Category: Uncategorized

Morris Woman’s Club (Illinois) 

Pictured: Nilsa Sochan and Michelle Mitchell.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, members of the Morris Woman’s Club (Illinois) requested funds from the Justice Assistance Board to purchase 200 electronic candles and batteries. A note was attached, with purple ribbon, asking recipients to place the lit candles in their windows on October 22. The candles, along with purple ribbons to wear, were handed out during a shoppers’ night out during the weekend before.

Donations received from shoppers were given to Groundwork, a division of Guardian Angels, which assists survivors of domestic violence in a variety of ways. Yellow t-shirts, with messages about domestic violence painted on them (such as “Love Shouldn’t Hurt”), were hung on a clothesline between trees on the courthouse lawn every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for seven days.

Miami Woman’s Club (Florida) 

The Miami Woman’s Club made a special presentation to domestic violence and human trafficking survivors at Project Phoenix, a 16-bed residence which provides safety and recovery for survivors of human trafficking in Miami. Prior to Project Phoenix’s opening, approximately 30 beds were available statewide!

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who brought this project to the club’s attention was instrumental in creating this save haven. She has made strengthening laws against human traffickers her top legislative priority. The Miami Womans Club was proud to be able to donate $10,000 to the Camillus House for Project Phoenix.

GFWC Woman’s Club of West Deptford (New Jersey) 

The GFWC Woman’s Club of West Deptford (New Jersey) has worked closely with Services to Empower the Rights of Victims (SERV), a local organization to support survivors of domestic violence.

When SERV requested personal supportive letters for survivors, club members eagerly participated. In a few weeks the club collected more than 50 “Dear Beautiful” letters. Some were written on purchased cards but many were written on lovely, handmade cards. The letters encouraged the survivors and told them how brave they are to seek help. The workers at SERV were very appreciative of the club’s efforts.

In addition to the cards, the club helps SERV in other ways. One club member is a trained domestic and sexual violence volunteer. Due to COVID-19, local support for survivors is currently online and by phone, making supportive care much more difficult. Club members are happy to donate whatever SERV needs for its clients, and various items will be collected throughout the year.

Oregon City Woman’s Club (Oregon) 

The Oregon City Woman’s Club celebrated Child Advocacy Week by collecting 192 pairs of colorful gripper socks. These socks were donated to Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon to lift up the spirts of the children and let them know they are loved!

GFWC Texas Alamo District 

For Advocates for Children Week, GFWC Texas Alamo District President Novella Byrd challenged clubs and the Alamo District Executive Committee to donate backpacks to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of South Texas. Children will often be removed from their homes carrying their belongings in a paper sack or plastic garbage bags;  the backpacks are a convenient alternative for these children. Joni Garcia, Executive Director of CASA South Texas, was the guest speaker for the meeting. Joni presented information regarding volunteering for CASA. All clubs were given information to report the activity as part of the Juniors’ Challenge Project: “To Stick Out Your Neck for Children.” Alamo District Clubwomen donated 41 backpacks to CASA South Texas.

GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Woman’s Club (Arizona)

The GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Woman’s Club celebrated Advocates for Children Week by completing two projects.

Go With The Flow Period Pack Bags

Go With The Flow is an organization that provides menstrual hygiene products to schools across Arizona to distribute to girls whose families cannot afford to purchase them. Because of budget limitations, schools often do not have an adequate supply of feminine hygiene products each year. Girls are forced to make do with whatever they can find, many times risking the chance of infections. The GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Woman’s Club sewed 307 period pack bags and donated them to Demetra Presley, Executive Director of Go With The Flow. More than 60 yards of material was used to make the bags!

Arizona Helping Hands Duffle Bag Project

Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider of essential needs for children in foster care in Arizona. Duffle bags, suitcases, and backpacks for children to carry their possessions are needed each year The GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Woman’s Club allocated purchased duffle bags and suitcases and donated items. On October 27, 2020 the club delivered 21 duffle bags, two suitcases, and five backpacks to Arizona Helping Hands. The retail value of the donation was more than $900.

Junior Women’s Club of Lake Murray (South Carolina) 

The Junior Women’s Club of Lake Murray created a social media campaign in support of Advocates for Children Week. This two part virtual campaign was designed to engage and inform the community of the benefits of art therapy for children in a safe, socially-distanced way. A youth coloring contest was announced on the club’s Facebook page and ran October 11-24. There was a coloring page for ages 6 and under and ages 7-12, both illustrating a theme of kindness. Winners were announced October 26 and the winning artwork was displayed at the Starbucks in Lexington.

