Author: SMayuga

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name “Jennie June.” The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC’s founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the Federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities, and families. Stay tuned for next week’s blog post featuring Western States Region Jennie Award Winner Bessie Konishi!

GFWC is proud to announce that Janice Carter of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, is the 2016 Mississippi Valley Region recipient of the Jennie Award, a medal of honor given to only eight of the nearly 100,000 clubwomen worldwide. Janice celebrated these accomplishments with her family and fellow clubwomen at the Wonderful, Wacky Women Luncheon on June 28 at the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

Janice joined the GFWC Generation III Club in 1983 and has held nearly every leadership position within the club. She is an active member on the local, state, and national level, and was recognized as clubwoman of the year in El Dorado Springs. She started the club’s Nursing Home Christmas Project over thirty years ago, organizes the annual salad supper and auction to benefit Missouri Girls Town, and provided the first anatomically correct baby doll for home economics classes at the local high school.

Janice is known as the “Federation Lady,” planning two club meetings each year revolving around GFWC on a national level. At these meetings, Janice educates local members about the benefits of belonging to GFWC and shares accomplishments of the Federation. Because of Janice, clubwomen in her community learn about how GFWC works on both the local and national levels.

Janice led the club in the painting of Bulldog Paw Prints to support the local high school, helping visitors find the football field and basketball court. Through the Nursing Home Christmas Project, Janice makes sure that every resident of local nursing homes receives a homemade Christmas card. Whether organizing a Halloween carnival for local children, planning a little Mr. and Miss Santa Contest, or painting bleachers for community ball fields, Janice isn’t afraid of hard work.

“Janice is a true role model that defines membership and leadership. I have never seen her without a smile on her face, always looking at the bright side,” said Jessica Frier, president of GFWC Generation III.

In addition to her leadership in GFWC, Janice is active in numerous community organizations. As a two-time ovarian cancer survivor, Janice provides support to those fighting cancer as the founder, treasurer and facilitator of the High Hopes Cancer Support Group and a team captain for Relay for Life. She is a charter member of Friends of the Library, and was instrumental in helping the library find a new location. She continues to serve as treasurer of the group. Janice is also a charter member of the Preserve Our Past society and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary.

“Her positive attitude is contagious. She commits her life to family, club, and community. Volunteering is second nature to her; she has always been there to help and will continue to be, in any capacity she feels necessary,” Jessica said.

The Jennie Award is named after Jane Cunningham Croly, the founder of GFWC who worked as a journalist using the pen name “Jennie June.” The women honored with this award are a true reflection of the spirit of GFWC’s founder, whose independence and courage led her to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1890. As the only award at the Federation level that recognizes individuals for their service, it is truly the highest honor a clubwoman can receive. Much like Jennie June, these women are committed to improving the lives of those around them. They live and breathe volunteer service, and are completely devoted to their clubs, communities, and families. Stay tuned for next week’s blog post featuring Mississippi Valley Region Jennie Award Winner Janice Carter!

We are proud to announce that Linda Beatty of Boykins, Virginia is the 2016 Southeastern Region recipient of the Jennie Award, a medal of honor given to only eight of the nearly 100,000 clubwomen worldwide. Linda was presented the award on June 28 at the 2016 GFWC Annual Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

Linda joined the GFWC Boykins Junior Woman’s Club in 1967 and is currently a member of the GFWC Tarrara Women’s Club. Linda is a committed leader who is instrumental in town projects and events, including the Boykins Community Calendar Fundraising Project, the Boykins Annual Christmas Parade, and the Christmas Homes Decoration Project.

Linda’s leadership has allowed the community calendar project to become the club’s biggest fundraiser, with the latest edition bringing in a net profit of over $1,700. In addition to spending long hours each year laying out the calendar and organizing the anniversaries, birthdays, meeting dates, and more, Linda has dedicated the calendar to the town’s history and founders by adding pictures and historical trivia. Thanks to Linda’s dedication, the club provides multiple scholarships and donations to organizations in the community.

“Her club work itself has shown unending dedication to many projects and activities that she wholeheartedly embraces. Linda truly Lives the Volunteer Spirit in all aspects of her life,” said Victoria Edwards, president of the GFWC Tarrara Woman’s Club.

