Clearlake >> What began as a simple social club during World War II has evolved into a non-profit group that donates thousands of dollars to the Lake County community each year. Founded in 1942 as a place for women to discuss books, politics, art and community betterment, the Park Study Club supports local charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Canine Companions for Independence and Hospice, as well as sponsoring the American flag flying in Clearlake’s Austin Park. And last year they donated roughly $5,000 to Valley Fire victims.
But their biggest focus is on local youth. Every year they award graduating seniors from Lower Lake High School, Carle High School and the Konocti Education Center School the Louise Nelson Academic Scholarship and the Tom Wallace Vocational Scholarship. The club also sponsors sophomores to attend the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership program, a 3-day camp of sorts which betters students’ leadership skills.
“We’re a really small club but … we do a lot,” said club member Virginia Sibbitt.
On Saturday the Park Study Club hosted their annual fashion show at the Cornelison Event Center in Clearlake, an event that featured clothing from Lisa’s 3-60 and Anna’s Boutique. The proceeds from the afternoon went to the club, which will help them immensely in awarding scholarships and bettering the community.
The fashion show was just one of four yearly fundraisers hosted by the non-profit. Other events include a yard sale, a dinner dance and wine tasting, and an art raffle.
The group may not be large in membership numbers, but they certainly aren’t lacking spirit. All of the women have formed a strong bond of camaraderie and friendship. It’s what attracted many to the club in the first place, like member Sandy Ferias, who made a big change when she traded city life for country life. “When I first moved up here I had a really bad attitude about Clearlake,” she said, “until I joined this club and got to meet some of the nicest people ever.”
The Park Study Club is mostly comprised of retired women. Sibbitt herself joined after retirement, when she suddenly found herself with too much free time and a desire to give back to her community. But they’re always looking for younger people to keep the club alive and thriving. “We’re getting old,” Sibbitt pointed out. “We need to have replacements.”
Sibbitt encouraged anyone who is interested in serving the community to look into the Park Study Club. In the group, members see the direct impact of their efforts, because everything they bring in stays right here in Lake County. “We have these fundraisers and the funds go back into the community,” said club member Carol McCune.
September through May, the Park Study Club meets at noon on the first Thursday of the month at their clubhouse in Clearlake. For more information, call 995-3646.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
