August 2025 Volume 9, Issue 8 | | |
A Season of Change, Service, and Sisterhood
Dear WCI Sisters (and Glenn!),
Can you believe we’re already approaching August? I hope this message finds you well and staying cool during these warm summer days. While many of you have been enjoying a well-earned break, your board has been hard at work planning for the year ahead—especially as we address our club’s most pressing need: finding a new home.
New Venue Efforts
As many of you know, the HOA Board at Heritage Palms is restructuring how they use their clubhouse to ensure that their events and amenities are self-sustaining. As a result, our club would now be charged a discounted rental fee of $850 per meeting for the ballroom—not including meal costs. Smaller rooms like the craft room, San Jacinto Room, and library would cost about $300 per use. Though it’s difficult to say goodbye to a space we’ve called home for so many years, it’s clear that a transition is necessary.
To that end, several of us have been actively exploring new venue options, including:
- Elks Lodge
- Trilogy Polo Club
- Sun City Palm Desert
- Bermuda Dunes Country Club
- Woodhaven Country Club
Our goal is to secure a clean, comfortable, and affordable location that can accommodate our monthly meetings, special events, and smaller gatherings—ideally under a multi-year contract to ensure consistency. I have meetings this week with a few of these venues and am confident we’ll have the details finalized soon. At the very least, our September Kick-off Brunch will be set, and you’ll see updates reflected on our WCI website calendar, where you can RSVP online.
New Name Badges
Exciting news! Thanks to a generous donation, all current members will receive a brand-new name badge. You can now choose between a classic badge with a magnetic fastener or a lanyard-style vertical badge. Please let us know your preference by August 22 using this link. If we don’t hear from you, you’ll receive the classic magnetic style by default.
Honoring Our Military Members
I'm proud to share that our Women’s History Chair, Peg Boortz, has launched a new initiative to highlight the stories of WCI members who have served in the military—or who have family members who have served. This month, we’re honored to feature Pat Clinton as the first in this special series. Thank you, Pat, for your service and for sharing your inspiring story with us.
Final 2025 Super Summer Social – Tea Party!
Join us for our last summer social of the season: our WCI Tea Party! The brilliant duo of Lorraine Velona and Lulu Cofer have been working hard to create a fun and flavorful afternoon full of games, table decorating contests, and a delicious spread of sweet and savory goodies thoughtfully arranged at each table. Whether you come solo or bring a group, this is a perfect chance to relax, meet new members, and support a great cause.
- Deadline to register: Thursday, July 31 (see calendar section)
- Proceeds will benefit our September Kick-off Meeting
| | Birthdays & Anniversaries | Domestic Violence Prevention | Legislation & Public Policy | | | |
Volunteer Opportunity: USO Hygiene Kit Sorting – September 10
We’re thrilled to be partnering with the USO at Palm Springs Airport to help sort hygiene items into kits for service members returning from deployment. These kits provide essential toiletries for soldiers who may not have immediate access to showers or personal care items. The project will take place:
📍 USO Hangar, Palm Springs Airport
📅 Tuesday, September 10
🕣 8:30–10:30 a.m.
We’ll also be joined by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Cahuilla Chapter)—making this a wonderful collaboration. If you’re interested in volunteering, just send me a quick email and we’ll follow up with more details.
De Anza District Conference
Right after our Kick-off Brunch and the USO Volunteer efforts, the club will turn its attention to the De Anza District Conference on September 15th, which the Elsinore Women's Club will host. You don't want to miss the opportunity to attend. It's a great time to learn, network, and make new friends.
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As we continue to grow and evolve as a club, I’m pleased to share two updates that reflect both our ongoing commitment to accessibility and our long-term vision for sustainability.
Membership Application – Now Easier Than Ever!
The WCI Membership Application has been updated and is now available as a fillable PDF. This means future members can simply download the form and type their responses directly—no printing or handwriting necessary (unless they prefer to, of course!). It's a small change that makes the process more modern and convenient, especially for those who prefer a digital option, while still allowing for email or in-person applications.
Feel free to share the updated application with anyone interested in joining us. Click here for a copy or find it on our website under the “Join Us” section.
