Junior Women’s Club Name Change
The Junior Women’s Club of Barnesville, established and federated in 1935, recently changed its name to Women’s Club to better reflect who club members are in the present day.
The Women’s Club of Barnesville is part of the organization General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). Julie Starr, treasurer, explained the small club is part of the larger organization and network. Barnesville members take on community service projects and identify needs in the community.
The club has been known as the Junior Women’s Club for many years. Starr, who is also co-chair of the education committee, said many of the women in the club are not considered junior in age as they were when the club was established 90 years ago.
The club’s Facebook page contains more information on the group. There it is still titled “junior” while the club is in transition.
There are various committees, including arts and culture, health and wellness, advocates for children, environment, education and libraries, civic engagement and outreach and domestic violence and awareness. There are approximately 25 members at present.
Each committee works on projects. Last year, the education committee contacted an author who published a series of books about a dog with one eye. The committee thought the message in the series would bring a positive message for students. The committee partnered with the Barnesville Elementary School and Barnesville Girls Softball League in sponsoring the author/illustrator.
The civic outreach committee has taken on many projects including partnering with Mayor Jake Hershberger and staging informational gatherings.
The Women’s Club’s major fundraiser over the past few years is a purse bash each spring. Profits from the fundraiser are donated to support various organizations and causes in the community.
Helen Detling, longtime member of the Women’s Club, died earlier this year. Members recently honored her for her longtime care of the flowers at the east side entrance sign by dedicating it as a memorial. Helen’s three children, Lou Ann, Marla and William were present for the ceremony.
The Women’s Club meets monthly from September to May. While there are no meetings in the summer, members remain active working on various projects.
Starr said the club is really grateful for all of the opportunities it has to better the Barnesville community.
“This is an open club, so if anyone would be interested, we’d love to have them,” Starr said.
The Women’s Club mission demonstrates club members work to make a difference through various activities and projects.
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