Code breaker

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Fellow club woman, Jacqueline Hering belongs to the Westminster Woman's Club. Jacqueline spoke with the women of FWCC, inc. on April 14 to share her story. 

In the 1970's she was secretly recruited by a friend and neighbor to take on a "job." This job would require "Top Secret," clearance. Not knowing quite what she was getting into but, trusting her friend, she agreed to this part time job. 

Jacqueline was taken to Lewis Hall at Westminster College (now known as McDaniel College) to begin her training. Jacqueline described the rooms that she saw in the basement of Lewis Hall. There was a kitchen, decontamination room, a room with a large stash of food, a room with cots, and a tiny closet size room with a secure phone. 

Jacqueline and her fellow neighbors/friends were trained to receive and dispense secret messages in case there were ever a national emergency and the federal government would need to go into protected areas. Lewis Hall was designed to house the Department of Agriculture should the need for this type of protection ever arise.

Jacqueline took this responsibility and told NO ONE. The US government declassified the plan in 2000. Still, Jacqueline did not share her secret life until McDaniel College's 150th anniversersary when this part of the college's history was revealed.

The Frederick Woman’s Civic Club, Inc. has served the local community since 1911. What distinguishes FWCC from other civic organizations is the breadth of our volunteer outreach through our community service programs and outreach.

We work for to create a better Frederick through: 

· support of the arts 

· investment in education 

· advocacy of health and wellness

· civic engagement and partnerships 

· preservation of historic community treasures

· conservation of natural resources 

Domestic violence is our signature project. Club members work tirelessly to end domestic violence through greater awareness while providing support to survivors in partnership with Heartly House. We also work to end child abuse through involvement with the Child Advocacy Center of Frederick County.

Our members represent a diverse cross-section of the Frederick community. Some of our members have lived in Frederick County all of their lives; others have more recently moved into the area. Our members have a wealth of talents and skills, expertise, and compassion. What unites us is our dedication to enhancing the lives of others in Frederick through volunteer service.

To accommodate the different family and work situations of our members, we hold monthly meetings in both the daytime and in the evening. Our community service program groups have many ongoing activities so there is always something to do!

The club meets at the historic Steiner House, a Frederick City landmark built in 1807 and purchased by FWCC in 1962. We maintain the house as close to its original condition as possible and open it to museum tours and other events. Steiner House reflects the club’s dedication to preservation of historic sites in our community. 

We are always seeking new and varied ways to make good things happen. Consider joining us in that effort. Click Join to learn more.

I am incredibly excited to begin my term as President of the Frederick Woman’s Civic Club, Inc. My goal is to promote our Club's mission: To unite the women of Frederick County and vicinity dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through support and volunteer service in the areas of education, home life, art, public issues, conservation and historic preservation for the good of the individual and the community. To do this, we continue to strengthen our Club and our community.

   In 1911, it all began with a vision: to serve our local population for the benefit of all.  The history of the Frederick Woman’s Civic Club,Inc. is true testimony to the fact that women, organized to utilize their abilities, can achieve monumental goals of change and reform. The group of eighteen women, who met and formed the first Woman’s Club in Frederick on April 24, 1911, was the nucleus of an organization which has made a profound difference in the history and development of the city of Frederick, Maryland. From the beginning, they rolled up their sleeves and addressed problems within the city, and helped  underprivileged children.

Today, we continue this work.  Assisting me in achieving this goal are 66 amazing women. Each of us had an individual objective when joining our club, and each brings a diversity of thought, talent and passion to our Club. I am extremely proud of our FWCC members who continue to strengthen this legacy and honor those women who served before us.

In February, we will hold our Mardi Gras 2019, a Jazzy Night for Caring and Sharing. This event raises funds for the many projects and non-profit organizations that we support all year.

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I am honored to lead and work with such an amazing team, but nothing we do would be possible without a strong community supporting our mission.  Thank you for your continued support!

Living the Volunteer Spirit,

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Carol Feser, President

Frederick Woman’s Civic Club, Inc.

There are three districts in the state of Maryland. Each is made up of a  group of clubs serving their individual communities. In addition, members  of these clubs initiate and support efforts, goals and activities of the GFWC of Maryland, as well as the national/international GFWC.

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May 16 we celebrated a year of accomplishments by having dinner at Dutch's Daughter. Entertainment was provided by Pat Shoemaker (on guitar) and his daughter, Maggie. Maggie did a great job singing.  

Nancy Wynne is our Club Woman of the Year. Bonnie Andrews received the Red Shoe award from our state president for the great job she did playing the piano at the convention. The club members received Awards of Excellence for the following: International Issues Clara Dinterman and Melinda Shanholtz), Public Issues (Martha Copeland), Education (Gina Opatovsky), Communication and Public Relations (Nancy Keller Bonde, Mary Snyder, and Debbie Winkles), Fundraising and Development (Melinda Shanholtz), and Leadership (Carol Feser). Mary Snyder was recognized for her work in restarting our all-important newsletter. In addition, a special recognition went the work lead by President, Carol Feser in support of our veterans. 

Photos from our celebration, below.