Education and Libraries
2023-2024 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 tab. Members also work to help students pursue higher education by providing numerous scholarships to deserving students. For more information, please visit the Scholarships tab.
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 Water’s Edge
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 The Water's Edge Floral and Gift shop at 2722 South Patterson Road. 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, see the Scholarships tab.
2023-2024 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 tab. Members also work to help students pursue higher education by providing numerous scholarships to deserving students. For more information, please visit the Scholarships tab.
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 Water’s Edge
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 The Water's Edge Floral and Gift shop at 2722 South Patterson Road. 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, see the Scholarships tab.