Agawam Junior Women’s Club recognizes Mercieri for leadership skills

Aug. 3, 2021 | Lauren LeBel
llebel@thereminder.com

AGAWAM – Lynne Mercieri, an Agawam resident and member of the General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) Agawam Junior Women’s Club (AJWC) recently received the GFWC Massachusetts Junior Membership 2020 Marilyn Perry Leadership Award.

The GFWC is an international organization that is dedicated to volunteering within clubs, communities, and internationally. According to Donna Shibley, president of the AJWC, GFWC has about 80,000 members nationwide. “We are one of the largest volunteer, nonprofit organizations,” she said.

Shibley explained that their club has been in existence for 63 years. As a group, they volunteer in town for kids, seniors, the environment, or any aspect that someone may be interested in.

Through information provided by Kamila O’Neill, member of the AJWC, Mercieri has been a part of this club since 2018. “Lynne greeted every community service project with enthusiasm and the willingness to help,” said O’Neill.

Shibley added, “When she [Lynne] joined the club, she jumped right in.” Recently she volunteered to be a board member, along with her additional commitments of being a Girl Scout troop leader and a member of the Southbridge Rotary Club.

Piling on to her efforts, Mercieri is currently the vice president of the AJWC and has been for one year. She is one of 17 members that make up the entire AJWC.

“She manages all this while raising a family and working full time with her cleaning company. Lynne, through her cleaning company, continues to support the community with donations and scholarships. Wherever the need is, Lynne manages to find a way to help,” said O’Neill.

“We’re happy she gives us some time,” stated Shibley.

Every year, the club nominates two members for two prestigious awards. Once the members are nominated, the entire club votes on who they believe should receive this award.

Besides earning the title, Mercieri will receive a small gift from junior membership, a certificate, and a picture frame that honors her.

The AJWC is looking forward to returning to in-person meetings and events this fall. Throughout the pandemic, they put on some socially distanced events such as door decorating contests for the fall and holiday season, along with holiday baskets that they put together and delivered to families in need. O’Neill said that Mercieri was someone who took charge of the Holiday Baskets program, as it was new to everyone.

Shibley said that they are always looking for additional members to join their club and will accept anyone, of any age, regardless if you’re an Agawam resident or not.

For additional information on the GFWC Agawam Junior Women's Club or to become a member, visit their official Facebook page or their website at https://www.agawamgfwc.com/.

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