Author: SMayuga

GFWC Ossoli Circle (Tennessee) 

GFWC Ossoli Circle in Knoxville, TN has a “Wear Purple: Domestic Violence Awareness” program. Two ladies from McNabb Center spoke about the alarming statistics of domestic violence in the United States and Tennessee.  The program was socially distanced, but the club gathered quickly for a photo of its members wearing purple!

In February, the club is planning to donate needed supplies to the 24/7 emergency shelter for survivors who call into a hotline.

Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune (Mississippi) 

The Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune is taking a stand against domestic violence this October. Watch the club’s inspirational video that breaks the silence on domestic violence.

Montgomery Woman’s Club (Ohio) 

When COVID-19 first hit, U.S military was placed under “stop movement” orders and USO had to temporarily shut down their airport lounges. The USO’s Executive Director of Central and Southern Ohio had reached out to the Montgomery Woman’s Club for assistance in restocking their lounges for military and their families.

In response, the Montgomery Woman’s Club organized a “Social Distancing-Drive by Collection” to collect small items for military children such as: coloring books, crayons, puzzles, small cars and dolls, decks of cards, juice boxes, fruit snacks, and more.  The items collected individually packaged and placed in the USO lounges for children.

The USO wish list was sent to all clubs in the GFWC Ohio Southwest District by the Southwest District President, the members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) by the Cincinnati Regent, and the City of Montgomery Ohio Chamber of Commerce members by the Executive Director of the Chamber.

The social distancing-drive took place on Saturday, July 25, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Aeropointe Medical Building in Blue Ash, Ohio. Donors, following the arrows, drove to the drop off tables where a gloved and masked member of the Montgomery Woman’s Club met the car and collected their items for donation.  The “Social Distancing-Drive by Collection” for the USO of Central and Southern Ohio collected more than 1,500 items!

The Woman’s Club of Medford (New Jersey)

The Woman’s Club of Medford sponsored a scarecrow in honor of Alice Paul, a visionary and role model for women’s right to vote. Alice the Scarecrow is complete with a mailbox full of club brochures. The club is located within a “stone’s throw” of this suffragist’s birthplace!

The club holds an annual event called Scarecrows on Main where any entrant can decorate a themed scarecrow to be displayed on Main Street Medford NJ. The community loves this event and it is a source of friendly competition and fun.

Woman’s Club of Clayton (North Carolina) 

Normally, the Woman’s Club of Clayton goes to schools to read the book chosen for Read Across America but needed to improvise this year. Since volunteers aren’t permitted in schools on October 29 due to COVID-19, the club has donated copies of this year’s book, Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away, to first grade teachers at Cooper Academy. Books were provided in English, as well as Spanish for students who are participating in the immersion program. Books were also provided to Holy Cross Lutheran Church preschool classes, and a copy of Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away was given to the Clayton Library.

GFWC of Holden Beach Club (North Carolina)

The GFWC Holden Beach Club had a contactless Health and Wellness Community Service Program project. Many students received free breakfast and lunch in the public schools. They may receive scholarships for college tuition and books, but there is often no money for food. Club members saw this need, and with a contactless delivery program, the club stocked the student food pantry at Brunswick Community College.

The committee counted 1,193 items donated, a total value of $582.

GFWC Treasure Coast Women (Florida)

GFWC Treasure Coast Women’s Arts and Culture Community Service Program has been very active this past month with two projects. The club collected and also purchased arts and crafts materials for all of the 21 Head Start schools in Indian River County, FL. Artsy members also took on decorating donation boxes for the club’s drive-thru food drive for the Salvation Army’s Food Pantry.

GFWC du Midi Woman’s Club of Huntsville (Alabama)

To support the 80+ projects, du Midi Woman’s Club of Huntsville held its first Friday Drive-Thru Donation Day on October 2. The club’s Community Service Program Chairmen and club volunteers pulled into socially-distanced parking spaces at the donated site of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Members opened the trunks of their vehicles, which were fully decorated with posters, balloons, and information. Volunteers greeted everyone, emptied donated items into the proper car trunk, and pointed out the location of the club’s newest yearbook and presented everyone with the club’s 39th Anniversary yellow rose pin.

Club President Cherie Byrne thank everyone after they donated. Donations collected benefited UNICEF, St. Jude’s Huntsville Affiliate Clinic, the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run (virtual), Soles4Souls, Operation Green Team Homeless, Tigers for Tomorrow, and other causes. Cash donations totaled more than $3,200.