Exploring an Endowment Fund for WCI’s Future
I’m also excited to announce the formation of a special committee to explore the creation of a WCI Endowment Fund. Committee members Gloria Franz, Pamela Smyth, and I will research how to establish a fund that invests a portion of our fundraising income and welcomes legacy gifts or donations specifically intended to secure the long-term financial future of our club. The challenges we faced during the pandemic—when fundraising was nearly impossible—reminded us of the importance of economic resilience. An endowment fund could help us weather future storms, support ongoing programs, and ensure our club continues to thrive for generations to come. As always, I welcome your ideas, questions, or insights about this initiative as we move forward with our research and planning.
Thank you all for your continued support, flexibility, and compassion. Whether we’re finding a new meeting place, sorting hygiene items, gathering over tea, or working to secure our financial future, the strength of this club lies in the kindness and dedication of you, our members. Thank you for your commitment to our mission, and for helping us build both a stronger present and a more secure future.
With joy,
Sylvia Baran
President, GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio
president@womansclubofindio.org
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Coming Events
AUGUST
1st Annual Fundraiser Committee Meeting
2nd Summer Social: Tea Party and Table Decorating Party, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Heritage Palms Clubhouse
2nd Backpack & school supplies drop off, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Heritage Palms Clubhouse
6th Backpack & school supplies drop off, 5:30 pm, Dutch Bros.
15th Summer Social: Handel's Ice Cream - Dining for Donations
15th CFWC ESO Summer Reading Challenge Deadline
19th ESO Meeting, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
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Save the Date
SEPTEMBER
7th Kick-Off Brunch and Member Recognition Ceremony, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Heritage Palms Clubhouse Ballroom
10th Volunteer at USO in Palm Springs sorting hygiene items, 8:30 - 10:30 am
15th DeAnza District September Conference, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm, Elsinore
25th Board Meeting, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
| | For officer and chair contact information, click here. | | Click the Flyer Below to RSVP | |
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
You've come to the right place!
WCI is dedicated to serving our community, and we would like to say that our business is volunteering. We have a list of nonprofit organizations we support with contact information for learning more about them. Click on the "Who We Support" link below to learn more. Volunteers are always needed and genuinely forever appreciated.
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NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE - Supporting Shelter From the Storm
By Barbara Fairbairn, Domestic Violence Prevention Chair
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) has named domestic and sexual violence awareness and prevention as its 2025 Signature Program. As many of you know, this issue has long been close to our hearts, and our club has been actively supporting those affected by abuse in many ways throughout the year.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve successfully supported the Blue Pinwheel Project, assembled assault kits, and gifted Birdie whistles to Indio High School’s graduating senior girls. We also supported Shelter From The Storm (SFTS)—our local domestic violence shelter—through donations that made a meaningful difference during the holiday season.
This year, for the GFWC International Day of Service on Saturday, September 27, we are once again partnering with SFTS. While volunteering on-site is not possible, we are organizing a Gift Card Giving Tree to help meet the needs of families seeking refuge.
We are asking members to donate gift cards in denominations of $10 or more from the following:
- Walmart
- Stater Bros.
- Ralphs
- Albertsons
- Food For Less
- Grocery Outlet
- Any local gas station
These gift cards will be creatively displayed on a decorative tree and presented to Angelina Coe and her team at SFTS. If you’re unable to shop for a card, another member may be able to help—or you're welcome to donate funds, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Why gift cards? Most shelter residents arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Gift cards allow them to regain a sense of dignity and independence by choosing their own essentials. Cards are distributed directly to families by shelter staff, based on their individual needs. Please bring your donations to any of these upcoming events:
- Kick-off Brunch – Saturday, September 7
- International Day of Service Event – Saturday, September 27 (2:00–4:00 p.m., location TBA)
- General Meeting – Tuesday, October 1
I look forward to reporting on the full impact of this project at our October meeting—which is especially meaningful, as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Thank you for supporting this vital cause and helping bring hope and healing to families in crisis.
In Gratitude,
Barbara Fairbairn
dv@womansclubofindio.org
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Join Us for Our Next ESO Meeting!
