econnection – 3/1/23 – Women’s History Month
NJSFWC ECONNECTION
March 1, 2023
Shirley A. Holly, NJSFWC President
As we celebrate Women’s History Month – each week we will highlight NJ clubwomen who have a huge impact in their community.
If you have an extraordinary woman in your club who makes a difference, submit a mini bio to holly@njsfwc.org and we will print as many as we can!
Role Model and Mentor – JAN ATWATER
Jan represents the heart and soul of the Book and Needle Woman’s Club of Oradell. Her grandmother, Mrs. C. E. Ordway was a charter member of our club that originated in 1915 and became Federated in 1917. Jan’s mother was President from 1959-1961 and Jan herself was president from 1979-1981.
Jan, who turns 92 on March 14 of this year, continues to serve our club spectacularly. She is one of 5 co-presidents, is Club Historian (giving a report monthly on past club and Federation events and projects), Bylaws Chair (she recently coordinated the updating of our Bylaws), Club Parliamentarian and Chair of Lunch Around the World (part of Arts and Culture).
Greeting every member with a smile and hearty hello, Jan inspires each club member to be her best. When we need guidance, we go to Jan – whether it’s for past practices, club conflicts or any question that pops up. Our club motto should be “What would Jan do?”
This year marks Jan’s 50th year of membership and her 50th NJSFWC Convention. She is a dear friend whom we love, admire and respect with all our hearts.
Community Advocate for Women & Children – JoAnn Aponte
Volunteer work and community service are some of the ways in which women have played a role in shaping our society. A resident of Bloomfield, NJ for more than 40 years, JoAnn Aponte has helped shape Essex County and the tri-state area through her community and civic service. Tirelessly devoted to serving those experiencing poverty, domestic violence, and illness, particularly other women and children, JoAnn can be found working alongside senior citizens in Bloomfield and volunteering at Clara Maass Medical Center.
JoAnn is a member of the Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair, honorary member of the Montclair Woman’s Club and past president of the Maplewood Women’s Club, immediate past president of the Liberty District Lilies Club, a member of UNICO, and an Exalted Ruler and Leading Knight of the Elks Club.
She recently served as Liberty District Day of Service Chairman successfully coordinating the Liberty District clubs in making Healthy Food Kits for local food pantries. JoAnn has been a fierce advocate of libraries, helping to establish collections and enhance access to resources for libraries across Essex County. “She is always busy going behind the scenes to help in any way,” say her friends.
We are aware that the “official CALL” which came in your “CALL to Convention” packet was printed incorrectly. The information on the CALL is correct, it simply printed out of order. In order to be fiscally responsible, we will not be reprinting and sending this to every club. When you arrive at convention, the Program Book will list all of the same information, in the correct order. We are sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
Convention T-Shirt Order Form
Due by March 1st. Cost $10,
Check payable to NJSFWC, Size S to 3XL, District selection must accompany check, send to Headquarters.
Form available on the NJSFWC website, click on Materials, scroll to Convention.
Please remember that all donations to The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, our Special State Project, should be sent to NJSFWC Headquarters so that all of the monies can be included in the presentation at convention. If the monies do not go through Headquarters, they will not be included in the total. Please help us to have an impact for ECF! Thank you!