Executive Board Members

Carol Wolenberg is a retired educator with experience as a high school and community college instructor.  She served in the Michigan Department of Education for 40 years and retired from the Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction position in 2014.  Carol has been married for over 50 years to John; they have 2 adult sons and 4 grandchildren.  Carol loves biking, hiking, gardening, reading and, of course, spending time with the grandkids. She has served as HELO's Membership Chair for five years and President for two years.

Barbara was born and raised in the Cleveland, Ohio area and earned a degree in Psychology from Ohio University. After several moves, she and her husband, Charlie, settled in Haslett in 1982, where they raised their two sons, Brian and Jeff. Before retiring, Barbara worked with several nonprofit organizations, including as a language tutor for individuals with dyslexia, the Michigan Association of School Boards, and Hope Network Rehabilitation. She enjoys knitting, reading, genealogy, music, travel, and time with family and friends. Barbara has served HELO as newsletter editor and new member hostess and currently serves as newsletter editor.

Karen retired in 2012 from the State of Michigan’s Office of Child Support, following a career in Human Resources, management, and project management. She has been a member of HELO Club since 2014 and has served as Directory Editor since 2015. She also chairs the Ladies Dining Out Activity Group and recently became HELO’s Website Administrator. Karen enjoys spending time with her eight grandchildren and great-grandchild. In her free time, she enjoys golfing during Michigan summers and spending winters in Florida, where she also plays pickleball.

Laura joined the HELO Club ten years ago upon retiring. She was an Environmental Quality Specialist who worked with the MI Air Quality Division for 35 years. She is active in her church and lives in East Lansing with her husband Peter.  They have an adult daughter and son-in-law who live in Duluth MN.  Laura enjoys the HELO book, euchre, fiber arts, theater, stepping out, & walking groups as well as special events.  

Susan has lived in Mid-Michigan all her life.  She moved to East Lansing in the early 1980s to attend Michigan State University. Upon graduation from college, Susan gained employment with East Lansing Public Schools. She worked with young children in this school district for 30 years, until her retirement in 2015.  Susan has three daughters, two grandsons, and two great-grandsons.  After retirement, Susan joined HELO Club.  Susan has held the Board positions of General Meeting Director, President, and Past-Presidential Advisor.  Currently, she is the Club Historian and Facebook Administrator.  She belongs to a HELO Book club and a Games club.  Her hobbies include genealogy, reading, walking and travel.

Siri is a retired teacher (2011), having previously taught in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  She joined HELO Club in 2013 and has served as the Luncheon Meeting Coordinator (when it was a Vice President position), President, Presidential Advisor, Webmaster and Electronic Distribution/email Chair. She currently chairs Supper Club and enjoys the special activities and luncheons. Siri also works part time for Choose Lansing, as a Certified Tourism Ambassador.

Teri Thornburg is a 42-year resident of Okemos. She was first approached by HELO Club after moving in when the club offered a way to meet young women, as well as offering an unofficial babysitting cooperative. My, how things have changed! Teri's been a member since 2014, and has served as the Newsletter Editor, the Treasurer. and the Website Administrator and Publicity Chair.

Joy has been a member of HELO Club for more than 15 years and has served in numerous Board positions, including President, Vice President, Secretary, Newsletter Editor, and Presidential Advisor. She currently serves as Special Events Coordinator and chairs Lunch & Bridge and Games. Joy retired in 2015 after nearly 20 years with MSU’s Department of Human Development & Family Studies, where she advised undergraduate students and taught family relationships. She is also active in the MSU Community Club and facilitates an MSU retiree group. Joy and her husband have four daughters, six grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Ann Young moved to Dewitt, MI from the UP in 2014 after retiring from United States Department of Agriculture. As a Loan Officer, she administered loan funds to rural communities that covered several essential services. She has been a member of HELO for 10 years and was previously the club Treasurer.   Ann loves playing pickleball and Bunco!   She has 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren that she loves hanging out with.