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GFWC Michigan

NEWSLETTER

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Member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs since 1895 May 15, 2017

Envision ~ Embrace ~ Empower

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Chris Burns, Editor

A message from

Donna Brown, President, GFWC Michigan Dear Members: An Incredible time for everyone! That was last weekend’s GFWC MI 2017 State Convention! We all began with our Donna Diva travels to the U.P., (I have never been to so many places at the same time, and such unusual places!) with the music of the Pink Cadillac leading the way! We were welcomed by the Terrace Bay Hotel staff with one of the most beautiful views in the whole of Michigan, Little Bay de Noc, which greeted us every day of our convention with beautiful waters and bright sunshine! I thank the Convention Chairman, Karen Krumm; Local Site Chairmen, Sherri Krause and Tracy Mayville; registration guru, Louise Swope; Credentials Co-chairman, Marlene Monson; tour guide/historical guru, and President of the home club, GFWC Escanaba, Darolyn Spannuth; Marie Nicholson, and the GFWC Newberry Club; of course, Donna’s Divas, Brenda Fleck and Shirley Leitgeb; plus all members of the Menominee, Iron Mountain-Kingsford, Escanaba, Newberry and Manistique Clubs, for their hard work that went into the planning and the staffing of the convention weekend. They are to be applauded for placing this convention into our GFWC Michigan history as extremely successful, educational, and fun-filled! Without their assistance, their tenaciousness, their excitement, and their endurance, we would not have had the wonderful convention we did have. And, a special thank you to all members (trolls!) who traveled a very long distance to attend this convention. We all became “Yoopers” and fit right in which helped make the convention more exciting and worthwhile. I hope you all enjoyed the experience! And, thank you for embracing the Donna Diva travels! I am sure you will all agree that spending the weekend with the GFWC International President, Sheila Shea, was a great time. She is a wonderful woman and leader! She enjoyed every aspect of the convention, the Thursday morning tour of Escanaba with the museum, art center, and lighthouse; this was President Sheila’s first time climbing to the top of a lighthouse! Thank you to all who made President Sheila so very welcome to the convention weekend! Our awards presentations from the District Presidents and State Chairmen made us more aware of how busy our clubs really are! Congratulations to all clubs who work so diligently with for all they do in their communities! You are all winners in all that you do, every day of the year! Without you, we would not be united as the General Federation of Women’s Clubs!

Once again congratulations to all of the Ms. Federation attendees! We are so proud of you and the work you have accomplished over the years you have been members of your GFWC clubs! And you all looked so beautiful! Thank you for attending and making our convention even more worthwhile! And, then there was the Menominee River Chorus, my goodness! They were absolutely fantastic! Including King Kong! Excellent singing voices, funny, and that also includes the Barbershop Quartet! Everyone was laughing so hard and singing along, as well! The evening was totally fabulous! And so, as we ended the convention with the theme music of “Northern Lights,” and travel theme of the Pink Cadillac, the 2017 convention was over! And, we begin to plan for the remainder of 2017, and into 2018. As you all know, GFWC MI Legislative Day is coming up, Wednesday, June 7, Radisson Hotel, Lansing, Michigan. 9:30 am to 3:00 p.m. There is a luncheon included and a tour of the Capitol. The program will be about Human Trafficking, and Conservation issues of Michigan water. You will find these programs very interesting and that could affect each and every one of us. You received registration forms at the convention, another mailing will be going out again to you, as we have a very quick turnaround for registration with the hotel! Please take a good look at this, and take the time to have an interesting day in our own Lansing Capital. GFWC Michigan Leadership Day is set for Saturday, July 22, 2017, Comfort Inn, Mt. Pleasant, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The how-to of being good officers in clubs and districts will be presented; learn more about team building, delegating, plus table top discussions on many issues. You don’t want to miss this! And please remember, Legislative Day and Leadership Day are just not for the officers of your clubs and districts, it is for all members to be made aware of many issues that will affect us all and to help you understand more about your own clubs and districts and how you can interact better! Club and District Presidents, try hard to gain attendance for both of these meetings! Both Registration forms are included in newsletter. And, a little bit further down the road for the fall, your Districts are now planning annual meetings. This is a time for members to attend their own area meetings for further education, awareness, and a chance to speak about issues you may have. District Presidents are encouraged to promote their meetings as soon as they can with all the information members will need to attend. Since I am still filled with Convention activities and a huge sense of pride for the content and those attending, congratulations again to all that made this convention, as I said in the beginning, incredible! Just like each and every one of you are! And, of course you are always, the best! (a/k/a Donna Diva )