In 1982, Linda became the first woman on the Boykins Town Council and has served every term but one ever since. Her leadership helped break the glass ceiling in her town and paved the way for other women to serve, as today’s town council is composed of mostly women.

Linda has served multiple times as Vice Mayor and is committed to promoting Boykins, a town of 600 residents in Southeastern Virginia, as a great place to live.

“She has seen both the ups and downs of small town life and is not afraid to voice her opinion when difficult issues arise, often managing to sway decisions to an acceptable compromise,” Victoria said.

Linda has demonstrated her commitment to GFWC by eagerness to assume leadership roles, such as Virginia State President from 2002-2004 and a member of the Credentials Committee from 2006-2008. She is a shining example of someone who lives GFWC’s mission every day.

We are only days away from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs 2016 Annual Convention and Shot@Life is proud to be a part of this year’s festivities. The Convention will take place in Baltimore, MD and we look forward to connecting with the nearly 1,000 GFWC clubwomen in attendance.

The national Convention is the culmination point of the GFWC Lifesaver Awards Program! Over 135 clubs in 45 states participated in the program this year raising over $50,000 to provide children in the developing world with lifesaving vaccines that they would otherwise not have access to. See where your club and state line up by click here!

We are proud to be a partner of GFWC and we look forward to the various activities taking place at the event!

1. Shot@Life Exhibition Booth: Stop by our booth to learn about Shot@Life, the NEW FALL 2016 Awards Program and to pick-up and take a picture with your Lifesaver Awards!
2. Shot@Life: Drop to Zero Workshop: A slice of something new! Shot@Life will be launching the new awards program with an exciting challenge to help end polio forever. Stop by our workshop to learn how you can help drop global polio prevalence to zero by participating in our virtual 5k on World Polio Day (October 24, 2016)! GFWC Leaders like Janet Trombetti, T Jablanski, and Nancy Jones plan to speak on their experiences abroad and on fundraising and fighting polio!
3. Shot@Life Awards Banquet: We will announce the top five club and state winners of the 2015 -2016 Awards Program and Lifesaver State Program at the national Convention. In addition we will recognize every club who has raised $125+ and states who have raised $625+. Mark your calendars for the luncheon on June 29 at 1:00 p.m. now!

Click here to see the current rankings in the competition. Make sure to check it for accuracy!

Shot@Life would like to thank all the clubs, states, and clubwomen who participated in the 2015-2016 Awards Program.

Stop by our booth to learn about how you can win in 2017!

We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore!

With best wishes,
Alan Kissick
Partnership Officer
Shot@Life Campaign

By Hope Royer
GFWC Public Issues Chairman

There is no better time than now, as we approach Memorial Day amidst Military Appreciation Month, to recognize the nation’s nearly three million women veterans, past and present. Theirs is a living legacy of service.

GFWC clubwomen will organize and attend community-wide celebrations on Memorial Day in honor of all of our nation’s veterans. We will fly the flag of the United States of America with pride in salute to all those who have served our country.

Members continue to make financial contributions to the Women In Military Service For America Memorial. Clubs are encouraged to participate in the Tell 3 Women—Pay Forward the Legacy campaign, one of the latest efforts of the Women In Military Service For America Foundation to help guarantee that the names of military women will not be lost to history. The effort asks that each of us seek out three women veterans and help them register for inclusion in the Memorial. Registration forms are available online or by calling 1-800-222-2294.

GFWC clubwomen have developed projects specifically designed to support women in military service. Clubs see that USO Centers are kept stocked with beauty and cosmetic products. Clubs provide welcome home baskets of beauty supplies to returning service women. Veterans and military family members who are maternity patients at our nation’s Veterans Hospitals are showered with baby products. Clubs invite local women veterans to attend club meetings and social events.

Clubwomen also honor our nation’s female veterans by supporting legislation through the GFWC Legislative Action Center. Recently, clubwomen across the country contacted their Congressional representatives and urged them to support legislation that would allow Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) to be buried at Arlington Cemetery.

