Masury-Brookfield Women’s Club officers are, seated from left, Carrie Davis, Ruth Hawkins and Rene Martin and, standing, Melissa Sydlowski, left, and Chris Trinckes.
Although the Masury-Brookfield Women’s Club is in much better shape than many local service clubs, adding three new members in the past year to bring the total to 20, now is not the time for club leaders to rest on their laurels, said Yvonne Ford, state president of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
“The future of our organization relies on the growth of our clubs,” Ford said at the Masury-Brookfield club’s May 8 annual banquet.
“I’m asking clubs to step outside their comfort zones, to try something new as a club, with the focus being on membership and the environment,” Ford said. “This is a time to try something new, change it up – be the change.”
Try new approaches to attracting and retaining members, she said. Mentor new members and try their ideas.
“Don’t be the one who says, ‘This is the way we always do things,’” Ford said.
She suggested holding a theme party where you play games and serve food that goes with the theme.
“Make your meeting fun,” Ford said. “Be the club everyone wants to join.”
In terms of the environment, Ford suggested starting a pollinator garden, educating kids on the importance of pollinators, volunteering at an animal shelter, promoting water conservation and planting trees.
“Your club has been very active,” Ford said. “Your report was great. You did a great job on your report, and the activities you did are amazing.”
One of the club’s activities is awarding an annual scholarship to a graduating senior. This year’s winner was Jenae Pugh of Brookfield High School, who attended the banquet with her mom, Dana Pugh.
Karen Margala, director of the GFWC junior clubs, emphasized the new state law that outlaws texting and driving, and guest speaker Amy Zell of Trumbull County Loss gave a history of the organization and outlined its goals and upcoming events, which includes a butterfly release to honor loved ones who have died by suicide, Sept. 9 on the green in Brookfield Center.
The club is on summer hiatus, and meetings will resume in September. Club President Ruth Hawkins is available at 330-540-5708.