Donna

[email protected] / H: 269-948-2790 C: 269-908-1010

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REPORTING 101 Back to Basics ===========================================================================

The difference between who we are and what we want to be is “what we do”. After listening to the reports and seeing all the awards presented to the various clubs at our wonderful 2017 State Convention, the “what we do is volunteer”! Your projects and the hours, dollars and in-kind donations are fantastic. More importantly, the results achieved and the communities that you have and continue to serve are the real benefactors. I touched a bit on reporting at our convention and you will be hearing more as time goes on. We will be having workshops at all of the Annual District Meetings this year and I’m in the process of revising your information and directions booklets. My goal is to make it easier to understand and complete. You all did a great job this year but hopefully we can make it less stressful for you in the future. Next month I will be attending the GFWC International Convention with President Donna (alias Donna Diva) and am looking forward to returning with plenty of new information to pass on and I am honored to be representing all of you and the State of Michigan at the convention. You will hear all about it in the next newsletter! Again, thank you for all you do and as I said to my own club when I spoke at our end of year banquet, “Hats off to GFWC Michigan and to our members”, You are the Best!

Sue Sue Johnson, 1st VP/Dean of Programs [email protected] / 231-349-5137 or 231-796-9439 (w-daytime) *******************************************************************************

GFWC MI / GFWC Membership News! “IT’S THE REAL DEAL”

GFWC MEMBERSHIP

The Real Deal

Going to the UP for State Conventions always brings back fond memories. My very first State Convention I ever attended was in the UP. Petey Semmens was the District President; what a treat to see her again this year! This year we had 26 registered as “first timers”, I sure hope we didn’t scare any of them away! One of the really fun things about the State Convention is the awards! I was honored to be able to present 1) District with the most new members (Southwestern) 2) Club with the most new members (Menominee/UPD) 3) Individual with the most new members (Elizabeth Datkovic/GFWC Sturgis -SWD). Elizabeth was the recipient of the coveted Miller Waterford Crystal Heart. She sponsored 5 new members. That deserves an Atta Girl! Don’t forget that at the next State Convention in Big Rapids, I will be drawing one lucky winner to receive a night out for two, including dinner, movie and free night in a charming Bed and Breakfast. All you need to do to get a chance to win is sponsor new dues paying members!!! Keep those names coming. I was also asked to select the most creative Membership program. That was GFWC Menominee with their “Friendship Brownies in a Jar”. It sounded fun and easy. To get the full details please contact Eileen Beyer, Club President. Her email is [email protected] She will be glad to share what they did. Don’t forget the GFWC Membership Campaign “52 Pick-Up” for March, April and May. New member reports are due to me by June 1st, 2017. Congratulations and welcome to all our new members. Be sure and watch for your Club to be listed in the next GFWC Clubwoman Magazine. Again, don’t forget to ask – have your “story and elevator speech” ready, you never know when they will come in handy. But Please don’t forget the “Real Reason” why we ask…where would our communities be without us? Get Excited…

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann Northon, 2nd VP/Membership

[email protected] / 231-734-3752 Page 3

ARTS - Creates and contributes to art education and activities by raising public consciousness and connecting members and clubs with their communities

ARTS CSP ARTS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS AT CONVENTION At the 122nd GFWC Michigan State Convention held in Gladstone, Michigan, the following clubs were given these awards in the ARTS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS. A big thank you to the 33 clubs who reported in ARTS CSP. You are all winners by your service! Following this list are 10 projects from around the state that jumped out as wonderful! It is always good to share these projects so other clubs can get ideas for projects they may want to do. Category 1:

1st Place: GFWC Millington Junior Women’s Club 2nd Place: {Tie} GFWC Sturgis Woman’s Club GFWC Mecosta “Heart of the Lakes” rd 3 Place: GFWC Vermontville Women’s Club

Category 2: 1st Place: GFWC Flushing Women’s Club 2nd Place: GFWC Tekonsha Research Club 3rd Place: GFWC Swartz Creek Women’s Club

President Jody Dean President Elizabeth Datkovic President Irena Wrona President Lois Siple President Karen McIntosh President Rebecca Devenney President Elaine Tucker

Category 3:

1st Place: GFWC Gun Lake Area 2nd Place: GFWC Escanaba Woman’s Club 3rd Place: GFWC Hastings Women’s Club

