In 1979, I joined the Women’s Civic Club of Katonah. That was 47 years ago, and I have enjoyed just as many years of camaraderie, hard work, giving and fun. I also belong to five other clubs (and at one time there was a sixth). As much as I have given, I have received in return tenfold.
Civic Club was founded in 1918. Memorial House, which is owned by the club, was built in memory of the servicemen who were killed in World War I. Some other clubs in Westchester County also have their own house. Others meet in churches, libraries or other public buildings. One thing they all have in common, however, is their mission to improve the communities in which they live. Each group has its own focus and methods of raising funds to support people or groups in need.
The Civic Club runs a thrift shop on the lower level of Memorial House. With the monies that they earn from this endeavor, they provide numerous scholarships to students at John Jay and other surrounding schools. The club helps support many other organizations, too. If you have never visited the shop, you are in for a treat. The hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you would like to donate to the shop, call 914-232-3010. They are always happy to take items in very good condition. This includes clothing, household items, jewelry, footwear, and much, much more.
To be a member of the club, you are asked to work one four-hour shift per month manning the shop. Of course, they hope members will give in other ways too, such as serving as an officer or heading up a committee. Since we have almost 100 members, the workload is distributed fairly evenly. I believe I have held every position, except treasurer – guess why?
Women’s clubs are beginning to die out. What a shame! Historically, these groups have been responsible for starting about 83% of all the libraries in America. They have done so much for their communities in general. For example, the Bedford Hills Club gives scholarships to Fox Lane students and collects money to offer Thanksgiving baskets to those in need. Another one of my clubs, Peekskill/Cortland, helps with the local blood drive and delivers cards to the vets at Montrose for each important holiday – they meet at night. The Somers club also holds evening meetings, which is an important aspect for working women. Most clubs, though, are daytime groups.
Club members have fun too. Once a month, Katonah’s Civic Club has a luncheon meeting on the second Wednesday, which also includes varying types of programs. We have speakers, entertainment, trivia games, and even a craft occasionally. Different sections in the club allow you to play mah-jongg and hand and foot, and we take trips to places of interest in any month with a fifth Wednesday.
We are well aware that many women today work full-time, so we offer an associate membership option. However, these individuals must find a way to contribute their skills wherever and whenever possible. After retirement, most of us are still quite young. Wouldn’t you want to remain useful and involved? You too can join a women’s club. One does not need to live in the immediate area of a club in order to join. Just choose one that appeals to you and the causes they celebrate.
Years ago, women’s clubs were more oriented toward relationships for women. They held teas with the club's silver service, and everyone dressed in their finery. Today, our emphasis is more on community service and supporting other nonprofit groups. Each club is a member of the Westchester County Federation of Women’s Clubs, and some clubs belong to the state federation. I have served on the Westchester Federation every year since 1995. I even held the state office of disaster chairman. Each was a thrill and a privilege. Every state has its own network of clubs (Westchester has 16). A beautiful house in Washington, D.C., is owned by the women’s clubs of this country.
Have I piqued your interest in joining a women’s club? I surely hope so. Call me at 914-232-8387 for further information. We all need to do some serious giving in our lifetime. Why not do so with a lovely group of other women trying to do good and make the world a better place for us all?
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