FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,



It was my pleasure to attend the CFWC Orange District’s 70^th Annual Convention on April 10, 2026. The convention theme “United in Federation” brought focus on how members of a club are part of a bigger picture. Members of GFWC Federated clubs are also members of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Together we work to improve our community, state, nation, and the world. It is important that when we add new members to our clubs that they understand that they are part of a much larger picture, not just the club they have joined. As members move forward and become more involved, they realize there is much we can do to help communities throughout California and the world. 

Encourage members to attend District and CFWC meetings as through talking with members from throughout your District you will be amazed at how much you will learn from the other members and they in turn will learn about projects and events that your club is involved in. If you have to relocate within California you can transfer your membership to a club in your new area. It is easy to learn of Federated clubs in your new area and you are always welcome to visit clubs and see which one will be a good fit. Our members are extremely diverse but that is what gives us our “strength”! We all want to give back and that is the thread that binds.

Consider having mentors for each new member in your clubs. There is a lot to learn about the levels of our Federation and having mentors is a good way to keep your new members. A member who is immediately involved in the club will be a member who stays with the club. We need to honor and learn from our seasoned members and guide and encourage our new members. 

The CFWC membership is growing; we will be Chartering two new club at the 2026 Convention with each having ten members. Many of our clubs are initiating new members each month. CFWC currently has 18 Districts, 214 clubs, and 10,441 members all dedicated to improving their communities and beyond through volunteering. 

Thank you for all you do to make a difference each and every day!

In Federation and Love,

Sonya

CONVENTION INFORMATION - KATHI McGRAW, Co-Chair

CFWC CONVENTION    May 14-16, 2026

Ontario Airport Hotel & Conference Center

Friday at Convention will be a busy day. The First event is the ESO Breakfast under the direction of ESO State Chairman Reggie Maddox. Reggie always puts together an entertaining and enlightening event. The next event will be three workshops. First we will have “The Importance of Planning for the Future- Tools to build Leadership from within” given by Jolie Frankfurth, GFWC 1st VP. The second workshop will be “ How to find smooth sailing in Stormy Seas (Conflict Resolution) given by Cindy Sanders, CFWC 2nd Vice President and the Membership Team. The third workshop is “Amenities & Protocol” given by Diane Waterhouse, CFWC Amenities Chairman; Chris Herzog, CFWC Parliamentarian; Toby Kahan, CFWC Meeting Planner.

The Awards luncheon will feature the candidates for CFWC offices speeches followed by the Community Service Programs & Advancement awards. Voting for the offices will be from 2:00-5:00 pm. If you plan to vote, you must be registered at the site by 11:00 AM.

The day will end with the Membership Banquet. Along with the Membership awards will be a Keynote address by GFWC 1st VP, Jolie Frankfurth.

This is a great day for members of districts close to Ontario (San Bernardino, San Gabriel Valley, Foothill, De Anza and Orange) to drive in for the day. Gather together a group from your club to car pool and experience CFWC Convention together.

We still need gift cards for our gift card drawings. Please take time to send a gift card worth $25 or more to Kathi McGraw, 4584 Sherington Court, Cypress, 90630. A great convention needs the help from all clubs.

The deadline for Room reservations is April 13. After that date the cost of the rooms will rise.

The deadline for meal reservations is April 20. If you decide to attend April 19^th, please use Zelle and email your registration form to Kathi McGraw.

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

Wildflower Show Hours: 400

Members of the Anderson Valley Unity Club, along with community volunteers, sponsor an annual Wildflower Show. The Club has sponsored the event since 1928. The Wildflower Show is a unique educational opportunity for the community that raised $3,209 for scholarships and Youth Development projects. Students from the local elementary classes attend on the Monday following the weekend show; class lessons are coordinated with the Show. Their participation increases awareness of the natural beauty of the local environment as well as sparking interest in conservation, native plants and science careers. Members and volunteers collect and identify native plants and flowers, using both botanical and common names for native plants and flowers. Wildflower gathering is closely monitored and no endangered species are collected. The event provides an opportunity for social interaction, community support, and engagement.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

Tax filing is this week - April 15th. You can help veterans out by taking them to a senior outreach or an AARP office near you to help with tax filing. OR maybe help them fill them out in their own home. Either way it is a service very much needed.

MORE CONVENTION INFORMATION - CELEBRATION OF LIFE



There will be a Celebration of Life at the CFWC Convention. We will remember members of the CFWC Executive Board who have passed away since the May 2025 convention. Please include a picture and the Executive Board positions they held (i.e., State officers, State Chairs, District Presidents and District Deans) and the years they served. Please send the information by April 20. 2026 to Debbie Pietraszko (debpie74@yahoo.com)  

Just a thought ......

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap

but by the seeds that you plant." 


— Robert Louis Stevenson