March 2026 Volume 10, Issue 3 | | |
Hello, Fabulous Friends with Springtime Sparkle!
In just a few short days, we will gather at Palm Valley Country Club for our Diva Wears Confidence fundraiser luncheon. I cannot fully express how proud I am to serve alongside each of you. As you know, my theme is Serving with Joy and that's inspired by my love of hummingbirds. Joyful yet fierce, hummingbirds may be small, but they are powerful beyond measure—tireless in motion, fearless in defense, and drawn always to what helps things bloom.
In much the same way, dedicated women’s club volunteers bring vibrant energy wherever they go. They move from project to project with purpose, uplift their communities with grace, and fiercely protect the causes they believe in. Like hummingbirds, they prove that strength is not measured in size, but in heart, determination, and the courage to keep showing up. Your dedication, thoughtful planning, and teamwork have made this event possible, and thanks to the incredible coordination—beautifully described below by Gloria—we are poised for an elegant and inspiring afternoon.
As we look ahead, please keep a few important reminders in mind:
- Membership dues are due by February 28. If you have not yet renewed, kindly take a moment to do so. Your continued support strengthens everything we accomplish together.
- Our Health and Wellness Chair, Natalie Keller, is seeking volunteers to serve at CV Rescue Mission on February 28. If you are unable to attend the fundraiser and would like to give your time, please reach out to Natalie for details.
- The deadline for both our Indio Scholarship and Empowering Women Scholarship applications is March 13. If you know a deserving student in need of financial assistance, please encourage them to apply. Links and details are provided below.
- In March, we look forward to welcoming Chloe Rayos, NP-C, who will share valuable insights on skin health—an especially important topic for those of us living in the desert. Registration is still open, and I encourage you to join us. We will also be hearing from our Nominations & Elections Committee.
- Our next De Anza District Conference will be held on March 14 in Beaumont—a short drive and always a rewarding experience. I hope you will consider attending.
As we close out February and welcome the lucky month of March, may you carry with you the warmth, strength, and good fortune so often associated with the Irish spirit.
“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and
may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” 🍀
With heartfelt joy,
Sylvia Baran
President, GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio
president@womansclubofindio.org
| | Birthdays & Anniversaries | | | |
MARCH GENERAL MEETING - Registration Open Now!
Registration is now open for our March luncheon meeting and you won't want to miss it. Our guest speaker will be certified Nurse Practitioner Chloe Rayos who will speak about skin health. Our skin is our largest organ and it is often the most overlooked - not something we can do here in the desert!
Cost: $35 (Note: You can pay by Zelle!)
Location: Palm Valley Country Club
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
*Click Here to Register*
RSVP Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 26th
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Have you renewed your annual membership yet? If not… what are you waiting for?
Yes, the official deadline was February 1st—but here’s the good news: it’s never too late to jump back into the circle.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our club. Every member adds color, strength, and texture to the beautiful fabric of who we are. Because of you, our tapestry is brighter, stronger, and more vibrant. When one thread is missing, we feel it. When every thread is woven in, we are unstoppable.
Let’s keep our momentum going—staying involved, stepping up, reaching out, and stitching together an incredible 2026–2027 club year filled with purpose, friendship, and impact.
So dust off that membership, grab your metaphorical needle and thread, and renew (or join!) today by clicking here. We can’t wait to continue this wonderful work—with you right where you belong.
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💛 A short update on Peg Boortz
Peg is improving with lots of grit, determination, and physical therapy. She is now at Bayshire Skilled Nursing on Country Club. If you have some time to visit, she'd love your company.
| For officer and chair contact information, click here. | | |
MARCH
4th March General Meeting, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Palm Valley Country Club
14th De Anza District March Conference, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm, Beaumont
21st Easter Basket/Spring Basket Assembly, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
26th Board Meeting, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
APRIL
1st April General Meeting, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm, Palm Valley Country Club
9th New Member Orientation, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
18th De Anza District Annual Convention
20th ESO Meeting, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
23rd Board Meeting, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
MAY
6th May General Meeting, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Palm Valley Country Club
28th Board Meeting, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
30th Scholarship & Donation Brunch, 10:00 am - 11:30 am, Palm Valley Country Club
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An Elegant Afternoon Awaits: February 28
The countdown is on! In just a few days, we’ll gather for our Fundraising Luncheon on February 28 at Palm Valley Country Club—an afternoon designed to inspire connection, celebrate community, and support the mission of the Woman’s Club of Indio.
Guests can look forward to a striking black, white, and red theme, a beautifully curated menu, an engaging silent auction and raffle, and a special fashion presentation featuring community members and local peace officers. A complimentary signature cocktail or mocktail, a red-carpet welcome, and our nine elegant ushers will set the tone for a polished and memorable event.
There’s still time to be part of the magic—by attending, donating to the auction or raffle, volunteering, or sharing the event with friends. Every ticket sold and every contribution made helps strengthen our programs and the many causes we proudly support.
We look forward to celebrating with you and making this fundraiser a shared success. Thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm, and continued commitment to the Woman’s Club of Indio.
Gloria Franz
3rd Vice President
Programs@womansclubofindio.org
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SOME LITERARY FUN
EPSILON SIGMA OMICRON (ESO) is excited to announce that our next book will be Palm Springs Maitre d’ by Brian Ellis and Robyn Tornabeni Ellis.
