Women's Club of Stuart Kicks-off Their 96 th Year of Service!

STUART, FL - On Wednesday, September 16, 2009, the Women's Club of Stuart will kick-off their 96 th year of service to the community with their first meeting of the 2009/2010 season. The first meeting will be held at the Women's Club of Stuart Clubhouse located at 729 East Ocean Boulevard in Downtown Stuart at 11:30 a.m. Regular meetings are held Sept. - May the 3 rd Wednesday of each month. Anyone wishing to attend as a guest please RSVP to (772) 288-3227. For information on new membership, please contact Jackie Lester membership chairman at (772) 600-5068.

2009-2010 Chapter President, Pat Schmader is looking forward to an exciting year of opportunities for the organization, and anticipates that this first meeting will give members and guests a glimpse of the contributions that the Club has made (and will make) to the Treasure Coast. The September 2009, speaker will be Chris Sawicki, Executive Director, of Stuart Heritage Museum, speaking on the history of Stuart and points of interest.

Since 1988, the Stuart Heritage Museum's mission has been to preserve Stuart and Martin County History while teaching students and visitors about our local history. Patrons may rediscover and memorialize the history and architecture of the Stuart & Martin County area. The Museum is dedicated to the early pioneers, telling their story of growing pineapples and of harvesting fish, life during the good years, the "boom" years, and the difficult depression. The Stuart Heritage Museum is a private, non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. The museum relies upon the generosity of their donors, members and volunteers to bring history alive for their visitors. To find out more, please visit: http://www.stuartheritage.org/Page_2.html or stop by 161 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994. Phone: 772-220-4600., or e-mail: chris_sawicki2@netzero.com

Chapter President, Pat Schmader is extending a personal invitation to women of all ages to attend this first meeting, moreover, she states, "Most people are not yet aware of all that the Women's Club of Stuart contributes to the community; this is the year that we will become a more visible presence."

The Women's Club of Stuart is part of a larger organization, the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). Since it was founded in 1890, the General Federation of Women's Clubs has been a unifying force, bringing together local women's clubs from around the country and throughout the world. Although there is considerable diversity in the ages, interests, and experiences of GFWC clubwomen, all are united by a dedication to community improvement through volunteer service. Accomplishments during GFWC's first century include: establishing 75 percent of the country's public libraries, developing kindergartens in the public schools, and working for food and drug regulation. During its second century, the Federation has pledged to maintain its commitment to working for a better world. With "Unity in Diversity" as its motto and a strong umbrella of programs that clubs may adapt to suit the needs of their communities, GFWC encourages the flexibility that has enabled it to expand its reach in a rapidly changing society. To find out more about the GFWC, please visit: http://www.gfwc.org.