GFWC STARS Juniorette Club of Westminster

Western District
Contact: Babs Condon babscondon@comcast.net

2010-2011 Officers

Co-presidents: Michele Thompson and Emily Rosenthal
Treasurer: Sarah Walton
Secretary: Hannah Utermahlen

Meetings

Regular meetings are held in members homes.

Upcoming Events

None to report at this time. Please check back for updates!

Club News

April 24, 2012: “Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign”

Several members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s Club of Westminster, Junior Woman’s Club of Westminster, and STARS Juniorette Club of Westminster met at Belle Grove Square Park in regard to “Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign” on April 24th. Child Abuse America has introduced the pinwheel as the symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention nationwide. The campaign represents Prevent Child Abuse America’s efforts to change the way our nation thinks about prevention, focusing on community activities and public policies that promote healthy child development and child abuse prevention. Our clubs were invited to participate in this campaign to help raise awareness.

Connie Sgarlata, assistant executive director of Family and Children’s Services of Central Maryland, spoke on the subject of child abuse and neglect. A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. More than five children die every day as a result of child abuse in the United States. It occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. Some of the symptoms are unexplained injuries, changes in sleeping habits, changes in school performance, fear of going home, and changes in behavior.

Developed by the Adams County Child Advocacy Center, the following “One with Courage” pledge was used at the 2012 Pinwheels to Prevent Child Abuse Conference.

“I commit to learning the signs and symptoms of child abuse and sharing this information with others in the community. I commit to finding ways I can make an impact on the heartbreak that is child abuse, whether that is through donations, volunteering, prevention, or bringing awareness to other community members. I commit to following my instincts when it comes to the safety of children and reporting instances of suspected child abuse. By adhering to the complete pledge above, I acknowledge that then, and only then, can I be the One with Courage and be an active combatant against child abuse.”

Picture (left to right) Jean Picardi and Pat Harter, Home Life Community Service Program chairwomen; Connie Sgarlata, assistant executive director of Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland.

Picture (left to right) Pat Harter, Home Life Community Service Program chairwoman; Connie Kidder and Sue Thomas, clubwomen; Connie Sgarlata,assistant executive director of Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland; Jean Picardi, Home Life Community Service Program chairwoman; Michele Thompson and Carol Horne, clubmembers; and Babs Condon, GFWC First Vice-President.

Picture (left to right) Mary Walton, clubmember and co- advisor of GFWC STARS Juniorette Club; Rachel Horton; Sarah Walton, clubmember of GFWC STARS Juniorette Club; Babs Condon, GFWC first vice president and co-advisor of GFWC STARS Juniorette Club; clubmembers Hannah Utermahlen, Michele Thompson, and Emily Rosenthal of GFWC STARS Juniorette Club.