We’d love to have you join us for our upcoming ESO book club meeting on:
🗓️ Tuesday, August 19, 2025
🕕 6:00 pm
🏡 At the home of Mickie Reed
🍽️ Dinner will be provided
We will be discussing My Promised Land by Ari Shavit — a very balanced view of the Israel/Palestine debate. Have a good dinner, enjoy the company of friends, and expand your mind.
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Back-to-School Supplies and Backpack Drive
It’s that time again!
This is the final push for our annual Backpack & School Supplies Drive, and we need your help to make it a success!
Are you considering donating backpacks, school supplies, or funds? There’s still time! To ensure we have enough time to collect donations (or shop on behalf of donors), and to gather for our fun sorting and packing day, the donation cutoff is Wednesday, August 6th.
You have two convenient opportunities to drop off your donations:
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Saturday, August 2nd, at Heritage Palms, between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
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Wednesday, August 6th, at 5:30 pm in the Dutch Bros. parking lot near the corner of Fred Waring and Jefferson in Indio
Prefer to donate funds? No problem! Just click this link and we’ll do the shopping for you. Depending on the amount of donations we receive, we’ll organize a sorting and packing party and coordinate deliveries to:
- C.V. Foster Kids
- Shelter From the Storm
- USO Desert Region
- Galilee Center
Your generosity helps children start the school year with the confidence and tools they need to focus on learning—not on what they lack. Thank you so much for making a difference!
Thank you!
Natalie Keller
Health & Wellness Chair
Health@womansclubofindio.org
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Let's Walk to Help Provide Cancer Care
We are #WCIWalker
It's that time of year again when we come together to support the Desert Cancer Foundation's efforts to raise money for those in urgent need of cancer care. The date is Saturday, October 11, and we have registered our team: WCI Walkers. Click below to register for the team to walk, raise funds, and raise awareness. Let's make this our biggest team yet. Don't forget to share our team donation link on your social media!
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Walk to End Alzheimer - Join Us!
The 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Save the date!
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Did you know that more than 11 million American women are either living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who is? Or that 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio is proud to support the Alzheimer’s Association in its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s—a powerful event uniting people across the country to fight this devastating disease. By walking together, we honor loved ones, raise awareness, and help fund the research, care, and advocacy needed to bring us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. This isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a movement that inspires hope and builds community.
Mark your calendars, lace up your walking shoes, and join us as we take steps toward a brighter future.
Can’t walk with us? Then please consider donating if you are able--even $5 makes a difference. Your participation and support are essential in helping the Alzheimer’s Association continue its critical work in research, care, and advocacy. There are two fabulous areas in need. Your help ensures that support.
Together, we can make a lasting impact and bring hope to millions of families.
Join our team: GFWC Woman's Club of Indio
https://bit.ly/4m1wIzl
November is closer than we think. Join our team today and help us
If you have questions or need more information, you can call/text me at 916-871-4703 or travel.handler@outlook.com
Thanks for your support
Arlene Handler-Smith
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Federal Crime Victims Fund (CVF) Committee
Submitted by: Peggy Mathieson, Chair of the Legislative Committee
Take Action to Protect Victim Services Funding!
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio is asking our members to help protect vital services for victims of crime by supporting a critical federal bill: the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2024.
What Is the Crime Victims Fund (CVF)?
Established by Congress in 1984 through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the CVF is the primary federal funding source for victim services, including support for:
- Domestic violence survivors
- Children who’ve experienced abuse
- Victims of sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, DUI crimes, and more
The CVF also covers 75% of eligible state victim compensation programs—without using taxpayer dollars. It’s funded entirely by monetary penalties from federal criminal convictions and deferred prosecution agreements.
Why This Matters Now
Since 2018, CVF deposits have dropped drastically, creating a funding crisis:
- 2008–2017 average annual deposits: $2.56 billion
- 2018–2023 average: $737 million
- FY2024 cuts to victim services: $630 million
This has left thousands of service providers struggling to meet the needs of survivors.
What the New Law Would Do
The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2024 would:
- Stabilize funding for the next 5 years
- Expand funding sources to include civil penalties collected under the False Claims Act (FCA)
In FY2022 alone, the DOJ recovered $2.2 billion under the FCA—a portion of that, currently unobligated, could be used to replenish the CVF and support survivors nationwide.
