By Lisa Carolin
One of Chelsea’s longest existing clubs is the Chelsea Area Women’s Service Club, which was created in 1953.
It was first known as the Chelsea Child Study Club and then its name became Modern Mothers. It was in 2012 that the name became Chelsea Area Women’s Service Club (CAWS) because members felt it better reflects its purpose as a community service club.
“The club’s mission has always been to provide community service, education and social enrichment,” said Jody Croskey, president of CAWS. “A fundraiser is held each year to provide donations to community projects and local charitable organizations as well as scholarships to Chelsea High School Seniors.”
In June of 2019, CAWS scholarships were awarded to CHS students Caitlin Dusenbury, Charles Dahlgren, and Gretchen Kuras.
The club has co-sponsored the Cum Laude Banquet with CHS since 1973. The banquet honors Cum Laude seniors, their parents, and an educator/mentor of their choice.
“Members of the club volunteer their time with set up and serving along with baking the desserts for the night,” said Croskey.
CAWS also sponsors a family from Faith in Action every year at Christmas time.
“We have made blankets for children at Mott Children’s Hospital,” said Croskey. “We have collected toiletries for homeless children in Chelsea. Last year we collected sheets for the St. Louis Center.”
The club recently joined the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We chose to join the Chelsea chamber to work with our community and to help our club grow,” said Croskey. “I feel the club is important to Chelsea because it is a great way for women to get to know others in our community and to reach out to others and offer help where needed.
There are currently 16 members, and they are from Chelsea, Dexter, and Gregory.
CAWS members meet from September through May on the third Wednesday of the month at members’ homes or at local establishments, and the club occasionally goes on outings.
Yearly dues to belong to CAWS are $30 per member along with additional fees for monthly activities. The kickoff meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
CAWS is always accepting new members, and you can learn more by contacting [email protected].
