General Federation of Women's Clubs - West Side, Kingston, PA

06/02/2026

SHINE is more than just an after school program. It is an approach to education that supports a student’s success through the connection of schools, homes, and communities.

The Luzerne County SHINE Stem Olympiad wrapped up the school year, complete with an Olympic Parade of Torches by the various schools, educational games and challenges focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. This day was a celebration of the hard work the students have done over this last school year.

More than 175 first through eighth grade students participated in this event, which took place on May 30th, 2026 at Wilkes University, and was made possible by community donations and sponsorships. Members of GFWC West Side Women’s Club proudly supported the event with a Bronze Sponsorship of $250, and several members volunteered to assist students with their fun Stem experiments. GFWC West Side Women’s Club looks forward to future projects with the SHINE After School Program.

For membership information please contact: [email protected]

05/31/2026

A huge thank you to The General Federation of Women's Clubs - West Side in Kingston for their generous donation to Coffee Inclusive and for recently presenting our team with a check in support of our mission!

Community support like this helps us create more training and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while continuing to grow an inclusive space where everyone belongs.

We are incredibly grateful for your meaningful contribution and for believing in the work we do every day. Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive future, one opportunity at a time. ☕❤️

05/29/2026

Since opening the doors in 1986, the commitment of the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton has never wavered ~ Keeping families close together when faced with a child’s illness.

GFWC West Side Women’s Club has a long history of collecting ring tabs and faithfully supporting the Ronald McDonald House. The ring tabs are recycled and turned into funds to be used to provide a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children.

Recently, a ring tab donation of 28 pounds, was delivered to the Ronald McDonald House in Scranton, which was gladly accepted by Gleny Castillo, Family Room Program Manager.

A huge thank you to Colleen Sperduto, (shown) GFWC West Side Environment and Conservation chairperson, for directing the collection and making the delivery.

For membership information please contact: [email protected].

05/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EBF6iPnFb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Shown in picture from left: Michelle Wolf, VRC Executive Director; GFWC West Side members; Irene Mackiewicz; Mary Jane Kozick, Signature Project Domestic Violence chair; Janet Ghannam; and Maureen Finnerty.

VRC would like to give our biggest thanks and appreciation to General Federation of Women's Clubs - West Side, Kingston, PA for their generous donation of feminine hygiene products. This donation will be extremely helpful to our clients who are in need of these products. Thank you!!

05/12/2026

At the April meeting of GFWC West Side Women’s Club, members celebrated the Arts!!

Cathy Laskaris, club arts chairperson, presented certificates to member arts District award winners, Becky McCuen, and Marge Gushka. Also, several members displayed their artwork, along with the works of their family members, photography, and crafts, for all to enjoy!! Prizes were awarded.

Art is an important part of life, as it helps us express ourselves in unique ways!

For membership information please contact: [email protected].

05/06/2026

Girls on the Run~ is a new program coming to Luzerne County. This nationally recognized program, which was founded in 1996, is available to girls in grades 3-8. The program aims to strengthen girls social, physical, and behavioral life skills.

GFWC West Side Women’s Club junior special project cochairs, Bonnie MacDonald and Melissa Parry, have announced our club’s commitment to future events. This will include volunteering at the Girls on the Run Celebratory Run on Sunday, June 7th at PNC Field, Moosic.

Camp GOTR will be available this summer at Kirby Park, for girls in grades 3-5. ( see attached flyer)

This program inspires participants to recognize their inner strength, increase physical activity, and imagine their possibilities with confidence.

It also teaches the value of service to others, as a key element of the program is creating and executing a community service project!

Girls on the Run~
Unlocking Power & Potential!!

04/29/2026

The first Earth Day in 1970 started an environmental revolution to protect and save our planet. A child is never too young to be educated on climate change and our environment. The GFWC West Side Women’s Club Environment & Conservation chairperson, Colleen Sperduto, coordinated two events in observance of Earth Day.

On Thursday, April 23rd and Monday, April 27th, three club members found a fun way to bring awareness to students in the SHINE After School Program located in the Kistler Elementary School in the Wilkes Barre School District , and also our clubs’ adopted Head Start Classroom in Wilkes-Barre. Books were read to the students, and then each child was able to plant flowers in a cup to take home and watch them grow!!

Thank you to event coordinator, Colleen Sperduto, Marie Warren, club President, and Carol Shinal, club Education chairperson.

For membership information please contact: [email protected].

04/24/2026

For more than a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been creating life-changing friendships between caring adult mentors and youth across the country. It all started in 1904 with a New York City court clerk named Ernest Coulter who saw the difference a mentor could make in the lives of boys in the justice system. Around the same time, a group of women later known as the Catholic Big Sisters, began mentoring girls. In 1977, these efforts came together to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is this organization’s signature fundraiser, to continue the mission of supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Eight GFWC West Side Women’s Club members participated in this event on Saturday, April 18th at Chacko’s Family Bowling Center in Wilkes-Barre. The “Luau Ladies” of GFWC West Side were able to raise and donate an amazing $500 for Bowl for Kids’ Sake!!

For membership information please contact: [email protected].

GFWC West Side Members from left: Mary Jane Kozick; Mary Ladish; Melissa Parry; Jennifer Ardoline; Heather Evan; Bonnie MacDonald; and Karen French. Also attending, taking this photo, Eileen Gallagher.

04/22/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Northeast Sight Services for inviting us to their Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. The years spent volunteering there have been very special for us. We gained valuable insight and knowledge, and we have developed a beautiful camaraderie with both clients and staff. So rewarding!! Thank you for the experience.

04/21/2026

GFWC West Side Women’s Club members recently had the opportunity to learn about the benefits of Tai Chi Easy and QiGong, through a demonstration by Rosalie Allen, a certified Holden Qi Gong instructor. Rosalie led our group through a program focusing on movement and breathing techniques, flexibility, and stretching.

At the Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA, in Forty-Fort, Rosalie instructs Tai Chi Easy and Qi Gong classes, suitable for all skill levels and abilities. Our club generously supported the program with a donation to the Cancer Wellness Center.

Shown at the check presentation From left: Rosalie Allen; Marie Warren, club president; and Jen Ardoline, program chairperson.

For membership information please contact: [email protected]