Rochester Junior Woman’s Club Announces New Officers

The Rochester Junior Woman’s Club recently celebrated the end of their year with their annual Installation Dinner held at Meadow Brook Hall.

During the evening their slate of officers for the 2016-2017 year were announced and are as follows: President Alicia Chenhalls, President Elect/New Members Carol Anne Ketelsen, Vice President Tanya Armitage-Edgeworth, Recording Secretary – Donna Affeldt, Corresponding Secretary Anne Dieters-Williams, Treasurer Cyndi Toupin and Parliamentarian Lisa Belisle.

The club also welcomed 9 new members; Tammy Arcori, Kim Arnett, Jaki Holzer, Alison Hynd, Sharon Heussner, Marie Mangas, Julia Webber, Rhonda Williams and Gloria Young. In addition, 5 Years; Leigh Berkhoel, Lillian Roland and Linda Rumslag were recognized for celebrating their 5 year club anniversary in the club. And, Karen Chase, Debbie Glennan and Randa Volbrecht were recognized for celebrating their 25 year club anniversary in the club.

Outstanding members were also recognized for their significant volunteer activities over the past club year; Volunteer of the Year was presented to Jennifer Hyvari; this award is given to a member who can be found on every sign up sheet, is there to help cover for others when they cannot attend, is willing to do whatever is needed to get the job done, helps to keep things running smoothly and does not have to be in a leadership position to be recognized. This individual also volunteers for other charitable organizations in the community. “Club Woman of the Year” was also presented to Jennifer Hyvari; this award is presented to the ideal Rochester Junior Woman, someone who promotes the Club within the community and is enthusiastic about the club’s goals and programs. Also, this year the special award, Woman of Achievement, was presented to Deb Mohre. This award is given to a member who is civic-minded and involved in her community as a volunteer, active in the club and meets the requirements of active membership, holds or has held a leadership position(s) within RJWC and may be involved in other organizations or clubs.

Club President Lisa Belisle also noted the club was recognized at GFWC SED MI conference in Midland in April. The club won the following awards; 3rd Place – Communication & Public Relations, 3rd Place – Legislation & Public Policy,  3rd Place – Conservation, Honor Score Gold Award, 2nd Place – Club of the Year,  1st Place – Newsletter Category III,  1st Place – Fundraising Advancements, Club of the Year for Membership,  Newsletter Contest – Overall MI Winner, GFWC MI – 60th Anniversary Congratulations and 60th Anniversary Certificated.  In addition, club member, Deb Mohre as recognized for her Woman of Achievement award and club member Kathy Lewis installed as President of the GFWC SED.

At the club’s year end, RJWC was happy to announce that they had raised over $25,000 to help support various charities within the community over the past 12 months. Proceeds from the club’s upcoming fundraising events will go to benefit Rochester Area Neighborhood House in an amount of $10,000 to aid their Capital Campaign Program with their new facility located at 1720 S. Livernois and provide the Rochester Junior Woman’s Club with the unique and historic opportunity of having a Counseling Room named upon behalf of our club.

Funds will also benefit Dutton Farm which serves Oakland County individuals with mental, physical and emotional impairments by providing job training, meaningful and integrated employment opportunities, holistic inclusion, independent living and socialization. The funding will help to assist with their summer time participants who cannot afford the $40.00/day fee.

Paint A Miracle, which serves the tri-County area for those individuals with disabilities and other challenges to explore the arts in an atmosphere of hope, growth and encouragement, will also be a recipient. Their funding will assist with scholarships to those low-income artists with disabilities.

The club is currently planning their annual Lobster Boil which will be held on September 24, 2016 where live New England lobsters are flown in fresh and members of RJWC cook and wrap the lobsters and have them hot and ready as customers pick them up at the OPC drive-thru site.

The club is also currently planning their annual “Spring Highlights” Luncheon and Shopping Boutique and the “Haute to Trot” Kentucky Derby event.

For 60 years the Rochester Junior Woman’s Club has contributed to the growth and vitality of the community through volunteer service and donation of funds to local charities and organizations. Since its inception, the Rochester Junior Woman’s Club has donated more than 1 million hours of community service and raised more than $9100,000 to support the local community.

If you are interested in learning more information about the club Carol Anne at 248-417-7685 or ketelsen@oakland.edu. You can also visit their website at www.rjwc.org or follow them on Facebook at “Rochester Junior Woman’s Club.