Celebrating are Citrus Heights Women’s Club Past President Carol Spiker, Citrus Heights Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa and Citrus Heights Women’s Club President Elise Spleiss.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Citrus Heights Women’s Club (CHWC) members celebrated the club’s 50th anniversary on Nov. 17 at the Sylvan Community Center with a special commemorative ribbon and cake cutting ceremony that was co-hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Citrus Heights Women’s Club President Elise Spleiss welcomed fellow members, city leaders and representatives from state assembly Sacramento County and Congressman Ami Bera’s office, who each presented certificates of recognition to the club.

The nonprofit club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, one of the oldest and largest women's volunteer organizations, empowering women to serve their local community with a spirit of compassion and giving.

The club partners with many Citrus Heights community service organizations. and has participated in the city’s annual “Sunday Fun Day” event, supported and raised funds for the Domestic Violence Intervention Center, and supported the Mercy San Juan Hospital Oncology Program with gift bags for chemotherapy program patients. The Citrus Heights Women’s Club has also hosted the annual Veterans Picnic for veterans and their families, which will resume next year.

Spleiss also recognized her good friend, club member and two-time past President Carol Spiker, who recruited her while working as an election volunteer at a polling place many years ago. 

Spiker continues to be active in leadership positions with the General Foundation of Women’s Clubs that supports affiliated women’s clubs in the nearby communities of Fair Oaks and Carmichael. 

Photo collage posters, many created by Spiker and placed on tables surrounding the community room, described the participation and leadership of club members supporting multiple civic and community projects and activities throughout the past 50 years.

Additional poster displays flanked the podium where Spleiss introduced Citrus Heights Mayor Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa, who presented a certificate of recognition to her on the city’s behalf, and Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff, who reflected on what belonging to the Citrus Heights Women’s Club personally means.

Citrus Heights Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff proudly holds her membership card.

Spleiss is a 20-year member of the Citrus Heights Women's Club, currently serving her second term as club president.

Outside of her current role with the Citrus Heights Women's Club, Spleiss is a freelance feature writer for the Citrus Heights Messenger.

“I also enjoy working with others and doing a variety of projects for both individuals and (civic) organizations. My continued service in the Citrus Heights Women's Club and the Messenger has kept me active (in the community), and this helps me to both learn and grow as a leader in so many meaningful ways,” Spleiss said.

Citrus Heights Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff proudly wore the Citrus Heights Women's Club membership pin.

“I’m often asked what it means to be the vice mayor of Citrus Heights and I get to answer that question while celebrating another role that gives me deep pride: being a member of the Citrus Heights Women’s Club,” said Lopez Taff in remarks to club members and guests. “This organization has played a role in the life of Citrus Heights that few others can claim. Many of you were here, serving the community, long before we even became a city in 1997. You were the pioneers who laid the groundwork for the civic pride we enjoy today.”

“Fifty years is a monumental achievement but it’s just the foundation for the next chapter. Let us embrace new members, new ideas and new ways to serve the needs of our rapidly evolving city. Let us continue to mentor the next generation of leaders, the young women who will one day stand here to celebrate the 100th anniversary,” Lopez-Taff said. “In 1975, a group of forward-thinking women came together with a vision. As part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service, they didn’t just want to socialize; they wanted to serve. They looked at the fledgling community of Citrus Heights and decided they wouldn’t wait for change; they would be the change.”

Those women in 1975 set the foundation for everything the club does today, according to the vice mayor, which includes “working at community events, creating projects that lift up our seniors to goodie bags that help brighten the day of a cancer patient going through treatments,” Lopez-Taff said.

Citrus Heights Women’s Club volunteers “work to keep the heart of the community beating strong,” Lopez-Taff added.

Club member Lana Crum read a statement on behalf of membership chair and Immediate Past President Jeanmarie Willbee, who could not attend.

Willbee is the chief liaison between the club and the city of Citrus Heights and, as a volunteer, staffs the city’s information desk in City Hall.

Citrus Heights Mayor Karpinski-Costa presented a certificate of recognition from the city in celebration of the club’s anniversary.

“The Citrus Heights Women’s Club has proudly served our community for 50 years, bringing together women dedicated to friendship, leadership and service. The club advocates for education, the arts and the environment, and creates opportunities for women to make a positive impact through civic engagement,” Karpinski-Costa said. “We applaud its long-standing investment in our community, fostering connection, empowerment and service for generations of residents.”

For more information about the Citrus Heights Women’s Club, visit online chwomensclub.com or call 916-751-1918.

The Citrus Heights Women's Club is comprised of women of all ages and meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sylvan Community Center on 7521 Community Drive.

Members of the Citrus Heights Women’s Club enjoyed a commemorative ribbon- and cake-cutting ceremony at the club’s 50th anniversary celebration.