October 2025 Volume 9, Issue 10 | | |
Welcome to a season of service, change, kindness, and sisterhood as we begin the 2025–2026 year together!
First, congratulations to all of our award recipients recognized at the Kick-off Brunch earlier this month. I was so honored to receive the Dr. June McCarroll Award—thank you for that. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there in person (Germany was fun!), and I really appreciate Mickie and Avi stepping in to lead the meeting for me.
We’ll be gathering on Wednesday, October 1st, at the Palm Valley Country Club Clubhouse. I’m pleased to report that meals will remain $35 and A/V use is just a small fee (directions and a map are below). Please reach out to members who may need help with transportation to Palm Valley. A huge thank you to Arlene, Lana, Pat, Gloria F., Bobbi, and everyone else who pitched in with venue suggestions. While we’d love to meet in Indio, timing and budget made Palm Valley the best fit this year. The board is working hard to secure a permanent Indio location for 2026–2027 and beyond.
Our National Day of Service event is tomorrow from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Mario’s in Indio. Read more below about how you can help survivors of domestic violence try to rebuild with the help of Shelter From the Storm. Donating gift cards to grocery stores and gas stations is especially impactful. If you can’t make it tomorrow, please bring your gift card donations to our meeting on Wednesday.
Our next big event is the Paint El Paseo Pink #PEPP walk on Saturday, October 11th. We really need participants. We’d love to have you join our team to walk—or, if you aren't able to walk, help us reach our $2,500 fundraising goal. Every contribution helps—even $5 or $10 makes a difference.
On Thursday, October 16th at 6:00 p.m., the Membership Committee will host a New Member Orientation. This is a wonderful opportunity for new members to connect with one another and meet our board, all while enjoying a glass of wine and some delicious snacks. Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome, to share our mission, plans, and goals, and invite you to participate in club activities. Please RSVP to Shelley Diemer to attend.
Do you love to read? Our next ESO meeting will be on October 21st at Sloan’s. We’ll be discussing Salt Bones by Jennifer Givhan. Even if you haven’t read the book, you’re welcome to join the conversation!
This month we also recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Both causes are close to our hearts, and I am so proud of how our club is showing up to make a difference. (And yes—it’s also National Noodle Day, but we’ll save that celebration for another time!)
And, a final thought:
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re
strongest when we cheer each other on.”
— Serena Williams
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
With joy,
Sylvia Baran
President, GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio
president@womansclubofindio.org
| | National Day of Service - DV | Birthdays & Anniversaries | |
Termites In The
Clubhouse
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Coming Events
SEPTEMBER
27th Presentation to Shelter From the Storm,
Mario's Restaurant, Indio, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
OCTOBER
1st October General Meeting, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Palm Valley Country Club
4th Area D Conference, Hemet, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
11th Paint El Paseo Pink, 7:30 am
16th New Member Orientation, 7:30 am
21st ESO Literary Club Meeting, 7:30 am
23rd Board Meeting, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
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Save the Date
NOVEMBER
5th November General Meeting, New Member Installation & Committee Showcase, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
8th Walk to End Alzheimer's, 8:00 am - 10:00 am
8th Report Writing Workshop, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
9th District November Conference, Riverside, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
20th Board Meeting, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
27th Happy Thanksgiving!
| | For officer and chair contact information, click here. | |
1st Meeting & New Location
Wednesday, October 1st | 5:00 p.m.
Join us for our first official meeting of the 2025–2026 season! It will be a wonderful evening to visit, reconnect, and welcome some very special guests: CFWC President Sonya Matthies and 1st Vice President Wendy Curran.
We’re also thrilled to feature our guest speaker, author Alison Woolpert, daughter of WCI Past President Dorothy Woolpert (1946–1948). This talk has been nearly a year in the making, and we’re delighted Alison is finally able to join us.
New Location:
Our meetings will now be 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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NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION - OCTOBER 16, 2025
The Membership Committee is excited to welcome new members with an orientation covering the Woman’s Club of Indio’s history, programs, and initiatives. Attendees will also receive a guided tour of the club’s website and learn how to register for meetings.
When: Thursday, October 16th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Note: Refreshments and snacks will be served
For more information and to register your attendance, please contact our Membership Chair, Shelley Diemer at: membership@womansclubofindio.org.
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National Day of Service is Tomorrow - Saturday, September 27th!
We are proud to dedicate our 2025 National Day of Service to supporting Shelter From the Storm (SFTS) — a vital organization in the Coachella Valley providing safety, resources, and hope to those affected by domestic violence.
How You Can Participate: It’s Easy!
Date: Saturday, September 27th (Tomorrow)
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Place: Mario's, 81939 Highway 111, Indio
Cost: No Host Beverages event
To show our support, WCI will participate by collecting gift cards for the Shelter. 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 offer immediate, flexible support to people in crisis. Special Guest, Angelina Coe, Executive Director of Shelter From the Storm, will share insights and gratitude. You don’t miss our beautiful Giving Tree, where you can leave your gift cards and messages of encouragement!