Between 1942 and 1944, 1,102 women were trained to become WASPs, and flew non-combat military missions while their male counterparts were deployed to combat. Collectively these women flew 60 million miles across the United States in every type of military aircraft. Despite their service, they were ineligible for officer status and were never awarded full military status. They had to pay their own way home after the war. Thirty-eight women died while serving their country, and their families were forced with the cost of transporting their bodies and arranging burials.

In 1977, WASPs were granted veterans’ status. However, a recent policy change made by the Army prevents WASPs from being buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

GFWC supported legislation to honor these female veterans and reinstate WASP inurnment rights. On May 11, Congress passed this legislation. It is now headed to President Barack Obama for a signature.

Thanks to the efforts of GFWC clubwomen who wrote letters urging Congress to support this legislation, female veterans like Elaine Harmon will be honored with a burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

As you make plans for this weekend, remember to take time to recognize and support women veterans, as well as those currently serving in the military. Send a message of support and gratitude to our services members through the USO’s Campaign to Connect. Visit www.uso.org/message/thanks-a-million to submit your message, and the USO will deliver it in centers across the world.

How does your club support women in military service?

This blog is part four of a series about mothers and daughters who share GFWC membership. Click here to read the first three posts!

Sharing membership in GFWC has allowed mothers and daughters to strengthen their bond and share a love of volunteering. In addition to supporting each other as family, these women grow together as friends and clubwomen.

Becca Wagman is grateful that she can share her GFWC experience with her mother, Tricia Wagman, and is inspired by her mother’s positive attitude. Tricia makes every project, even the tiring ones, a lot of fun, Becca said.

“It is reassuring to know that my mom will always have my back and be there for me. But even more special is she understands the way GFWC works and knows how to best support me to be successful in the service of others,” Becca said.

Becca could not wait until the summer of fifth grade, when she would finally be able to join the local GFWC STARS Juniorette club. Tricia began volunteering with the STARS club so that she and Becca could volunteer together.

Tricia has enjoyed watching Becca in action as a volunteer and seeing her grow into leadership positions.

“It has been great to have my daughter share the love for GFWC and the passion for volunteering and living the volunteer spirit. It has been wonderful to serve together this administration as Special Assistant and Becca as an honorary assistant to the GFWC International President. We have made wonderful memories attending and working at the GFWC International Conventions together and being roommates,” Tricia said.

This year, Ellen Owens received a pin for 20 years of service as a member of the GFWC Women’s Club of Manassas, Virginia. This achievement was made even more special by the fact that Ellen’s daughter, Robin Grubbs, just celebrated her 10 year anniversary with the club.

The family’s GFWC legacy continued when Robin’s 20-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn Jones, joined the club this year.

“She has been helping at events for many years and has grown up with the volunteer spirit! We are all very proud to be GFWC clubwomen,” Robin said.

Janet Ordway Atwater’s grandmother, Catherine Schilling Ordway, was one of the twelve founders of the Book and Needle Woman’s Club of Oradell, New Jersey, which was founded in 1915.

Janet’s mother served as president from 1959 to 1961. Janet is now 85 and serves as the club’s historian, parliamentarian, and bylaws chairman. She also served on the Credentials and Registration Committee for the GFWC New Jersey Convention.

“Though many changes have been made in our club to interest the membership of the younger generation, we are a healthy club; our vine is planted deep and we are vibrant in today’s world,” Janet said.

Patti Kwashnak’s mother belonged to GFWC in New Jersey during the 1950s. The women met at a local bowling alley, wearing their hats and gloves. Patti’s mother passed away in 1965, and Patti joined the Red Bank Junior Woman’s Club in 1966. She moved to Connecticut, and is still a GFWC member 50 years later.

Sue Walker has enjoyed teaching her daughter, Kendra Patty, about GFWC. She was especially proud when Kendra was installed as the GFWC Tennessee Director of Junior Clubs.

“It sure has made life more interesting seeing GFWC through the eyes of someone much younger. She has made the meetings fun, sometimes challenging, and so very meaningful. I have been very blessed to have my side kick with me. I dream that my granddaughter will join GFWC and we all can attend the conventions together,” Sue said.

Kendra has found that her mom is a huge source of information for all things GFWC. She has enjoyed attending conventions with Sue and learning about GFWC’s history.

