General Federation of Women’s Clubs of

Massachusetts Federation Topics—a newsletter for clubwomen

Issue 10 Winter - 2014

Wreaths Across America!

Two Massachusetts clubwomen from the GFWC Agawam Junior Woman’s Club joined President Babs Condon, Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Rosemary Thomas and others for Wreaths Across America in Arlington National Cemetery. Full article inside on Page 4

“Step Into The Spotlight” General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts Headquarters - P.O. Box 679, Sudbury, MA 01776 www.gfwcma.org

Inside Headquarters President, Lynne Sullivan

My fellow club women,

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and the most happiest and healthiest of 2015 to all. It seems impossible that we are at the end of another year and we get to look back at all of our accomplishments of the last year through our reports we sent in to GFWC of MA. Madame President’s project is Human trafficking and we have found RIA House to make our monetary donations to, along with gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target and personal items, such as: feminine articles, socks,

mittens, hats, etc. I can never tell you enough how important you all are to GFWC. You, the volunteers are the driving force that keep us going strong and make us what we are today. Remember, “There is a necessary limit to our achievements, but none to our attempts.” Your ideas are being heard and we are trying to implement them into our activities, so keep them coming we are listening. Looking ahead, we have a wonderful Mid/Winter meeting coming up on January 24, 2015 at the Sheraton in Framingham; your attendance is needed as Resolutions and Bylaws are being discussed and voted on, along with other business pertinent to our organization. In these trying times not only in our economy, but also in our beloved Federation we need to be able to work together as one and remember the words: “There is no war between the Old and New; The conflict is between the False and True!” Let us start another new year united as one to promote kindly fellowship, to encourage all movements for the betterments of society, and to foster a generous public spirit in the community! Looking forward to working with all of you in the New Year. God Bless In Federation Friendship always Elfriede Parker 1st vice-President GFWC of MA

Junior Membership Director of Junior Clubs, Diane McCurley “Embrace Diversity”

"Daisy Doings" Happy, Happy Holidays to everyone! Whether Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza or another special occasion, everyone seems to want to share their time as well as their bounty with others who have much less during this season. Thank you to all who helped provide some holiday cheer for those in your communities and to the Holiday Helpers program at Youth Villages. I truly appreciate all the support this organization is getting from GFWC of Massachusetts members and clubs. Please keep in mind, our Advocates for Children Chairman's challenge of donating 2,015 pounds of clothing for Youth Villages' Style for Success event early next year. Hold onto those gently used girls'/ women's tops, pants, dresses, etc. which may have been replaced with new gift items and contact Theresa Frias ([email protected]) about donating them through your club. Of course, we will accept new items as well. :-) I'm sure everyone enjoyed the Breakfasts with Santa, the Holiday House tours, the decorating for Festivals of

Wreaths and Trees, not to mention the local food, toys and gift drives supported by virtually every Junior, Juniorette and General club! This is who we are and what we do, best! Thanks to all who participated in the Operation Christmas Cards, sending cards to service members, wishing them season’s greetings, saying thank you and letting them know they are not forgotten. Also thanks to those, who participated in Wreaths Across America including Past Director, Donna Shibley and Junior Recording Secretary Jen Nowak (who went all the way to Washington, DC—see related story). We are called to remember those who gave

much to preserve our freedoms. Our Fall Conference held at Maxine's in Worcester on October 25th was great! Great atmosphere, great food, great speakers, great baskets and of course, great clubwomen! We only wish more could have joined us for all the fun! Please consider attending Annual Conference, April 25, 2015. We have another interesting venue we are considering so stay tuned for more info coming shortly. Of course,

that day we will be celebrating all the wonderful things your clubs have done during 2014 with awards and recognitions and maybe a few surprises so mark your calendars now! In closing, may your holiday season make you (a little) silly, (mostly) sober, (always) safe, (rarely) sarcastic, (advisedly) sane and may it be the most stellar, stupendous and sublime season ever!!

Thank you for being you, Diane

Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a wonderful organization many clubs support. In 1992 founder Morrill Worcester began delivering wreaths to Arlington Cemetery as a gift. His generous donations were recognized and brought attention to an area that we as American’s were lacking. By 2007 WAA group grew tremendously and became a 501c3 Organization with over 1000 groups supporting them and delivering wreaths from Maine to over 900 cemeteries nationwide. This year historic Arlington Cemetery th

honored its 150 Anniversary. To celebrate this milestone WAA’s goal was accomplished by placing remembrance wreaths on all 230,000 headstones in Arlington. In all approximately 725,000 wreaths were placed across the country on National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday 12/13/14. Jen Nowak, GFWC of MA Junior Membership Recording Secretary, reached out to our GFWC International President Babs Condon at New England Region Conference and talked about WAA. At that time we both were interested in volunteering to place remembrance wreaths. President Condon talked to members of the GFWC Staff

