May 2026 Volume 10, Issue 5 | | |
Hello Sisters in Federation (and Glenn!),
Here we are—May already! It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is moving, and I’m excited to share what’s ahead. We have a full and engaging month planned.
On May 4, we’ll host a Judicial Candidate Forum at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus (Gerald Ford & Cook Street). This free event offers a great opportunity to connect with the community and learn about the candidates. Please see the flyer below for details.
Our monthly meeting is on May 6. (Today is the registration deadline.) We’ll begin at 11:30 a.m. with a gentle chair yoga demonstration, followed by the meeting at noon. We’ll cover several important topics, including thoughtful updates to our bylaws.
On May 12, we invite members who have not yet attended to join our Member Orientation at Membership Chair Shelley Diemer’s home. Enjoy light refreshments while learning more about the club, meeting board members, and connecting with fellow members.
The CFWC Annual Convention takes place on May 15. This is an exciting opportunity to support our very own Mickie Reed and celebrate club achievements. Registration remains open until Friday (tomorrow) at 11:00 a.m.—don’t miss it.
We’ll close the month on May 30 with our 3rd Annual Scholarship Awards and Donation Day Brunch. This inspiring event highlights the impact of our work and the joy it brings to others. It’s truly special, and I hope you’ll join us.
Looking ahead, the board will gather in June for a planning retreat, and we’ll also offer summer social events and volunteer opportunities. Please watch your email and texts for updates. May is also a time to raise awareness for important causes, including Mental Health Awareness, Physical Fitness and Sports, Stroke Awareness, Asthma and Allergy Awareness, and Foster Care Month. It’s a meaningful reminder of the many ways we can support one another and our community.
Thank you for everything you do for our organization—you make a difference every day and you do it with joy.
“Be yourself; it's a tough act to follow.”
— Katherine Hepburn
Sylvia Baran
President, GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio
president@womansclubofindio.org
| | Birthdays & Anniversaries | Domestic Violence Prevention | | | MEMBERS ENJOYED TRIVIA GAMES AT OUR APRIL GENERAL MEETING | |
Join us on May 12 at 6:00 p.m. for a fun and informative New Member Orientation! This gathering is perfect for anyone who has joined since November 2025—or for any member who hasn’t yet had the chance to attend.
It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our club, explore projects and committees, and get all your questions answered in a relaxed, friendly setting. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to get more involved, we’d love to have you join us!
Come connect, learn, and discover all the ways you can be part of the fun and impact of our club.
Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Shelley Diemer's home
Light refreshments/snacks will be served.
Please RSVP to:
Shelley Diemer
membership@womansclubofindio.org
| | For officer and chair contact information, click here. | | |
Please invite your family and friends to join us for this special community event and take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the candidates. For a preview, be sure to check out the recent interview that aired on KESQ TV3.
We are proud to share that the Woman’s Club of Indio has been invited to host a judicial candidate forum—an exciting opportunity to bring our community together for an informative and meaningful evening. This event reflects our strong commitment to civic engagement and community outreach, which remain at the heart of our mission.
The forum will feature three candidates from the Riverside area who are seeking to fill an upcoming judicial vacancy. Rather than a debate, this will be an informational forum designed to provide a welcoming, respectful setting where attendees can hear directly from each candidate and gain valuable insight into their experience and perspectives.
In partnership with the Desert Bar Association, our Board is helping to sponsor this important event, and we encourage all members of the community to attend, stay informed, and be part of the conversation.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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CALL TO ACTION - LIBRARY FUNDING AT RISK
Libraries across the country may lose federal funding!
Below is a portion of an urgent message from the Riverside County Library System, asking the community to help support libraries that are at risk of losing funding. Right now, Page 56 of the President's proposed 2027 budget calls for closing the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the ONLY source of federal funding for libraries.
As an organization rooted in education, literacy, and access to information, this issue is especially important to us. Libraries are more than books—they are essential community resources that support learning, opportunity, and connection for all ages. Although April 30th is deadline for responses for this call to action, you can still get involved. We encourage members to take a moment to:
Sign the petition: action.everylibrary.org/
Advocate for continued library funding
Tell Congress to oppose censorship and book bans, link here
Every voice makes a difference.
Let’s come together to support the libraries that have long supported our communities.
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Hello!
