Happy 100th Birthday!
The Salem Area Women’s Club–GFWC (SAWC) is delighted to celebrate its 100th Anniversary throughout 2026. Marking this remarkable milestone, SAWC hosted a formal Gala on March 12th, welcoming nearly 200 members and community supporters. SAWC President Patti Drelick reflected on the club’s century-long legacy of service, noting how current members honor past contributions while actively serving today and planning for the future.
Please join us for a Centennial Afternoon Tea
The celebration of a century of service and sisterhood continues. Steeped with the history of SAWC, GFWC, and the magic of Searles Castle, come enjoy an afternoon of spring gardens in the courtyard, tours of the castle, and music in the air. Savor the champagne, conversation, and Tea with all its delectable accompaniments under the grande tent. Guest of Honor is Wendy Carriker, Incoming President of GFWC International. Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 1:30 to 4:30 pm, Searles Castle, Windham. The community is warmly invited to attend. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.salemareawomensclub.org/events-2
Celebrating the USA’s 250th Anniversary – Salem Style
On Tuesday, April 14th at 6:30 PM, SAWC will participate in a special community program at the Salem Historical Society, 310 Main Street, Salem. The evening will feature guest speaker Doug Wood of the Sons of the American Revolution, presenting “The Colonial Soldier,” an engaging and informative talk. From 6:30–7:00 PM, Terry D’Errico of the NH Philharmonic will welcome guests with Revolutionary War–era music performed on a historic flute. SAWC will provide refreshments. This free program is open to the public.
Battling Food Insecurity in the Community
SAWC continues to support organizations dedicated to ensuring no local family goes without food. Recently, the club donated $2,250 in financial contributions, along with essential household items—including laundry detergent, paper towels, and soap—to End 68 Hours of Hunger, Bread of Life Food Pantry, and Hope Center Food Pantry, all located in Salem. These efforts are led by the dedicated “Savvy Shopping Sisters,” including Loren Faber, Margaret Fuller, Debz Dzioba, Kristen Klecan, Deb Slein, and Susan Mothon, who spend countless hours sourcing and delivering supplies.
SAWC Donates Banner to Promote End 68 Hours of Hunger in Pelham
In March, SAWC members presented a handsomely designed banner to the End 68 Hours of Hunger organization in Pelham. Volunteers meet weekly to assemble food bags for children facing food insecurity over weekends when school meals are unavailable. The banner will be displayed at Pelham Old Home Days and other community events to raise awareness.
Spring Cleaning in Salem
On April 6th, members of SAWC’s Environment Committee took to Salem’s main streets equipped with trash bags and litter pickers. Their efforts resulted in the collection of numerous bags of litter, helping to beautify the community.
Local Author’s Reading Delights Salem Children
On February 25th, Salem author Jeff Zygmont delighted 31 children at the Salem Boys & Girls Club with a reading of his latest book, Gina Loses a Ski. As the event sponsor, SAWC donated a full set of all seven books from the Gina and Harold series to the Club. Additional author events are planned for the future.
Since its founding in 1926, the Salem Area Women’s Club–GFWC (SAWC) has provided fellowship and philanthropic opportunities for women in the community. Now 125 members strong and growing, SAWC is a vibrant service and social organization committed to making a difference. In the past year alone, the club contributed more than $50,000 to nearly 90 organizations and causes at the local, state, national, and international levels.
For more information, please call (603) 818-9172, visit www.salemareawomensclub.org, follow us on Facebook, or email salemareawomensclub@gmail.com.
