Women’s Club focuses on the women who make a difference
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The Webster City Women's Club met Monday with nearly 30 members present at this monthly meeting.
The focus of the program was about the women who have contributed in many different ways in the growth of the United States.
Valerie Rickert, president of the Women's Club noted that 1.3 million women own businesses today in the United States.
"All these women had in common was that they said yes," she said.
Rickert developed a personal list for America's 250th anniversary. She developed a list of 250 Amazing American Women, which brought stories to light both from local residents like Jane Young and Sarah Brewer Bonebright, to nationally known women like Harriet Tubman and Sacagawea.
Jane Young came to the United States from Kent England. According to Rickert she came to help her brother, the manager of the Willson Hotel.
"In 1857 she met Kendall Young," she said, and with that marriage, the city now has a beautiful public library, and a beautiful park, and farmland to help support it.
The programs vary dramatically, with information shared about both local events and history in addition to informational sharing.
Each month there is a thought provoking question for the women attending the meeting. Each woman is invited to answer the question.
In these days of intense political climate, the question posed by member Carol Zills was "Did your family discuss politics around the dinner table?"
The majority of the responses were negative. Only a handful of ladies remembered their parents talking about politics openly, and many confessed that their parents often supported different political parties. The question brought up a sensitive topic, handled with grace, humor and a bit of advice.
For over 100 years the Women's Club has been the primary organization to care and manage the Jane Young House. Currently there are 43 members from around the county who come together each month from March to December.
Membership is only $25 per year, and members can rent the facility at a slight discount. The house is available for wedding showers, family gatherings, brunches and other events with seating available for about 40 people.
Officers of the Women's Club include Valerie Rickert, President; Carol Zills, Vice President; Loween Getter, Secretary; Donna Bristow, Treasurer; Joyce Harms, Publicity and Sharon Hines, Historian.