One of Bethel Park ’ s first civic clubs still serves the community today . BY W . B . FRESA
BETHEL WOMEN ’ S CLUB
CELEBRATES
75TH
ANNIVERSARY
One of Bethel Park ’ s first civic clubs still serves the community today . BY W . B . FRESA
“ At the heart of Bethel Women ’ s Club is the common goal of giving back to the community .”
Members of the Bethel Women ' s Club displaying some of the items they ' ve used in their fundraising efforts .
In 1941 , Bethel Park Township , like the rest of the country , was dealing with the uncertainties of World War II . While the attack on Pearl Harbor had yet to take place , the United States ’ allies were at war in Europe and there was a call to service by the U . S . government asking everyone to do what they could to support their country , communities and neighbors .
It was during this time that three women living in Bethel Park Township formed Bethel Women ’ s Club .
“ As the story goes , in the spring of 1941 , neighbors Ethel Linepensel and Olive Huff were hanging clothes on their clotheslines when they began talking about what they could do to help the community ,” says current Bethel Women ’ s Club President Cindy Carfagno . “ That year , they decided to form the club with their mutual friend , Ruth Brown , and 75 years later , they ’ re still going strong .”
The Bethel Women ’ s Club membership quickly increased to 27 by the end of that year and grew to 87 members within five years . With that many members working to support Bethel Township , as it was still known back then , they were able to collect money to buy war defense bonds and an inhalator or respirator , which was donated to the local fire department for use and safe keeping .
“ At the heart of Bethel Women ’ s Club is the common goal of needing to give back to the community ,” says Carfagno . “ We have helped support many organizations and residents of Bethel Park over the years and I ’ m happy we can continue the tradition during my tenure .”
One of the club ’ s most proud honors is granting two annual academic scholarships to children who attend school within the Bethel Park school district . A $ 100 scholarship is given to a student at Independence Middle School who writes the best essay on a current event . The second is a $ 3,000 scholarship awarded to a high school senior who is preparing for continued education .
“ The scholarship program is one of the highlights and missions of our club ,” Carfagno explains . “ We work very closely with the schools to ensure that our guidelines are fair and achievable to all young adults wanting to earn a scholarship .”
To raise enough money to fund the annual scholarships , as well as other charitable efforts , Bethel Women ’ s Club holds fundraising events throughout the year . It also gets donations from local businesses .
“ We try to support as many charities as possible , like Adopt‐A‐Family , S . H . I . M . ( South Hills Interfaith Movement ) and Bethel Park Library . This year we ’ re also making hygiene survival kits , which include a hand towel , washcloth , soap , toothbrush and other essentials . We will donate these kits to our local fire department , Operation Safety Net for the homeless , and other organizations who have requested them .”
Bethel Women ’ s Club will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a small luncheon , which will include some light entertainment and time to reflect on the club ’ s history and impact on the community .
“ We are not party people ,” notes Carfagno , “ but we want to honor the women who have given so much to help others . That ’ s what we do and we ’ re going to keep moving forward with our mission .”
To learn more about Bethel Women ’ s Club and how to join , email bethelwomensclub @ gmail . com or call Cindy Carfagno at 412.831.1331 . ■
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