Darien Woman's Club Kicks Off Its 41st Year

For 41 years, the Darien Woman’s Club has been growing right alongside the Darien community. On Sept. 7 the group hopes to increase its membership further at a kick-off meeting at 7 p.m. at .

Founded in 1970, the club's original members put their energies toward constructing  and establishing the .

Through more than four decades, the DWC, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, has added more members from Darien and its surrounding communities who’ve dedicated themselves to increasing philanthropic and community efforts in addition to social activities.

The nearly 100 members (some from the club’s origination) are diverse in age and background, said new club president Anne Marie Christenson, and “are some of the most involved, compassionate and interesting people I know.”

Christenson, a member since 1994, takes the reins this year with purpose — she’d like to utilize the wealth of talent among all of the members, assess the findings of the Long-Term Planning Commission describing community needs, and find a balance between service and socialization.

“We’re really trying to investigate what’s important to Darien and to meet both social and civic-minded expectations,” Christenson said. “It’s as if we’re trying to find a new way to be.”

The DWC mission might be changing a little, Christenson further explained, as members generate ideas for addressing the needs of economically challenged residents and senior citizens, as well as creating enhancements Darien residents will enjoy.

Current planned projects include ongoing Mom and Tot play groups and book groups that foster social interaction.

Philanthropic efforts have included D.A.R.E., local food pantries, Bunco for Breast Cancer, a spring and fall children’s clothing resale and donations to TLC Camp (for kids with cancer and their siblings) as well as Sharing Connections Furniture Bank in Downers Grove which aids largely low-income families with children, senior citizens and injured veterans.

Sharing Connections’ Executive Director Ann Wohlberg expressed her appreciation for the aid DWC has given to the organization, which has been supported by surrounding communities for more than 25 years.

“We are so grateful to [Darien Woman’s Club] for their efforts. Beyond the funding,” said Wohlberg, “it’s a boost for us to know that we have their support and that they spread the word about us.”

The DWC also supports local education, providing four annual scholarships for continuing education expenses — two in fine arts and two for community service.

junior Maura Carr received the 2010-11 fine arts scholarship. She applied to further her guitar-playing skills while fulfilling a commitment to play for first and second grade religious education classes at .

Carr, who would like to major in music in college and become a choral director at the junior high or high school level, said she was surprised and excited to receive the award.

“I just feel so grateful to the Darien Woman’s Club for the extra opportunity they gave me,” Carr said. She plans on speaking at the September meeting along with fellow recipient Lia Benes.

Publicity chairperson Nicki Belczak has been a DWC member since 2003. She said that the women in the group really foster a sense of community.

“The club is welcoming to all women,” said Belczak, noting that involvement can ebb and flow depending on work and family commitments.

“Every member can participate at her own level and doesn’t necessarily have to take on leadership responsibilities,” Belczak said.

Christenson would like to see all interested local area women attend the Sept. 7 meeting, which will include speeches from scholarship recipients and a Mix-and Mingle Committee Fair with information about volunteer openings.

Membership information can be found online or by attending the September meeting.