Our meeting will be held at the home of Janet Braslow and the authors will be present to provide us with some spicy, inside information about old Palm Springs and the stars who made it famous.
We are going to make it fun, with a Palm Springs Rat Pack Theme. Join us for some literary fun!
Monday, April 20, 2026
6:00 pm
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Join the Joy: Easter Basket Prep & Donation Drive!
Easter is April 6th, and we’re excited to begin preparing special Easter baskets for our community! You’re invited to a festive Easter Basket Prep on Saturday, March 21st. Enjoy light snacks while we come together to assemble baskets and spread some springtime cheer.
Can you lend a hand? We’d love your help!
We are also collecting donations to help us create wonderful baskets. Needed items include:
- Baskets
- Plastic eggs
- Small non-candy items
- Healthy treats
Please bring donations to the March 4th meeting or, if you prefer, let us do the shopping for you - donate funds and we’ll take care it!
If you have questions or would like to volunteer for the prep event, please reach out to me. Thank you for helping make this Easter season joyful and meaningful!
Natalie Keller
Health & Wellness Chair
health@womansclubofindio.org
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Handmade with Heart: Quilts for Foster Children
Members Suzanne Meyer and Ellen Cafferata proudly display finished quilts created for the Coachella Valley Foster Care Program. Together, they have lovingly made nearly 20 quilts, each providing comfort and care to children in need.
This is an ongoing service project, and additional helping hands are welcome. Knitters and crocheters are encouraged to participate as well. The only requirement is that completed items measure 36” x 42”.
If you are interested in joining this meaningful project, please contact Suzanne at 769-600-6969 or sandrm81@gmail.com
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Women’s History Month 2026:
Give to Gain, Lead with Confidence
March is a powerful time to honor the achievements of women—past, present, and future—during National Women’s History Month, and in 2026 it is especially meaningful as we also recognize International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us that generosity fuels progress. When we give our time, talents, and resources, we create greater opportunity for women and girls in leadership, education, and economic empowerment. This call aligns with global priorities such as Rights. Justice. Action. for ALL Women and Girls and Balance the Scales, which emphasize moving beyond awareness to real, lasting change by dismantling barriers and expanding access to opportunity.
These messages resonate deeply with the mission of the Woman’s Club of Indio and our annual fundraiser theme, “Diva Wears Confidence.” Confidence is more than what we wear—it’s how we act. It’s awarding scholarships, supporting vital community projects, mentoring others, and advocating for fairness and dignity. Every act of service is a reflection of confidence in ourselves and in the future we are helping to build.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 and Women’s History Month throughout March, let’s continue to give generously, lead confidently, and lift one another up. Together, we are not only honoring women’s history—we are creating it.
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Each month, we like to share photos from Woman’s Club of Indio events and activities, grouped by occasion so you can enjoy the moments as they unfolded. If you have photos from events, activities, or behind-the-scenes moments you’d like to include in our photo gallery, please send them to editor@womansclubofindio.org. Thank you for helping us preserve and celebrate our shared memories.
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De Anza District March Conference
Connect with your Federation community at the De Anza District Conference, taking place in Beaumont on Saturday, March 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet members from other clubs, share ideas, and celebrate our collective service.
Conference highlights include:
- A “done-in-a-day” service project creating Campus Safety Bags
- Viewing entries in the Photography Contest
- Enjoying the Arts & Crafts Show
- Participating in the election of officers for the next administration
The official Call for the De Anza District Conference, with full details, is linked below. You may wish to print a copy to bring with you.
The cost to attend is $31.50, which includes registration and lunch. If you would like to attend, please sign up using the link below, and the club will handle your registration. Be sure to indicate your meal preference when signing up.
🗓 Registration deadline: March 5th
Lunch options:
- Regular: Mostaccioli penne, green salad, garlic bread, and dessert
- Vegetarian: Penne Alfredo, green salad, garlic bread, and dessert
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GFWC Clubwoman Magazine
As a proud member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), our club is part of a powerful network of women making a difference locally, nationally, and internationally. The Winter 2026 edition of GFWC Clubwoman Magazine is now available and offers a wonderful look at the impact of clubs like ours.
Inside this issue, you’ll find:
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An introduction to the GFWC Learning Academy, the new online learning platform
- Information on the 2026–2028 GFWC Candidates for Office
- Insightful articles by GFWC Honorary Chairmen
- Community Service Program tips and project ideas to inspire your club work
- A preview of the 2026 GFWC Annual Convention, June 26–29 in Scottsdale
- Highlights from the 2026 Women’s History Month Celebration: Historic Heroines
This issue is a great way to stay connected to the broader mission of GFWC and to see how clubs across the country are advancing service, leadership, and community engagement. We encourage all members to take time to explore this inspiring publication.
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Editor's Note
A Season of Renewal
March welcomes the promise of spring—a time of fresh energy, growth, and new opportunities. As we move into this season, we’re reminded of the strength of our club and the meaningful impact we make when we work together.
Our accomplishments are possible because of the dedication and generosity of our members. Whether you’re volunteering, attending events, or supporting our initiatives, your involvement truly matters.
This newsletter highlights what we’ve been up to and what’s ahead. We encourage you to share your stories, photos, and ideas as we continue to celebrate our mission and the community we’ve built 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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