November 2025 Volume 9, Issue 11 | | |
A Season of Service, Change, Kindness, and Sisterhood!
As we welcome November, we take time to honor and reflect. This month we recognize Native American Heritage Month, Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and celebrate World Kindness Day on November 13th. It’s a wonderful time to express gratitude for all that we have and to acknowledge the challenges others face.
We also have an exciting and full month ahead, starting with our November Meeting on Wednesday, November 5th (the deadline to register is coming up soon). Join us as we celebrate our new members with an induction ceremony and hear from our project champions and committee chairs as they showcase the amazing work being done through our programs. Please plan to arrive by 11:30 a.m. to have plenty of time to visit each project table and learn more about the causes we support.
Great news! Our new member badges have arrived, and we think you’ll love them! Shelley and Bobbi will be there to make sure you receive yours.
Talk about a busy and exciting weekend ahead!
Saturday, November 8th is a big day! We’ll start bright and early with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 8:30 a.m. (see the article below for more details). Then, at 11:00 a.m., join us for our Report Writing Workshop—a fun, one-hour session open to all members. This workshop is a great opportunity to learn how to write effective reports and to understand why tracking hours and donations is so important to our organization’s success.
On Sunday, November 9th, we’ll carpool to the De Anza District Conference in Riverside. If you haven’t attended a district conference before, this is the perfect chance! Just visit the website calendar to register before October 30th. It’s always an enjoyable and inspiring day; we learn new things, share ideas, and connect with wonderful people from other clubs.
Don’t Forget!
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Wear WCI blue on November 5th for our annual group photo
- Time change – Sunday, November 2nd (set those clocks back!)
- Vote – Tuesday, November 4th (it’s our civic duty)
Mark Your Calendar
- Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 27th; a time for gratitude & connection.
- Cabazon XLII Indio Powwow – November 28–30 (Free Admission).
- Annual Holiday Boutique – Wednesday, December 3rd, general meeting. Come to get your holiday shopping started … there is something for everyone!
“November is a dream written in leaves—may yours come true in joy.”
Let’s make this November one filled with kindness, community, and celebration. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
With joy,
Sylvia Baran
President, GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio
president@womansclubofindio.org
| | Collection Drive & Donations | Birthdays & Anniversaries | | |
Want to Help Create a Brighter Future for Those in Need?
You're invited to bring donation items to our November 5th meeting in support of the nonprofits we partner with. There is absolutely no pressure to donate—but as always, any donation, big or small, makes a difference. If you prefer to give funds, you can click here to donate and specify in the comments box how your donation is to be used.
This will be our final in-person collection drive until our April meeting, so we encourage members to bring donations to the November meeting. If you're unable to attend or would like to donate at another time, you can contact the relevant Committee Chairperson directly to arrange an alternative drop-off.
🔹 Please note: All donations must be new (no pre-used items).
🔹 Notepads will be available at the meeting for you to log your in-kind donations.
Donation Wish List
Advocates for Children (Coachella Valley Foster Kids) (Rosalind Miller):
- Kids' underwear, socks, and pajamas (all sizes and ages)
- Toys and stuffed animals (for the upcoming holidays)
Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence Prevention (Shelter from the Storm) (Barbara Fairbairn):
- Cleaning supplies (to be included in baskets for families leaving the shelter and re-establishing their family and home)
- New underwear for women, girls, boys, and men (all sizes)
Health & Wellness (CVRM & Galilee Center):
CV Rescue Mission (Natalie Keller):
- Hygiene products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes
- Women’s hygiene items
- Diapers and baby wipes
Galilee Center (Susan Everett):
- Canned foods for holiday baskets: meats, fruits, vegetables, soups
- New, unwrapped toys
- Baby formula
- Socks (all sizes)
Civic Engagement (Military/USO) (Naomi Alvarado):
Batteries & Used Toner Cartridges for Recycling
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You are invited to bring batteries or toner cartridges to every meeting to be recycled.
Thank you for your generosity!
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Coming Events
NOVEMBER
5th November General Meeting, New Member Induction & Committee Showcase, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
8th Walk to End Alzheimer's, 8:00 am - 10:00 am
8th Report Writing Workshop, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
9th De Anza District November Conference, Riverside, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
20th Board Meeting, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
27th Happy Thanksgiving!
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Save the Date
DECEMBER
3rd November General Meeting, General meeting and Annual Holiday Boutique, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
15th ESO Literacy Club Meeting, 6:00 am
18th Board Meeting, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
| | For officer and chair contact information, click here. | |
Registration Open for Our November 5th General Meeting
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 27th, at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for our November General Meeting, where we’ll welcome and induct our new members and enjoy our Committee Showcase!
Come early to visit the committee tables, meet our committee champions, and learn more about the wonderful organizations and projects our club supports. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, get involved, and connect with fellow members.
New Location -- our meetings are now held at:
Palm Valley Country Club in the clubhouse
39205 Palm Valley Drive, Palm Desert
(just off Country Club Drive, west of Washington). See the map below for directions.
