House and New Life for Girls, and preparing care packages for service men and women, titled “Operation: Stars and Stripes.”

The Woman’s Club of Westminster, which has more than 100 members, brings together women from all over the Carroll County area who are dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. Guests are welcomed. For more information, call 410-857- 9933 or e-mail blpayne@comcast.net.

Picture Above: (seated- Lucie Snodgrass, cookbook author) and Carol Kershner, president of GFWC Woman's Club of Westminster.

 

August 10, 2011: Garden at Historic Belle Grove Square

Members of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Westminster enjoyed a busy morning in the garden at historic Belle Grove Square August 10. Since the 1970s the group has planted and maintained the garden at the intersection of Bond and Green streets in Westminster. This community conservation service program is designed to increase awareness of important issues such as beautification of our community, conservation of our natural resources, preservation of our parks, and observance of days that commemorate conservation activities.

The Woman’s Club of Westminster, which has more than 100 members, brings together women from all over the Carroll County area who are dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. For more information, contact 410- 857-9933.

Picture Above: (left to right) - Joan Hollinger, Norma Jean Swam, Jo Harp, and Susan Ridder.   Not Pictured - Nancy Heiberg.

 

"Carroll County Women in Art" Exhibit

An art exhibit, highlighting “Carroll County Women in Art”, is featured at the Non-Profit Center in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Westminster. This exhibit has been a project of the Arts Community Service Program chaired by Barbara Humbert and Nancy James for the GFWC Woman’s Club of Westminster. This service program has been designed to create and facilitate activities in the community to help raise public consciousness in the arts area.

This exhibit is the first of future rotating and juried exhibits that will be open to community artists in Carroll County and also a wonderful opportunity for them to display their talents. The next exhibit will focus on photography with the theme “Carroll County Shutterbugs” from July 21st. to October 13th. Helping to coordinate the exhibit from the Non- Profit Center are Mark Krider and Audrey Cimino and artists, Pam Zappardino, Susan Williamson and Lyndi McNulty. For further information in exhibiting photographic pieces of work, contact Barbara Humbert at beh495@yahoo.com or Nancy James at nhjames409@verizon.net by July 1st.

Picture Above: (left to right) Mark Krider, director of Carroll Non-Profit Center; Audrey Cimino, director of Community Foundation of Carroll County; Susan Williamson, artist; Lyndi McNulty, owner of Gizmos Art; Pamela Zappardino, artist; Nancy James and Barbara Humbert, co-chairwomen of Arts Community Service Program of GFWC Woman’s Club of Westminster.

Memorial Day Parade
May 30, 2011

“Seventy-six trombones lead the big parade!” With the Woman’s Club, Junior Woman’s Club, and the Juniorette Stars right behind!

Members and their families showed their patriotic spirit by joining the 144th Memorial Day Parade in Westminster with their red, white, and blue colors on Monday, May 30th. It was a huge success with banners, wreaths, miniature flags, club hand-outs, and convertibles!

It was an honor and a privilege to have several past presidents participate in the parade.
They were Babs Condon, Trinka Cueman, Jo Harp, Jackie Hering, Sally Marks, Nancy McAllister, Barbara Peck, Carol Shook, Jayne Stocksdale, and Norma Jean Swam. We would like to express our gratitude to the drivers of the sporty cars which included Bob Payne, Gary Quinter, Keith Saylor, and Jim Stocksdale.

A special thanks to the publicity committee members for all their time and effort. We look forward to another parade next year!









Image 1: Nancy McAllister is wearing her patriotic hat.

Image 2: Babs Condon is dressed in her red, white, and blue.

Image 3: Woman's Club wreath is displayed in Belle Grove Square Garden.

Image 4: Sharon Quinter and Barbara Gunther are ready for the parade.



June 13, 2011
100 Years of the Woman's Club of Westminster Mayoral Procolamation

A mayoral proclamation in recognition of the 100 years of the Woman’s Club of Westminster was read June 13 at the City Hall in Westminster by Mayor Kevin R. Utz. On behalf of the Mayor and Common Council of
Westminster, he thanked and commended the Woman’s Club for their dedication and longevity, contributions to the community and their continuance on making an impact throughout the world. Vice-President Sharon Quinter with club members Sandy Ferguson and Sue Thomas graciously accepted the proclamation.

