NJ State Federation of Women Clubs Convention
Thursday Morning Club
Sixteen members of Madison’s Thursday Morning Club (TMC) attended the 130th Annual Convention of the New Jersey Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) in Atlantic City at The Hard Rock Hotel May 6-8. The TMC is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). Approximately 400 women were in attendance.
The days were filled with inspiring speeches (such as Martha Hall Kelly, author of “Lilac Girls”), workshops and special recognitions. State President Shirley Holly presided over many events. The TMC was recognized for Best All Around Reporting in four areas: Arts & Culture, Advocates For Children, Communications and Fundraising. Karen Jeisi (a previous President of the TMC) was installed as Vice President for the Highlands District, one of eight districts in the state.
The NJSFWC and Douglass College of Rutgers, the State University sponsored the 43rd Annual Women of Achievement. Four women were honored for their careers in service to their communities. Catherine Kerris, one of the honorees is a retired Social Worker in the Madison School system and President of EPOCH, an after school recreational program for handicapped children. In her speech, she singled out the TMC for providing a safe space for EPOCH after they lost their previous location.
The NJSFWC serves as a grassroots volunteer resource in New Jersey Communities. It enhances the quality of life within our respective communities and state by transforming public interests and concerns into meaningful projects and programs. In this pursuit members individual talents, abilities and skills are utilized and developed.
The history of the NJSFWC is impressive. A few highlights; founded in 1894, its first project was to drive legislation to protect the Palisades in danger of being destroyed through overdevelopment. In 1918 NJSFWC founded the New Jersey College for Women (now Douglass College). More recent efforts include support of the US troops through Operation Holiday Stocking, donation of cash and books to local public libraries and the Shining Future Endowment Campaign, serving the Arts, Education, Historic Preservation, Public Issues and Social Services. The 2024-2026 state project is the New Jersey Children’s Alliance.
The Thursday Morning Club, organized in 1896, is a non-profit which provides services for Madison area communities. It owns, operates, and maintains the Madison Community House and is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s clubs (NJSFWC) and of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). If you would like to serve the community, make new friends, and enjoy programs and activities, consider joining the Thursday morning Club; for more information, call the community House at 973-377-0244 or visit www.TMCMCH.org. To learn more about the NJSFWC, visit NJSFWC.org.
