MONTVALE, N.J.—The Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club marked its 35th year of service to our community with a celebratory lunch held on June 21 at the Montvale Senior Center. Current members were joined by members of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs Board of Directors, including Susan Chambers, the NJSFWC president-elect, and Janet Drogo, NJSFWC Palisades District vice president.
Also attending: representatives of the other NJSFWC clubs in the Palisades District, and, in a lovely flourish 10 of the original charter members of the club.
The three charter members who have remained active in the club throughout its 35 years — Kaye Boyle, Beverly Mancini, and Elaine Mooney — opened the festivities, leading the group in the Collect for Clubwomen, the Pledge of Allegiance, and grace before the meal.
Vianna Mattson, a student at Park Ridge High School led the group in a rousing version of “God Bless America.”
Councilman Robert Metzger presented the club with a ceremonial proclamation passed by the Park Ridge mayor and council, honoring the club for celebrating 35 years of friendship and service. A similar proclamation was received from the Woodcliff Lake governing body.
Chambers spoke to congratulate the members on their commitment to the goals of service to their community. Drogo presented the club with anniversary certificates from the NJSFWC and the GFWC.
A brief history of the club, compiled by the club’s first (and current) president, Kathy Grubb, was read by Bev Mancini and Elaine Mooney, taking the group on a trip down memory lane.
The Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club began in 1989 as the idea of a small group of women who had become friends through their membership in the Paskack Junior Woman’s Club. At that time, women who reached the ripe age of 35 (later 40) were deemed too old for a Junior club and were forced to find other ways to continue to participate in the charitable works that are the hallmark of a Federated club.
Other local woman’s clubs were not the right fit, so these friends decided to form their own Federated club. The Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club, which had quickly grown to 35 members, was accepted into the New Jersey Federation of Women’s Clubs in April 1990.
The club has remained a force in the Pascack Valley ever since. The bulk of the club’s fundraising and service efforts remain local. Annual scholarships are given to a graduating senior at Park Ridge, Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley high schools. The club supports the Tri-Boro Food Pantry with monetary donations and donation of needed food and non-food items. Their funds also help the Tri Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Meals on Wheels of North Jersey, the Center for Hope and Safety, Families for Families and Bergen County Special Olympics. These efforts are funded by annual projects such as a Military Bridge, a High Tea, Cookies with Santa and Breakfast with the Bunny.
Members’ personal growth is encouraged via informative speakers at meetings and through varied experiences like book discussion groups, CPR lessons, dance classes, craft workshops and nature walks.
Women with an interest in making a difference in the lives of others in their community are invited to join the club in its efforts. Meetings are suspended for the summer but will resume on Sept. 8.
More information about the club can be found on its Facebook page and at its website, gpvwc1990.wixsite.com/gpvwc. Questions can be answered by emailing the club at GPVWC1990@gmail.com or calling 201-694-4440.
Editor’s note: Pascack Press extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club on its 35th anniversary—a remarkable milestone of service, friendship, and leadership. Traditionally, the 35th year is symbolized by coral, representing protection, community, and long-lasting bonds formed through shared purpose. Jade, a modern emblem of the occasion, signifies wisdom, harmony, and resilience. Together, these symbols reflect the club’s enduring presence and graceful strength in the Pascack Valley. We celebrate the lives enriched by the club’s work and look forward to many more years of meaningful impact.