This First Friday Drive-thru Donation Day will continue until this large club can once again meet in person.

The Women’s Club of Madison (Connecticut)

The Women’s Club of Madison (Connecticut) made a $3,000 (yearly disbursement) to fire departments and EMS Services to help buy 12 sets of personal protective equipment. The protective equipment allows for quicker response time and faster care for victims. The Chief of Madison Hose Fire Department displayed prior club donations for everyone to see. He explained the “jaws of life” were donated by the club in the 1970’s. The infrared camera, allowing firefighters to locate people needing help within the fire, was donated by the club is the 1990’s! Members of the Women’s Club of Madison have been doing great work for many years!

Riverside Woman’s Club (California)

Darleen DeMason and Tinka Friend co-chaired a voter support project to help the Center for Common Ground assist voters in states with voter-suppression obtain the opportunity to vote. Reclaim our Vote is the Center for Common Ground’s non-partisan voter outreach campaign; it involves recruiting volunteers to handwrite postcards to those who may have been removed from their state’s voter files but are likely unaware of this.

Fourteen Riverside Woman’s Club members and friends volunteered and wrote and addressed more than 400 postcards to York County, South Carolina. Darleen and Tinka obtained the project materials, trained participants, and picked up the completed postcards to be stamped and mailed. The entire project was completed within the two week window.

Woman’s Club of Danbury/New Fairfield (Connecticut)

Silvia Colombara making masks at home

The Woman’s Club of Danbury/New Fairfield started a face mask project in March in response to requests from local health care agencies and facilities. Twenty-two members have participated in this project. More than 1,800 masks have been sewn and distributed to the Regional Hospice, Ability Beyond, Greater Danbury Community Health Center, Women’s Center, area churches, nursing homes, and senior centers. Members donated more than $500 to purchase materials to make the masks; the remainder will be donated to purchase fleece for the club’s no-sew blankets project.

GFWC Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club (Massachusetts)

The GFWC Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club (Massachusetts) has received a donation of 320 Easter and prom dresses from Macy’s “My Give Back” program for employees whereby each store was sent a notice about the opportunity to donate these dresses.  An employee, a Marlborough resident and active member of the community through its local charter school and city sports, while not a club member, knew of MJWC’s MetroWest Princess Boutique, an annual event of providing prom dresses and accessories to local high school students in need. The employee advocated on the club’s behalf for the dress donation from her store. The dresses were packed and waiting for club members’ arrival and the women at the store who helped load the dresses expressed interest in volunteering at the club’s next event.

The take away from this generous donation is to disseminate information about Macy’s give back program and identify employees who are willing to help their local GFWC club.

Park City Athenaeum Club (Utah)

Traditionally, groups around the country participate in the annual nationwide Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the “walk” took the form of virtual celebrations, flower/poster displays, and individual walks. On Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., members of the Park City Athenaeum Club in Park City, Utah gathered into small groups at one of three sites around the city to raise awareness in support of Alzheimer’s research.

GFWC Rotonda West Woman’s Club (Florida)

GFWC Rotonda West Woman’s Club (Florida) awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Fraser Hodges, a young man who has learned to succeed while living with Asperger’s Syndrome, a type of autism. Fraser convinced his parents and Lemon Bay High School that he could achieve his goal of graduating from his hometown high school rather than from a special school for students with learning, behavioral, and developmental disabilities. He graduated in June with a 3.67 GPA and was a member of the National Honor Society during grades 11 and 12. Fraser is open with everyone that he doesn’t always find things easy, but says he never gives up or hides behind his diagnosis. He intends to be a graduate of the University of Georgia Destination Dawgs Program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to prepare for employment via inclusion in higher education. Fraser’s ultimate goal is a career in theater. Way to go, Fraser!

GFWC Woman’s League of the Lowcountry (South Carolina)

The Woman’s League of the Lowcountry held its 6th Annual Game Day Fundraiser, Serving in September. Event proceeds will benefit Doors to Freedom, a licensed residential facility, contracted through the Department of Social Services and Department of Juvenile Justice, to provide a safe place for minor survivors of sex trafficking to experience a transformed life. Doors to Freedom’s mission is to provide survivors a new life, restored hope, and a beautiful future.