How You Can Help
It only takes a minute! Visit the GFWC Action Center to send a pre-drafted message to your House and Senate representatives, urging them to support the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act:
Click here to take action
(GFWC Action Center – Request Support for Victims of Crime)
Your voice matters. Let’s stand together to ensure that victims of crime continue receiving the support and services they desperately need.
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Honoring the Patriots In Our Families
Every military story—whether from a long legacy of service or a single proud moment—deserves to be remembered and shared. As part of our ongoing effort to honor the veterans and service members in our lives, we invite members to contribute their family stories. This month, we’re pleased to share our first submission in what we hope becomes a meaningful collection of tributes.
Peg Boortz
GFWC Woman's Club of Indio Women's History Chair
De Anza District Women’s History Chair
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Military Service Runs in My Family
Submitted by Pat Clinton
Some of my ancestors on both sides arrived in the colonies prior to the Revolutionary War. I have ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War in the Pennsylvania regiments for the North, WW I, and WW II. My dad served during the Korean War, but he did not go there. We lived in Alaska at the time, and I remember blackout curtains over all the windows in case we were invaded.
My father was an Air Force Master Sargent who led a team of F-104 fighter jet mechanics. He was assigned to several bases during his 20 years in the Air Force. I was born at Edwards Air Force Base, a brother was born on March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA, and another brother was born in Anchorage, Alaska. We moved about every two years, from Southern California to Arizona, Texas, and Alaska, and back again, while some of my friends' dads were transferred to more glamorous bases in Germany or Japan.
We were stationed in Victorville, CA. It had one of the highest-rated schools in California, and three years was the longest time we spent in one location. I loved it there.
Then I discovered two dreams could be met at the same time - college and an RN education. I applied and was accepted into the California State University, Los Angeles, Bachelor of Science Nursing Program.
Later, I read a professional journal article describing the US Army's program to recruit nursing students. Once accepted into the program, students continued in their junior and senior years, receiving a stipend, books, and registration fees in exchange for a three-year active duty commitment - how could I say no? I was no stranger to military life.
After graduating and passing the California RN State Board exam, I entered service at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, alongside all officers in healthcare - MDs, Dentists, PTs, RNs, Administrators, etc. We had six weeks of learning military courtesy, when and who to salute, how to march, the correct way to place and attach insignias on all types of uniforms, and when to wear each uniform. We were issued everything from fatigues and combat boots to dress blues. We spent a week in the field, where we qualified with a 45. We learned to read maps and were dropped off, then required to find our way back using the maps. We qualified using our gas masks in the tear gas tent, ate field rations, and cleaned up our field kits. We were in the middle of the Vietnam War, so we set up a MASH unit complete with cots and supplies and used field radios to communicate. There was a mock-up of a Vietnamese Village to explore and learn about the traps and types of injuries we would treat once we were there.
Six weeks later, I was a second lieutenant stationed in Savannah, Georgia. Hunter Army Air Field is where pilots learned to fly Huey and Cobra helicopters. The pilots enjoyed taking the young nurses for rides and demonstrating how the machines could move - dropping down hundreds of feet, and turning on a dime, delighting in scaring us.
Army hospitals are small, with 50 beds divided among three units: Women and Children, Male, and OB. Diagnosis did not matter - if you were female or a child, you were on that unit. Each unit had a Ward Master, who was often an experienced field medic used to working under fire. They ran everything and were good at it. When I refused to give an injection to a two-year-old, saying I am not giving a shot to a kid, the Ward Master took me by the hand and led me into the pediatric section where he demonstrated the first injection and told me to give the next one. Even when I told him I outranked him, he was not deterred.
Six months later, I married my college sweetheart and applied for, and was transferred back to, the LA area. Fort McArthur in San Pedro was another small hospital, and I requested to work in the OB unit - my life calling is obstetrics. The first time I witnessed a baby being delivered during training, I knew it was what I was meant to do.
When I was promoted to Captain, I asked my retired Sargent Dad to come to the ceremony to pin on the new bars - so he had to salute me. I completed my three years and elected to leave the military to remain in LA. The Army was a great start to my 50-year nursing career, and writing this brought back many memories and fond recollections of the people from that time.