“Having my mother being with me as a GFWC member has made me a better person. I have learned to care and create solutions to problems for the community and I have learned to work with volunteers from across the Unites States,” Kendra said.

If you’re a clubwoman with a legacy in GFWC, please consider joining the GFWC Legacy Club. Learn more by visiting the club’s Facebook page.

This blog is part three of a series about mothers and daughters who share GFWC membership. Click here to read parts one and two!

As they get older, mothers and daughters often find themselves busier, leaving less time to spend together. Jen Wilbur and Celene Post, and many other mothers and daughters who are members of GFWC, find that volunteering is the perfect way to make the most of their time together.

“Although we both lead busy lives, GFWC is a great bond for us to share. It makes me more determined than ever to continue as an active member of GFWC,” Celene said.

GFWC Annual Conventions are especially fun for Jen and Celene, who live in Arizona. The 2013 Annual Convention in Hollywood, Florida, was a particularly proud moment for Celene, as Jen was the Arizona LEADS Candidate.

“We get to get away from everything. My mother is very involved with GFWC so she can get busy but we always find time just to have fun, whether it be a day of shopping, a night out, or a GFWC activity. We have gotten better each year at planning, it’s almost down to a science now,” Jen said.

Jen and Celene have served as co-chairmen of their club’s Conservation Service Program, and enjoyed running recycling programs, celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day, protecting nature, and planting trees.

“I think this will be something we look back at when we both get older and will be able to cherish these memories,” Jen said.

Laura Bryant Palmer joined the Spartanburg Junior Women’s Club in 1991 at the insistence of her mother, Jolene Willard Bryant, who was a member of the GFWC-Jubilee Club in South Carolina.

“Not following her instructions was something I was unaccustomed to doing, so, at the age of 22, I became a clubwoman,” she said.

In 1999, Laura’s mother encouraged her to run for South Carolina Junior Director. She was elected and served alongside her mother, who was the State President.

“During the 2000-2002 administration, my mother and I traveled across the state, the region, and the country together. The memories that I have from those two years are numerous and precious,” Laura said.

Jolene received the Woman of Distinction Award from GFWC South Carolina in 2012. In April 2015, she was honored for being nominated to the Order of the Jasmine, and Laura accepted the award on her mother’s behalf.

“The next morning at the annual memorial service, district presidents lit a candle for those members in their respective districts who had passed on since the last convention.  My mother’s name, Jolene Willard Bryant, was called. I lit her candle. It was our last convention,” Laura said.

In Indiana, the Chesterton Woman’s Club is full of mothers and daughters who share a GFWC membership.

Lillian Vetter, mother of Gretchen Vetter Loomis, a current club member, was a charter member of the club when it was federated in 1936 and served as president from 1941-1943. She is the author of two memoirs of her parents. She passed away in May 1977 at age 84.

Mary Elizabeth Paynter Rhed, mother of current member Bertha Rhed Still, was an active member for over 50 years. She aged gracefully and went blind. She loved books on tape and wrote book reports, and received a GFWC award for reading 100 books. She could hardly wait for Bertha to retire from teaching to join the club. Bertha was president of Chesterton Woman’s Club before her mother died at 99 in 2005.

Ruth Ton, mother-in-law of Sharon Ton, one the newest club members, was a very active member. Ruth is remembered by some of the club’s longtime members as being raised in the South and always dressed to the T’s as she never left her home without hose, heels, a hat, and white gloves. She never drove a car and depended on friends to pick her up.

Ann Hokanson is the club’s oldest member at 103 years. Ann majored in English, speech, and theatre and would direct plays for the club functions and in the Chesterton community. Ann did not join GFWC until after her children were settled in school. Ann’s daughter now brings her to club meetings when Ann is up to it, especially when the club celebrates Founder’s Day and installs new officers and members. She always has words of wisdom to share.

If you’re a clubwoman with a legacy in GFWC, please consider joining the GFWC Legacy Club. Learn more by visiting the club’s Facebook page.

Stay tuned for more stories throughout the month of May about mothers and daughters who belong to GFWC!

