Nov 17, 2014 By Susan Schmeichel 5 min read

Members of the Bethel Woman’s Club want people to know that they are still out there actively helping the community.

“I don’t think anyone realizes what we do,” said Clare Muraca, past president. “We have done so many things.”

Club members were recently recognized for the many ways they help the community when, during the November council meeting, Bethel Park Mayor Jack Allen honored them as “People who make Bethel Park a better place to live.”

“It was the first time we have ever been recognized for what we do,” Muraca said.

The club is a charitable organization whose objective is to promote interest in educational, civic and philanthropic activities, she explained. Funds raised through various activities and donations by members are used to support those activities.

The Bethel Woman’s Club was started in 1941.

“It was a way for women to get out of the house and to socialize,” explained Pat Griffith, current president.

Group members were always looking for ways to be useful to the community. During WWII, group members wrapped bandages during their meetings, Griffith said.

In 1944, club members gave $100 scholarships to two local high school students.

“I think that was very impressive,” said Griffith, referring to the time period.

Each year, the club provides scholarships to graduating seniors who live in Bethel Park. The seniors can be graduates of any school, public or private, but they must be Bethel Park residents, Muraca said.

The group also gives a monetary gift and a plaque to an outstanding eighth grade student at Independence Middle School.

Among the other organizations which benefit from the club’s philanthropy are the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company, the Trolley Beautification Committee and the Bridge and 500 card marathons at the Bethel Park Community Center.

The woman’s club helps support the Bethel Park Police Pals adopt a family program with an annual donation of $500. Members also helped fund the police department’s emergency command center.

Club members also donate to the Bethel Park Public Library and donate books to the library in memory of deceased members.

Not only does the group help Bethel Park organizations, it also contributes to The Woman’s Place, homeless causes, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army and the Thanksgiving Fund.

Bethel Woman’s Club members also assist in non financial ways.

When Bethel Park municipal officials were planning the veterans’ memorial, it was the woman’s club members who researched and verified the names of the veterans.

Club members are always there to assist, Muraca said.

This year’s President’s Project is supporting the Linus Project. Members are making blankets and donating materials and funds to the project that provides blankets for sick children and veterans.

“We are just people who give,” said Griffith. “That’s our thing, charity.”

During it’s heyday, the club boasted over 100 members and currently has 60 active members. The friendships formed are so strong that members who have moved out of the area continue to pay their dues and maintain their memberships, Muraca said.

“I’ve met, made and lost (to death) so many friends,” said Muraca, who joined the Bethel Woman’s Club in 1989 after retiring.

“I like to be available to help,” she said. “I like to be there to find a solution and I like to be there to see it through.”

Muraca, who has held many offices within the club, is also a member of other organizations including St. Valentine Parish’s Christian Mothers and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Lois Quallich, who is also active in many local organizations, joined the Bethel Park Woman’s Club in 1996, also after retiring.

“I’ve always been a club person,” she said. “I’ve always been involved.”

In 1953, the club bought a former gas station turned church from the congregation of Brightwood Christian Church. The little white building at the corner of Brightwood and Lytle roads was where club members held card parties, fashion shows, flea markets and spaghetti dinners to help finance their many philanthropic endeavors.

In 2007, club members sold the clubhouse to a dance school owner who had previously rented space from them.

The group now holds its monthly luncheons at Christ Methodist Church. They meet at noon on the third Wednesday of the month. Guests are welcome, reservations are requested.

Luncheons always include a program or a speaker.

In December, the group will have its Christmas luncheon, which will include a bake sale and a musical performance by Bethel Park Councilman Mark O’Brien. They will also be collecting can goods for the Bethel Park Police Pals food drive.

Scheduled upcoming programs include a visit from Bethel Park Public Library Director Christine McIntosh who is going to discuss the history of aprons. Members will be bringing their favorite aprons. In the spring, the group will be holding their annual tea party.

Group members will also be continuing to raise money and support causes.

“We’re out there helping people,” Muraca said.