We are part of the Northwestern District of GFWC Michigan, and the GFWC Great Lakes Region that also includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The general membership meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May at 6:30 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge. Special summer events are planned each year to keep members in touch during the summer months.
The club strives to provide a unified approach toward education, environment, culture and civic improvement. This approach is met by having members participate in projects and activities within and outside of the club at the local, district, state and international levels.
The motto of our club, “Working for a Better Community” reflects the goal of the club. This goal is being accomplished by the interest clubwomen show in providing learning opportunities for themselves and others. They do this through their leadership roles and continued involved in in community projects that include all five GFWC Community Service Programs, Special Projects and Advancements.
Members who serve at the State level are:
- Mary Sue Hansen – Education Foundation Finance Committee
- Joyce Iltis – GFWC Advancements-Fundraising Chair, State Nominating Committee District Representative, Memorial Service Co-Chair
- Sue Johnson -Endowment/Fox Funds Chair, Memorial Service Co-Chair, Guiding Harbor Endowment Chair
- Jerena Keys – Education Foundation Public Relations/Development Committee Chair
- Ruth York – Education Foundation Finance Committee
Members who serve on the Northwestern District Board are:
- Dee Van Horn – Parliamentarian
- Jerena Keys – Chaplain
Members who serve as Northwestern District Advisory Board Members are:
- Mary Bechaz – Health and Wellness Chair
- Joan Boroff – NWD Education Representative
- Joyce Iltis – State Nomination District Representative, GFWC MI & District Special Program
- Dee Van Horn – Legislation/Public Policy Chair, Special Project – Human Trafficking
- Sue Johnson – Guiding Harbor District Representative
Our History
The first official meeting of the GFWC Big Rapids Intermediate Women’s Club was held on March 15, 1971. The remainder of that year was spent formulating by-laws and selection of officers. Corrine Ryman served as the first president and the 1971-72 yearbook included the following charter members: Joan Anderson, Doris Andrews, Marjorie Aris, Elizabeth Barratt, Nancy Batdorff, Ruth Brister, Pat Christensen, Joyce Davenport, Joanne Dew, Betty Entsminger, Joan Ekster, Janet Grams, Doris Hanson, JoAnn Harris, Linda Hinkle, Loretta Hodges, Elaine Homerding, Carol Kerns, Barbara Leach, Jodee Linta, Bette McCartney, Jackie Miller, Dixie Nelson, Kay Nelson, Jean Ostrander, Jean Pomnichowski, Mary Quinn, Barbara Randle, Mary Rose, Corrine Ryman, Rheta Sack, Janice Schulte, Sue Weipert, Eloise Wright and Virginia Wright.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS — Big Rapids Intermediate Woman’s Club held an installation of officers Tuesday, May 11 at 8:00 pm.
Past Presidents
- 1971-1972 – Corrine Ryman McGinnis
- 1972-1973 – Joan Anderson
- 1973-1975 – Patricia Christensen
- 1975-1976 – Doris Hanson
- 1976-1977 – Cherry MacDonald
- 1977-1978 – Jean Pomnichowski
- 1978-1980 – Barbara Wallace
- 1980-1982 – Barbara Randle
- 1982-1984 – Fay Phillips
- 1984-1985 – Nancy Addleman
- 1985-1987 – Mary Mehl
- 1987-1989 – Jerena Keys
- 1989-1991 – Bonnie Jacoby
- 1991-1993 – Laurel Gnagey
- 1993-1995 – Pam Muccio
- 1995-1997 – Mary Sue Hansen
- 1997-1999 – Barb Knopf
- 1999-2001 – Sandie Withrow
- 2001-2003 – Sue Johnson
- 2003-2005 – Carol Jones
- 2005-2007 – Heidi Litobar
- 2007-2009 – Ruth York
- 2009-2011 – Joan Boroff
- 2011-2014 – Dee Van Horn
- 2014-2016 – Joyce Iltis
- 2016-2018 – Mary Bechaz
- 2018-2020 – Melanie Henry
- 2020-2022 – Ann Stellard