FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT:
Here we are November, welcome Fall! This is always my favorite season of the year and lately with weather changes it appears that Fall has certainly begun to show her shy face. I still have green beans and tomatoes ripening, so that is nice too, but I appreciate the cooler days and morning dew, even if my vegetables do not.
I am so buoyed by the things I can celebrate in the Now, this time Now in which I am living. When I speak of the Now, I mean the present. Where are you right Now? What are you doing right Now? This moment in time is so important because it is something, we can have some influence over. The choices we make today, in the Now will help the future, whatever that is: develop.
We need to choose what we focus on in the Now, what we give our power to, and what it is we can assist the World and our circle of family and friends with. Please note that being in the Now is not a place for catastrophic musings, we must stay positive. Staying positive does not mean that we are ignorant of what is happening, or we are not taking things seriously enough. I guarantee you; we are serious about what is happening, but we also know that this will pass and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
We have all come through so much and our past is just that: The Past. We cannot change what has happened, however, we can change how we view our past. When we change the story of our past, we change our reactions to the past, there is some closure. Accepting our past story is an integral part of living in the Now. So much time is wasted on “what if”, “should have”, and “if only”, that we get caught up in the past story and become trapped. We cannot enjoy the loveliness of the Now moments when we are trapped in our past.
When we live in the Now moments, I encourage all of you to look at your time with gratitude. What we have Now, what we enjoy Now, what we are doing Now. Now is the present and we cannot ignore that! Living in Now time means putting the past where it belongs: behind us. It means choosing to live for this moment, this day! We need to choose the Now to be a joyful place, remember always to leave off the catastrophizing for that is the future and while none of us are in charge of the future for all, we are certainly in charge of having an impact of the future for ourselves.
Living in the Now is a choice for happiness and knowing fully that you are present and making choices that are an integral part of your story. Your choices in the Now will become part of your past and your choices in the Now will help to shape your future.
Live in the Now; listen in the Now, work in the Now, be present in the Now! The choices we make today, in the Now will help the future.
Luv, Pam
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SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS:
It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Sandra Lucas, CFWC Clubwoman Magazine Editor. A dedicated CFWC Temecula Valley Woman’s Club Member, Sandra volunteered to be Editor of our State Magazine in the Administration of Vicki Holden, (2008-2010), and continued to serve as Editor through the current Administration. She was involved with many committees and suggested and promoted many projects that are now integral parts of her Temecula Valley Woman’s Club. Thank you, Sandra for all you have done for your sisters.
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UPCOMING MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT:
It is unfortunate to have to announce that the Winter Executive Board Meeting in February 2021, which was to be held in Oakland has been moved to a Zoom Meeting. Your CFWC Meeting Planner has heard from the Hilton Oakland Airport Hotel and they are not hosting any meetings until the end of the summer months in 2021. Therefore, I look forward to seeing you all soon on Zoom. The CALL to the Winter CFWC Executive Board Meeting will be going out via email around the 24th of December, so keep your eyes open!
I think it important to say currently that I am grateful for the health of each member of our wonderful California Federation. I am also grateful that we do have the means and Chairs that are able to navigate us through this time so that we may keep up our meetings online. Thank you, each one of you, for your patience and understanding.
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Holiday Open Houses on Zoom
It is time to gather and laugh! We have spent a lot of lovely time on Zoom for meetings and workshops, but now is the time to Zoom with our Gift for Gab!
I am happy to announce that I have set 3 days aside with 2-hour blocks where we can meet and have some fun just getting together online.
Scheduled during “Happy Hour”, I do hope you will join us for 5 – 7 pm on these dates to share with friends, have a laugh and smile! Bring a drink if you want, I am sure others will and let us just celebrate knowing that we each belong to sch a fabulous group of volunteers.
This is a time to reach out and be with one another, albeit electronically. Remember we can only hold up to 300 of you, so registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Invites will be sent bi-weekly in the order they are received.
For your invitation, just send me your name and email address with the date or dates you want to attend. I can be reached at:
ament.pam5@gmail.com
Holiday Open Houses are always from 5 – 7 pm and will be open on Zoom:
November 20, 2020
December 7, 2020
December 30, 2020
The only business is monkey business for these get-togethers; see you there.
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MEET THE CHAIRS ANNOUNCEMENT:
What a fabulous response we are having for these events! I am super excited and look forward to having each of the four-day meetups a success! If you have not yet signed up there is still time!
I did want to give some added information regarding cut-off dates to reserve your spot(s) in the event(s). You may attend one, two, three, or all four, but you do need a separate invitation to attend each one unique to only you. Capacity is limited and remember that each of the four events will feature different Chairs, who will speak with you for 3 minutes in each topic. We will open the room for questions from you after that, so have those questions ready.
