Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Lake Wales Woman's Club President Deborah Partlow, center, participated in the awards presentation at Lake Wales High School, where more than $2000 in scholarships were presented to graduating seniors (L to R) Skylar Epps, Samuel Saint Lot, Mercy Nwsou, and Jasmine Brown.
Dozens of Christmas bears, destined to be gift for area children, were donated and sorted as part of the club's efforts. Sharing the joy were (L to R) Bonnie Poller, Teka Collier, Eileen Johnson, and Susan Connors.
A group of Christmas carolers entertains at the annual Dickens Pub Feast sponsored by the Woman's Club. The event is scheduled for December 2. this year.
Donations to a food bank for Lake Wales High School students are part of an ongoing effort. Bonnie Poller and Jan Lewis proudly display some of the donations at the stage of the Woman's Club auditorium.
The outsized impact of a relatively small number of Lake Wales women continues to shape and improve the lives of Lake Wales residents.
With only two dozen members, the GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales continues to be a dynamic contributing force within the community. Part of the international Greater Federation of Women's Clubs, the local organization has served the community for more than 100 years.
Operating from their historic clubhouse and auditorium at 275 East Park Avenue, adjacent to the Lake Wales Public Library, the group is responsible for the maintenance of the building, which is used for a wide variety of community events, and available for rentals for receptions of all types.
Giving back to the community is a major part of the club's efforts. President Deborah Partlow and Treasurer Jessica Bray represented the club at the recent awards ceremony at Lake Wales High School to present scholarships. Funds totaling more than two thousand dollars went to four graduating seniors toward their journeys to a higher educational level.
The Woman's Club continues to be actively involved in many other community events, and many involve dishes prepared by club members. They partner with the Memory Unit at Water's Edge for quarterly arts and crafts activities, assisting residents with such projects as making valentines and decorating cookies.
They conduct both annual and year-around food drives, collecting hundreds of pounds of food for family Thanksgiving dinners and to assist homeless students.
The club also participates in such annual events as Olmsted Day in the Park, Pioneer Days, and Make It Magical, where they help kids decorate free cookies. Weekly Tuesday bingo nights, which also offer a great menu, draw a steady crowd of regular fans.
They kick off the Holiday season each year with a special Dickens Christmas, which features costumed characters and an English-style "pub feast," topped off with a spectacular Christmas dessert presentation.
An annual "International Dinner" features traditional menu samples from multiple nations. The twice a year spaghetti dinners hosted by the club also have many loyal customers.
This fall will find members active on several fundraising events. The Lake Wales Woman's Club Plant and Garden Festival will be held on October 21st from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on the grounds of the Woman's Club. The Club is in need of sponsors for this event, and those interested in helping are asked to contact Pat Roberts at 863-944-7097 or by email at [email protected]
During the Festival experts will be offering advice about gardening with native plants, the challenges of Central Florida landscapes, and the citrus industry, along with tips and tricks from Master Gardeners and local organizations who help to keep our city moving in the green direction.
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