In celebration of America’s Bicentennial Year, the club purchased and installed the fountain at Belle Grove Square and over the years club members have continued to help maintain the beautiful gardens. The club has always been involved with civic affairs, and over many years has taken an active part in assisting with the establishment of a county library and hospital, purchasing a new ambulance, citizenship, tutoring, educational pursuits, and numerous activities depending on what was most needed at the time.

Top Picture: Article on Mayoral Proclamation in reference to The Woman's Club of Westminster.

Bottom Picture: Vice-President Sharon Quinter of The Woman's Club of Westminster accepting the mayoral proclamation from Mayor Kevin R. Utz.



May 10, 2011: Spring Luncheon

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Westminster, members met May 10 for a spring luncheon at Antrim 1844 in Taneytown.

After welcoming and introducing guests by Club President Carol Kershner, greetings were given by GFWC Maryland President Jo Miller and International President Carlene Garner. “We are women of commitment,” said President Garner as she gave a 100th Anniversary certificate with a letter of accommodation to the club.

Master of ceremonies, Helen Wolf, introduced past presidents Babs Condon, Jackie Hering, Lura Griswold, and Trinka Cueman as they presented the historical background of the club in 25-year segments. The first segment focused on its beginnings including the founder, Carrie Rinehart Wantz, who, at the age of 34 started the Westminster Woman’s Literary Club in January, 1911. The next segment highlighted such projects as support for the founding of the library, the building of the new high school in 1935 with our encouragement, and the forming of two clubs for young women. The third segment featured our service to the newly constructed Carroll County Hospital in 1961 and our fund raisers that supported the Historical Society. In the last piece, a phrase recurs in all the records of the anniversary celebrations. It is in 2 forms: ‘the women who did…’ and, ‘a woman who did…’. This phrase describes who we have been, who we still are, and with persistence and imagination, who we will be.

Barbara Hering, Carol Shook, and Lura Griswold were recognized for their 50 years of service and Nancy McAllister for her 25 years. In addition, President Kershner acknowledged all past presidents with a rose and thanked Dolly Snyder, program chairwoman, and her committee for all their efforts.

Picture Above: (left to right) Babs Condon, GFWC First Vice-President; Carlene Garner, GFWC International President; Carol Kershner, President, GFWC Woman’s Club of Westminster.

 

April 12, 2011
Club Meeting

Members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s Club of Westminster, met April 12 at the Carroll Non-Profit Center in Westminster.

After a thought for a day entitled “Oh Bring Flowers” by President Carol Kershner, winners of the short story/essay contest were announced by clubwoman, Susan Case. Scott Arminger won first place for the middle school short story entitled “Unforgettable” and Brian Edwards with his poem, “On the Field,” won first place for middle school poetry. Both of these students are in the 8th grade at New Windsor Middle School. Their teacher is the 8th grade English Language Arts Teacher, Jeanne Bowman. At the upper level, Sarah Kramb, a junior at Liberty High School, won for the high school poetry with her entry, “Moon’s Heart.”

After an introduction by clubwoman Nancy Hiatt, the program speaker Marie Coulter demonstrated the art of Japanese flower arranging entitled Ikebana. This type of floral design is more subtle, more sensitive, and more sophisticated than the methods of arranging flowers usually employed in other cultures. Arrangements were made as early as the seventh century and they have remained a vital medium for creative expression.

In addition to the day’s program and a memorial tribute to Carol Bare, various community service programs and committee reports were presented in addition to changes in the club’s by-laws.

Picture Above: Top: (left to right) – Scott Arminger, middle school short story winner; Jeanne Bowman, 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at New Windsor Middle School; Brian Edwards, middle school poetry winner.

Middle: Marie Coulter, president of the Baltimore chapter of Ikebana International.

Bottom: Japanese flower arrangements.






 

>> To view older Club News & Press Releases, please visit the Woman's Club of Westminster Archives Page!

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