Community Service Programs are programs (or projects) initiated by clubs and members to assure that all these aspects of a healthy society are supported in serving and building communities. G.F.W.C. International has set these five focus areas to help clubs light a path for the future, and address both current and upcoming needs of their communities.
A chairperson for each C.S.P. is appointed by the Club President, and serves for at least a two-year period. The C.S.P. Chairs are members of the club’s Advisory Board (along with the club’s officers).
There are currently five C.S.P.s:
Arts and Culture
Civic Engagement and Outreach
Environment
Education and Libraries
Health and Wellness
Each of the C.S.P.s named above link to more in-depth information. Click on each C.S.P., or keep scrolling to see much more about the things we do!
Arts and Culture
2024-2026 Co-Chairpersons: Diane Conley and Deb Noteboom
Some people think only of canvas and paint when they hear “Art,” but there is so much more to art than just painting! Think of sculpture, graphics, needle-art, architecture, crafts (such as mosaics or pottery) and all the performing arts! The Arts and Culture C.S.P. encourages members to promote and support arts activities in their clubs, schools, and communities, and club members enjoy learning arts and crafts.
One popular art, kept active in our club since its inception, has been the needle arts or fiber arts, specifically, quilting, crochet, and knitting. In generations past, the art of quilt-making was not so much about visual appeal as it was the necessity to stay warm. Today, quilts made by our members go to first-responders for comforting accident victims, to homeless children, and to injured military veterans who need the warmth.
Does the phrase “the arts” spark thoughts of other things? Attending theater performances and concerts, making or buying intricately designed jewelry, or other such luxury items are considered fairly common occurrences today. It seems the avenues of art are only limited by our imaginations. Club members are encouraged to participate in the arts in its many forms. It seems all the arts uniquely inspire clubwomen, igniting within them a desire to make their world a more beautiful place.
Sewing and Quilting
Experienced and newer sewing members meet every Monday and every other Tuesday, September through May. The women create baby blankets, quilts, and other miscellaneous items. Most of these are donated to organizations or to people in need. Some are sold, and the funds raised are used to purchase material for the next sewing projects to be donated. All participating women say they truly enjoy getting together, often learn new quilting/sewing techniques, and have fun bringing in their crafted items for “show and tell.”
Knitting & Crochet
This group makes lovely knitted and crocheted hats, mittens and scarves for anyone in need of warmer winter accessories. The articles are distributed in local communities or can be donated to a weather-damaged area. Additionally, these members make scrubbies, dishcloths, and other small items to be sold at a Christmas crafts fair. Profits from the sales go into the General Fund.
Creating
The Creating group was formed to provide opportunities to learn new skills and create beautiful pieces for themselves or to sell for raising club funds. Presenters may be invited to teach a craft, and members sometimes attend an area craft show to learn a new craft such as working with stained glass or jewelry-making. The selection and planning of such trips is based on current member interest.
Please visit the Events Calendar page for our upcoming projects. Please also visit the Forms page for current GFWC art contests, and the creative arts waiver.
“The aim of art is not to represent the outward appearance of things, but the inward significance.” (credited to Aristotle)
Civic Engagement and Outreach
2024-2026 Chairperson: Rosy Chatterton
This C.S.P. focuses on the following areas: Citizenship; engage members on key issues, legislative issues, and women’s history. Safety and Crime Prevention; activities to support local police and fire departments. Emergency and Disaster preparedness; donations to centers, shelters, schools. Military Veterans; contribute to national and local programs giving support to vets and their families.
There are also several international organizations or national projects that our club supports. Shot-At-Life, Heifer International, United Nations Unicef, and Shoes for Souls, just to name a few!
Support for Military Veterans
The women of GFWC – Gun Lake Area provide gifts and on-going support to the men and women that served our country, after their return to community life. For dozens of years, we have provided requested holiday gifts to the military vets at both the Battle Creek Veterans Hospital and the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. At every November meeting, a Missing Man and Woman ceremony is held to honor the veterans of all U.S. military services. Veterans, whether alive or deceased, and POW/MIA military personnel are remembered.
The national project: ‘Homes for our Troops’ builds homes that help rebuild life for a local veteran and family. After a new home is built for a wounded soldier, the club participates by providing supplies, furniture, and books for the veteran and family.