How do I register for GFWC Annual Convention?
There are several ways you can register for GFWC Annual Convention:
Online: Click here to register
Mail: Download the printable registration form from the “Important Convention Documents” section found here
Phone: Call 202-347-3168 and a staff member will help register you over the phone

GFWC staff prefer online registration as it is the easiest and most accurate way to track and maintain our records.

How do I modify my registration?
The best way to modify your registration is online via the registration page. When you are on the main registration page, there is a link at the bottom of the fillable form that says “Already Registered?” Click this link.

Fill out your email address and confirmation number (your confirmation number should be in the email you received after you registered) and click “OK”. You will be brought to a summary page of your registration. Click “Modify” and then click “Registration” (in the table). Here you can add or remove any of your registration items.

You may also contact GFWC Events Coordinator Jennifer Simpson at JSimpson@gfwc.org or 202-347-3168 ext 127 to modify your registration.

I have a dietary restriction/medical accommodation, what should I do?
When you register for Annual Convention, there is a section which will ask if you have any dietary restrictions or medical accommodations that you need to adhere to. Please be as specific as possible.  GFWC will do its best to accommodate your request, however all requests are not guaranteed to be met.

If you have already registered and forgot to add your restrictions, please contact GFWC Events Coordinator Jennifer Simpson at JSimpson@gfwc.org or 202-347-3168 ext 127.

Do I need to sign up for the GFWC workshops?
No, you do not need to sign up for the GFWC workshops. On the day of the workshop, just show up!

When is the 501(c)(3) Workshop?
The 501(c)(3) Workshop will take place on Wednesday, June 29. Part one will be from 8:00 a.m.-9:15 a.m. and part two will be from 3:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Questions regarding the 501(c)(3) Workshop should be directed to Membership Services and Programs Director Melanie Gisler at mgisler@gfwc.org or 202-347-3168 ext 221.

I am not attending the full Convention, but I would like to participate in the events taking place before Convention/the Installation Banquet. How do I register?
If you are only attending Junior Night, State Night, or the Installation Banquet/Ceremony/Reception, you do not need to pay registration fees. When you register, select “Junior Night/State Night/Installation Attendee” as your registration type. Please note, you are not eligible to vote if you choose this registration type.

Can I bring a guest to Convention and do they need to register?
Yes! GFWC welcomes all guests, whether family or friend, to Convention. Guests can register themselves online or you can do it for them. If you are registering online, you will be able to add your guest through your registration. If you are registering via mail, please fill out a separate registration form for your guest. Please select “Guest (Non-Members and Non-Boosters)” as their registration type.

I am a GFWC Board of Directors Member, how do I register for the GFWC Board of Directors Meeting?
Both the 2014-2016 Board of Directors Lunch Meeting and the 2016-2018 Board of Director post-Convention meeting can be found through the Convention Registration. If you plan on only attending the Board Meeting, register as a “Junior Night/State Night/Installation Attendee,” and then only select the specific Board Meeting you are attending. This will ensure that you are not charged registration fees for Convention.

What do I do upon arrival to Convention?
After checking in with the hotel, your first stop should be the GFWC Registration Desk. Bring a copy of your online registration confirmation, pick-up your materials, and review your information carefully. Throughout the Convention, GFWC staff and Convention volunteers will be easily identifiable. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance!

This blog is part two of a series about mothers and daughters who share GFWC membership. Click here to read part one!

Mary Russell recalls that her mother, Madaline Prior, became a member of the GFWC Colorado Woman’s Citizenship Club in the 1970s. She would spend hours trimming canceled stamps, a GFWC Colorado fundraising project, while watching old movies.

“Every now and again I would see her with the ladies, attending meetings at our local hotel restaurant. She made a point to ask me to join many times but I was busy working, raising a family and just didn’t seem to have enough time,” Mary said.

But soon, Madaline’s belief in volunteer service passed on to Mary, who joined her mother’s club in 2006.

“I started to be one of the ladies she lunched with! We had a great time together working on various projects in the community,” Mary said.

Madaline passed away in 2009. Mary is so grateful to her mother for opening up a whole new world for her through GFWC.

“I am and will always be a committed clubwoman,” Mary said. “Every time we say the Collect, I always say a silent thank you to my mom.”

Marietjie Robberts is a fourth generation clubwoman. Her great-grandmother was a founding member of a club in South Africa.

