Sparta Woman's Club earns gold at annual state convention

SPARTA-Five members of the Sparta Woman's Club joined 602 delegates, alternates and statewide members at the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs 110th annual convention in Atlantic City May 3-5. As part of the convention, the highest ranking entries from the 10th District Spring Conference entered state competition in the categories of press coverage, knitting, painting and flower arranging. Four entries captured gold status, the highest level in the state competition. The press book created by Louise Zawislak received 99 points for coverage of club news in local news outlets. Sophia Canifax won for arrangements in three categories of floral arrangement. A blue ribbon went to Carolyn Strombeck for her knitted baby bonnet. Wendy Stamer received a second place for her watercolor painting. The Bulletin took a Second Place in Class D. First-place department awards went to communications, home life/social services, legislation/resolutions, membership, and public affairs. Third place went to the education department for its efforts. The GFWC SWC also received a second-place award for meeting NJSFWC president's administrative goals established for the 2003 reporting period. The arts/performing state chair selected two members of the Sparta Woman's Club to perform at the convention. These performances had gained high recognition at the District 10 Arts Performing Day in March. Martha Weissert sang to her own piano accompaniment and Barbara Rosser demonstrated her talents as ventriloquist. The General Federation of Women's Clubs presented membership awards and pins to Susan Andrews and Marjorie Strohsahl for bringing in a high number of new members. One Sparta member, Debbie Welch, was added to the NJSFWC Honor Roll for her significant contributions to the SWC. A certificate of recognition was presented to SWC as a third-place state winner in the General Federation of Women's Clubs Community Improvement Program with an Award of $50, made possible through a grant from Shell Oil Company for the club's work with the new Sparta Historical Society. An additional honor gleaned by SWC was a first-place award for its contribution to the GFWC Women's History and Resource Center. The GFWC Sparta Woman's Club is open to all women in Sparta who have an interest in civic-minded causes and community-centered activities. It is an active member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs. For membership information, call Susan Andrews, first vice president, at 973-726-0686.