Thank you to those who attended yesterday's "How to Advocate for Your Library" information session. It was wonderful being able to meet with you all. Right now, libraries in California are fighting to keep state funding in our programs and services, and we need YOUR support!
General library funding, ESL funding, and Lunch at the Library funds are the main focus right now. In particular, ESL funding ends in June 2026. If you believe ESL funding is important, or if you are part of our conversation clubs or BurlingtonEnglish, please write a letter today.
I have linked the presentation here (remember, everything underlined is a link!) to help guide you, along with the letter template ("Call to Action") to write (DUE 04/30).
You can send it directly to the representatives or email your letter to us, and we can send it to them. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Best,
~Ursula - RCLS Literacy Services
Adult, ESL, & Family Literacy Services
Email: Literacy@rivlib.net
Office: 951.685.6901
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Standing Together for Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month
In recognition of Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month, members proudly joined Shelter From The Storm on April 29 for Denim Day, a global movement that raises awareness about sexual violence and stands in solidarity with survivors.
💚 Teal – Sexual Assault Awareness
👖 Denim – Solidarity with survivors
💜 Purple – Honoring domestic violence survivors
Wearing teal, denim, and purple, participants showed their support and helped spark meaningful conversations around prevention, awareness, and compassion. If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to share your photos and messages on social media to help amplify this important cause and extend our reach throughout the community.
https://www.instagram.com/sftscoachellavalley/
https://www.facebook.com/shelterfromthestormnow/
Denim Day serves as a powerful reminder that awareness leads to action—and that even small gestures can help create a culture of support and understanding for survivors. Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to raise awareness. Together, we use our voices to build a safer, more informed community.
Barbara Fairbairn
DV and Sexual Violence Prevention Chair
DV@womansclubofindio.org
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A STAR-STUDDED ESO EVENING
On April 20, we had a delightful ESO evening filled with delicious food and lively conversation centered around Palm Springs Maître d’. We were especially honored to be joined by the Maître d’ himself, Brian Ellis, along with his wife and co-author, Robyn. They shared fascinating insights into the world of fine dining at Melvyn’s, along with a few memorable celebrity stories. It was truly a lovely and memorable evening.
Looking ahead, on June 15, 2026, we will be discussing The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk, a fun “Let’s Get Summer Started” read. The meeting will be held at Mickie Reed’s home, and we hope you can join us!
| | Building Memories Through Service: A Shared Journey | | |
One of our members, Avi Rodriguez, recently shared the joy of volunteering alongside her daughter Lyla, who just turned 17 and proudly serves as President of our WCI Juniorette Club, GFWC HOPE.
She expressed how meaningful it has been to watch her daughter find a supportive community that celebrates her leadership and growth. Even more special has been the opportunity to volunteer together, creating shared experiences rooted in service.
Last month, the two spent time side by side volunteering at the Rescue mission—an experience that strengthened both their connection and their commitment to giving back.
Moments like these remind us that service can become a family tradition, building lasting memories while making a difference in our community.
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On behalf of all the active duty Marines and Sailors at the 29 Palms base, THANK YOU! The families who attended the USO Support Eggstravaganza were all so grateful and we let them know of the generosity and kindness of the Woman's Club of Indio. The event was amazing and we were happy to have so many families and children attend. We couldn't do this without your help.
Larry Boyd
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Editor's Note
A Year of Impact and Inspiration
As we come to the close of another club year, May gives us the opportunity to celebrate all that we have accomplished together. It’s a time to look back with pride on the projects we’ve supported, the friendships we’ve strengthened, and the difference we’ve made in our community.
Each moment—whether large or small—has contributed to a year filled with purpose and connection. Our collective efforts continue to show that when we come together in service, the impact is truly meaningful. Thank you for your time, your heart, and your commitment. As we look ahead to the months to come, we carry with us the spirit of all we’ve achieved—together.
As always, this newsletter is your space—so keep the photos, stories, and highlights coming! Let’s keep the momentum going and make May amazing together.
Yours in Service,
Lorelei Ceja
editor@womansclubofindio.org
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CFWC AND GFWC
The California Federation of Women’s Clubs is a statewide non-profit service organization, and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a non-profit international organization. Both are dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.
Please send articles, questions, and corrections to Editor Lorelei Ceja at editor@womansclubofindio.org.
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