Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club prepares for Galentines event

Members hail from many occupations — some are retirees.

Q: Has the Junior Service League of Woodstock changed their name to Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club? I came across an upcoming event called Galentines in February and would like to know more about it.

A: Yes, the Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club was initially known as the Junior Service League of Woodstock.

“About two years ago, our president was stepping away as she was moving out of state for a new job. She recommended that we look into becoming part of a larger organization, like Junior League or the General Federation of Women’s Clubs,” said Clair Frost, secretary of the Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club.

They went with the Georgia chapter of GFWC, but the “demographics of our members were not conducive to what the chapter was doing,” she said. “We couldn’t get to a lot of things that were available.”

They stepped away from GFWC but kept the rebrand and returned to working as an autonomous organization.

Anyone 18 and older who lives within a 20-mile radius of Woodstock can join.

The members run the gamut from chiropractors to lawyers, administrative assistants, project managers, accountants, stay-at-home moms, real estate agents and retirees.

“Originally, I joined because my husband and I were moving from Marietta to Woodstock, but we didn’t know anybody there, and I wanted to get connected.

“It’s not what I expected when I joined. I was expecting a lot more formality. I’ve really gotten to know these ladies so well that the meet- ings feel like hanging out with my friends who are all pas- sionate about the community, like I am,” said Frost.

She invites new members and those interested in learning more to come to the Galentines mixer.

Frost said there will be appetizers, some get-toknow-you games and a short presentation about the organization.

“If you’re interested in joining something like this and you start looking, they all feel very strict ... like it will be a big, time-consuming thing. You just want to do a little good, and why go through the red tape and staunch requirements?

“I was surprised with this group that it didn’t feel that way. It felt like we’re all here to give back in a way that is rewarding for the people that we are helping and also for ourselves,” she said.

Galentines mixer: 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at Freight Kitchen & Tap (251 E. Main St., Woodstock).

For more information, email woodstockjwc@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/woodstockjwc.

CONTRIBUTED Last year’s Woodstock Junior Woman’s Club potluck-style holiday party was in jammies at President Sarah Davis’ house. Attendees voted on this year’s board and presented Member of the Year and Spirit of League awards to two members who went above and beyond.