Club women also write personal notes and send “thinking of you” cards to the veterans on Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas. Monetary donations are given to the VFW National Home for Children, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. When needed, we provide clothing and household items for the families living there.
Our club also raises money for the ‘Talons Out Honor Flight’ which is a project that flies veterans to Washington, D. to visit their specific military or war memorial at no cost.
‘Sew Much Comfort’ is another project our members have worked on to provide custom-made clothing for wounded service members. Adaptive clothing accommodates medical devices and minimizes the visual impact of medical conditions or injuries. Other sewing projects included making over 200 wool helmet liners for active military serving in cold regions, and providing lap robes and travel bags for walker and wheelchair users.
Laurels of Sandy Creek Nursing Home
– Bingo Bucks: GFWC – GLA helps support this friendly activity by providing small items to be won by residents when playing bingo games that take place regularly at the home.
– Christmas Joy: Members of Gun Lake Area GFWC enjoy filling colorful Christmas gift bags with items suitable for nursing home residents. Every resident finds a special gift under the tree during their annual Christmas party. Over 100 gifts are provided each year.
Environment
2024-2026 Co-Chairpersons: Joan Wire & Ruth Perino
The Environment Committee works to promote the health and beauty of our local environment; through recycling, litter pickup, gardening, and attention to local environmental issues. By providing education and action ideas regarding current ecological issues facing the greater Gun Lake Area, clubwomen are better prepared to make a difference.
Township Park Gardens
A dozen or more clubwomen – particularly those who enjoy gardening – work year round maintaining gardens at the Yankee Springs Township Park. GFWC-Gun Lake Area has a contract with the township to plant and maintain the berms and flower gardens for the enjoyment of the community. The park’s walking trail winds past several attractive berms covered in lovely combinations of flowers and plants. Club members have also donated their artwork to the site. Each Berm has a captain and a team of helpers. Depending on the season, there is always a need for more helpers.
In 2014, clubwoman Audrey Bartlett arranged for a beautiful weeping cherry tree to be planted in the Memorial Garden section on one of the Township Park berms. Here are a few pictures from that event:
In the spring of 2021 a dogwood tree, donated by President Katie Ambrose in support of National Arbor Day, was planted next to the Township sign at the entrance to the park. Thanks go to many local gardeners who have donated bulbs and plants, and to all the member-gardeners who work to keep our community beautiful!
The GFWC Gun Lake Area Gardening Group meets the first Wednesday of the month May – September.
Road Pick-up
Three times a year (Spring, Summer, and Fall) women from the Gun Lake Area GFWC club don protective vests, gather up tools and bags, and tidy up one-and-a-half miles along M-179. A volunteer clubwoman coordinates the dates and time with the Michigan Department of Transportation, and then recruits volunteers from the club for the approximate hour and a half needed to beautify this link to local lakes and a state park.
Our region has a section of The North Country Trail going right through it! This National Scenic Trail is the longest of the National Trails System, stretching 4,700 miles across eight northern states from Vermont to North Dakota, traversing forests and farmlands, and passing by small communities. Many members enjoy hiking the “Chief Noonday” portion of the trail which winds through Yankee Springs Township and Barry County. Some ladies join and support the NCT Association.
In 2019, members participated in the “Happy Little Trees” fundraising campaign. Sponsored miles walked by the members raised funds which were donated to this project to plant new trees in several Michigan State Parks in memory of the painter Bob Ross.
Education and Libraries
2024-2026 Chairperson: Audrey Bartlett
The GFWC Education and Libraries Community Service Program encourages clubwomen to create learning opportunities for themselves and their communities through volunteerism.
It includes two program areas:
The Education in the Community Program motivates members to support programs that urge lifelong education. From supporting local libraries to the pursuit of continued learning in the Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) program, GFWC members are encouraged to self-educate and develop their awareness through both literature and continuing education opportunities. If you are interested in applying for a personal scholarship through GFWC, please visit the Forms page. Members also work to help students pursue higher education by providing numerous scholarships to deserving students. For more information, please visit the Scholarships page.
The Focus on Literacy Program focuses on getting children excited about reading, tutoring children and adults in need of extra assistance, and promoting and supporting adult literacy programs. Clubwomen are important fixtures in the community, not only tutoring, but also offering new and exciting programs for kids of all ages and learning levels. GFWC members also give their time to English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and teach courses that help adults pass citizenship tests.