McAlester Fortnightly Club (Oklahoma) 

For Advocates for Children Week, members of the McAlester Fortnightly Club created and sewed twelve hospital gowns for children having surgery with Operation Smile. The club also created four additional therapy vests with weighted pockets for Easter Seals of North Texas. This is the second time the club has supported these programs.

Shown in photo taken by James Sellmeyer, GFWC Booster: Bottom row, left to right; Megan Ciolli, Club President; Linda Navratil, Cornerstone Director; Vicky Bolte, Fortnightly Vice President; Back row: Nancy Gates, Fortnightly Treasurer; Angie Sellmeyer, Fortnightly Secretary; Cynthia Henrichs

GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club (Wisconsin) 

GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club assembled 300 art kits for children. There were various types of art kits: teen journals, coloring, masks, collages, bead making, shell painting, garland making, and much more. On October 26, the kits were distributed to both the Oneida County Social Services Department and Lily’s House, part of Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Inc. These art kits will be used for children during home visits and during long wait times at the office. The kits will also be available for children who seek shelter with their families at Lily’s House in Forest, Oneida, and Vilas Counties.

San Diego Woman’s Club (California) 

For the second time, San Diego Woman’s Club packed welcome bags for Ronald McDonald House San Diego. The bags included 18 items that had been requested: toddler-size blankets, stuffed animals, decks of playing cards, card games, journals, coloring and activity books, puzzles, masks, and various other items.

GFWC Ossoli Circle (Tennessee)

Ossoli Circle ladies prepared a weeks’ worth of casseroles  for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Knoxville, TN. Fourteen casseroles (seven breakfast and seven dinner) were delivered to Ronald McDonald House to observe Child Advocacy Week.

North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club (South Carolina) 

The City of North Myrtle Beach issued a proclamation for this week, Advocates for Children Week.

The North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club advocates for children by supporting Tools for Schools, Children’s Recovery Center, the Autism Foundation, the USO United Through Reading Program, and more. Each year, GFWC and its clubs in Horry County stand with parents, grandparents, educators, community leaders, and others to raise awareness about issues directly impacting children.

GFWC Papillion Junior Woman’s Club (Nebraska) 

Michelle Y. Andahl, Sarpy County Election Commissioner 

The GFWC Papillion Junior Woman’s Club featured a Sarpy County Election Commissioner as their October speaker. The Commissioner’s presentation was informative and addressed many concerns, including those that Nebraska voters have had about voting by mail. She assured everyone that every signature on the ballot request form is verified against the signature on the registration form in the database. If the signatures do not match, the voter is asked to come into the office and sign the vote by mail request again. Voter lists are kept up-to-date on a daily basis by checking the obituaries in the local newspapers. The Nebraska Secretary of State sends the election offices around the state the list of the death certificates that have been filed. She stressed that that ballots be mailed at least a week ahead of Election Day because of state deadlines. Sarpy County also has seven official ballot drop boxes.

GFWC Valamont Woman’s Club (Tennessee)

GFWC Valamont Woman’s Club celebrated World Food Day by inviting friends, neighbors, and clubwomen to donate items to stock the Salvation Army‘s food pantry. World Food Day is an annual, worldwide celebration founded by the United Nations to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity.

Woman’s Club of Vista (California) 

First Prize South Family (left) and Second Prize Pelley Family (right)

The Woman’s Club of Vista held its 12^th Fall Garden Fest at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens in Vista, CA. With 450 people in attendance, implementing local social distancing guidelines, it was a successful event during challenging times. As tradition, the event included a scarecrow contest; this time, participants (33) just had to construct their scarecrows at home. First prize went to the South Family for their tall scarecrow depicting San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatίs, Jr. reaching for a fly ball. The Souths chose a family membership to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens for their prize.

This year’s Scarecrow Contest was sponsored by businesses, families, and individuals who donated to the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Ads for these sponsors will be posted on the scarecrows all year. Membership in the Gardens has doubled during the last seven months; local families are appreciating the wide-open views, plants, art, and water features.

Lexington Woman’s Club (South Carolina)

The Town of Lexington voted to fly “women’s vote” flags designed by the Lexington Woman’s Club (South Carolina) until the November 2020 General Election. This decision by town council extends the celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of the 19^th Amendment on August 26 through November. The club is grateful that the town council is recognizing the 100th birthday of women’s right to vote for an extended period of time.

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.