The Inner Wheel Club in Shawano might not be as well known as some other organizations, but the women who belong to it are dedicated to helping others and fostering friendships.
“There have been some very nice friendships that have evolved,” said Lois Aumann, club president.
The Inner Wheel Clubs were founded for wives and daughters of Rotarians. Before 1989, women couldn’t join Rotary. Membership in the Inner Wheel Club used to be limited to spouses of Rotarians, but now anyone can belong.
Inner Wheel is an international group that started in 1924 and now has over 100,000 members from 103 countries.
The club’s goals are to promote friendship, encourage personal service and foster international understanding.
“It’s not a huge commitment,” said co-secretary Gloria Grys. “Sometimes we help other groups in the community. There‘s plenty of groups that we can contribute to.”
The club has 15 members, seven of whom have been charter members since 2002. Doris Stolz, who has since moved away, started the group.
“Our group started as a social group,” Aumann said.
Since they are a small group, they help with other organizations’ activities. They will again help with Bike the Barn Quilts this year, for example.
In June, members will decide what organization they want to help. Last year, they donated to Safe Haven.
“We wanted to support women in the community less fortunate than us,” Grys said.
The women help the Rotary Club when it’s at the Red Barn at Charlie’s County Market and with the school backpack project. They used to send packages to local service people in Iraq.
The club has participated in fun activities such as the Foxy Lady River Cruise and visiting an Amish farm. Rotary exchange students have visited their meetings.
Nationally the organization works with Hanger Clinic to provide myoelectric limbs to children under 18 who are born without an arm or hand or who have lost an arm or hand to an accident or disease.
Aumann has contacts with women all over the world who belong to the organization. The international president is from India.
“What I’ve enjoyed is getting to know other women, nationally and internationally,” Aumann said.
Other officers are Elsie Greenhill, treasurer, Pat Romuald, co-secretary, and Joni Shebuski, international service organizer.
Club meetings are held the fourth Monday of the month at a restaurant or a member’s home.
“We’re always looking for women interested in joining our club,” Aumann said.
For more information, call Aumann at 715-584-8312.
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