Women’s Club of Milton installs new officers
The Women’s Club of Milton recently held its installation luncheon at 1776 Steakhouse north of Rehoboth Beach.
Two special guests in attendance this year were Rita Hollada, General Federation of Women’s Clubs - Delaware State FWC president, and Trish Rodriguez, GFWC DSFWC president-elect.
Hollada welcomed and installed two new 2021 WCOM officers: Donna Shea, corresponding secretary; and Ellen DeRosa, assistant treasurer. Also, because current WCOM officers were unable to be officially installed in 2020 due to COVID, she installed CarolAnn Stone, president; Jean Bekeshka, vice president; Paula Constanzo, treasurer; and Linda King, Sussex County director. The time and contributions these special women selflessly give enable the WCOM to remain the vibrant organization it is today.
Nance Reeves, outgoing corresponding secretary, and Marie Johnson, outgoing membership chair, received a warm round of thanks and applause for their untiring service throughout their many years of membership.
In reviewing the past year, Stone discussed the WCOM awards received from the GFWC DSFWC for its initiatives in the arts and communication. Despite the 2020 pandemic when many events were placed on hold, club members successfully thought outside the box with new, minimum-contact fundraising initiatives.
The club was able to provide continued support to the Milton Community Food Pantry, including holding a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in conjunction with Volunteer Delaware 50+; donate 600 new or gently used bras from the Milton community to the Free the Girls international campaign; award two scholarships; contribute to tree plantings in areas devastated by U.S. wildfires for Arbor Day; provide gift cards to Milton elementary schools for families in need; donate to the Milton Garden Club and help beautify the newly renovated Milton Fire Department. The club also contributed to Kent-Sussex Industries Inc., Heifer International and the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program.
The club also awarded scholarships to two young women from Milton. Karen Spencer, education chair, presented $1,500 scholarships to Josephine Mulveny and Abigail Reese, both graduates of Cape Henlopen High School.
During the three-course luncheon, Al Frantic of Frantic Frets provided entertainment with songs and singing. Club members thank him for helping them celebrate this special day.
During the summer, club members will be planning a bingo night for Tuesday, Aug. 31, at the Milton Fire Department.
The Women's Club of Milton is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, one of the world’s oldest and largest women's service organizations dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. Each club sets its own agenda, and works on projects and programs that address the specific needs of its communities. To learn more about the Women’s Club of Milton, go to womensclubofmilton.org or Facebook.com. The club welcomes all those interested in volunteering.