President Terri Starr President Darolyn Spannuth President Nola Edwards

Category 4:

1st Place: GFWC Charlotte 2nd Place: GFWC Iron Mtn-Kingsford WC 3rd Place: Royal Oak Woman’s Club

President Fran Fuller President Louise Swope President Mary Ann Carmichael

Projects from around the state: 1. GFWC Vermontville Woman’s Club coordinated and hosted their 77th Arts and Craft Show. This show is held during the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival and it is considered the first arts and craft show of the season. Club members complete the layout of vendor displays, assist vendors with set-up, staff an information table for the 2 days of the show, provide cookies and coffee for vendors during show open hours, and act as hostesses and goodwill ambassadors for the event. They present the queen and her court with flower bouquets and a special engraved charm commemorating their participating in the festival. No. of Club Members: 18 Members participating: 12 Volunteer Hours: 100 2. GFWC Tecumseh Monday Club participated in the Lenawee County Historical Museum Christmas Tree Display. Along with other local organizations, they decorated a tree for this annual display. They selected Teddy Bears of various sizes to decorate their Christmas Tree. The Director of the Museum said school children visiting were really excited to see this tree decorated with the various bears and more time was spent checking out the 35 bears that were donated. No. of Club Members: 5 Members participating: 2 Volunteer Hours: 10 In-Kind Donation: $125 3. For many years the GFWC Newberry Women’s Club has financially supported the Newberry Garden Club’s gardening art project by donating club funds to the members of the Newberry Garden Club in their ongoing effort to beautify the Newberry business corridor by planning large pots brimming with purple petunias and assorted trailing vines. The club’s work also encompasses the planting of garden berms in front of the Tahquamenon Area Schools complex, also on Newberry Avenue, the main street of this small Upper Peninsula village. Three women from GFWC Newberry Women’s Club are also members of the garden club and they donate to the local Spring Plant Sale that the Newberry Garden Club has each year and they assist with watering the community gardens and planters that line the main street. No. of Members: 13 Members participating: 11 Volunteers Hours: 31 $ Donated: $25 In-Kind Donation: $100 Page 4

4. In June the GFWC Harrison Women’s Club hosted their annual Arts Tea. They invited folks from the community to share this time with them. Ten folks were able to attend. Members and guests were asked to bring dolls that had special significance in their lives and share their stories. Members donated finger foods, for the Tea. The club provided tea, coffee and punch. Members enjoyed setting up the tables, serving the beverages and/or cleaning up. Three local businesses contributed plants and table decorations. No. of Club Members: 10 Members participating: 8 Volunteer Hours: 32 In-Kind Donation: $85 5. GFWC Gun Lake Area members created 6 Peace/Prayer Poles for their Township Park. These whimsical, yet inspirational poles were each designed, created, and permanently placed in the Township Park on floral garden berms which are also maintained by club members. Another wonderful addition to their park for all to enjoy! No. of Club Members: 93 Members participating: 7 Volunteer Hours: 322 In-Kind Donation: $300 6. GFWC Hastings Women’s Club supported the Art Pantry through the Thornapple Arts Council. Club members were informed that schools in the area had as little as $2.00 per student for the entire year to spend on art supplies. The Thornapple Arts Council created a pantry to collect art supplies and materials from the public for use in the schools. Members were given a list of needed items. Each month the club had a collection basket for donations. No. of Members: 55 Members participating: 18 Volunteer Hours: 18 In-Kind Donation: $122.50 7. The “Picture Lady” program was started by GFWC Big Rapids and remains an important educational program for students in 11 schools across two counties. One (1) member handles the planning and coordination of the program. Presenters include two (2) GFWC members along with five other community members. This is an amazing collaboration between the local arts agency “Artworks”, GFWC Big Rapids, and an instructor from Ferris State University. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with school children and share the gift of art appreciation, especially today in the face of declining support for arts in the schools. No. of Members: 36 Members participating: 3 Volunteer Hours: 18 Dollars donated: $20 8. GFWC Heart of the Lakes-Brooklyn women enjoy helping to beautify and bring a festive vibe to the community. They participate in decorating the gazebo in the square each year for Fall and Christmas. The village has a free event each year called Pumpkin Quest which is an event especially geared to celebrate fall with the children in our community. The week before the Pumpkin Quest the women meet and decorate the gazebo in the Fall/Halloween theme. They put up lights and many other fall decorations. Their organization also donated $200 to fund some of the Pumpkin Quest activities which involved face painting, games and activities and free pumpkins. Again, in December, the village sponsors a Christmas Parade. The week before the parade the women meet again to dismantle the fall decorations and put up the decorations for the Christmas season. The gazebo is decorated in lights, garland, wreaths and many other festive decorations for the holiday season. The village pays the electricity to keep the lights on for the fall and holiday season and graciously takes down the holiday decorations. After each decorating session the women all enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. No. of Members: 31 Members participating: 8 Volunteer Hours: 31 Dollars donated: $250 9. One GFWC Charlotte Women’s Club member presented the club with a dramatization of the life and work of Beatrix Potter. She dressed in period clothing, complete with hat and gloves and a stage set with a table, lamp, brocade rug, flowers and books. She mesmerized the members with her first person account of Beatrix Potter’s life. This member has also traveled to other cities and organizations to make the same presentation. No. of Members: 109 Members participating: 55 Volunteer Hours: 49 Dollars donated: $50 10. One GFWC Royal Oak Woman’s Club members attended the Northeast Regional Meeting of the National Federation of Music Clubs at the Chautauqua Institute (New York) in July. The member wrote a comprehensive report sharing her experiences and observations about the Institution’s 143 year history, summer programs offered, and its bucolic facilities. The Newsletter Editor received many positive comments about the article and wish other members would share their unique experiences. No. of Members: 116 Members participating: 1 Volunteer Hours: 4