President Phyllis Sippel displays some of the activity choices for the game days.  Twenty Pickle ball players enjoyed a morning playing for the fundraiser. GFWC Marlborough Junior Women’s Club

Clubwomen across the state of Florida donned their suffragist sashes, posters, hats, roses, parasols, and sturdy shoes and took to the streets, both in person and virtually, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the women’s right to vote. These photos are a small sample of the celebrations and the powerful statements made by our clubwomen of today as they followed in the footsteps of their club sisters from 100 years ago.

The Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach (Delaware) joined the League of Women Voters, Delta Sigma Theta, the Sunshine Circle Club, and other groups to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment on August 26. A suffrage flag was presented to Rehoboth Town Manager Sharon Lynn. The flag will be flown over City Hall for two weeks to remind everyone of the historic day 100 years ago when women were given the right to vote.

Members of GFWC Woman’s Club of Aurora (Illinois) celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment with a luncheon/meeting in a large, white tent at Orchard Valley Golf Club. Flowered hats, sashes, displays, and favors used the suffrage colors of purple, gold, and white in honor and celebration of all the women throughout the years who won the right-to-vote for us. Members held “Votes for Women” signs and enjoyed a display table filled with items and pictures on the Amendment. GFWC Illinois Past State President, Martha Bein gave a wonderful program on the Anniversary and Amendment.

In the weeks prior to the event, President Cindy Gustafson used social media to inform the membership about important programs and activities, both nationally and locally on the Suffrage and the Centennial. The club’s fall newsletter highlighted the Anniversary and were mailed using the 19th Amendment: Women Vote Stamp.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2020 the Alamo Women’s Club (California) hosted a Zoom event to celebrate the 19^th Amendment’s adoption 100 years ago. Fifty clubwomen from various local clubs and guests were in attendance. With three past mayors from Danville, a county supervisor, and published historian, photos and posters from the past were featured. The event discussed how many women initially voted verbally, then written; poll machines, punch cards with chads, and even touchscreens have been efforts made to improve the process. The commemorative 19th Amendment: Women Vote Stamp was promoted.

COVID-19 made it challenging to get out and celebrate the momentous 100th Anniversary, so the GFWC Arizona Benson Juniors have decided to “march” in a different way. As the collage shows, club members created signs and honored suffragists remotely for giving female citizens the right to vote.

On September 11, the Woman’s Club of West Allis (Wisconsin) met outdoors—masked and socially distanced—to remember victims of 9/11 and COVID-19.

At this event, the club also celebrated its 120^th anniversary, as well as the Suffrage Centennial. City of West Allis Mayor Dan Devine presented the club with a proclamation highlighting the club’s contributions to the community, including the founding of the first library. President of the West Allis Historical Society Devan Gracyalny gave a PowerPoint presentation on the “Wonderful Women of West Allis,” tracing women’s role in the community from the pioneer days until modern times.

Clubmembers of GFWC New Hampshire gathered outside the State House, many dressed in period-costume, joined by several female members of the New Hampshire House and Senate. Governor Chris Sununu was the keynote speaker. The Governor also presented an official proclamation, declaring September 10, 2020 as New Hampshire Women’s Suffrage Day. New Hampshire ratified the 19th Amendment on September 10, 1919.

In her opening remarks, GFWC New Hampshire President Jeanne O’Sullivan, from Exeter, shared that GFWC New Hampshire is comprised of 22 clubs, providing service to communities for 125 years. United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the first elected woman Governor of New Hampshire and the first woman U.S. Senator from New Hampshire, was unable to attend, but sent a letter which was read by Phyllis Appler. GFWC New Hampshire Chairman of Legislation and Public Policy Laurie Jasper, who organized the event, spoke of the history of women’s suffrage.

Jasper next introduced Governor Sununu, thanking him for his leadership during these unprecedented times of COVID-19. Sununu praised GFWC New Hampshire for celebrating New Hampshire’s place in the suffrage movement amidst restrictions and difficulties due to the coronavirus. “I’m just so excited you were able to hold this event today. I think it’s a great representation, truly, of what the Live Free or Die State is all about. We have had such incredible representation in New Hampshire by women, on both sides of the aisle, who have really led the charge. I think it’s a testament of how important the issue is, the fact that you organized and that you are making sure this is being heard today and as we move forward,” said Sununu.

The program concluded with photographs. Each participant received a yellow rose, compliments of Anne’s Florals and Gifts in Hudson, New Hampshire.

The GFWC Shorewood Woman’s Club (Wisconsin) celebrated on August 26 with a violinist playing folk tunes and the accompaniment to a song written by a member, “Vote, Vote, Vote,” while clubwomen sang the words.