Send your Registration request to: ament.pam5@gmail.com
Event Date: November 10, 2020
Last day to register is November 5, 2020
Event Date: November 17, 2020
Last day to register is November 12, 2020
Event Date: November 24, 2020
Last day to register is November 19, 2020
Supporting Paperwork and Invitation Reminders for the Meet the Chairs events will be sent around noon on the Monday’s preceding the event.
Hope to see you there; Barbara Briley Beard and I are extremely excited about these events coming up and hope to see you there! Luv, Pam
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FIND YOUR LIGHT AND SHARE
Many of you have requested a copy of our GFWC International President's Speech delivered at the Western States Region Meeting. It was lovely for Marian to share with us her thoughts as our President of GFWC and I am honored to share that speech with you now that the Region Meetings have just ended. Enjoy! Read Here
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Gail Fitzpatrick, our CFWC Promotional Sales Chair, informs us that she now has Yearbook Flash Drives for sale for $5. Please see information at cfwc.org for more information. |
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CFWC 2021 Convention
The dates for the convention are May 12–15, 2021 at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel. CFWC President, Pam Ament and convention chairs, Priscilla Bolinder and Edie Seger would like input from members to help in making decisions about the convention. At this point we do not know what the virus situation will be at that time. Foremost in our minds is the safety of our members when we are able to meet in person.
It has been suggested that we consider a location other than a hotel. Please keep in mind that the hotel has a deposit from CFWC with no guarantee it will be refunded. Mentioned as possibilities are a casino or a Clubhouse large enough to accommodate over 100 people. The Clubhouse would have to have their own in-house caterer. Social distancing could be an issue at either venue. In either case, members would have to make their own arrangements for where to stay overnight. It would also be possible to have a convention meeting on Zoom.
Please share your thoughts with us by answering a few questions. Send your responses to the 3 of us by November 30 (email addresses are at the end of this article).
1. How would things have to change for you to want to attend a convention with 160 other people at a hotel with banquet seating for meetings and meals?
2. How far would you be willing to travel and what mode of transportation would you feel comfortable using?
3. Which of the ideas (hotel, clubhouse, casino, Zoom) would you prefer? How would your choice work for social distancing as recommended by health care professionals?
4. The past couple of year’s room rates have been $144-$145 plus taxes. How much would you be willing to pay for a room with no amenities (room service)?
Registration was $20 and $25 and meals (not including ESO or Emeritus) came to $265 and $270. ESO was $35 and $42; Emeritus was $35 and $45.
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WHOSE SHOULDERS ARE YOU STANDING ON?
…Sonya Matthies, Second Vice President
When I joined my home club, 24 years ago, I knew I was standing on the shoulders of three generation of my family. I was honored and awed as I began my first steps on Federation’s Trail. The more I learned about the General Federation and its roots beginning in 1868, the more I wanted to learn. Jane Cunningham Croly’s attempt to attend an event in 1868 at an all-male press club had an amazing result. The event was honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Mrs. Croley was not allowed to attend because of her gender and decided to form a woman’s club – Sorosis. And so it began…
The California Federation of Women’s Clubs was organized in Los Angeles on January 18, 1900. It was admitted to the General Federation in May of 1900. Our primary purpose of charitable service, providing leadership opportunities, and enriching the lives of members through personal growth has continued over the years.
What year was your club organized? Do you know the history of your club? Who were your founding members? Do you have or have had in the past your own clubhouse? What fundraising events have been held over the years that have enabled your club to move forward? Perhaps work on a program highlighting your early members and events to share at the club and district level. Our members are unique and the best tool for gaining new members! Share your knowledge and one day your will be surprised how many will one day be “standing on your shoulders” continuing to make a difference in our communities and beyond!
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More from the Hive....
Retention – Securing Your Place in the H.I.V.E. No. 2
Patsy Wilson, Vice President, CFWC Area B
Who are our members? We know they are Individuals and deserve individual care.
Individualized Member Care must be cultivated with the individual. Since early this spring, when I first went into COVID-19 quarantine I have been trying to get my routine back to normalcy, but I am not quite there yet. I think the ways to respond to my personal needs are very similar to ways to respond most club member needs. Responding to these needs should be on an individual basis delivered with patience, dedication and empathy. We fully understand that during these challenging times, we are still faced with a challenging member or several concerns at once. Most times small modifications to a schedule or process will enable us to make arrangements to find a way to resolve the individual member’s concern that will in no way diminish the attention we will give to the whole. I expect we will continue to make individual care a means of retaining members.
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SAVE THE MONARCHS
Among the most beautiful pollinators gracing our gardens are Monarch Butterflies. Sadly, their numbers are declining rapidly for familiar reasons: loss of habitat, herbicides, pesticides, and climate change.
The Monarchs are experiencing a unique threat, however: the destruction of the milkweed plant. As part of their breeding pattern the Monarchs migrate annually. In the West their route takes them from Canada to Mexico and back again. On their way north they stop in several locations with abundant milkweed plants that allow the females to lay eggs.
