Club celebrates Women of the Year recipients

The Plantation Woman’s Club, part of the General Federation of Women’s Club, recognized 10 super-achieving women in the community as 2017 Women of the Year honorees.

The recognition was part of the club’s annual “Woman of the Year” luncheon for which service organizations around Plantation nominate one of their outstanding members to be honored in a tribute to women of achievement.

Barbara Graveson, co-chair of the event, said the club works to give back to their community, and that recognizing other clubs and their members is one of their gifts to the people of the city.

“We do feel strongly that it’s nice to give back and to honor all the different clubs in the city,” Graveson said.

Each of the women was presented with a “Key to the City” charm from City Councilman Pete Tingom, a pearl drop necklace from the GFWC Plantation Woman’s Club, and a framed certificate of achievement, as well as a tulip centerpiece.

“It’s special because we’re honoring women that are outstanding achievers in our community,” said Helen Ackerman, the club’s current president. “We are delighted to honor these ladies.”

The 10 women honored include Judy Watson from the Bayberry Garden Circle, Berta Pena from the Friends of Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library, Nikki Ermatinger from the Friends of the West Regional Library, Amanda Flutie Gracey from the GWFC Junior Woman’s Club of Plantation; Joan Kahn from the GFWC Plantation Acres Woman’s Club, Pat Martin from the Plantation Art Guild, Jeannette Smith from the Plantation Garden Club, Carmen Esteve from the Plantation Historical Society, Josie Abdo from the Plantation Junior Woman’s Club, and Judy McLeod from the GFWC Plantation Woman’s Club.

McLeod was recognized directly through the club as their member nominee. She had only been with the club for five years and is the current assistant treasurer. As a resident of Plantation for 46 years, McLeod said she was drawn to the club because of their volunteer work within the community, including work with firemen and police, as well as local schools.

“To me, that’s probably the most rewarding, just being a volunteer and giving my time and being recognized by the club that they appreciate my time,” McLeod said.

For more information on the GFWC Plantation Woman’s Club, visit Gfwcplantationwomansclub.com.