LOVE NOTES from President Mary Love Coley
It is that time again when our thoughts are turned to the holiday season and we spend time doing special things and making special treats for our families and friends. We want all of them to know how much we love and treasure their being. What I really love about our Federation is that we as club members spend the whole year reaching out to help with the needs of our community and individuals of which we have no personal knowledge, have no idea of how many lives we will touch and expect nothing in return. As a benevolent group we are unsurpassed in our efforts to give - as it should be.
What shouldn’t be is that you keep everything a secret. You have wonderful club women who need to be recognized for their outstanding leadership and devotion. There are 3 ways you can do this. Nominate your members for the LEADS scholarship, for the Outstanding Clubwoman, and for the Tribute of Honor. The criteria for the Tribute of Honor is published in this copy of the TF News while the Leads scholarship is on pages 104-105 and the Outstanding Award information is on pages 107-108 - both in the TN handbook. It takes so little time to nominate your club women compared to the time they have spend doing the work of your club. Tell us about them.
While we are on the subject, please do not be the one club who keeps your district president from receiving the district award for all clubs filling out and sending in the Club Rating Guide ( pages . The Guide is used for state and national reports and does not require that you do any other reporting - even though we hope and pray that you do. ALL reporting has been simplified to make better use of your time. Please give it a try.
I have received some very interesting articles that you have had published in your local media outlets. The Sparta WC even managed to capture the whole front page of their Sparta Magazine along with a two page spread inside. What a great accomplishment - one I know will reap rewards in the future. I am also enjoying reading your newsletters as well as those from other states. I will try to share them with you at state convention.
It is not too early to start planning for the state convention in Jackson. Districts 8 & 9 are working hard to make this a wonderful experience. See Pat’s article in this edition. If your club does not pay expenses for your delegates, you might want to hold a simple project to pay for the hotel room and/or join with other clubs in your district to hire a bus and driver. With a little planning, this could be the most fun you have had in a long time.
Wishing you a turkey with all the family trimmings for a Happy Thanksgiving, A Merry Christmas filled with the true meaning, And a Happy New Year that tells me about your successful club year.
Federation love,
Mary Love Coley
President GFWC of TN
Note from JOAN BEAVER
To the members of GFWC of Tennessee:
My most profound thanks to all of you who have sent cards and e-mail messages during this surprising health development of mine. I had absolutely NO idea that one could have a melanoma in their retina! The procedure to place the plaque with radiation therapy in my eye took place on August 2 and the removal was on August 9. My wonderful husband took such wonderful care of me (and continues to do so!) during this time, as well as having such fabulous support from the rest of my family and very dear friends. My Valamont friends have been so kind and attentive! Most of all, I have so very much appreciated the prayers. I can honestly say that I have felt them and they have lifted me with strength and courage. My doctor says that he wants a very slow response to the radiation therapy -- up to six months -- and I am trying to deal with patience. (My friends know that this is a trial to me on a daily basis!) Again, thank you for your support and prayers.
In Federation love, Joan Beaver
"Hats off to GFWC Fontinalis in Fountain City!"
Mary Simpson, Education Chairman of the Fontinalis Club in Fountain City, has contacted Martie Wood, the president of the Tennessee Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, in Knoxville, to present a program on dyslexia at their club meeting on November 11, 2004.
This is a step forward in public awareness of learning disabilities.
The meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m.. Central Baptist Church, Fountain City, TN.
We can contribute to the Leave No Child Behind campaign in this way. I urge all of the Education Chairmen in GFWC throughout the state to initiate similar programs."
Mary Sue Leach
2004 GFWC Education Chairman: Vice President, Northwest TN, IDA
GFWC Janusette Delphian Club
District 8, Paris, TN 38242