 “My grandmother, my mother, and her eight sisters were all in GFWC,” Marietjie said. “We moved to America in 1996 and I joined the GFWC Woman’s Club in Crookston, Minnesota.”

Marietjie’s mother, Ella Lochner, will be turning 98 at the end of May.

“Her enthusiasm about her club really inspired me,” Marietjie said. “I am the Minnesota state treasurer and have enjoyed four years of doing that.”

Tina O’ Connor’s mother, Lela Mac Buster, belonged to the Las Fidelis Study Club of Levelland, Texas for sixty-four years.

“When I retired from teaching, she wanted me to join and I did. It is a decision that I have never regretted! Federation is now a very important part of my life as well,” Tina said.

As a child, Tina knew her mother’s club work was a vital part of her life. It was part of who she was.

“As I became more and more involved; my mother, as mothers are prone to do, became increasingly proud of me. I give many programs and she was my biggest fan and encouragement. Being in a club together brought us closer together,” Tina said.

“Mac” Buster continuing attending club meetings until the end of her life even though she had terminal cancer. Tina would help her dress and take her to meetings, as her mom never wanted to miss a meeting! She attended her last club meeting in December 2013 and died in January of 2014, at the age of 89. Tina has continued to be active in GFWC.

“I’m sure my mother would be extremely proud that I am continuing her legacy as a Federated club member,” Tina said.

Cynthia LIngo Angermeier’s great-grandmother, Annie Green Voshell, was elected president of the Rising Sun Community Club of Delaware when it was in was established in 1915. A picture taken at the gathering shows a small child sitting on the lap of one of the members.

“The child was my mother, Margaret Voshell Lingo, who had just had her first birthday. The picture also includes my grandmother, Bertha Mason Voshell,” Cynthia said.

Cynthia’s mother was honored as a 50-year member in 1998. She continued to be as active as possible until her passing in 2011.

“I am proud to have served as president of this wonderful dedicated group of women and to continue our family legacy,” Cynthia said.

If you’re a clubwoman with a legacy in GFWC, please consider joining the GFWC Legacy Club. Learn more by visiting the club’s Facebook page.

Stay tuned for more stories throughout the month of May about mothers and daughters who belong to GFWC!

Mother’s Day gives us the opportunity to thank our mothers for all they have done to make a difference in our lives. Mothers feed us, clothe us, and take care of us when we’re sick, often without any thanks or appreciation. When we get older, we begin to recognize our mothers for the caring and generous women that they are. That’s what makes sharing a connection in GFWC so special. There are many mothers and daughters whose bond has been strengthened by being clubwomen and volunteering together.

The Sisterhood of Service becomes even stronger when you’re able to share a love of GFWC with your own family. Jolie and Darby Frankfurth know this firsthand.

Jolie loves that her daughter is learning the value of volunteering and taking responsibility for her community. Even though Darby is now in college, Jolie knows that the lessons Darby learned in GFWC stick with her today.

“I’m most proud when she stands up to injustices and isn’t afraid to tell others what she believes in,” Jolie said.

Darby is constantly inspired by her mom. At fourteen, Jolie asked her if she wanted to join the Juniorettes. There was no doubt in Darby’s mind that she wanted to become a clubwoman.

“I’ve always wanted to be just like her,” Darby said. “She is a natural leader and everyone just loves her. She is my hero.”

Darby and Jolie even share a favorite GFWC memory—planting pinwheels for child abuse awareness.

“After the 1,000 pinwheels we stuck in the ground at Florida Headquarters, she walked up to me and said she saved the last pinwheel for me,” Darby said.

Melanie Carriker Stevens and her mother, Wendy Carriker, also share a favorite memory—standing on stage together at the 2015 GFWC Annual Convention and receiving a charter for the GFWC Legacy Woman’s Club, which is open to any GFWC members with a family legacy in GFWC.

“Knowing that Melanie is in the company of other legacies such as GFWC President International Babs Condon, COO Rosemary Thomas, Debby Bryant, and so many other dynamic women and mentors makes me so very proud,” Wendy said.

As clubwomen, Melanie and Wendy enjoy brainstorming ideas for GFWC, talking about the organization’s future, and participating in volunteer projects.

