Members of the Riverbank City Council and Mayor Richard O’Brien recently acknowledged a half century of service to residents, especially students in Riverbank, by the Federated Women’s Club here.
Club President Marilyn McRitchie and a group of members attended the Feb. 14 city council meeting to receive a proclamation by the city recognizing their service. Among the group was Ruth Ethier, a charter member of the club. She celebrated her 94th birthday just the weekend before.
In its proclamation, the council noted that the club was formed as a service organization that was started in 1966 and federated in February, 1967. It pointed out that the club promotes opportunities for students to further their education by donating two $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors that reside in Riverbank.
To this end, the club holds fundraisers throughout the year, including the recent Holiday Luncheon, which raised money to send a middle school student to Tech Trek, a week long science and math camp presented by the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
Club members also volunteer their assistance with city events including the Cheese and Wine Exposition and provide financial support for the Haunted Halloween Hayride in Jacob Myers Park each year. They participate in Adopt-a-Family during the holidays, purchasing items for area children in need.
At different times of the year, the club members sell poinsettias, as well as make and sell enchiladas.
Over the years, the club has been instrumental in many philanthropic efforts in town. The women have been involved with the construction of the Community Center, donated equipment to Jacob Myers Park and bleachers for the tennis courts.
For about 25 years, the club sponsored the Miss Riverbank Scholarship Pageant, according to McRitchie.
Members of the club also knit hats for newborn babies that are delivered to local hospitals, including Kaiser, Memorial, and Doctors hospitals. The club donates to a robotics class at Beyer High School.
The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at the Scout Hall on High Street, next to the City Corporation Yard. Meetings are held from fall through spring, and they take the summer off.
Those interested in more information about the Federated Women’s Club are invited to call McRitchie at 869-1760.
