Catching up on GFWC/MIOSAC Club news
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Members of the GFWC/MIOSAC Club have been involved in a variety of activities over the past few months. In December they gathered at the home of one of the members for the annual Christmas party. Rather than having a gift swap, the packages they placed under the tree were filled with snack food and beverages for the school’s backpack program.
In January, members returned to their regular meeting place at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church in the chapel. After the business meeting, they were treated to an enriching program presented by Vice President Minnie McCormick. She shared some history of the club since its inception in 1936. This being the club’s 90th anniversary, there were many things that members were not aware of. These included some noteworthy accomplishments such as sponsoring a financial drive in 1947 to add a maternity wing at Mayo Hospital; in 1953 a drive was started to help raise funds for an elevator in the hospital; and in 1963 the club donated a grand piano to Foxcroft Academy. Volunteer efforts may not always be done on such a grand scale as these, but whether large or small, all projects are done to enhance the lives of others.
HOSTESSES — Suzanne Raymond, left, and Brenda Quiet served as hostesses and were in charge of refreshments for the March 3 meeting of the GFWC/MIOSAC Club at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church.
In February, a self-defense training session was provided to the members. Two skilled safety instructors led the group through valuable tips on being aware of the surroundings and listening to ones’ sixth sense. They also demonstrated some self-defense techniques as well, which was entertaining as well as educational.
On March 3 the clubwomen gathered at the Congregational Church chapel with McCormick presiding. Brenda Quiet and Suzanne Raymond were serving as hostesses and in charge of refreshments for the evening. The main focus during the business meeting was reviewing the plans for the upcoming high school art contest that members sponsor each year at Foxcroft Academy. Members are delighted to provide an avenue to showcase the artistic talents of the students under the tutelage of art teacher Martha Ladd. Winners of the art contest will later be entered at the district level.
Following the business meeting the program for the evening was the annual “Pound Party.” This is a fun in-house fundraising activity that produces much laughter and camaraderie as well as some funds to add to the club’s scholarship fund. Each member brings a gift that weighs a pound with each being decoratively wrapped bedazzled with ribbons, stickers, bows or strings. The very amateur auctioneer gets things rolling and the gifts are sold to the highest bidder. Imagine the sheer pleasure of opening a pound of homemade peanut butter fudge, or the total surprise to find you just spent $20 on a dozen eggs! It’s all for a good cause — more funds to that scholarship fund!
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a nonprofit organization that brings together local women’s clubs in a collective effort to strengthen communities and enhance the lives of others through volunteer service. GFWC MIOSAC Club is seeking new members to join this local club. Those seeking more information can call 207-717-4139 to speak with one of the members.