Bees Program
We are working with students and teachers at Wayland Middle School to learn more about the importance of bees to our farmers and environment. The Kalamazoo Bee Club is giving guidance to the program. Two bee hives were recently donated for the program. Club members are holding special events to raise money for supporting this unique educational experience.
Winter/Summer Solace Book Club
In 2000, the Winter/Summer Solace Book Club was established under the umbrella of GFWC-Gun Lake Area. Over the years it has been a treasure for fostering friendships through a love of reading. Monthly book selections are usually limited to books reflecting good literary writing and/or containing topics to foster discussion. Member recommendations are voted on democratically.
Each month a different member (or two) prepares some critical analysis before leading discussion. Members are always welcome to limit their participation to only reading and discussing as the meetings are informal and supportive. Both positive and negative reactions to the book are appreciated.
Book club selections are announced in advance at general meetings and in the club newsletter. Optional recommended reading choices are also given. Everyone enjoys the shared discussion and treats. New members are always welcome to join in. Book club participants meet in various member homes on the 3rd Monday of each month, starting at 9:30 a.m. To find the list of upcoming readings, and an overview of the book discussions, please click here.
The Lending Library at Inspire Hair and Nail Studio
GFWC-GLA members have maintained a free/lending library on the west side of Gun Lake for many years. (This is a fitting tribute to national G.F.W.C. clubs who helped establish the first libraries in the United States.) Club members provide the books, maintain the library collection, and advertise it to summer visitors at area parks and vacation homes. The lending library is located in rented space inside Inspire Hair and Nail Studio at 2491 S Patterson Road Wayland, MI 49348. Stop by and check out the latest acquisitions!
Supporting Student Projects
In Delton we are donating money to the high school art program to purchase consumable art supplies. In the difficult and stressful time of the pandemic, students find that learning and practicing art is both calming and engaging.
At Martin school, GFWC – Gun Lake Area has sent financial support to aid in the start-up of a new Drama program. This spring, we will be giving support to the school for their new Special Needs classroom.
Supporting Barry & Allegan County 4-H
We have joined forces with 4-H in both Barry and Allegan county fairs by purchasing animals at the fair auctions to encourage kids to stay in 4-H and learn the 4-H values. School-age children who sell their livestock frequently save the earnings toward their college-fund.
Scholarships
The Gun Lake Area women’s club is now well known in this region for its scholarship programs. Each year, High School seniors win $2000 academic support scholarships. In 2020, Trade School scholarships were added to the awards granted.
Students in grades 9 through 11 may apply for $500 certificates towards the cost of summer study programs such as Art or Band Camps.
For more information, please visit the Scholarships page.
Health and Wellness
2024-2026 Co-Chairpersons: Marcia Heroux & Shelly Heijerman
This Community Service Program informs members of issues that affect their well-being AND the health of their communities. Many volunteer projects are coordinated that “make a difference!” Through this C.S.P., clubs promote and develop healthier lifestyles!
Clubwomen take action to eliminate hunger, homelessness and domestic abuse. They distribute warm winter clothing, address the needs of the elderly and disabled, learn about theft prevention and safety practices, and hear about new research in disease prevention and treatments, and mental health practices.
Some of the important topics addressed by this C.S.P. include women’s health, individuals with disabilities (rehabilitation agencies and service dog programs!), positive life skills and healthy food choices. The club also supports housing, personal needs and training for abused women and children.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Club members donate hundreds of grocery items and purchase turkeys to fill sixteen baskets which are delivered to the school districts of Wayland, Delton, Martin and Middleville. Each school determines four families in need and presents the food baskets prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Sharing the warmth
We purchase and make homemade hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens, then distribute them throughout the area, donating them to both local schoolchildren or any community member in need of protection from cold Michigan winters.
Hiking
Being in a primarily rural area, our club members participate in many outdoor activities. Members are often invited to join in day-hikes, out-of-door festivals, picnics, and walking or running to raise funds for a worthy cause and maintain their own health as well! Getting outside in this beautiful area is truly a delight to enjoy together whenever possible.
Also see North Country Trail under the Environment C.S.P.