about WAA and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Rosemary Thomas, Derek Tennant and Peter Charbonneau also joined the GFWC contingency. Being a part of this incredible day made us proud to do our part as an American to honor our nation’s heroes. In keeping with WAA’s tag line: “Don’t say you should have, say you did”. Having stayed at our GFWC headquarters, that Saturday Lisa Vartanian and Jen Nowak both GFWC Wilbraham Junior Club members traveled to Washington DC, can now say “We Did!” along with President Condon, her husband Jerry and staff members. Many other GFWC members in Massachusetts and across America also joined in their local cemeteries to honor our veteran’s during the holiday season. For more information on how your club can become involved visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

GFWC Agawam Junior Woman’s Club members participated in the Wreaths Across America project in Springfield, MA.

Right: Club Institute Chairman, Donna Shibley joined members of her club in Springfield MA to honor our nations’ hero. Left: The Springfield Kettle Band

December Club Institute History was the theme of the December Club Institute highlighted by its speaker and Christmas Presentation, held at the Sudbury Headquarters.

Lee Swanson of the Sudbury Historical Society, provided a history of the GFWC of MA's Memorial Forest from the 1600s to the present, while Santa and Mrs. Claus provided a history of Christmas celebrations and the origin of Santa himself. Toys and stuffed animals were brought to headquarters by the clubwomen attending to be distributed through the Marine's Toys

for Tots organization. Almost 100 items were collected. Lorraine Gorham, Domestic Violence chairman, was so impressed by President Lynne Sullivan's project, Human Trafficking in general and the RIA House of Framingham MA in particular, that she presented President Sullivan with the first donation to the project -- $300 collected during the fall. President Sullivan will be distributing a list of items clubs can collect for this project. In addition to personal items for the women being counseled, the financial goal is to raise the first, last month's rent and security deposit for the rental of a home in the MetroWest area for victims of human trafficking. RIA House Director Heather Wightman and her board have made that a goal by 2016. It is estimated that would be close to $4,500. Music Chairman Virginia Williams led attendees in singing Christmas songs as Second Vice President Lynne Stader provided the piano accompaniment.

The piano a gift from the Weston Women's Club some years ago was in fine tune. A routine tuning of the piano for the event found that mice had decided to nibble away at some of the felt in the piano insides but Draine Piano Tuning saved the day. The GFWC of MA was also provided with a gift in kind as the North Avenue paving company of Weston MA provided $900 worth of asphalt to resurface the parking area near the Caretaker's Cabin. Presents nice! The Club Institute concluded with President Sullivan reading the Christmas Story from an old Bible from her husband's family.

Janet Morgan-Daly GFWC Massachusetts Treasurer

Club Happenings GFWC Millbury Woman’s Club

MWC at the Millbury Chain of Lights at the Millbury Senior Center December 7th

GFWC 1st Vice President Sheila Shea as

L to right Mary Beth Sullivan, Beth Gillis,

a welcomed guest to the MWC meeting

Janet Hayes and Marie Boire

in November - Carolyn Wellington and Mary Lou Mulhane

Feast for all of the guests at a MWC fundraiser The Little Black Dress at Millbury VFW's Charles F. Minney Post in November.

GFWC Braintree Women’s Club The Land of Dementia was the program topic for the Braintree Women's Club November Meeting. Guest speaker was Joan R. Wright, CMC, CDP of Norwell VNA and Hospice Alzheimer's Team, who spoke on many of the aspects of a disease that confronts many of us. She addressed a myriad of issues from the part heredity plays, how to interact with affected loved ones , various treatments and the importance of nutrition for prevention as well as disease management. After her presentation Joan graciously answered questions of which there were many.

Top - Joan R. Wright speaking to the membership.

Bottom - Joan R. Wright, Lucille Barton, the evenings Program coordinator and Terry Rouvalis, President of the Braintree Women’s Club.

You have to fight through some bad days to earn some of the best days of your life!

