eConnection 9/8: Spelling Bees Are B-A-C-K; Hurricane Relief, and more!
by Jan W.Hanson, NJSFWC President
Spelling Bees are B-A-C-K!
For nearly 30-years, NJSFWC Clubwomen have sponsored spelling bee contests for 4th and 5th graders in their communities. The Spelling Bee program began as a Junior Membership project and continues today as one of the most fun and hands-on education projects for local clubs. Offering opportunities to volunteer in big and small ways, there is a Spelling Bee role for members both new and old. It is also a great way to meet parents and working women in your community who might otherwise not have an interaction with your club, especially when your club holds its contest on a weekend or evening when parents can attend.
Saturday, September 18th at 10:00 am: Virtual Briefing for District Spelling Bee Chairmen ONLY. Zoom details will be sent ahead of the briefing to all District Bee Chairs and Co-Chairs.
Saturday, October 23rd at 10:00 am: Virtual Spelling Bee information session. If your club has never held a spelling bee competition, has not held one in several years, or if you would like a refresher on the NJSFWC Spelling Bee program, please consider attending. To sign up to attend, contact your District Spelling Bee Chairman or Education & Libraries Community Service Program Chairman, Brandi-Leigh Miller at miller@njsfwc.org. Zoom details will be sent ahead of the session to all who request it. This session will also be recorded.
The benefits of spelling bees extend beyond language: Since children are required to spell words while on stage, they develop self-confidence, communication and public speaking skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure. With better reading comprehension, comes greater literacy, and greater enjoyment of reading, literature and language. All from understanding words.
For those who are ready to get started on their Spelling Bee contest planning, visit the materials section of the NJSFWC website, njsfwc.org, under the Education & Libraries heading to download the updated forms and information packet.
Hurricane Ida relief
On Thursday, September 9th, 2021 Convoy of Hope-a nonprofit organization that brings needed things to victims of tragedy will be at New Walk Church, 3121 Park Avenue, South Plainfield with buckets, mops, cleaning supplies, water and some toiletry items. Because many volunteers are still helping down there, they asked if we could have some ‘hands’ to help give the items away. People will drive up to the parking lot, open their trunks, and volunteers will place items in their trunks and drive away. It will happen rain or shine. Volunteers will also be able to pick up items to take back to their communities. For more information and time contact Chris Sienkielewski, sienkielewski@njsfwc.org, 908-392-7501.
October-Domestic Violence Prevention Month
• October is Domestic Violence Month – Prepare a Proclamation and ask your local town government to present it at their town meeting. If your town doesn’t hold a meeting in October, present it in September.
• Make purple ribbon pins w/purple ribbon, use small pins to attach them and give them out at your meetings or around town, or at your town council meeting; make a poster and stick the ribbons on it and display at your library; Give them out at your super market; or come up with your idea where in your town it would work out for your Club members!
TEEN DATING AND AWARENESS is GFWC’s CHALLENGE PROJECT
www.itsonus.org/educational-tools/workshop-materials is listed as a good Resource.
Contact your local college and see if they will be sponsoring a workshop on Teen Dating Sexual Awareness and offer your help,
The Fall GFWC CLUBWOMAN has an article with lots of information. If you don’t get this, go online to www.GFWC.org.
Deadlines
- September 17-GFWC Soup Contest Deadline (see August 18 eConnection)
- October 1-Membership Grant Deadline
- October 4-Fall Conference Registration