(Photo Provided) Rose Logston, president of the GFWC Great Lakes Region and a member of the Belpre Woman’s Club, received a certificate of recognition from Karl Mason, a representative of the Ohio Secretary of State, at the annual conference in Columbus.

COLUMBUS — A member of the GFWC Belpre Woman’s Club and president of the Great Lakes Region received a certificate of recognition at the annual conference in October in Columbus.

Rose Logston, a 50-year member of the club, received the certificate from Karl Mason, representing the Ohio Secretary of State, on the steps of the Capitol. The certificate was signed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and acknowledged her commitment to volunteerism and leadership.

Mason also presented Logston with a formal proclamation welcoming the Great Lakes Region to Columbus for the conference. The proclamation commended members for their impact in strengthening communities and improving the quality of life for Ohioans and citizens across the region.

The Great Lakes Region includes Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Mason also welcomed International President Suellen Brazil and Great Lakes Region President-elect Wendy Carriker. The conference was held Oct. 10-12

(Photo Provided) From left, Great Lakes Region GFWC President-elect Wendy Carriker, Great Lakes Region President Rose Logston, Karl Mason representing the Ohio Secretary of State and International President Suellen Brazil and International President Suellen Brazil on the steps of the statehouse in Columbus where the annual conference of the Great Lakes Region included a tour.

The three-day event included a tour of the statehouse, lunch and the Franklin Park Conservatory where members were treated to a glass-blowing demonstration. A craftsman made a glass pumpkin that would be placed in the retail shop.

On Friday night, the conference began with the Heart of It All banquet that included colorful teapot centerpieces, greetings from federation leaders and entertainment by Insured Sound.

Saturday opened with the Parade of States, the presentation of colors by the Grove City High School Naval Junior ROTC and the national anthem sung by Karyn Charvat. Logston presided over the business session, which included reports on education, membership, fundraising, protocol, advocacy and communications and past regional presidents, former directors of Junior Clubs and national committee members were recognized for their service.

Carriker delivered the afternoon keynote address and included presentations by the Leadership Committee and LEADS graduates, recognition of first-time attendees and members with 50 or more years of service. Clubs created centerpieces honoring club affiliates, helping raise nearly $200 for affiliates, which was multiplied through matching donations. Members also enjoyed vendor presentations, fundraising ideas and a lighthearted Getting to Know Your Federation Sisters activity.

Saturday evening’s Serving with Heart dinner featured the keynote address by Brazil and honored the five 2025 Jennie Award State nominees: Karyn Charvat, Dana Jones, Linda Clark, Sue Hovanec and Mary Kaye Ernest. A paddle auction closed the night, raising funds for regional initiatives.

Sunday’s program included a message from past international President Deb Strahanoski, the final Credentials Report and a memorial service led by Teresa Cannon. State leaders discussed their work and support for the affiliates. Wisconsin extended an invitation to the members to attend the 2026 conference in Pewaukee.

Carriker and Brazil received handcrafted wooden bowls made by Logston’s brother and the region made donations in their honor to the Facade Restoration Fund.

Logston closed the conference, emphasizing the power of kindness and thanking GFWC Ohio for its hospitality. The event concluded with the Junior Pledge, the collect, and Let There Be Peace on Earth.