Jan 22, 2004

Almaden Valley Women’s Club installs 40th Executive Board

The Almaden Valley Women’s Club recently installed its 40th Executive Board. The club, which is composed of 110 local women, has served the needs of the community since 1965. For the past 27 years, they have organized the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival and donated all proceeds to local schools, scholarships, and non-profit agencies in San Jose. The AVWC will be honored with a San Jose Good Neighbor Recognition Award at the State of the City Address on Wednesday, January 28th.

Officers on the 2004 Executive Board include:

President: Linda Bronson
Linda Bronson takes over as the 40th President of the Almaden Valley Women’s Club. As President, she will be responsible for all operations of the AVWC. An active member since joining in 1996, Linda has chaired and co-chaired the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival as well as participated on the Scholarship and Funds Disbursement committees. She served as Food Booth Chair (twice) and has worked on several festival committees including Glasses, Children’s Area, Equipment, and Operations.

Linda graduated cum laude from Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan where she double majored in English and History, with a minor in Philosophy. Of her 30-year marriage to husband Joe, Linda says, “it is wonderful loving and being loved by such a wonderful man.” Except for a three-year absence, Linda and her family have lived in Almaden Valley since 1979. Her son Ian, age 25, works for Sanmina-Sci in corporate development. Daughter Meredith, age 21, is a student at the University of San Francisco and plans to attend law school in the fall.

Linda loves old movies, remodeling homes, gardening, and though she is an avid user of email, she enjoys using a fountain pen to write letters on beautiful stationary. Linda has completed two Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks. The achievement took dedication, commitment, and strength, qualities that Linda brings to her role as President this year.

1st Vice President, Fundraising: Cindy Griffeth
As VP of Fundraising, Cindy Griffeth will oversee the 28th Annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival. Cindy joined the AVWC in 1998 when she moved to Almaden Valley. She has served as 2nd VP, Membership and chaired or co-chaired several festival committees including Entertainment, Beverages, and Hospitality/Logo (twice). Her festival experience will come in handy this year when the festival moves to its new location - Almaden Lake Park.

Cindy is the mother of two girls, ages 10 and 8. Both girls attend Graystone Elementary, where Cindy was on the Home and School Club for 4 years. She likes to do crafts and go on long walks.

2nd Vice President, Membership: Laurie Greer
Laurie Greer was named Membership VP and will be responsible for guiding the new membership class and recruiting members for the AVWC class of 2005.

Laurie grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa, where she graduated with a B.A. in Communications and Public Relations with a minor in Counseling. She has lived in Almaden Valley for seven years and is the mother of three boys ages 14, 12, and 9. The boys attend William’s Elementary, Bret Harte Middle School, and Bellarmine College Preparatory. Laurie has chaired several committees at all schools and served on two PTA boards.

3rd Vice President, Programs: Julie Miller
As 3rd VP in charge of Programs, Julie Miller will coordinate guest speakers for the AVWC monthly meetings. Since joining in 2003, she has co-chaired festival Parking and Electricity and chaired the June Friendship Dinner.

Julie has lived in Almaden Valley for 27 years. After attending Mesa College in San Diego, where she majored in Child Development, she returned to Almaden Valley to raise a family of her own. Her sons, ages 9 and 7 ½, attend Williams Elementary where Julie is on the PTA Board. Julie also is charge of an annual Boy Scouts of America day camp. She enjoys running as well as training the family’s new puppy.

Secretary: Betty Newkirk
Betty Newkirk will continue as Secretary and be responsible for taking meeting minutes handling the club’s business correspondences. Betty has lived in Almaden Valley for 7 years and joined the AVWC in 2001. She has chaired the festival Hospitality committee and the Installation Dinner.

Betty grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice. Her two sons attend Bret Harte Middle
School and Graystone Elementary, where she also works as a substitute teacher. Betty volunteers with the Project Cornerstone Student Group at Bret Harte and still finds time to teach Sunday School at South Hills Community Church. She enjoys concerts, sporting events, bike rides, skiing, and going to the beach.

Treasurer: Jil Britt
As Treasurer, Jil Britt will be responsible for the financial organization of the club. Jil joined the AVWC in 1998 and most recently served as festival Treasurer. She has also chaired the festival Silent Auction and Hospitality/Logo committees.

Jil grew up in Woodland, California but has lived in Almaden Valley since 1988. At age 18 she moved to Tokyo, Japan and worked there for six years until marrying her husband, Doug. Her three children ages 11, 9, and 3 attend Saint Andrew’s School in Saratoga where Jil volunteers on the development committee, STAR committee, and is Vice President of the Parent’s Association Board. Jil enjoys working out and walking with her buddies.

Parliamentarian: Janice LaVelle
As the immediate past president, Parliamentarian Janice LaVelle will provide advice and assistance to the new board as needed. During her 15 years of service in the AVWC, she has served as VP Fundraising, VP Membership, Club Treasurer, festival Treasurer, and Club Social Chair. After playing a key role in nearly every festival committee and chairing Glasses, Artists, and Equipment, Janice took the helm and chaired the 26th Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival.

A native Californian, Janice grew up in the Bay Area and the Central Valley. She earned her degree in Secondary Education from CSU Fresno and worked as a teacher after moving to Almaden Valley 20 years ago. She has been married to husband Dave for 25 years and has three children ages 14, 11, and 7. Janice is a Sustainer in the Junior League of San Jose and actively volunteers at Presentation High School, Holy Spirit School, and Williams Elementary. She enjoys golf, reading, decorating, re-modeling homes, spending time at the beach, and walking.

About the Almaden Valley Women’s Club
Since 1965, the Almaden Valley Women's Club has been committed to serving the needs of the Almaden community and those of greater San Jose, through funds raised at our annual Art & Wine Festival. Our mission is to provide charitable financial assistance to non-profit children's foundations, educational facilities, teen programs and community non-profit organizations. For more information visit http://www.almadenartwinefestival.com.