GTWC Welcomes New Officers

Grand Terrace Women’s Club (GTWC) inducted the 2016-2017 officers at the annual installation luncheon, ringing in a new generation of community servants whose goal it is to promote education and culture throughout the city under the umbrella of the international nonprofit General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). The new officers include: Penny Radtke – president Carolynn Crowe-Payne – first vice president Adele Lara – second vice president Norma Bethel – third vice president Betty Daniel – parliamentarian Frances Carter – treasurer Joanne Long – financial reviewer Ana Lugo – corresponding secretary Barbara Thornhill – recording secretary The women meet the third Wednesday of every month at Azure Hills Seventh Day Adventist Church. The luncheon marked the end of their year, as they will be “dark” during the summer and resume meeting in September. Established in 1908 and federated with the state of California in 1925, GTWC is a longstanding tradition that now 72 women take a part of. In San Bernardino County, 21 different women’s clubs exist, including clubs in Rialto, Montclair, Colton, Yucaipa, and Ontario. Debbie Earle, 42-year member and publicity chairman, said each club holds different events, like teas and fashion shows, and invites other clubs to participate and reciprocate. With every year and every new president comes a new flower, color, and theme. In past years, colors of have been white and light purple and red, white, and blue. The theme for the 2014-2015 year was “Love and charity for our country, community, and our club.” This year, newly installed president Radtke, who will be taking over for outgoing president Nancy Hassard, is remaining true to the club’s ideals with the theme “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” A member since 2009, serving before as recording secretary for two years and first vice president for one year, which is a requirement for any president so they have experience with the club beforehand, her flower is a daisy and her color is yellow. She said her project for the club this year will focus on Autism Awareness. “I plan to offer information, resources, and personal experience, as a parent of an autistic child, to the membership in various ways,” Radtke said. “My hope is to promote more awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the various functioning levels and needs of those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Radtke said she has been involved with community service since moving to Grand Terrace in 1992, and that her heart “has always been in community service.” She is a member of the Grand Terrace Lions Club and board secretary of the Lions Float Inc. “Teaching youth the value of community service and getting them involved, I feel is very important,” she said. “Encouraging youth to volunteer and participate in community activities is vital and gives them opportunities to take pride in their community and in helping others.” She said she is excited to see the opportunity GTWC will have next year to serve their community. “I am honored to be serving as the 2016-2017 Grand Terrace Woman's Club President and look forward to serving with our board of directors and the membership to continue the great service our Club contributes to our community and expand opportunities for new service projects,” Radtke said.