Club Happenings GFWC Westford Junior Women’s Club During September and October the Westford Women’s Club completed their fall service project in support of military service men and women serving overseas. Members solicited donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and chapstick as well as personalized greeting cards to create dental kits for care packages for the troops. Members collected over 2800 items to be used as part of the care packages Club members completed the project in support of MooreMart, a well-known organization in Nashua. MooreMart recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary- a true local success story in helping deployed military, sending 65,000 care packages to date to supply soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan with items they need. “One of the reasons I joined this club was for the opportunity to volunteer in the community. I enjoyed working with the schools, library, and other town organizations to make this project a success.” Lisa Wolstencroft, Mooremart Project Coordinator

Do one thing every day that scares you! - Eleanor Roosevelt

Thursday Morning Club We hope everyone

is able to keep warm and cozy during our in-creasing colder weather. We send our deep-

100th Birthday celebration for Mae Brown.

est sympathies to the families of two members who have died; Martha Platt and Nola Lawrence. Wishes for a quick recuperation are sent to Linda Warner, who has had a knee operation. Our thoughts will be with Jeanne DuVall who will also undergo surgery Birthday greetings are sent to: Sally Atwood, Natalie Goranson, Susan Happ, Winona Harding, Mary Lucey, who will be 99; Anita Wirth, Mary White, Jessica Krupski and Linda Barbadoro. We welcome a new member: Mrs. Beverly Almond

Bobbie Nussbaum and Claudette Callahan welcome new members Barbara Louison and Beverly Kimball

Club Happenings GFWC Blacksone Valley Woman’s Club Piggy-backing on their success at the Grafton Farmer’s Market, Blackstone Valley Women’s Club celebrated the holidays at both the Sutton “Chain of Lights” and “Grafton Celebrates the Holidays” holiday fairs selling their all natural Blackstone Biscuits dog biscuits this month. Vice President Kathy Halloran of Sutton, and her young daughter, Bridget, baked 1400 biscuits for the event, and offered their home to the club as a location to package them. Co-presidents Sue Dicks of Uxbridge and Marie Bastone of Northbridge led Recording Secretary Cyndi Davis, Marsha Ovrut, new member Phyllis Zampino, all of Sutton, Corresponding Secretary Sheila Newman of Northbridge and Publicity Chair Barbara Berry of Grafton in the holiday wrap assembly process. In addition to those already mentioned, Treasurer Jean Armstrong of Northbridge, Yearbook Chair Meryl Levine of Westborough and Jana Chickinski of South Grafton helped staff the tables at each event. In addition to selling the large and small bags of biscuits, the club sold tickets for a dog-themed raffle basket as well as a 50/50 raffle to benefit Girls Choice of Worcester, one of this year’s service NEW Members of Blackstone Valley Women’s Club

Jana Chickinski of South Grafton and Marsha Ovrut of Sutton were inducted into the Blackstone Valley Women’s Club, part of the international organization General Federation of Women’s Clubs. (left to right) Sue Dicks, Cyndi Davis, Marsha Ovrut, Constance Dwyer and Jana Chickinski Constance Dwyer, Founder and former President of the club performed the induction ceremony and Co-President Sue Dicks of Uxbridge and Recording Secretary Cyndi Davis of Sutton were the first to congratulate them.

GFWC Taunton and Raynham Junior Woman’s Club Members wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season.

Meryl Levine helping customers at Grafton Celebrates the Holidays.

Jean Armstrong (facing) and Marsha Orvut arranging table at Sutton Chain of Lights with Shiela Newman in background.

Resolutions We ARE our Resolutions Lynne Stader Chairman of the Resolutions Committee Why do we have resolutions? About 6 months ago, I could not have answered that question well myself. But after attending a GFWC workshop in Arizona this summer, I am happy to say “By George, I think I got it!” And happily, the reasons go right along with what I have always valued most about my GFWC membership - my volunteer time, along with the efforts of many other members, can add up to making a big difference! Three quick reasons, why the time we spend on resolutions at state meetings, is time well spent: 1. Resolutions that have been adopted by the federation allow all our members permission to speak on behalf of an entire body of women who belong to this women’s organization. For example, when talking with a legislator, or a speaker, or anyone you could say: Our club members, along with the 2,000 members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts, are working to support the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. However, if there is no resolution on record for the issue, agreed upon and voted by the membership, you cannot speak to the issue on behalf of all the other members, using the name of GFWC of MA. 2. Our resolutions validate the work of our organization to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the work and views of its grass roots clubs located statewide. When resolutions are passed, they are forwarded to the Statehouse as a matter of record regarding issues that concern our members. Most importantly, 3. Our state resolutions are a CALL to ACTION for members and clubs to do what they can in their own local area. Each resolution is packed with ideas to help clubs engage in activities toward a common goal. Ladies, this is what is called “the power of many”- that we collectively share a common interest in resolving problems in our communities, and we expect our legislators to take action as well. As with other nonprofit groups, we ARE our Resolutions- they speak volumes about the issues that matter to our members. Help your club members get involved. Current resolutions are posted on the GFWC of MA website, and in the GFWC of MA state MANUAL. Look through and find issues where your club can design programs in support. Here is a Quick Update on 7 Resolutions Just Passed at Fall Meeting 2014: ARTS- 1. Fine Arts Clubs will continue to encourage programs that promote art, crafts, dance, drama, and more. CONSERVATION- 6. Energy Usage Members will advocate for gasoline requirements and other disincentives on inefficient vehicles. Members should develop personal programs of energy conservation. CONSERVATION- 8. Hazardous Waste Urges government to update and strengthen initiatives for safe hazardous waste disposal, and urges our members to support reductions in household hazardous waste. CONSERVATION- 10. Litter and Packaging Reduction Work for the development of recycling facilities in all regions of our Commonwealth; enforce regulations concerning the disposal of litter and recyclables. EDUCATION- 6. Library Services Clubs are asked to continue their support of local libraries and education by encouraging school resource centers and public libraries to be upgraded to include the latest in technology. INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH- 12. United Nations Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) The United States is among seven countries that have not ratified this treaty. PUBLIC ISSUES- 20. War Veterans and Military Personnel This resolution was updated to include support of active duty military as well as military veterans. Fisher House was added to list of suggested facilities to support.