We are also pleased to share that the Palm Valley Chef can accommodate gluten-free and lactose-free versions of either of the two meal selections. Please note that meal selections cannot be switched on the day of the event, but both options can be prepared to meet these dietary needs. Please specify in the comments of your registration form that you need a gluten free or lactose-free meal.
If you have any questions, please contact me at amenities@womansclubofindio.org. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!
New Location:
Our meetings are now held at Palm Valley Country Club (Clubhouse), 39205 Palm Valley Drive, Palm Desert. It’s conveniently located just off Country Club Drive, west of Washington. (See map below.)
Please reach out to any members who may need help getting to our new venue.
We do not want transportation to be an issue. - Let's make sure everyone can join us!
Thank you.
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As we begin this new season for WCI, I want to personally thank everyone who has helped us get this far. It has been a learning curve for many of us — myself included.
When we began this journey nearly four years ago, how many of us truly understood the many forms of domestic violence? I certainly did not. Sadly, it remains so prevalent in our society that April has been designated Child Abuse Awareness Month, and October has been proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Violence against others is deeply uncomfortable to talk about. It’s hard to comprehend how people can be so cruel to the vulnerable. I often notice the body language in the room when the subject comes up — domestic violence isn’t a “feel-good” topic or one easily discussed at social gatherings. But it’s a reality we can’t ignore.
For our National Day of Service, GFWC/CFWC announced that this year’s signature program would focus on helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence. WCI selected Shelter From The Storm (SFTS) as our recipient. Together, we donated more than $1,500 in cash, checks, and gift cards to grocery stores and gas stations. Angelina Coe, Executive Director of SFTS, expressed heartfelt gratitude for our generosity, and our club’s report has been submitted to GFWC.
Looking ahead, we plan to deepen our involvement by volunteering at the shelter itself. At our November meeting, I’ll have a sign-up clipboard for anyone who would like to participate. We’re asking for volunteers to donate two evenings a month to cook dinner for the families staying there. Food will be provided, and you’re welcome to volunteer in pairs if that’s more comfortable. Once you sign up, Angelina will contact you to get started.
In addition, we are collecting cleaning supplies for the “graduates” of SFTS. Angelina has long hoped to send each family off to their new home with a basket of essential items — and we can help make that happen.
As always, thank you for your generosity and willingness to serve. I know cooking dinner for another family may not sound as fun as shopping for cute pajamas or toys for the children at the Galilee Center or CVRM, but it truly means so much to these families rebuilding their lives.
In gratitude,
Barbara Fairbairn
DVP Chair
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ESO Meeting - December 15, 2025
The Altrurians Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Omicron have elected to change our meetings to the third Monday of even-numbered months.
Our next meeting is on December 15, 2025, at 6 pm, which will be a book discussion and our Holiday party. The meeting will be at Shelley Diemer’s house (at Indian Palms Country Club). It will be a potluck and there will be plenty of holiday fun. Our group picked a fun read (if you consider murder to be fun) for this meeting. We will be discussing The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride: Hope to see you there!
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We had a wonderful time during our recent hygiene sorting day at the Palm Springs USO. These kits were put together for service members returning home to give them a warm welcome home. It was a joy to work together in support of such a meaningful cause.
We were especially proud to partner with the Cahuilla Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for this project. Together, we made a difference while strengthening the bonds of service and friendship.
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WCI Painted El Paseo Pink
On Saturday, October 11th, at the bright and early hour of 7:30 a.m. Lorraine Velona, Lana Bathen, Gloria Beauregard, Pat Ruth, Elizabeth Waaler, Maria Menard, and Sylvia Baran met at the Gardens at El Paseo in Palm Desert to support an amazing cause: the Desert Cancer Foundation. The event was very well-attended and we were proud to represent WCI. Our club raised nearly $500 and the event raised over $160,000. When one considers every dollar raised converts into $10 of services, that translates into a lot of help for local residents suffering with cancer. It's wonderful to make a difference in the lives of others.
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Are You Ready to Walk To End Alzheimer's? Nov. 8th is Almost Here!
Join the GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio as we proudly support the Alzheimer’s Association in its annual fundraising event. This meaningful day offers a special opportunity to connect with others who share the same commitment to ending Alzheimer’s.
Stroll through the community booths, learn about local services, and be part of a movement that inspires hope and unity. By walking together, we not only honor those affected by this disease but also demonstrate our collective strength and determination to make a difference.
Every step taken and every dollar raised brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. Your participation helps fund critical research, care, and advocacy efforts that touch countless lives. So, mark your calendars, lace up your walking shoes, and join us in making strides toward a brighter future. Together, we can bring hope and change to millions of families.
Join our team or donate today:
Team Page: GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio
or use this short link: https://bit.ly/4m1wIzl
| | Walk to End Alzheimer's Details | | |
Event Schedule
Festival Area Opens: 8:00am
Opening Ceremony: 9:00am
Walk Start: 9:30am
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Walk Location:
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
43900 San Pablo Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
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Honoring the Patriots In Our Families
Every military story—whether part of a long family legacy or a single proud moment—deserves to be remembered. This month, we share a story written by my brother, Don Boortz, as part of our ongoing effort to recognize the veterans and service members in our lives.
