FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,

The Centennial Celebration of the Victor Valley Women’s Club held on November 1^st marked “A Century of Service, 1925-2025”, with decade-themed models and attendance by CFWC leadership at Bear Valley Country Club in Victor Valley, California. Yemela Bell Gomez, President of the Victor Valley Women’s Club, welcomed members and guests. This was a wonderful opportunity to honor the club’s remarkable legacy and the impact its members have made over the past century. Guests enjoyed lively conversations, shared memorable stories, and reflected on the club’s enduring commitment to community service.

Recognizing clubs and members for years of service is essential. Publicly celebrate milestones and achievements; GFWC Market Place sells service pins, and those reaching 50 years of membership receive a complimentary pin and letter from the GFWC President by contacting GFWC prior to the presentation. The event was a wonderful opportunity to honor the club’s remarkable legacy and the impact its members have made over the past century. Honoring service strengthens our legacy, inspires ongoing involvement, and encourages others to continue the tradition. Please invite your CFWC officers and members to attend your celebrations of clubs and members!



As we look ahead, let us continue to foster meaningful connections within our communities and seek fresh opportunities to serve others. Embracing both our history and our future, we are reminded that every member’s dedication contributes to the greater good and lasting impact of our organization.

Yours in Federation and Love, Sonya

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT and OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

We are looking forward to the month of November with veterans activities starting November 11th Veterans Day. We can start preparing this week so our veterans can have something to look forward to and remember this month. Your club/district mtgs can create something special for our veterans.

REPORT WRITING

Writing annual narrative reports is an important part of the club year. These reports not only highlight club and district service projects; they also document your club’s history and community impact. Here is a link to the webpage....REPORTS

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

What do you do with all the glass jars you have used? You can wash and dry them and recycle them - but Kati Mendoza (Woman’s Club of Vista) shared a sustainability tip: “I have a whole cabinet of reusable jars at the ready. Jars from jelly, pickles, spaghetti sauce, etc. I use them instead of Tupperware and ziploc bags. I keep leftovers in them, snacks for the road, dry good storage in my pantry. I use them for kitchen items and also for garage stuff. I keep seeds in them, and screws and nails sorted in jars. We also do crafts with them. We make snow globes, for Halloween we painted them like ghosts and pumpkins and put battery candles inside. I use the bigger jars, like spaghetti sauce jars, for vases. I give gifts like homegrown peppers or herbs in jars. I love jars!!” Kati loves spreading the word to help the environment. How can your club promote recycling and re-purposing jars?

EDUCATION & LIBRARIES - KAY MASONBRINK, Chair

Recently, our CFWC ESO group hosted a Zoom meeting with author William Kent Krueger. This 74-year-old Minnesota author has written 27 books, many of which have received numerous awards and made the New York Times bestseller list. A few notable books include This Tender Land, Ordinary Grace, and, of course, his Cork O’Connor series. Everyone attending greatly enjoyed the hour-long conversation with this interesting gentleman. 

One of the questions Kent was asked was: “When did you know you wanted to become a writer?” He responded that, when he was in the third grade, he wrote a story called The Walking Dictionary, which sparked his creativity. His story was about a dictionary that grew arms and legs and walked around helping people look up words, and he even remembered including a picture with his story. He also recalled the attention he received from his parents and school for his creativity. What really struck me when he shared this touching story with us was that 65+ years later, he clearly remembered the significance of that event and realized at that young age that he loved writing and wanted to be a writer. 

All of this gives me a good reason to get back on my soapbox about the importance of clubs sponsoring a writing contest for their local students. Our GFWC/CFWC Youth Writing contest presents our clubs with the perfect opportunity to do this. Be sure to record participation in a youth writing contest in your Education and Libraries report. The judges and I can’t wait to read about what you did!

LEGISLATION & PUBLIC POLICY - KATHLEEN HOLM, Chair

Today we’re reaching out to members of the Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, urging them to call for the House to return to Washington, D.C. It’s time for Congress to resume its work, keep the government open, and protect the stability of our economy and our communities.

Your voice makes a difference! 

We’ve made it easy to get involved. Each Representative’s name, phone number, and staff contact are listed, along with a pre-loaded email link. Both are included in this LINK. Just click the representative link, add your name, and hit send. If you encounter any issues, you can copy and paste the message below directly into your email.

Prefer to call? Voicemail messages are just as effective.

Every message counts, and quantity matters! Please take a few minutes to act today.

Thank you for your ongoing advocacy and commitment to protecting retirees and our communities!

DOMESTIC & SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS & PREVENTION -

CATHIE PETITHOMME, Chair



Domestic Violence During the Holidays

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness and celebration – but for many individuals living with domestic violence, it can be a time of heightened fear and isolation. Increased financial stress, family pressures, alcohol consumption, and unrealistic expectations can all intensify abusive behavior. Abusers may use the holidays as a means of control, manipulating family dynamics or isolating their victims under the guise of holiday traditions. Victims often feel added pressure to “keep the peace” or present an image of a happy home, making it even harder to seek help or speak out.

At the same time, the disruption of normal routines and the temporary closure of workplaces, schools, and support services can limit access to safe spaces and assistance. This isolation can make victims feel trapped, especially when surrounded by messages of family unity and love. It’s vital during this season that communities, friends, and families remain aware of the signs of abuse and offer compassion without judgment. Support hotlines, shelters, and advocacy organizations continue their work through the holidays, reminding survivors that they are not alone and that help is always available – even in the most difficult times.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, or visit thehotline.org for confidential help.

Just a thought ......

"Be strong, you never know who you are inspiring."

---Unkinown