As the Salem Area Women’s Club–GFWC (SAWC) concludes its 2025-2026 Centennial fiscal year, members can look back with pride on 100 remarkable years of service, philanthropy, and community impact while looking forward to a bright future. Throughout Salem, Pelham, Hampstead, Windham, and Derry, SAWC members support nearly 90 organizations through donations, volunteer service, and community outreach initiatives.
SAWC Welcomes New Board of Directors
At the Club’s Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers on June 2nd, outgoing President Patti Drelick expressed her deep gratitude to the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and members whose dedication helped guide the Club through a successful Centennial year. She then welcomed and installed the incoming Board of Directors for the 2026-2028 term. The newly elected Officers are: President: Mary Finocchario, Vice President: Loren Faber, Treasurer: Caryn Incollingo, Recording Secretary: Elaine Sincavage, Corresponding Secretary: Shamim Calcuttawalla, while the remainder of the Board consists of the Chairs of our six core service areas: Arts & Culture: Sarah Friend, Civic Engagement and Outreach: Susan Mothon, Education & Libraries: Darlene Daniele, Health & Wellness: Donna McDowell, Environment: Dee Stikeman, and Communications: Ronnie Shelley.
Students’ Artwork Brought to Life at Birches Academy
SAWC’s Arts and Culture Committee recently sponsored specialized paints and materials used to create a vibrant “Glow Gallery” in the Birches Academy art room. The project provides students with a unique and engaging way to showcase their creativity and artistic expression. SAWC is proud to support arts education and looks forward to continuing its commitment to promoting the arts throughout the community.
SAWC Honors Local Fire and Police Departments
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local first responders, SAWC recently presented gifts of appreciation to eight fire and police departments across Salem, Pelham, and Hampstead.
Many of the gifts focused on enhancing station kitchens and common areas where first responders prepare meals and spend time while on duty. Hampstead Fire received a new crock pot, while Hampstead Police Department was presented with bottled water and snacks. Salem Fire Stations 2 and 3 received new dishware, Salem Central given an electric knife sharpener along with cutting boards, and Salem Police Department received three snack towers—one for each shift. Pelham Fire Department was presented with grilling accessories, while Pelham Police Department received an air fryer. SAWC is proud to recognize and support the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities every day.
Welcome New Members!
SAWC is pleased to welcome its newest members: Julia Pollard, Joan Crane, Denise Ouellette, Meg Rokos, Kay Wolfe, Jackie Bourque, and Margaret Williams. The Club continues to grow as women from throughout the area discover opportunities for friendship, leadership, volunteer service, and community engagement.
Founded in 1926, the Salem Area Women’s Club–GFWC is celebrating 100 years of service to the community. Now more than 130 members strong, SAWC is a vibrant service and social organization dedicated to improving lives through volunteerism, philanthropy, and civic engagement.
Over the past year alone, SAWC contributed more than $50,000 to nearly 60 organizations and causes at the local, state, national, and international levels.
For more information about membership or the Club’s community service programs, call (603) 818-9172, visit the Club’s Facebook page, or visit www.salemareawomensclub.org. You may also email salemareawomensclub@gmail.com.
