Sheriff Kimmy Rogers will be the guest speaker during Legislation Day at the annual conference of the Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs on Saturday, Mar. 19 at Eastgate Receptions in Batavia.

Rogers will be speaking about drug abuse prevention and protecting children in families affected by drug abuse.

As members of the Ohio Federation, the West Union Women’s Club will be one of 10 womens’ clubs representing the southwest Ohio district at the yearly meeting.

During the meeting each attending club will be recognized and honored for the work they have done throughout the year.

The West Union club, founded in 1946, has 31 members and functions as a strictly volunteer, community service organization.

“Our club focuses on projects in arts, conservation, education, home life, public affairs, community needs and issues, and leadership,” said club President, Sally White. “It’s all about women working to improve their community.”

Members participate in the local Arts Council Summer Camp for children, organizing the art displays in the courthouse annex, and in collaboration with local English and Art teachers, and sponsor a short story and poetry contest for local students each year.

In addition, they award two $500 senior scholarships each year, contribute to the school sponsored Operation Backpack program that addresses childhood hunger, and volunteer their time to tutor and mentor students.

They also work to raise awareness about conservation issues. “We have brought attention to the diminishing population of monarch butterflies, we have planted, and encouraged others to plant milkweed which is the natural food source for the monarch,” said White, “We are also involved in promoting the importance of healthy eating and growing your own food and herbs.”

In April they will be planting a pinwheel garden on the courthouse lawn to raise awareness about child abuse and prevention.

Though their primary focus is on the local community, the club members also work on state-wide issues. “We often write to our congressmen to try to affect change,” White says, “We have worked on behalf of Operation Smile, (the organization that provides surgical care to children suffering from cleft lip or cleft palate) and the immunization program – Shots for Life, but our signature cause is domestic violence, and two or three times a year we host events aimed at raising awareness and prevention.”

The club meets six times a year in different locations. Their February meeting was hosted by Judith Brown at the new Locals Cafe & Art Gallery on Courthouse Square in West Union.

Members of the West Union Women’s Club will attend the annual Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs annual meeting in March.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Women1.jpgMembers of the West Union Women’s Club will attend the annual Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs annual meeting in March.

Judith Brown, owner of the Locals Cafe & Art Gallery on Courthouse Square hosted the February meeting of the West Union Women’s Club.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Women2.jpgJudith Brown, owner of the Locals Cafe & Art Gallery on Courthouse Square hosted the February meeting of the West Union Women’s Club.
Local community service club will be recognized for its volunteer work

By Patricia Beech

pbeech@civitasmedia.com

Reach Patricia Beech at 937-544-2391 or at pbeech@civitasmedia.com