Then a group of ladies read the 11-page speech entitled “We Can Do It,” written and distributed by the National Women’s History Project. The members wore mostly white, large hats reminiscent of the early 1900s, and sashes of gold, white, and purple with the words “Votes for Women.” The presentation ended with a short acknowledgement about the issues we face today regarding the social justice movement.

On Aug. 22, members of the GFWC Northborough Junior Woman’s Club (Massachusetts) dressed in period attire and held an event to celebrate the Women’s Suffrage Centennial. On the Town Common, clubwomen recited speeches that were originally given by Suffragists like Alice Paul, Ida Wells, and Lucy Burns, to mark the 100^th Anniversary.

A stationary parade celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19^th Amendment was sponsored by two Minnesota clubs: GFWC Potpourri Glenwood and GFWC Starbuck on August 26, 2020. Mask wearing and social distancing were practiced because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They partnered with the Pope County Historical Society, resulting in having the parade around the museum’s totem pole. Spectators remained in their cars seeing women in period clothing holding signs and flags, household antiques, and signs lining the drive telling the story. Parade viewers received an activity sheet to find items along the route and answer questions about this historical event. As they exited, Pope County’s Historical Curator gave them a handout on the history of the suffrage movement in the United States, comments on the Equal Rights Amendment, and voting information.

The Taunton and Raynham Junior Woman’s Club (Massachusetts) marked the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment on August 26 with a social distancing “Iced Tea” event that was held outdoors at the home of a member. Clubwomen wore white and purple Votes for Women” sashes. Suffrage pamphlets were distributed along with Suffrage 100 pins. The members participated in an activity making beaded holders to attach to their COVID-19 face masks which everyone wore for a group photo commemorating that landmark day.

On Thursday August 20th 2020 some of the members from the GFWC Pocono Mountain Women’s Club (Pennsylvania) met for a socially distance lunch at a local restaurant in Poconos Pennsylvania. Members enjoyed good food, conversation,and friendship while listening to Club President Diane Lake talk about the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the part that the General Federation of Women’s Clubs had played. Members wore homemade “Votes for Women” sashes and used fans to cool off from the National Women’s History Alliance and dressed in patriotic colors or white for suffrage.

Just in time to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club (WI) reenacted “Failure is Impossible” written by Rosemary H. Knower. Watch the video on YouTube.

GFWC Delaware organized a march on The Green in Dover on August 26 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment. A short program included a welcome by Past GFWC Delaware President Carolyn Forbes, member of The Dover Century Club, who was instrumental in arranging the event. Dick Carter, Chairman of the Delaware Heritage Commission, read a proclamation from the Delaware State Legislature and presented a copy to DSFWC President Rita Hollada. Hollada of the Selbyville Community Club welcomed those in attendance. She also stated that woman’s clubs throughout the country were instrumental in achieving the passage of the 19th Amendment. Twelve-year old Grace DiAntonio recited the 19th Amendment with her Grandmother Carolyn Forbes.

The march around The Green included members of other women’s organizations. Women were in white-period costume with purple sashes. The march ended in front of the Old State House where an historical marker commemorating Delaware’s struggle for women’s right to vote was dedicated.

After participating in the unveiling of the Women’s History Museum, (State Capitol, Feb 14, 2020), Cheryl Kappes, President of GFWC Glendale Woman’s Club (Arizona) knew she wanted to develop an educational program to honor the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. The club created Flat Frances, designed to replicate Flat Stanley, with the goal of helping her reach every corner of the state by August 26, 2021.

The general public was invited to view the club’s first ever Suffrage Centennial Mini Museum at the clubhouse. The stars of the Mini Museum were the history panels depicting suffragists’ 72-year battle to the ballot. “Failure Is Impossible” was the play of the day, with a cast of characters that did not disappoint.

On August 26, The Miami Woman’s Club (Florida) organized a “Stroll to Celebrate 100 Years.” All clubs in GFWC Florida’s Southern District XI were invited to participate by meeting at Bayfront Park in the heart of Miami. All who “strolled” wore long white-period dresses, hats, sashes, and carried yellow roses.

The Stroll wove its way down Biscayne Blvd, a main artery in Miami and then ended at the statue of Julia Tuttle. Known as “The Mother of Miami,” Julia Tuttle was a powerful force in the building of the city. The club added a “Votes for Women” sash to the statue of Julia. As the steps leading up to the passage of the 19th Amendment were read, the club placed yellow roses in the statue’s arms and at its feet.

