By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Jan Greer of Chelsea was awarded the Outstanding District Director award at the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs (AFWC) 117th Annual Convention. Greer was AFWC Third District director of clubs in Shelby and Jefferson Counties from 2010-2012.

Greer, the daughter of Henry and Jeanne Gibbs, graduated from Auburn University and is a computer business analyst at Sungard Data Systems. She has been very involved with AFWC, serving as president of Shades Mountain Women’s Club, member of Foster House (AFWC Headquarters), group leader of Alabama Youth Leadership Program and Third District director.

“I get a great deal of enjoyment helping others,” said Greer. “People have helped me, and I feel it is something I should do. I live by the motto, ‘service is the rent we pay for living.’ ”

AFWC is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), an international organization more than 120 years old dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through community service.

Keynote speaker at the convention was GFWC Second Vice-President Shelia E. Shea. Shea noted that federated women were instrumental in forming 75 percent of the United States libraries (including Shelby County’s).

GFWC has been active in supporting causes as the Pure Food and Drug Act, alcohol and drug abuse programs for women and children and “Youth Suicide Prevention” program.

“During 2012, GFWC state presidents reported members contributed 134,044 hours, $16,790,613.33 in money and $31,224,299.44 in in-kind donations through 134,044 local club projects,” said Shea. “GFWC members and clubs truly make a difference in their communities, their states, our country and the world every day.”

Shelby County has three active federated clubs: Columbiana Culture Club, Vignette Club and Novella Club of Columbiana. These three clubs donate thousands of dollars to our communities and schools, and members volunteer thousands of hours to community service.

Shelby County clubwomen are also active in AFWC. Jackie Clark is AFWC president-elect 2012-2014. New Third District officers for 2012-2014 are: Director Peggy Wood, former Novella Club president; Second Assistant Director Diane Moore, past Vignette treasurer; and Third District Treasurer Linda Cundiff, Culture Club president.

Congratulations to Shelby County’s federated clubwomen.

 

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by email at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.