We are a volunteer organization providing services and programs in Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement & Outreach, Education & Libraries, Environment, and Health & Wellness
We are an amazing group of women of all ages, talents, and interests unified by our common desire to serve our community.
Membership is open to any woman over 18 years old, living in Wilbraham or any other community that doesn't have its own GFWC of Massachusetts Junior Club.
The Botanic Garden’s Spring Bulb Show is a Smith College tradition that began in the early 1900s. A group of Juniors and friends spent and afternoon at the show and then had lunch at the Northampton Brewery. (see photos below)
As part of Read Across America, and in honor of Dr. Suess's birthday, we read the The Lorax to 14 classrooms at the Mile Tree School. Each student also received a packet of seeds to grow their very own Truffala Trees... actually they were Chive seeds, but Chives look a lot like miniature Truffala Trees.
The Wilbraham Junior Women's Club and the General Federation of Women's Clubs teamed up with Secure the Call to collect used and unwanted cell phones and tablets. These devices find new life as emergency-only phones, which Secure the Call distributes to Domestic Violence Services across the country. In February we collected and shipped 29 phones and 4 tablets.
We combined a social event with a project and called it a Seed Social. Seven of us gathered to package up 400 bags of Chive seeds to distribute to the students at Mile Tree School on Read Across America Day. It was a productive evening with lots of food, drink, talk, and laughter.
The club annual meeting was held at the Center Square Grill. A new board was installed and four new members welcomed: Nikki Goewey, Karen Gatchell, Kate Hamer, and Kathy Gardner.
A night of Bingo fun was held in September at the Gremio Lusiano Club in Ludlow. Over 150 women came to play and try their luck at winning a designer bag. An additional 22 bag-related raffle prizes were also awarded. (see photos below)
Area shelters for both the homeless and victims of domestic violence receive food and clothing donations from the many generous people in our community. The Junior Women's Club became aware of a need for art supplies to nurture the creativity of the children in residences and family support centers. Donations were collected throughout the summer at the Wilbraham Farmers Market and the response from the community exceeded our expectations. One recently retired art teacher was thrilled to find a home for her many treasures. Children brought us crayons, markers, and paint. We received an amazing variety of both tools and crafting items from scissors and glue to pipe cleaners and google eyes. As a result, six centers in the local area each received a large bin full of art and craft supplies. The donations were received with surprise and pleasure, and Club members hope they bring much enjoyment and enrichment to the residents.