GFWC Battle Ground’s (Washington) “Suffragette Women” waved at passers-by on August 26 to honor the historical importance of National Women’s Suffrage Day. They positioned themselves across the street from City Hall and near the club’s GFWC Little Free Library. The costumed occasion brought attention to the adoption of the 19th Amendment. Club women in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs all over the country played a large part in the adoption of the amendment in 1920, a century ago.

The wearing of corona virus masks, sunglasses and shadows from the 1920’s wide-brimmed hats makes identities of the participants difficult. Pictured, left to right, are Gloria Walck, Johanna Hyatt, Paulette Stinson (GFWC-Columbia District President), Mary Lee Miller (Club President) and Wendy McDaniel. The sign that was easiest to read by passers-by was “Votes for All.” Hyatt made the sashes, “Votes for Women.”

Fifteen clubwomen of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Denville-Rockaway (New Jersey) area attended an event that celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the women’s right to vote.

Pictured with the President of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Denville-Rockaway area Janet Walker are (from left), Denville New Jersey Mayor Tom Andes and club member Ruth Gimbel, holding the suffrage flag that was presented after the mayor presented a proclamation to our club. Also in the photo is Kellie Doucette, District Director to Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill of the 11th District, New Jersey.

Members of the Stones River Woman’s Club (SRWC) in Nashville, TN, celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in several ways. The 19th Amendment extended the right to vote to American women. SRWC President Betty Cannon obtained yellow ribbons for the members to use as yellow was a color favored by the suffragists. More than half the membership tied the ribbons to their front doors or mailboxes. President Cannon also notified the members of the re-enactment at the Tennessee State Capitol of August 18, 2020 so they could watch it live or later on video.

The GFWC Casper Active Service Club (Wyoming) celebrated the Suffrage Centennial by having tea (and lunch) at the Lavender and Lace Tea Room. The club discussed the PBS show, “The Vote,” and shared articles and stories about the amazing 72-year battle that the amazing women fought and won to give us this privilege!

The club also highlighted the amazing women in Wyoming who became voters in 1890, when it was still a territory. The club also talked about the late GFWC member Helen Bardo, who spearheaded the drive for accessibility for disabled people that led to the ADA becoming law.

On August 18, 2020, several members of the San Gabriel Woman’s Club (Texas) met at the Williamson County Courthouse to acknowledge the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Citizens of Georgetown also joined in the celebration.

The club was established in 1974 by women who had the “volunteer spirit.” Nancy Snead, the club’s Federation Counselor, spent many hours organizing the event. Mrs. Snead enlisted her granddaughter, Bailey, to make a sign.Then she put an ad in the newspaper and spoke with the Mayor of Georgetown. Mayor Ross sent a “Proclamation” recognizing this event being celebrated by the San Gabriel Woman’s Club.

Mrs. Snead talked about the history of the women who were dedicated to achieving the right to vote. She was very proud of her five granddaughters who participated in the event.

The GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Woman’s Club, Phoenix, AZ celebrated these women’s achievement through a presentation, “GFWC Arizona: Statehood and The Suffrage Movement” that was developed by one of their members, Debbie Grieder. It was shown via their Zoom meeting August 26, 2020.The presentation chronicled the rode to statehood and the suffrage movement led by Frances Munds, Pauline O’Neil, and Elizabeth Brawley Hughes.

Frances Munds  (left, above) and Pauline O’Neil (right, above) were members of the GFWC The Monday Club of Prescott, the oldest GFWC Arizona club in the state, which is still active today. When enfranchisement was left out of the state constitution in 1912, they led a campaign to have the bill added via the state’s initiative process to the November 5, 1912 ballot. They had six weeks to gather the necessary 3,342 men’s signatures and file the initiative, which was accomplished thanks to a massive effort during the heat of the Arizona summer. They then spent months campaigning across the state to insure the vote was positive in their favor. On November 5, 1912, the suffrage amendment passed with 68%, the highest vote for suffrage in the nation. All counties in Arizona voted in favor and Arizona became the 10^th state to grant women the right to vote. It was a proud moment for the leaders of the Arizona Women Suffrage Organization and for Arizona.  Frances Munds was elected to the Arizona State Senate in 1914 and Pauline O’Neil would represent Maricopa County in the House from 1915–1920.