Odds n Ends Crockpot Lasagna Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef Lasagna noodles... 1 jar spaghetti sauce 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Directions Brown ground beef and drain. Spoon 1 Cup spaghetti sauce in bottom of 4 quart crock pot. Mix remaining sauce with beef. Place 2 uncooked lasagna noodles on sauce in crock pot. Spread 1/3 meat mixture on top of noodles. Spread 3/4 Cup cottage cheese over meat. Sprinkle 1/2 Cup mozzarella cheese over cottage cheese. Add another layer of uncooked noodles, 1/3 meat mixture, the remaining cottage cheese and 1/2 Cup mozzarella cheese. Place another layer of uncooked noodles, meat mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top. Cook on low for 4 hours. If cooked much longer, it gets a bit well done.

Every guy thinks every girls dream is to find the perfect guy...pshh! Every girls’ dream is eat without getting fat!

Why Report ? 

Reporting tells the history of your club and ultimately the history of our state. That is why it is important. The statistics given are compiled at the national level and allow GFWC to receive grants and corporate sponsors. It also allows a greater ease in procuring partnerships with national organizations.

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Reporting makes us credible as a whole and more desirable to partner with.

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We also make a greater impact in our donations and projects when the Information is combined and presented as a total organization. So tell us what you and your members do! It really does matter. Reports may be brought to roundtables before the 18th of January, at the Midwinter Meeting or mailed to Headquarters, no later than January25th.

Mid-Winter Meeting

Mid-Winter Meeting January 24, 2015 Sheraton Framingham Hotel Framingham, Massachusetts HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS: Rooms are available at the rate of $119.00/night & tax. Please make reservations directly with the hotel (508-270-1959) and ask for block rate for "GFWCMA". Reservation deadline is January 7, 2015.

Who’s Who at the Meeting - Neal Sanders, Author "The Principal Undergardener" blog Neal is the author of eight mysteries, several of which use garden club settings. He writes the popular ‘The Principal Undergardener’ blog, which addresses gardening as a non-gardener who loves gardens. His talk is adapted from those essays. He and his wife, Betty, maintain a two-acre garden in Medfield, Massachusetts that has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and included in the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days’ program.

- Tara Sareen FOR MORE INFORMATION— Contact Nancy Gale. Credentials and Registration Chairman, 13 Allison Road, Northborough, 01532 with check payable to GFWC of Massachusetts by Jan. 16, 2015.

Dates to Remember 

January 24 - Mid Winter Meeting (National Hot Tea Month)

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February 14 - Report Writing Workshop (Black History Month)

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March 5 - Club Institute at Headquarters

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April 2 - Awards Day

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April 25 - Annual Conference Junior Membership - TBA

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May2-3 - Annual Meeting - Doubletree Westboro

REMINDER - Have you paid your club dues?

A New Year’s Wish for You: May God grant you 12 months of Happiness, 52 weeks of Fun, 365 days of Success 8760 hours of Good Health, 52,6000 minutes of Good Luck and 3,153,600 seconds of Joy!

Editors: T Jablanski [email protected] 508.769.9008 Diane Erickson - Subscriptions [email protected] 508.856.9305

DEADLINE: Winter Issue Feb 15, 2015 Pictures need to be 20 or higher DPI (resolution) and sent as JPEGs Be sure to provide identification of subjects in picture and brief description of activity. Editors reserves the right to edit any copy used in the columns of the GFWC Massachusetts state newsletter Federation Topics