FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,

On November 15, 2025, I had the privilege as President of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC) to attend the 39th Annual Festival of Trees, hosted by the Placentia Round Table Women’s Club, held at the Embassy Suites in Garden Grove, California. This event, a beloved tradition, truly marked a magical beginning to the holiday season, filled with joy, camaraderie, and the spirit of giving.

The Festival of Trees is more than just a beautiful display of holiday decorations; it stands as the Placentia Round Table Women’s Club’s annual fundraiser, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting scholarships and vital community outreach programs. Gathering alongside nearly 300 members and guests, I was warmly greeted by Club President Deborah Whiteford and countless dedicated women who embody the club’s mission of service, education, and philanthropy.

Founded in 1902, the Placentia Round Table Women’s Club has a storied history rooted in friendship and intellectual growth. Its unique name traces back to its earliest meetings, held around a “round table” in the home of founder Mrs. Laura Parkins. Originally organized as a literary society, the club’s members remain passionate about reading and discussing a wide range of literature, from fiction to history. While the club has grown into a non-profit, philanthropic organization, it continues to honor its core values of intellectual engagement and community betterment.

The GFWC California Federation of Women’s Clubs has over 200 clubs and almost 10,000 members with clubs reflecting their membership. Clubs range in size from eight members to 235 members, all with the same goals of serving their communities. I look forward to learning about your club’s projects and events and wishing you all the best at this Holiday Season.

Yours in Federation and Love, Sonya

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT and OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

We end the month with our hearts filled knowing that we support our veterans and service members. I attended our home town Veteran’s Day service. I was outdoors in a town square and  a lot of dignitaries showed up gave their speeches. The American Legion Post 105 supplied fresh coffee and doughnuts for all with no fee as did another post but they offered hotdogs and chips.

The greatest thing I took away from that was when a Major General spoke. Even though he was retired, he is still active in many ways for the veterans. Everyone listened. And he said "now go and listen to your area veterans". It’s a great reminder for us all.

CFWC FEBRUARY EXECUTIVE BOARD CALL - February 26-28, 2026

TOBY KAHAN, CFWC Meeting Planner

It is hard to believe that 2025 is coming to an end soon and 2026 is just around the corner. Before you get busy with holiday plans, club projects, and celebrations, please make your hotel reservation now using the link below (reservations can be cancelled on or before February 25, 2026).

Book your group rate for California Federation of Women's Club

Meeting Flyer

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

Has your club donated to Heifer International? Heifer is a GFWC affiliate in the Environment Program Area. The Dublin San Ramon Women’s Club has a special box for collecting donations for Heifer at each General Meeting. Heifer’s goal is to instruct people, mostly in foreign countries, on good agriculture, nutrition and health programs so they can sustain a healthier life. Heifer teaches about sustainability based upon the agriculture techniques they use, and learn how recycling can be a savings, resulting in more income. Training helps them raise farm animals that are healthier and better for consumption. The club sends donations directly to Heifer International. They encourage their members to donate in a family or friend’s name as a gift that helps the environment. Simple actions can assist with environmental challenges by creating a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations. The Heifer donations catalog is available at Heifer.org and your club still has a month to add Heifer donations to your Environment narrative!

FUNDRAISING - ANGIE NELSON, Chair

Light Up the Holidays: Hosting a Neighborhood Christmas Lights Contest

Your outdoor masterpiece has taken days of preparation, but you know it’s going to make your house the talk of the neighborhood. After placing the final string of twinkling lights on the bushes, you plug in the cord and—voilà!—a brilliant burst of electric holiday cheer.

Then you glance across the street and see your neighbor adding the finishing touches to their glowing display. Suddenly, a spark of friendly competition lights up the night. Before long, more neighbors join in, and you’ve got the makings of a Christmas lights contest that will make the holidays brighter—literally.



Hosting a Christmas light contest is easier than it sounds, and with a little planning, it can bring your community together while spreading plenty of holiday spirit (and maybe even generating a bit of revenue along the way).

Need more details, email Angie Nelson at mytggr@yahoo.com for the project info sheet.

ART & CULTURE - KELLY DAVIS, Chair

What is Culture Dance?

Culture dance is a traditional dance form shared by a community that reflects its unique custom, beliefs and history. It serves various purposes, including social gatherings, rituals, and ceremonies, and plays a vital role in building community identity and preserving cultural heritage across generations.

Woman’s Club of Bellflower Project Title: Let’s Dance

The Woman’s Club of Bellflower donates the use of the clubhouse to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), a program affiliated with CSULB College of Health and Human Services. The dance course is taught by one of our club members who is an OLLI volunteer and is designed to enrich the lives of older adults. The course has been taught for three semesters and as a club we have adopted this program as part of our arts and culture department so they would not need to ask us each semester if they can have their course at our clubhouse. It’s good exercise for the students, has brought in new members and they have a lot of fun!

Just a thought ......

"If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you,

you should still do it."

---Elon Musk