Established in 1900 - Celebrating 125 years!
The Woman's Club of Upper Montclair
The Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair (WCUM) is part of the Liberty District of New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs (NJSFWC) which is part of General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). The Club entered the NJSFWC in 1901, became incorporated in 1920, and joined GFWC in 1921. Current President for the 2025-2026 Season is Cyndee Rowan.
WCUM was founded in 1900 by Mrs. Robert Hoe Dodd. Since its inception, the Club promoted service to Montclair and its neighboring communities. It began with a small group of neighbors who called themselves the Thursday Club and met weekly to discuss questions of common interest and to work on projects to benefit the community.
The groundbreaking for the clubhouse where we gather today began in 1923, which makes our flagship space 102 years old this calendar year! As a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, WCUM supports a wide range of worthwhile projects initiated by the State Federation, including Autism Awareness, Operation Smile, Canine Companions for Independence, preservation initiatives and many others. Their project for 2024-2026 term is New Jersey Children's Alliance.
Board of Trustees 2025-2026
OFFICERS
President: Cyndee Rowan
First Vice President: Janet Oscar
Second Vice President: Waltraut H. Becker
Treasurer/Finance: Sonyia Woloshyn
Recording Secretary: Patricia Piermatti
Corresponding Secretary: Roseanne DiNiscia
Federation Secretary: Vivien S. Finn
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DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS
Advocates for Children/ Domestic Violence: Cathy McCarthy
Arts & Culture: Carla Helb
Arts Performing: Mary Sellito-Curcio
Civic Engagement & Outreach: Caroline M. Johnson
Education & Libraries: Arlene Onnembo
Environment: Carylmead Eggleston
Health & Wellness: Celia McAllister
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STANDING COMMITTEES
Bylaws: Anita M. James
Communications: Heather Zises
House: Waltraut H. Becker
Membership: Barbara A. Davey
Nominating: Dorothy T. Meissner, Pat Piermatti, Arlene Onnembo
Telephone: Joann Davey/Marie Tuosto
Ways & Means: Sarah Ross
"Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much."
-Helen Keller
Community Service
The Club is committed to supporting projects that serve the needs of our community. Raising funds to advance these projects is an important part of our mission. The Holly Berry Gift and Craft Fair is held every November at the clubhouse as a major fundraiser and a very special event to open the holiday season. Other efforts throughout the year support the service mission, collecting food for the Human Needs Food Pantry, for example, or putting together packages to be sent to members of the armed forces abroad, and adopting a family at Christmas.
Education
Club meetings are often the opportunity for educational exploration through guest speakers or special performances. There might be a presentation about the Tunnel to Tower Foundation or a report on a public issues advocacy effort by the state organization of Women’s Clubs. The Club includes departments focusing on the creative or performing arts, music and travel. Club members have embarked on a host of virtual journeys, including to Vietnam and Machu Picchu. Conservation and Garden decorates our house for Christmas, and educates members on various gardens and issues around our state.
Fellowship
The Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair brings together women with shared interests. Opportunities are virtually unlimited for volunteering your time and talents. The Club meets monthly along with luncheons and other events throughout the year. You might find the Book Group in thoughtful discussion about their monthly selection. Book Discussion Group meets at 1:30 PM the 3rd Thursday of every month.