Tennessee Federation News 2004 page 11

Three local women were recently honored at the GFWC of TN Convention for their longtime service to the local and state organizations. Frances Dozier, Gloria Wells and Wilma Cunningham am (pictured right) are all charter members of GFWC Bellevue Woman’s Club and all have held many leadership positions in the club since its establishment in 1967.

The Bellevue club has been instrumental in promoting schools, libraries, hospitals, community appearance and scholarships for Bellevue youth. All three women have served as president of the club along with various positions in District V. Ms Wells helped establish the first library in Bellevue; Ms Dozier received the 1998 “Spirit Award” from the state organization; and Ms Cunningham led Dist. V to the State Outstanding District award in 1998.

This year the club honored Ms Cunningham by sponsoring her induction and inclusion in the State Federation’s Golden Tribute Book. This recognition is reserved for those members who, through the years, have supported and served their organization in an outstanding manner and consistently been an inspiration. The Golden Tribute Book collects funds for the TN Endowment Fund which supports the administration of GFWC of Tennessee.

Thirty members of District 9 attended the Presidents’ Brunch at the home of Karen Grant in Germantown in October. GFWC Germantown Woman’s Club was hostess for this occasion. State President Mary Love Coley and Corresponding Secretary Marteé Coley were the honored guests.

President Jane Allen reported that plans and preparations for the GF of TN Convention in Jackson are underway, and she hopes to see everyone there! Ann Knox reported on by-laws revisions that were voted on and passed. New by-laws will go into effect for the 2006-2008 administration. Pat Mingledorff gave an update of plans for the state convention to be held in Jackson April 22-24 2005.
Mary Love spoke to the group on the importance of leadership and membership, the two key ingredients of a successful club and federation. Jane presented a crochet Jack o' Lantern to each member present. The meeting was enjoyed by all as new and old friendships were renewed.

Left: 9th District President Jane Allen, State President Mary Love Coley, and Betty Green, member of GFWC Landmark Woman’s Club.

Pictured standing l to r Sandy Purcell,, District Treasurer; hostess Karen Grant, President Coley and GFWC Germantown Woman’s Club president Elmire Phillips. Seated in background, 2005 GF of TN Convention Chairman Pat Mingledorff.

Paula Bishop, Chairman of the Education Department of GFWC Elizabethton Woman’s Club is pictured presenting a $500.00 check to the school librarian, Reba Church, and the Little Milligan Elementary School principal J. R. Campbell.

This is a small school, with less than 150 students, in a very rural area. It has been adopted by the Education Department to provide books, magazines and newspapers. This is the second year for the monetary gift.