FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT



Dear Members and Friends,



It was a joy to attend the Woman's Club of Cypress 59th Birthday Luncheon Meeting on March 5th at the Courtyard Marriott in Cypress. President Megan Martinez-King presented special certificates recognizing members for their years of service, as well as honoring Past Presidents in attendance. The event's "Cowboy" theme was embraced wholeheartedly, with CFWC Orange District President, Colleen Janssen, even arriving on her pony! I had a fantastic time donning my cowboy boots, hat, western shirt, and silver buckle, and I was delighted to share my experiences in "Travels on Federation's Train."

Pat Borchard, President of CFWC Foothill District, brought a touch of nostalgia to the District Convention on March 8th at the Glendora Continental with her 1950's-themed "Besties and Bingo Bash." Members arrived in poodle skirts, rolled-up jeans, Oxford shoes, and Pink Ladies-style satin jackets, truly embracing the spirit of the era. The convention highlighted President's Reports and special awards, including Club Member of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and the Kindness Angel Award. I was honored to speak on the benefits of Federation membership and the importance of engagement at the District and State levels.

In addition, I have been busy compiling the Statistical Reports from CFWC District Presidents, and the results are truly amazing. The dedication of our members is evident in the countless hours of service, generous financial contributions, and in-king donations recorded for 2024.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others through volunteerism. Our strength lies in our unity, and together we can continue to make a meaningful difference every day.

Yours in Federation and Love, Sonya

CONVENTION INFORMATION - KATHI McGRAW, Co-Chair

Our CFWC Convention will be right around the corner. We still have room for more vendors. If you know of anyone who would like to be a vendor at the San Jose Convention in May please have them contact Mary Sprague, MLSPRAGUE@SBCGLOBAL.NET. Mary will be glad to send the vendor information to you or the vendor. The more vendors…the better the shopping!

We are also looking for Sponsors. As a sponsor your name will be printed in the Convention Program and a special sticker will be attached to your name badge. There are different levels of sponsors: Private $25.00, Corporal $50.00, Sergeant $75.00 and Lieutenant $100. This is a wonderful way for clubs/districts to be a part of the Convention. Checks should be made payable to CFWC Convention Fund and sent to Mary Sprague, 5924 Arno Crescent, Anaheim, 92807 by April 1, 2025.

The Call to Convention was sent out last week to members of the CFWC Officers, CFWC Past Presidents, State Chairs and Committee members, District Presidents, District Deans and Club Presidents. You can also see it here - CALL to Convention.

PARLIAMENTARY POINTS TAKEN - CHRIS HERZOG

It is my honor to be appointed as CFWC Parliamentarian for the remainder of the term. While I cannot fill the highly experienced shoes of my predecessor, Joyce Opjordan, I can offer a workable knowledge of Parliamentary Law and procedure and 30 yeas Federation experience. Thank you, Joyce, for your leadership and guidance.

While I have not memorized everything, nor do I profess to know everything about this subject, I have had some training, and I know where to go to find the answers to questions that may arise. So, any of you could fill this position in your club by doing the same and paying attention to procedure when you are at State Board, District and any other community meetings.

One thing you will tire of hearing from me is "What do your bylaws say?" Your first resource is club Bylaws and Standing Rules. These define the tasks for officers and operations of your club. Don't roll your eyes - this is important and should be reviewed at each new term. Generally, the answer to your question will be found there.

The second most widely go-to reference for authority is the current Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised. This book is interesting if you just give it a chance. Or an easier version may be The Complete Idiots Guide to Robert's Rules. Either one, a page at a time...you can learn this.

Please review the Proposed Bylaws and Standing Rule amendment to be ready to vote at the May 15 convention. These changes are included in the Call to Convention or you can click HERE.

I am at your service to share my Federation experience and parliamentary advice in any way possible. Let's talk!

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRANE, Chair

Women's Day has come and passed but we can still keep the movement going in supporting each other in our clubs and community. Being active in thought and action brings results.

Let's all do our best in promoting being productive and being kind to one another.

PUBLIC RELATIONS and BRANDING - CHRIS HERZOG, Chair

Microsoft has announced some changes to Skype and Microsoft Publisher. If you are using either of these, you should have received an email with the subject line: "Important update to your Microsoft 360 subscription". These changes will occur in 2026, so you have time to make changes.

In case you haven't seen the email message, it is HERE.

ENVIRONMENT, NANCY B. JONES - Chair

What an amazing variety of projects our clubs are pursuing for the Environment! I'm still reading your reports on a wide array of Environmental topics and love learning some new tips on repurposing our trash - finding new ways to use what we would normally throw away.

Duarte Woman's Club shared that "Empty toilet paper rolls are donated to the Community Gardener for planing seedlings because they are biodegradable." Now that's a great idea - who doesn't have TP rolls waiting for their next use? Another good repurposing idea comes from Woodland Hills Woman's Club: "Club members help with feedings (at the California Wildlife Center ) and donate food, bedding and supplies for the animals in shelters, including Kleenex boxes, the perfect size for the baby animals." That's nothing to sneeze at! Before we just throw trash away, we need to look around for more ways to re-use and repurpose - and Farmer Jones is glad to share that composting is my favorite way!

Just a thought ......

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.The second best time is now."

—Chinese proverb