March 15, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE….
Contact: Candace Ouillette Gaumond: 413.599.4785

CANDARAS SPONSORS BUS RIDE TO BOSTON FOR LOCAL WOMEN’S CLUB MEMBERS

SPRINGFIELD – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts will host its biennial Day At The State House on Thursday, March 25th. Representative Gale D. Candaras (D-Wilbraham), state event coordinator, will provide a chartered Peter Pan bus at no charge for local Women’s Clubs’ members who wish to make the trip to Boston for the daylong event. The day at the State House will feature greetings from the Governor and presentations by state officials on topics including education, healthcare, and “financial literacy.” Local legislators will join participants for a noontime luncheon in the Great Hall.

“It is vital that women come together and bring their collective wisdom and political power to bear on issues of importance to our state and nation. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for western Mass GFWC members to join with women from all over the Commonwealth in an exciting day of great speakers and great sharing. If you’re a member who has always wanted to attend this event but who has never been able to participate because of the drive to Boston, this is your year! Ride in comfort and safety. Interested members should sign up for the bus quickly because space is limited,” said Candaras.

Representative Gale Candaras was inducted into the Wilbraham Women’s Club in 1989 when she was sponsored by the Town’s first ever selectwoman, Louise Voss. Candaras went on to fill the seat Voss vacated when she retired to her family farm in Indiana. Candaras became State Representative in 1997, and was honored at the 110th Annual GFWC convention in 2001, where she received an award for outstanding citizenship and public service by an elected government official. Candaras represents the 12th Hampden District, which is home to three very active chapters of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs: The Women’s Club of Wilbraham and the Junior Women’s Clubs of East Longmeadow and Wilbraham.

Jane Cunningham Croly, a 19th century journalist, founded the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1889. It is the oldest and largest international women’s organization in existence. The Clubs’ historic mission is to improve the lives of others through volunteer service and community enhancement. Members’ efforts focus on promoting civic participation, conservation, education, and healthy lifestyles.

Irene Gendron, Past President and Current Legislative Chair of the Wilbraham Women’s Club is this year’s Chairman for the event and is responsible for organizing the day for the GFWC. She expressed appreciation for Representative Candaras’ assistance: “Gale has worked closely with me these past months to make sure our State House day is packed with information, excitement and fun. I am confident the day will be very worthwhile and encourage all our members to participate!”

The bus will depart for Boston at 7:00 a.m. from the Wilbraham United Church parking lot, 500 Main Street, Wilbraham, and return to this location by 5:30 p.m., weather and traffic permitting. G.F.W.C. members interested in taking the bus or who require special assistance should contact Ms. Candace Ouillette Gaumond, Chief of Staff to Representative Candaras, at (413) 599-4785, not later than 12:00 noon Tuesday, March 24, 2004.