Since its inception almost a century ago, the Black Forest Womenís Club has supported its community while also providing women with the opportunity to socialize and create new friendships.Today, the BFWC continues this long-standing tradition of service to Black Forest and to each other.With about 50 members, the club meets once a month at the Black Forest Lutheran Church. All women are welcome, and there are no qualifications to become a member.The club, established in the early 1920s, was born out of a sewing circle, said Carrie Robertson, a member since 1971 and the outgoing club president. The group originally called themselves the Black Forest Ladies Club.Eventually, the Colorado State University Extension (CES ó Colorado Extension Service) reached out to community clubs, offering educational material and lessons, Robertson said. In time, the club became known as the Black Forest Extension Homemakers before breaking off from the extension service and becoming its own club, the Black Forest Homemakers.In 2011, the organization changed its name to reflect more modernized ideals.ìOne of the things that kept me going (with the club) is that we have such good programs. Thereís always an opportunity to learn something,î Robertson said.And BFWC vice president-elect Carol Cadle agreed. ìItís fun. It enriches your life,î she added.As the vice president, Cadle, who joined the club in 2004, is responsible for organizing the meeting programs, which vary each month ó but consistently remain educational and informative.In the past, the women have heard from emergency medical technicians, learned how to get rid of clutter and listened to a presentation from a woman who visited the Holy Land. Cadle said the programs are educational and informative.Additionally, the BFWC hosts fundraisers to benefit the club and the community. The club provides a cash donation for the Black Forest Log School and the Black Forest Log School Park; conducts maintenance each year at Eastonville Cemetery; and hosts fundraisers to present children in need at Edith Wolford Elementary School with gift cards for Christmas.Each meeting is an opportunity for the membership to select charitable programs and organizations to support, Cadle said. Some organizations the club supports include Wild Blue Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, Black Forest Together, the Salvation Army and Black Forest Cares Food Bank.ìIt really makes me feel good that the money raised goes right here into our community,î Cadle said.Not only does the BFWC give back to Black Forest, but also members of the club support each other.ìIíve enjoyed the good fellowship. We support one another,î Robertson said. ìWhen someone is sick or has something going on with their family, weíre there for them.îìItís good for people to get out, and you make friends,î Cadle said. ìThe things we do for the community are also fulfilling. Itís just a really fun group. We enjoy it.îRobertson envisions the club growing to better serve Black Forest.ìI feel the club has the opportunity to grow right now,î Robertson said. ìI feel things are moving forward and (the club) is trying to find new ways to incorporate new ideas.îEach meeting includes refreshments, a meeting and a program. The club meets monthly at the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road. Refreshments and coffee begin at 9:30 a.m. Meetings begin at 10 a.m.Visitors and guests are always welcome. For more information or to join, call Carol Cadle at 719-495-3846.