What an adventure!
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Congratulations to Everardo Limon and his family! The Limons have been selected to represent the Woman’s Club of Indio as the Yard of the Month for August. Having lived in the Coachella Valley for over 25 years, Everardo is semi-retired from construction and has two adult children.
Recently, they redesigned their yard to feature desert landscaping, inspired by Everardo's sister, Mirna Mora, and her husband, Alfredo. The two families collaborated on their ideas to create a beautiful yard that highlights desert colors, water-efficient rocks, flowers, and shrubs. As a result, they have significantly reduced their water consumption and maintenance needs, allowing them more time to enjoy visits from family, friends, and neighbors who often stop by to compliment their outstanding work.
| | GFWC HOPE Kicks Off 2025–2026 with Community Support | |
GFWC HOPE is already hard at work planning for a meaningful 2025–2026 club year!
First, we’re starting by supporting Basic Needs, a campus organization that provides essential resources to college students facing hardship—an estimated 30% of the student population.
To help, we’ve set up collection boxes at two locations:
* Coachella Valley Nail Bar in La Quinta
* Coachella Library in Coachella
Please see the flyer for a list of requested items, and if you're able, we’d love for you to stop by and make a contribution. Every donation helps a student stay focused, healthy, and on track. We're starting our club year strong—by supporting students who need it most!
Secondly, our 3rd Annual HOPE Garage Sale is set for October 18–19. WCI has always been incredibly generous—and let’s face it, a good fall purge is great for mental clarity! Please consider donating to us again; we are accepting donations of all kinds—and yes, we'll pick them up! Tax donation receipts are happily provided upon request. So start cleaning those closets, and help us turn your cast-offs into community support!
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Thirdly, a big shout-out to our amazing President, Lyla Valentine, who is now serving her second non-consecutive term. Lyla leads with grace, kindness, and remarkable organization. Her inclusive spirit makes every member feel welcome and valued.
We are so lucky to have her—thank you, Lyla, for your outstanding leadership and heart!
| | Each month, we post photos of the Woman's Club of Indio events and activities grouped by event. We hope you enjoy them. If you have photos you would like to include in the newsletter photo gallery, please send them to editor@womansclubofindio.org. Thank you. | |
Save the Dates for CFWC De Anza District!
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming De Anza District Conferences — a wonderful opportunity to connect, contribute, and celebrate the power of our collective impact.
Each gathering will feature a “Done-in-a-Day” service project so we can make a tangible difference in just a few hours. We’ll also have time to share ideas, learn together, and enjoy some well-deserved fun!
2025 Conference Themes
- Recognizing Your Dots
- Bridging the Gaps
- Connecting Through Community
- Leaving a Connected Legacy
Focus Areas This Year:
We’ll continue our commitment to key areas of advocacy and service:
- Advocates for Children
- The Environment
- Legislation & Public Policy
- Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention
Whether you’re a new member or a seasoned leader, we encourage you to attend and mingle with your fellow club sisters from across Riverside and Imperial Counties. These conferences are designed to inspire, educate, and build stronger bonds throughout our district. Mark your calendars — more details, including dates and locations, will be shared soon. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Help Us Shine at Area D
This year, De Anza District is proud to host the Area D Conference—one of the most fun and festive events on the GFWC calendar! It’s a celebration of membership, friendship, and community, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
We’re looking for volunteers to help construct the centerpieces—and yes, they involve a little sparkle and a lot of fun! If you enjoy crafty projects and have a bit of time, please give Mickie Reed a call at 760-668-7018 to help sparkle up some lighthouses.
Event: Area D Conference
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Four Seasons Hemet
Why Attend? Because it’s all about YOU—our incredible members!
Let’s make this year’s Area D event truly shine!
In service and sisterhood,
Mickie Reed
De Anza District President
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Editor's Note
Your Voice Keeps Us Connected!
We’re always working to make our newsletter engaging and meaningful—and that’s only possible with your input. Whether it’s a quick event recap, a great photo, or an idea you’d like to see featured, your voice matters.
Have something to share? Curious about a topic? We’d love to hear from you!
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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