As the eggs develop into larvae their main job is to grow. They do this by gorging on a diet restricted exclusively to vast quantities of milkweed. Agricultural practices have destroyed much of this food source from the migratory path and is a major element in the butterflies’ decline.
How can we save the Monarch? It is as simple as creating a garden that is friendly to the Monarch and, incidentally, to honeybees as well. Local nurseries carry milkweed, or you can grow it from seed. One organization, Save Our Monarch, (P. O. Box 390135, Minneapolis, MN 55439) will send you a packet of seeds for your garden for a $5 donation.
The same organization invites schools to participate in the Pollinator Garden Program. Once enrolled, each group will receive a Garden Mix Pouch to plant a Butterfly and Bee Garden.
Many large groups have taken up the Monarch’s cause. One of them, the Environmental Defense Fund, invites you to Adopt a Monarch Acre. For $35 each you will contribute to the restoration of vast tracts of milkweed habitat along the migratory path. Contact them at www.edf.org for more information. Jane Thomey
CFWC Enviroment Chair
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MILITARY & VETERANS – Yolanda Petroski
The Noble and the Brave:
A Veterans’ Day Tribute
When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand:
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.
They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life
To serve their country and their God
They plowed into the strife.
They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.
Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skill they brought.
We salute every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave
So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.
By Joanna Fuchs
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ARTS AND CULTURE
OK, OK. You don’t have time or energy to fly to Washington, DC to visit the National Gallery. Well, thanks to our current video situation, we can now visit almost any place in the world we want. YUP, search the National Gallery and look at all of the tours you can take on your computer via video. Their site lists by artist and areas of art and the videos available and the length of time. You can even search and see a video of the King Tut exhibit that was on London earlier this year. Several galleries in San Francisco and Los Angeles have special tours every Wednesday afternoon. You just need to check out the websites.
Another way is to search on the computer “Top 10 museums in Los Angeles” (or your area) and then see what comes up. Click on the website for the one you would like to visit and see what is available. If the museum/gallery is open you may need to schedule a date and time for the “in person” visit or just tour it on line. The same goes for music venues, art galleries, etc.
Happy ARTS & CULTURE touring.
Stephanie Zichichi, Chair
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Dori Kelsey, CFWC Leadership Chair has prepared two new booklets for our Leadership Library "Club Projects You May Have Forgotten" and "Making Great Leaders" Please find the links in QuickDocs below. |
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CFWC Health and Wellness Program, Myrna Binford, Chairman
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Last week I asked you to consider adopting/supporting a family for the holidays. This week is an adoption of another kind — animals. It has been noted that during the pandemic more animals have been adopted than usual. The other side of the coin is that people have had to surrender their animals due to extra expense or loosing housing that had allowed them to have animals. The San Diego area has had a "clear the shelter" day. Sources believe that more animals have been adopted because people are working at home and have more time to spend with an animal. Others theorize that animals bring companionship during this time when people are more isolated. Whatever the reason, you are doing a service for our furry friends because for every animal that leaves a shelter, it makes space for another deserving animal to come in. It has long been recognized that having an animal is good for you, as in a woman’s best friend. October 26-November 1, 2020 was Saving Senior Dogs Week.
Women's clubs have been very supportive of Canine Companions for Independence. Palomar District has at least two members who are puppy raisers. In addition to Canine Companions, there are other service dog organizations — Guide Dogs, Emotional Support/Therapy Dogs, etc. One organization that I have recently been introduced to is Shelter to Soldier (dogs). The San Diego area has a large military presence. Shelter to Soldier trains dogs to help former military members cope with PTSD. It is based in Oceanside, CA, and is relatively new and looking to expand. Check to see if your areas have similar organizations.
I am sure there are many opportunities to help with animals, like being a puppy raiser, foster "parent", dog walker, etc. The shelters and humane societies are always looking for support, financial or items for care of the animals, so consider donations. Several of you can team up to be dog walkers (social distancing, of course). It is also a good way to lose weight so is a win win situation!
Any questions on Health & Wellness, please email: milliesbin9@gmail.com
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Dates to remember in early November:
November 10 – Forget-Me-Not-Day Keep in touch with family and friends who you haven’t talked to in a while. Can use all types of social media.
November 11 – Veterans Day Honor America’s heroes by thanking veterans for their service or donating to an organization that serves vets.
November 13 World Kindness Day Do a good deed by writing (emailing) a note to a friend, ask a neighbor if they need anything from the store, etc.
Hope you all will be attending the “Meet the Chairs” every Tuesday in November from 2-4
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Dori's Leadership Library
These booklets are in .pdf format,
when printed they are ready to assemble into booklets
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Just a thought ......
It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new.
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