By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – A group of local girls, ages 12-18, are busy creating fabric wreaths and collecting toys for the annual Toys for Tots drive for holiday giving in the city. They are members of the Juniorettes, a new program that offers fun, friendship, and service to intelligent, enthusiastic, talented young adults committed to community service and self-development.
This special group is sponsored by the Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club, under the guidance of member Beth McKeon, who serves as advisor.
“It is such a pleasure working with these young, bright and motivated girls and helping them learn how to become members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC),” said McKeon. “I help them organize and plan their meetings, as well as introduce ideas for projects and fundraisers.”
Officers of the local Juniorettes are all members of the senior class at Marlborough High School. They are: Molly Farrell, president; Casey Sibole, vice president; Claire Cargill, secretary; and Victoria Breitenfeld, treasurer. The group received their official GFWC charter at a recent meeting held at the home of Katherine Hennessey, also a member of the local Junior Woman’s Club. The charter enables them to open a bank account and be a tax exempt organization, according to Hennessey.
Alicia Bibi, a freshman at Marlborough High, is excited about duties she will perform at the annual Evening of Giving held to benefit Roland’s House, the Marlborough-Hudson homeless shelter on Mechanic Street.
“We will be hostesses, welcoming people and showing them to their seats,” she said. “I am so happy to be a member of the Juniorettes. We meet once a month and work on projects to help people in our community,” said the young athlete, balancing her studies, sports and other activities while helping others.
Juniorettes continue to grow throughout the United States. Each club has its own personality and determines what is most needed in its city or town. All share the GFWC Community Service Program guidelines, offering activities in arts, conservation, education, home life, international outreach and public issues. The Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club has been a member of GWFC for more than 50 years.