Six local club women attend the General Federation of Women’s Clubs convention
BANGOR — Six women from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Miosac Club in Dover-Foxcroft attended the GFWC Spring Convention at the Hollywood Hotel & Casino May 11-12. Those attending were Suzanne Raymond, Anne Cress, Minnie McCormick, Vicki Moschella, Rheba Michaud and Dorothy Tonick along with 55 other women from around the state.
The 2016-2018 GFWC Maine Administration’s theme is “Living the Volunteer Spirit with Sparkle and Shine.” Mary Libby, GFWC Maine president, selected the Nyolo-Hope Primary School as her special project at the beginning of her term. The school recently moved from Kit, South Sudan to Uganda due to civil unrest.
GFWC Maine clubwomen have donated $2,584 to this school to date, with an additional $1,500 of “in-kind” donations such as electronics and school supplies. 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”.
Deb Strahanoski, GFWC second vice president, was the special guest. She serves on the GFWC International Executive Committee in Washington, D.C. Strahanoski resides outside of Chicago and has been a dedicated clubwoman for 28 years. She has held many positions in her hometown club, district, state and on the international GFWC board of directors.
Strahanoski’s boundless energy and outgoing personality make her a favorite speaker everywhere she goes. She showed the convention attendees how to more easily navigate the updated GFWC website. Members were told about new partnerships GFWC has contracted with such as Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Strahanoski has been employed with Easter Seals as development manager since 2005 for the Joliet Region in Illinois.
Members were also thrilled to have Sgt. Alan Curtis from the Maine Warden Service with his dog Sig. Sgt. Curtis is often featured in the series “North Woods Law.” He explained what he does, and how a forest ranger and game warden differ in what they do. Sgt. Curtis has an associate degree in conservation law enforcement, is a graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, Maine Warden Service Advanced Academy and he is a crime scene investigations K-9 handler.
The May 11 evening banquet was titled ”Let’s Sparkle & Shine” with members attired in evening gowns and tiaras. Following the meal, an auction was held with donated items brought in from clubs around Maine as well as from individuals. Smaller items were available to bid on by silent auction. All members enjoyed a good time with $1,287 taken in for fundraising.
Reports were read and enjoyed from chairman of the Community Service Programs and Standing and Special Committees such as the Arts, ESO, Public Issues, Education, Home Life, Conservation, International Outreach, GFWC Signature Project: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention, Leadership, Membership, Maine Youth Leadership, Fundraising, Endowment Fund, Delegate’s Fund, Educational Loan Fund and Maude McKenzie Scholarship and Public Relations. These reports keep the membership of GFWC Maine connected and informed.
Many awards and certificates were presented from each category. It was interesting to note that $6,600 was given to high school seniors and students already attending college to further their educations. Scholarship money was given in the amount of $3,000 to two students, with one receiving $2,000 and the other $1,000. The $3,600 in educational loans were given to six students with each receiving $600 — these are interest free loans. GFWC Maine is proud to be able to give these funds to help our youth obtain their dreams.
Certificates and awards received by the GFWC Miosac Club was $30 for first place in the club scrapbook contest. This is a great way to record the club’s yearly history, and a much anticipated competition between clubs each year.
A certificate was received in leadership for completing 35 projects, volunteering 1,318 hours and donating $2,250.
A certificate was received from the Conservation Chairman Vicki Moschella for the dedication and planting of the hydrangea tree and placing the granite marker in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in the Marion Doore Park. This ceremony was done along with town officials as they also donated a hydrangea tree to the park in observance of Arbor Day.
A certificate was received from the chairman of education for the support of the Nyolo-Hope Primary School by donating to this special project with monies collected during this past club year from the change jar and from proceeds from the “Traveling Basket.” The GFWC Miosac Club has donated $344 to this project to date.
A certificate was also received for all the activities in the home life category that included the making of “Prayer Shawls, Angel Pockets, Linus Quilts, and Grannies Toys.” The club was also recognized for contributions to the local YMCA, Dover-Foxcroft Area Food Cupboard, Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP), Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Share Program, Kiwanis Community Christmas Project and the Maine Highlands Senior Center/The Commons.
Additional information about GFWC may be obtained by going to www.gfwc.org or www.gfwcmaine.org. If interested in joining the GFWC Miosac Club, please call 717-7576.
Photo courtesy of GFWC Miosac Club
SPRING CONVENTION — Members of the GFWC Miosac Club attending the GFWC Maine Spring Convention May 11-12 in Bangor were, from left, Vicki Moschella, Dorothy Tonick, Rheba Michaud, Suzanne Raymond and Anne Cress. Not pictured, Minnie McCormick.