Ortonville- The Ortonville Woman’s Club is one of the oldest organizations in the community, formed 105 years ago.
At that time, the primary purpose of the club was to educate women and offer them the opportunity for socialization. The service organization has also offered scholarships to local students through the years.
‘Years ago, it used to be that to receive a scholarship, you needed to go to college to become a nurse or teacher, because those were the careers for women,? noted Faye Bindig, vice-president of the Woman’s Club. ‘Now there are no restrictions on what you are going to college for and we give scholarships to boys, too, because we are non-discriminatory.?
While the scholarship requirements have changed, other things about the club remain the same.
‘I like the socializing,? said Crystal Haase, a member of the Ortonville Woman’s Club for 18 years. ‘It’s a fun group. Most members tend to be older, but we welcome all ages over 18, and we all come from different backgrounds.?
The club meets at 1 p.m., the fourth Thursday of every month from September through June, at the Edna Burton Senior Center, 345 Ball St. Monthly meetings regularly feature local speakers, small luncheons or potlucks.
‘It’s basically a get-together for women to raise awareness in the community of things that are going on,? said Bindig. ‘I enjoy getting together with people you don’t see all the time and I like the idea of raising money for the high school seniors, especially with the economy the way it is.?
The club gives three to five scholarships to Brandon High School seniors every year, with awards ranging from $200-$1,000. Applicants are considered based on grade point average, community involvement and their goals.
The club’s annual membership fee is $10, but their main scholarship fundraiser is a fashion show and luncheon they host in April.
New members are always welcome.
‘Anyone who wants to join, come and see what we’re about,? Bindig said. Details: 248-627-6447.