FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,

I attended the Riverside Woman’s Club’s 130th Anniversary on January 13 at their historic clubhouse in Riverside, California. Founded in 1896, this is the city’s oldest community service group, dedicated to civic improvement, the arts, education, and health through various initiatives and scholarships. Starting with 11 members and federating with the state in 1900, the club has established local Red Cross and YMCA chapters, supported libraries, child hygiene, and hosted USO activities during WWII. Today, it continues to foster community growth and support medical students.

RWC President Marybeth Fields invited me to share my Federation journey, which started with attending Elsinore Woman’s Club meetings with my grandmother at age five. I received a scholarship from EWC to attend university, joined the club in 1997 as a fourth-generation member, and now my daughters are fifth-generation members. After serving as EWC President, I held various positions including De Anza District President and multiple CFWC roles. Currently, I'm CFWC President (2024-2026) and will become GFWC Western States Region Recording Secretary in June 2026.

History matters because it highlights our members' significant community impact. Thank you all for your ongoing commitment!

Yours in Federation and Love,

Sonya

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT and OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

As we honor Martin Luther King Day…his emphasis on moral courage, justice, and hope resonates with military ethics and values, inspiring veterans to continue serving their communities through organizations like The Mission Continues and Team Rubicon. 

CFWC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING - PAYMENT INFORMATION

For those that would like to pay your State Board registration fee of $160 using Zelle, here is the information you will need.

Step 1 - Add Zelle recipient using this title below: Califfedofwomengfwc1 and use this email: jilldrescher@att.net

Add State board on the memo line. The funds will go directly to our State account with Bank of America.

Step 2 - Your registration will not be complete until you email a copy of the Registration Form (photo or scan) to: club1270deventer@yahoo.com or mail the registration form to Tami Miller, 1270 Deventer Drive, La Verne, CA 91750

Please Note: Hotel room reservations are limited so if you have not made your reservation yet, please use the link in the call.

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

Since Caring for Wild and Domesticated Animals is a focus of the Environment program area, Grand Terrace Women’s Club has a “pet” project for Animal Rescue. Chairman Bobbie Forbes reports that members are generous with their time and monies, donating to help cover the medical bills of cats and dogs rescued off the streets. Shelters are overwhelmed, so animals are cared for, spayed, and neutered and then re-homed. Members donate crates, dog and cat food, leashes, dishes, towels and blankets, and newspaper to help with the care for the abandoned animals. A definite improvement and impact for their community!

ARTS & CULTURE - KELLY DAVIS, Chair

Music about kids art culture often involves fun, educational songs teaching about colors, shapes, famous artists (like Picasso), diversity, creativity, and self expression.

PROJECT TITLE: CERTAIN SPARKS MUSIC FOUNDATION (CFMF) 

The Certain Sparks Music Foundation is federally recognized non-profit organization 501 © (3). Their mission is to educate kids of all ages about the value of music to their communities.

The Certain Sparks Music Foundation sponsors weekly music lessons for kids in CASA Foster Care Programs (Santa Maria Location), funds a student hosted Youth Open Mic, and provides opportunities for performance and enrichment throughout the year.

At our November Alpha Club general meeting, the CEO and Secretary/Logistics Officer joined as the speakers. They shared their vision, their needs and some of the outcomes of their program. Their mission is to provide music education, mentoring, & opportunities for enrichment to the under-served in our community. They do this by providing early music education to youth, lessons for beginning music students, help with obtaining musical instrument for students who need financial assistance and through fundraising and donations awards grants and scholarships to students in need.

CHAIRMAN: Anna Dinter President

Club: Alpha Literary and Improvement Club of Lompoc

District: Tierra Adorada Area B

Just a thought ......



"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."

—William James