FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,

As we approach the holiday season, I want to start by expressing my sincere gratitude for your hard work and dedication to our federation.

As the season of Thanksgiving arrives, we are reminded of the immense power of gratitude and the importance of giving back to our community. Our club members throughout the California Federation of Women’s Clubs are busy preparing for families in need in order that they too can have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Let us carry this spirit of generosity and gratitude beyond Thanksgiving, inspiring each other to uphold our tradition of service throughout the year. By working together, we nurture hope and kindness across our communities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we reach. Your dedication demonstrates that through shared purpose and compassion, the California Federation of Women’s Clubs is able to consistently effect positive changes throughout the year, not only during the holidays.

As we look ahead let us remember that our impact is magnified when we work together in harmony and with purpose. Together we have the power to turn generosity into lasting change, continuing to lead with empathy and dedication through the coming months and beyond.

I wish you all a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Yours in Federation and Love, Sonya

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT and OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

On this Thanksgiving, we pause to honor and appreciate our veterans—brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms. As we gather with loved ones, we remember that the peace and security we enjoy today is made possible by their courage, dedication, and service. We give thanks not only for their past sacrifices but also for their continued strength. This season, may we show our gratitude keeping our veterans and their families in our hearts.

ART & CULTURE - KELLY DAVIS, Chair

Author’s fairs are events, either in-person or online, where authors can showcase their work, connect with readers and other industry professionals, and develop their careers. They provide opportunities for networking, marketing and selling books, and can include panels, Q & As, and signing sessions.

Club: ALAMO WOMAN'S CLUB

The Alamo Women’s Club Authors’ Fair began as a dream. In March 2015, Jerilyn, one of AWC’s newest members at the time, took on the challenge of bringing it to life. She reached out to Danville author Penny Warner, who volunteered to moderate the inaugural event and played a key role in recommending authors for the panel. 

Since then the Author’s Faire has grown into an annual tradition and one of our major fundraisers. Attendance now reaches more than 275 guests each year, and we’ve welcomed over 45 acclaimed authors to our stage. These authors generously donate their time to share their writing journeys, meet our guests, and sell their books. A delicious lunch is also included in admission. The Author’s Faire has made a significant impact on our community by raising funds to support AWC philanthropies and scholarships. On October 22,2025 we celebrated our 10th Annual Faire, welcoming more than 275 guests. It was truly a wonderful and memorable event.

Chairman: Jerilyn Strong

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

During this special week - and all year! - we are thankful for our Earth and its beauty.

This is a reminder to clubs and districts to collect and make your contributions to Penny Pines before the end of 2025 - there’s still time at one more club meeting. Then remember to report the donations in your 2025 narratives in December and January. You can dedicate the Penny Pines donations to a member or a member who has passed - or to honor your generous club members.

The basic contribution to Penny Pines is $68.00. Since the program started in 1941, those contributions have amounted to well over 1 million dollars. The Penny Pines Program is unique to California to support reforestation, forest conservation, and wise management of our National Forests.

99 Clubs and 2 districts in CFWC reported for the Environment program area for 2024 and 53 of those groups reported contributing to Penny Pines. Area D shone with 23 clubs and one District contributing, 14 in Area B, and 9 each in Areas A and C. $15,358 was donated to Penny Pines by CFWC for 2024, and clubs reported volunteering 946 hours to accomplish those donations. Let’s increase that this year! 

The list of CA National Forests for sending Penny Pines donations is available on the CFWC website: www.cfwc.org/leadership/community-service-programs-chairmen/ under Environment. Thank you!

Just a thought ......

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not;

remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for."

---Epicurus