Karen Merchant, Arts Chair

[email protected] / 616-902-7237 Page 5

GFWC MI EDUCATION FOUNDATION As President, I'm very proud to report the results of the GFWC MI Education Foundation Convention Fundraiser. We were so excited to receive baskets from so many Districts to use in the Silent Auction on Friday and Saturday. It was Team work with help of volunteers setting up the Silent bid sheets and organizing baskets. Four Pies, Education Foundation pin sales, and the sale of books "Unscheduled Landing" were figured into the equation. Our Foundation was in charge of the Friday luncheon table decorations and Fundraiser. We chose to use decorated wine bottles half full with marbles and red twigs to fill in the top. We used green tinsel around the base. We challenged every table to fill their Table Tree with dollars. For the most decorated tree with highest amount of cash, each person at that table would win a special gift of a book. We were all amazed to add all the donations together and added almost $2,000.00 for future scholarships in our Education Foundation. GFWC MI is by far made up of the most generous, caring, and giving women to the moon and back. We're so proud to be a part of it, and pay it forward, Amen!

Yo Yo Bellingar, Ed Foundation President

[email protected] / 231-679-0594

************************************************************************************* INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH – Affects change for our global friends in communities around the world through advocacy, education, and action.

INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH CSP Bringing Hope Around the World In the September, 2016 Newsletter, I issued a challenge to clubs to raise $2,000 by June, 2017 for Operation Smile. As reported at the recent State Convention, clubs reported donating $4,276 during 2016. What I don’t know is when were these donations made? And how many of you have donated since filing reports? Could each club please take a moment or two and let me know when you donated during 2016 and any donations since? Our goal was to help GFWC sponsor a medical mission for Operation Smile. Latest information provided to us is from GFWC regarding Operation Smile is as follows:

“In 2018, GFWC will be sponsoring a medical mission with Operation Smile to provide surgeries for children who would otherwise not have access to them. GFWC will also give a few clubwomen the chance to witness this life changing experience first-hand! Clubs donating $500 or more to Operation Smile will be entered into a GFWC sponsored drawing. For each $500 increment donated, clubs will receive and additional entry into the drawing. Winning clubs will be able to give one member the opportunity to participate in a self-funded Operation Smile Medical Mission in Central America! Clubs Page 6

may participate in this campaign through October 31, 2017. The GFWC drawing will take place on November 8 with clubs being notified of their selection by November 15. Contact Victoria Rusu-Ebert at [email protected] for more information.” So you still have time to donate and maybe your club could end up with a participant. In the same vein, I would love it if each club would drop me a note each time they donate to one of the four partners – Heifer International, Operation Smile, Shot@Life and UNICEF (including UNICEF-End Trafficking). I will keep a running total so that we can see how our state is doing in the financial support of these organizations. You can just email me at the address below. Dee Van Horn, International Outreach Chairman

