Five local members attend General Federation of Women’s Clubs Fall Conference

AUBURN — Five women from the GFWC Miosac Club in Dover-Foxcroft attended the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Fall Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn Oct. 11-12. Those attending were Anne Cress, Rheba Michaud, Minnie McCormick, Vicki Moschella and Suzanne Raymond along with 63 other women from around the state.

The 2016-18 GFWC Maine Administration’s theme is “Living the Volunteer Spirit with Sparkle and Shine.” Mary Libby, GFWC Maine president, has selected her special project, the Nyolo-Hope Primary School in Kit, South Sudan, to be the primary focus of her term. This school has 326 children enrolled with nine teachers.

This project is part of the Maine African Partnership for Social Justice. Their needs are many, and range from pencils to generators and agricultural tools. The GFWC Miosac Club will be supporting this project through May 2018 along with the many other local projects the club has always done.

Libby stated, “I believe every child deserves a good education no matter the circumstances of his or her life. It is the hope for all parents. Education is the only hope for the world. Through education, tolerance, acceptance and progress the world can be a better place.”

Dr. Charles Radis was the conference guest speaker. He is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and has taught in the internal medicine, pediatric and family practice programs at Maine Medical Center and the University of New England. He has helped develop a sustainable collaborative public health project in South Sudan through a nonprofit he founded with his wife that is known as the Maine African Partnership for Social Justice (MAPSJ.org).

The evening banquet on Oct. 11 was titled, “A Gathering of Goddesses” with members in evening gowns and tiaras. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal followed by entertainment performed by writer, performer and storyteller Susan Poulin. Her unique brand of wit, wisdom, and sense of humor simply knows no boundaries.

Reports from the chairmen of the arts department, ESO, education, public issues, membership, home life and the GFWC Signature Program — domestic violence awareness were heard. GFWC Maine Chairman of International Outreach Suzanne Raymond, reported on Heifer International, UNICEF, Shot at Life Campaign and Operation Smile.

Anne Cress, GFWC Maine Leadership chairman, past state president and current president of the GFWC Miosac Club, spoke to the membership about what it takes to be an effective leader. Vicki Moschella, immediate past president of the GFWC Miosac Club and current GFWC Maine Conservation chairman, spoke to the members about the partnership project GFWC has with “The Nature Generation”. This program is geared to inspire and empower young people to make a difference through environmental stewardship programs in literature and science.

Moschella explained the many different ways youth and adults alike can change and improve the environment. It is the goal of this program and GFWC to connect youth with the outdoors, promote learning about nature through books and foster environmental curiosity and knowledge.

Additional information about GFWC may be obtained by going to www.gfwc.org or www.gfwcmaine.org.

FALL CONFERENCE — GFWC Miosac Club members attending the the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Fall Conference earlier in the month in Auburn were, from left, Minnie McCormick, Rheba Michaud, Suzanne Raymond, Club President Anne Cress and prior President Vicki Moschella.