Senator Helming Recognizes Geneva Women’s Club Centennial

GENEVA – Senator Pam Helming recently recognized the 100^th anniversary of the Geneva Women’s Club during a luncheon celebration at the organization’s clubhouse in Geneva. She presented a New York State Senate Proclamation to Geneva Women’s President Virginia McQuilken and also delivered remarks in which she noted the organization’s founding during a prominent period in the history of both New York State and the United States of America. The Geneva Woman’s Club officially formed on January 29, 1918, just a few weeks after New York State passed a law in January 1918 granting women the right to vote following a statewide referendum in November 2017 supporting women’s suffrage. Congress passed the 19^th Amendment, which gave all women in America the right to vote, a year later in 1919, and it was ratified by state governments in 1920. At its first meeting, the Geneva Women’s Club hosted a lecture from the City Attorney on the city charter, and it continues to hold a variety of events both to encourage club members to socialize and contribute to several causes in the community.

“Congratulations to everyone involved with the Geneva Women’s Club on marking a centennial of civic development and community involvement for the women of Geneva and surrounding communities. This organization carries on such a fantastic tradition, and the fact that is has gone on for 100 years speaks volumes to the strong passion and leadership of the women in charge of the organization. The Geneva Woman’s Club came together in 1918 because its founders, in light of the suffrage movement, saw how successfully women could work together for a common purpose. That statement still holds so much truth today, as the organization does so much both to enrich its members’ lives and make our community a better place. I was proud to be part of the centennial celebration,” Senator Helming said.