“Plus, you never know when we will show up at a District or State function with the same outfit on!” Melanie said.

Sharing her love of GFWC with her daughters is something Wendy will always treasure.

“I believe that it has brought us closer together on a different level than parent and child, but as volunteers and women who are trying to improve their communities while growing as leaders at the same time,” Wendy said.

Melanie’s life has been greatly impacted by sharing her GFWC experience with her mother, she said.

“I could not imagine being a member of something greater than myself without her by my side. While growing up, my sister and I were taught that you give back to your community and help those you can. I could not image this journey without her, and look forward to the memories still to come,” Melanie said.

Clubwoman Deb Adams of Iowa has shared a GFWC connection with her mother and grandmother. Her grandmother was a member until she passed way at the age of 90. Deb decided to join when her mother moved closer to her.

“I knew I would be driving her to the GFWC meetings, so decided I would also join the club,” Deb said. “My mother is now 89 years old, and still enjoys going to the club meetings. And I am glad I have also joined.”

Fran Edwards of Virginia and her mother, Miriam Premaza, both served as president of their respective clubs from 1980-1982. Fran’s mother became a member of the GFWC Tarrara Woman’s Club shortly after they moved to Virginia from Pennsylvania when she was 12 years old.

“She seemed to have such a good time going to meetings, working on projects, and helping in the community,” Fran said.  “Following her example, after college, I eventually returned to my hometown and joined the Boykins Junior Women’s Club which gave me the opportunity to join mom when the two clubs met or worked together.”

When it was time to graduate from the Junior Club, Fran joined the Tarrara Club and worked alongside her mom for many years.

“I enjoyed being in club work with my mother because it gave us a common interest as peers, not as mother/daughter or grandmother/mother,” Fran said.

Miriam passed way in January, but Fran feels she is watching over her as she continues her GFWC journey.

“Hopefully, one day this legacy will continue when my daughter joins a Federated club,” Fran said.

If you’re a clubwoman with a legacy in GFWC, please consider joining the GFWC Legacy Club. Learn more by visiting the club’s Facebook page.

Stay tuned for more stories throughout the month of May about mothers and daughters who belong to GFWC!

By Teresa Sanford-Shipplett
GFWC Conservation Chairman

The purpose of Earth Day, according to Senator Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day, was to bring to the forefront the environmental issues our world faces. Earth Day provides a forum to express concerns about what is happening to our environment.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Let’s keep this in mind as Earth Day approaches. Here are just a few things you and your club can do this Earth Day to help Mother Earth.

1. Change your daily habits. Switch off anything that uses electricity when not in use, unplug devices when possible, trade in your dryer for the clothesline, run the air-conditioner sparingly, use a warm blanket or sweater in winter, conserve water, recycle all you can, and be a mindful consumer.

2. Change your transportation habits. Walk or bike for local trips, organize carpools, take mass transit, plan out errands and combine trips, maintain your car, track your fuel economy, take fewer flights, and travel by bus or train.

3. Adapt your home by installing skylights, switching to LED bulbs, sealing off leaks, installing insulation, planting barrier trees, maintaining appliances, installing low-flow toilets, and cutting down on unneeded belongings.

4. Adapt your yard by planting a garden. Make your yard friendly to wildlife, avoid pesticides and man-made chemicals, plant a tree, make a compost area, and use a rake instead of a leaf blower.

5. Reuse items. Buy second hand clothes (there are some great deals out there), donate or share household items, up-cycle (turn useless junk into something fun and cute), buy and use fabric bags.

6. Engage in activism. Contact government officials, join an environmental organization, write a letter to the editor, donate to an environmental cause, and VOLUNTEER (that’s what GFWC members do best)! Become more involved with GFWC Conservation Partner The Nature Generation. Donate to their organization so that they can give more books to libraries, schools, after-school groups, etc. Become involved in some of their programs and activities to improve your own community. Please go to their website www.NatGen.org or explore the GFWC website under the conservation area.

You can also check out NatGen’s “There is No Planet B Earth Day Raffle”. You are supporting continued efforts to inspire children and young people to care for the earth, and you might win one of their amazing prizes!