The women's club will celebrate its golden anniversary at Adelphia's this weekend.
Bob Shryock The WedgWood Women's Club was formed by the first residents of the WedgWood Development in Washington Township in March 1966.
Fifty years later, the club is still flourishing under the leadership of Sue Zeller, who has served as club president for 26 years and is among five presidents still active.
The club celebrates its golden anniversary with a Saturday, April 16 gala at Adelphia's Restaurant across from the Deptford Mall.
"The 50th is quite an achievement for our club," Zeller says. "I'm proud of our members, who give so much of their time to help others. Through our scholarship program, we're trying to help women get a new start.
"We're also a social club, sharing our thoughts, laughs, tears and support. We're here for each other as well as those in need in our community."
Zeller was a club member for three years, vice president for two, and became president in 1990, calling it an "extraordinary journey." She added, "The years have gone by fast but the friendships I've made will last a lifetime."
A Turnersville resident, Zeller is a graduate of Drexel University. She was a real estate broker with Century 21 for 23 years and, for 21 years, taught at the Philadelphia Realty Board. She has been likewise active in the community, serving as Gloucester County President of the Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) for eight years and serving on the foundation board at Rowan College at Gloucester County for two.
Miki Venuti, president in 1974, is the only original member still active. Other past presidents still active are Pat Parker (1981), Maura Skelly (1983 and 1984), and Barbara Marsella (1986 and 1987).
Meetings were first held in the homes of the club's 15 members. In 1966, all women's clubs active in developments throughout Washington Township merged and assumed the name WedgWood Women's Club.
Over the 50 years, the club has donated hundreds of food baskets, adopted families that needed a boost, and supported athletic teams at Washington Township High School, Toys for Tots "Mainstage" and other charitable groups.
The club holds its 29th Christmas House Tour this year. To date, 163 homeowners and 18
Churches have particpated with 100 percent of the proceeds ticketed for scholarships including $100,000 for WTHS seniors and $84,000 for women returning to school at Rowan College at GC.
For the first time this year WedgWood club will present a student with financial support throughout their four years in college.
Other notes: The club has held craft shows twice a year; Easter egg hunts for 32 years; Lunch with Santa (still strong after 45 years); Designer BIngo; night at the races; fashion shows; art auctions; murder mystery dinners; parade floats.
A non-profit, the club over its 50 years also has held 500 general meetings, 500 executive meetings and taken about 300 day trips.
The longest standing club in WT, WedgWood meets the second Tuesday of the month (no meetings scheduled in July or August), at 7:30 p.m. at WedgWood Country Club..
Current officers are: Sue Zeller, president; Annamarie Lucca, vice president; Barbara Marsella, treasurer; JoAnn McPoyle, recording secretary; Rita Gigliotti, corresponding secretary; Karen Veneziale, member-at-large; Karen Lemke, ways and means; and Rose Ann Perri, ways and means.