The Woman’s Club of Fredericksburg, Inc. (WCF) organized and participated in a celebratory march on August 26, 2020 in honor of the 100^th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19^th Amendment giving women the constitutional right to vote. They were joined by four community leaders: Fredericksburg Mayor, Katherine Greenlaw, Fredericksburg City School Superintendent, Dr. Marci Catlett, Germanna Community College President Dr. Janet Gullickson, and Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Mrs. Meg Bohmke.

The Mayor read a proclamation declaring the week of August 26, a time to commemorate and celebrate the sacrifices made by hundreds of women to see the ratification of the 19^th Amendment.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Fredericksburg, President Beverly Rawlings, introduced each of the women leaders. They shared their thoughts on the 19^th Amendment including the history of the suffrage movement, the struggle to pass and ratify the Amendment, and he courageous work of numerous women including Susan B. Anthony and Ida B. Wells.

The women were joined by a group of members from the WCF dressed as suffragists and donning yellow roses in honor of the members of the Tennessee Legislature who courageously voted to ratify the 19^th Amendment on August 19, 1920, thus becoming the 36^th state to do so. On August 26, 1920, Secretary of State, Bainbridge Colby ratified the Amendment and it officially became the 19^th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The Woman’s Club of Fredericksburg began their celebration earlier in the year by discussing the history of the suffrage movement and participating in a trivia game via their newsletter, The Scoop.

Nearly 100 clubwomen from GFWC Florida Districts 8, 12, & 14 were joined by members of the GFWC and GFWC Florida Executive Committees as they gathered via Zoom to celebrate the Women’s Suffrage Centennial. The program included a skit called Failure is Impossible by actors from a local college and guest speaker Doris Weatherford—renowned author, professor, and member of the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. Sixteen ladies highlighted the contributions of GFWC clubwomen to the women’s suffrage movement and shared vintage photos, and many women dressed as suffragists and participated in a costume contest.

GFWC Rhode Island had a big celebration in January at the last in person state meeting. At the time, guest speaker Secretary of State talked to more than 60 GFWC Rhode Island members and guests about the importance of women getting out to vote. On August 16, 2020–2022 GFWC Rhode Island still celebrated, while social distancing. Rhode Island State President Debra Capuano met Past State Presidents Karen Leach (2018–2020) and Janet Trombetti (2014–2016) and 2020–2022 President-elect Paula Altruda Andrews at Goddard Park in Warwick, Rhode Island in the rain for the beautiful citation presented by Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea.

The GFWC Women’s Club of South County has observed the importance of women voting in their town, registering people to vote. They had trained their members in early spring for this activity.

Salem Area Woman’s Club (New Hampshire) together with Care for Our Troops collected items to be put into care packages for a unit of 600 members, including 50 women who will be deploying soon. Along with the requested items, notes of appreciation, and thanks were sent to encourage our troops.

For more than two years, the Clifton Community Woman’s Club has been making a hot lunch once a month for The Lamb Center, a day shelter for the poor and homeless in Fairfax County, Virginia. Before the pandemic, the club was feeding 80–100 guests each month. With COVID-19 The Lamb Center is not able to provide a sit-down lunch for the guests, so it asked the club to bring sandwiches, bottles of water, chips, fresh fruit, cookies, hard boiled eggs, and raw veggies each month instead. Clifton Community Woman’s Club members began making all kinds of sandwiches (turkey, roast beef, ham, cheese, tuna, egg salad, etc.), bagging up carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and grapes, and putting together a fantastic assortment of individually-wrapped goodies for The Lamb Center guests.

At a cookout in June 2019, the Cartersville Woman’s Club (Georgia) discussed a service project to make little dresses to go to girls during mission trips. The project then launched and members who sewed made dresses, while others held cutting parties or donated materials.

Member Martha Stone received her dress pattern that July. After completing her first 10 dresses, she was hooked! After Martha’s first 100, she set a goal of 500 dresses to complete in a year … and then raised it to 1,000! Each little dress was as unique as the girl receiving it; matching headbands with bows completed the outfit. She even used a doll dress pattern to make smaller dresses for girls suffering from malnutrition.

While other members have temporarily shifted to making masks during the COVID-19 crisis, Martha has never lost sight of her mission. On July 23, 2020 dress number 1,000 was completed … and Martha continues to serve as an inspiration. As Club President Sharon Cannon said: “we are inspired by how one woman’s giving heart has brought such joy to 1,000 little girls’ lives.”