His reflections remind us that service takes many forms—courage, sacrifice, resilience, and gratitude. By sharing these experiences, we not only preserve history but also strengthen the bonds within our community.
If you or someone in your family has served, we would love to hear your story, too. Each voice adds to the tapestry of remembrance and respect that defines who we are as a club.
Peg Boortz
GFWC Woman's Club of Indio Woman's History Chair
De Anza District Woman’s History Chair
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A Veteran's Story: Reflections from Don Boortz
My name is Don Boortz, and I am Peg's little brother. I am also the only member on our side of the Boortz family who has served in the military, and that was not totally voluntary, as I was drafted in late 1968, just a few months after graduating from college, and found myself in the middle of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam six months after being inducted into the US Army.
I am not going to dwell on too many details of my service, but the assignment I was given and the job I had to do were much better than what most other draftees were experiencing. During my twelve-month tour of duty, I spent most of my time as secretary to the Commanding General of IV Corps (the "Fourth Corps") of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam.
IV Corps was located at the very southern end of Vietnam, where the Mekong River ends its long, winding, and muddy journey from Tibet to the South China Sea. In terms of size, IV Corps encompassed a land area about 80% the size of Louisiana and similar in terrain, with swampy areas, dense vegetation, and overwhelming heat and humidity. IV Corps was also the only area of Vietnam at that time in which the US had no combat units. Instead, all of the responsibility lay entirely on the Vietnamese military and civilian security forces in combating the Viet Cong. That war was fought only at night, and every night armed actions occurred within IV Corps. Chalk it up to military humor, but IV Corps was listed as having been "pacified".
About three or four times a week, I accompanied the General to meetings with the military officials throughout IV Corps in various Vietnamese provinces (i.e., the people we were advising in the fight against the Viet Cong). Those meetings were typically held in the late afternoon or early evening. They required the General and those accompanying him to fly to the meeting sites in a helicopter (the infamous "Huey" helicopter). On board, my job was to operate the backup radio communications equipment, and my seat was next to the port-side (left) door gunner. Throughout the year, I logged a significant number of flight hours in the helicopter.
That's the bare-bones synopsis, and here is the intended "take-away" from my story: The few times I was involved in armed conflicts made me realize how lucky I was compared to those US Army advisors who lived in those villages we visited and where, by day, the villagers were your friends and, by night, they were the Viet Cong (it does make you wonder about the wisdom of advising them, no?) However, and unlike many of those village-based advisors, I came home after my year and, while I have some scars, still wake up occasionally having re-lived events, and ended up battling cancer from exposure to Agent Orange, I am relatively upright, still moving around with both my arms and legs and evermore in wonder over how comparatively fortunate I was, never more so than when I go for my VA check-ups and see all the much younger Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are visibly maimed for life and/or not cognitively there.
Well, as my sister will attest, that's a "short story" for me. And if you or your family members have served, nothing in my story should come as a surprise. If, however, you have not had that personal connection, I hope you might have a little better understanding of what can be involved in military service, particularly during times and in areas of conflict where life-threatening possibilities and their consequent anxiety (what is now known as PTSD) are a part of every day of your tour.
As Veterans Day approaches, I ask that you remember and honor our veterans, and when you can, please do something to acknowledge them ("thank you for your service" is nice, particularly for Vietnam vets who were treated terribly upon returning home). Better yet, perhaps you will lend a hand (even if it is just holding a door open) to those who have served, particularly those who have given much of their lives in doing so.
Thank you for letting me share a bit of my history,
Don Boortz
P.S. If you have served, thank you, and I hope you are doing well!
P.P.S. If you are ever in the neighborhood (Peg has my address), I'd love to hear your story. I’m told I make a perfect Old Fashioned!
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GFWC HOPE wants to thank everyone for all the wonderful Yard Sale donations. The sale was very successful! The proceeds will fund our projects for the next year.
You might see GFWC HOPE out in the community at various events, as they are continuing to go out and ask people to take the White Ribbon Pledge, “I pledge to never participate, commit, condone or make excuses for domestic violence or sexual assault and to talk to at least one other person and ask them to take the same pledge.” As of now, more than 300 people have pledged and signed HOPE’s banner. Our goal is 1000. If you see us, please stop and say hello!
| | 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. | | |
Editor's Note
Our Voices, Our Story
Our newsletter is more than just updates—it’s a space to celebrate, inform, and inspire. Most importantly, it comes alive through the voices of our members.
As we enter November, a season of gratitude and Thanksgiving, it feels right to reflect on the many blessings within our club: the friendships we’ve built, the service we share, and the joy that comes from working together to make a difference.
Do you have something to share? It could be a recap of a recent event, highlights from our club’s activities, a favorite photo that captured a special moment, or even just a story idea. Every contribution adds to the spirit of connection and community that makes our club so special.
Let’s keep building this newsletter together—making it not only a record of what we do, but also a reflection of the blessings we experience as a club family.
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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