ESCANABA - The General Federation of Women's Club (GFWC) 114th annual State Convention was held April 24-26 at the historic Doherty Hotel in downstate Clare. Representing GFWC - Escanaba at the convention were President Mary Gierke, First Vice-President for the District Pat Boes and member Petey Semmens.
The theme of the convention was "The Who, The What, The How for Federation Leaders." GFWC Michigan President for 2008-10 welcomed Dr. Rose Ditto, GFWC International president.
The convention featured: honored guest and speaker Dr. Ditto; Senior Internal Revenue Service Agent Donna Ference, who presented "To be or not to be: A 502 (c) (3) and other options for charitable non-profit organizations"; Administrative Assistant for Bay Cliff Janet Pinar; Bay Cliff camper Gene Fletcher and father, Mike, who presented a program about Bay Cliff Health Camp; and GFWC State President Sherry Wellman presenting her special project, "Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness." Moderator Pat Boes welcomed a panel of speakers that included: Clare Country Sheriff Deputy Kelli Passino - "Apprehending"; Pharmacist Amy Smendik - "Dispensing"; Dr. David Breamer, D.O. - "Treating"; and Circuit Court Judge Janet Boes - "Sentencing."
Featured speaker at Sunday's program was Clare County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle J. Amabrozaetis - "Prosecution of Domestic Violence."
GFWC - Escanaba Club received nine awards in the reporting categories and "Best of the Best" in International Affairs Committee. In the Arts and Crafts category, club members Amber Lippold won a Blue Ribbon in the quilting category, and Karen Traut won a Blue Ribbon for in the knitting category. The club's entry "Memory Book" received a Red Ribbon.
At the Ms. Federation/Women of Achievement Banquet, Pat Boes was recognized as the 2008 GFWC Ms. Federation for the GFWC - Escanaba club.