You can also bring gift card donations to the October 1st meeting.
For more information, please contact Barbara Fairbairn, Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment Prevention Chair: DV@womansclubofindio.org.
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Join the Fun and Make an Impact by Helping with the Annual Fundraiser
Calling All Members! We’re looking for committee members and leads to help with our annual fundraiser. There are tasks big and small, long term and short term. There is something for everyone and we welcome everyone who wants to get involved.
Share your talents, lend a hand, and be part of something special—sign up today!
Gloria Franz
3rd Vice President/Programs & Fundraiser Chair
programs@womansclubofindio.org
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Reprinted with permission from the De Anza District. | |
ESO MEETING - OCTOBER 21, 2025
Our next Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm at Sloan’s Restaurant, 81539 Hwy. 111, Indio, CA 92201.
This month’s book is Salt Bones by Jennifer Givhan, a suspenseful novel set on the Salton Sea near Niland. Givhan, who grew up in the area, brings a vivid local perspective to her storytelling, weaving twists and turns that have already sparked hours of conversation among those who’ve read it. Some members have even been inspired to dive into further research on the history and setting of the book.
We invite you to join us for this lively discussion and help select our next literary adventure. Step into ESO and enlighten your own pathway!
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USO Service Day
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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Paint El Paseo Pink – Saturday, October 11, 2025
The Gardens at El Paseo, Palm Desert
Cancer is everywhere around us and there aren't many ways to predict when it will happen to us. Our very own Desert Cancer Foundation does so much to help families navigate this very difficult time both emotionally and financially. Our goal is to raise $2,500 and have a large team of walkers. Right now we're falling short on both fronts.
We Need You To Help Make a Difference!
Walk with WCI Walkers to support the Desert Cancer Foundation! Every step and every dollar supports the Desert Cancer Foundation. In fact, every dollar raised translates into $10 worth of care. Register today and help us make this our biggest team yet! #WCIWalker
| | Walk to End Alzheimer's Details | | |
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 a long family legacy or a single proud moment—deserves to be remembered. This month, we are pleased to share a submission in our ongoing effort to honor the veterans and service members in our lives.
Peg Boortz
GFWC Woman's Club of Indio Women's History Chair
De Anza District Women’s History Chair
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A Military Family
by Arlene Handler Smith
I am proud to say I come from a very patriotic family, with many relatives who have served in the armed forces.
On my mother’s side, two of her brothers and two brothers-in-law were of age to serve just after World War II, as the Korean War began. All four enlisted. One of my uncles was killed in action just before he was to be reunited with his brother. My mother’s oldest brother served four years in one branch, then reenlisted in another—first in the Navy, then later in the Army.
On my father’s side, service ran just as deep. My dad served in the Air Force, while his brother joined the Army shortly after the Korean War ended. Another uncle was rumored to have transferred from military service into the CIA, though that was never confirmed. What we do know is that he later worked for McDonnell Douglas in a secret capacity. Whenever we asked about his job, his only reply was, “You aren’t cleared to know.”
That tradition of service has continued in my own immediate family. My husband served in the Navy, and today, our son-in-law serves proudly in the Air Guard.
Even my grandparents, who emigrated from Eastern Europe just before World War II, showed their patriotism for their adopted country. Though they never served in uniform, they flew the American flag with pride. My grandfather did his part by working his entire life in the Navy shipyard in the States.
Yes, I am proud to say—I truly have a military family.
| | | Help Guide our Teens - We Need a New Advisor! | | |
For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Advisor for our award-winning GFWC HOPE Federated Youth Club. It has been a joy to watch these young members grow in confidence, leadership, and community spirit. Now, it’s time for someone new to step into this rewarding role.
The Advisor helps guide and support the teens as they learn to run their own meetings, plan projects, and participate in Federation activities. Responsibilities include:
- Serving as a chaperone at meetings and events
- Providing transportation on occasion
- Helping the group stay organized and on track with projects
- Keeping the teens informed about Federation events and opportunities
This is a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting impact on the next generation of clubwomen. The time commitment is manageable, and the rewards are truly immeasurable. If you enjoy working with youth and want to share your enthusiasm for service and leadership, we’d love for you to consider volunteering.
I will continue to support the group by managing the bank account and handling all required forms with the Secretary of State and Attorney General.
If you are interested—or simply want to learn more—please contact Mickie Reed at (760) 668-7018 or indioclubwoman@gmail.com. Together, we can ensure our teens continue to thrive with the support and guidance they deserve.
| | 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
Your Voice Keeps Us Connected!
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.
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 a true reflection of who we are and all we accomplish.
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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