[email protected] / 231-972-5737

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GFWC MICHIGAN FUNDRAISING We all know that Fundraising is necessary for GFWC Michigan Clubs to be able to make donations to their communities; but did you also know that during the 2016 year, GFWC MI Clubs raised $233,071.00, volunteering 18,802 hours while working on 168 projects. Thirty-three clubs did a great job creating new ideas, as they planned and accomplished their goals. First place winners acknowledged at the 2017 GFWC MI Convention were: • Category 1: GFWC Millington Jr’s Women’s Club • Category 2: GFWC Evart Woman’s Club • Category 3: Rochester Junior Women’s Club • Category 4: GFWC-Charlotte Two projects that were extremely creative: GFWC Gaylord Study Club created character bath towels which they sell. They have 40 different characters and take custom orders. The money is put back into their projects, bags, bibs, and ribbon towels for all newborns at the local hospital. Members raised $700. GFWC Manistique Women’s Club decided to hold a “Back Our Blue” project. This club held a Chile Supper at the Manistique school cafeteria and charged a $10 donation for the meal and a “Back Our Blue” decal. Servers wore T-shirts with “Back Our Blue” on them and they held a silent auction also. Members volunteered 200 hours and raised $3,500.00. The money was divided and donated to the Manistique State Police Post and the local Manistique Police Department. Thank you to all the GFWC Michigan Clubs who reported in fundraising. You have done a fantastic job for your clubs and communities. Nola Nola Edwards, Fundraising Chair

[email protected] / H: 269-945-4963/C: 269-838-0136 Page 7

GREETINGS FROM GUIDING HARBOR! HARBOR! Thank you. you Thank you to the forward thinking women of GFWC MI for creating Girlstown 59 years ago. Thank you to the clubwomen of today who continue to support Guiding Harbor/Girlstown with their time, talent, and treasure. In this newsletter, I would like to address the importance of saying thank you when we are given donations of cash or in-kind donations. We want to say thank you, you but we need your help to do this. When you make an in-kind donation of items from our wish list, we ask that you include a memo with your name, address or club name and contact’s address, a list of the items and estimated value of the total gift. Whether or not you need the data for your taxes, the Agency needs to keep a running total of in-kind donations for our annual audit. This information allows us to send you and/or your club a thank you. you Melissa Celani is our Board Treasurer. Checks should be sent to her at 23633 Elmwood Ct., Dearborn 48124. Since most people sending individual contributions have checks bearing their name and address, it is easy to send a thank you to those people. When sending a check from a club, please remember to include the contact person and address, so Melissa can send a thank you that can be read at your meeting. We would also like to recognize and say thank you to the clubs who send honorary or memorial donations. We request that you include your club’s contact AND the name and address of the person being honored or a family member of the deceased. A note will be sent saying that a donation to Guiding Harbor was made in honor of or in memory of their loved one. We can never say thank you enough for all the love and support shown to the children, families, and staff of Guiding Harbor. Come to the Open House on Saturday, July 15 from noon to 2:00 at the Girlstown residence, 11875 Quirk Rd., Belleville 48111 so we can say thank you in person.

Please join us for these two very special events where your support would be greatly appreciated. Wine Tour coming soon – Sunday, July 23rd . . . . . . . . . informational flyer on next page Guiding Harbor / Girlstown Annual Auction coming in the fall . . . . . please mark your calendar for our Annual Event to be held on Saturday, November 4th at the Western Golf & Country Club in Redford. More information will be forthcoming as we “Go for the Gold”.

Linda Linda Clayton, GH Board President

[email protected] / 734-355-2914

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Please join us at the

Sandhill Crane Winery 4724 Waltz Road, Jackson, MI 49201

For the

Guiding Harbor Wine Tour

on Sunday July 23, 2017 from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM Tickets are $30 and include hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting

You may purchase your tickets online at www.guidingharbor.org or www.guidingharborgt.org Direct link: https://guiding-harbor.atpy.it/guiding-harbor-wine-tour or mail a check with an order form to: Guiding Harbor, Attn: Maria, 525 Huron River Drive, PO Box 727, Belleville, MI 48112 A portion of your ticket is tax deductible

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Bay Cliff Health Camp Visitation Day is July 18th Bay Cliff Health Camp (commonly referred to just “Bay Cliff”) is a nondenominational therapy center whose primary mission is to improve the lives of children with physical disabilities achieved through an intensive sevenweek residential summer therapy camp. In other words, they receive treatments regarding their disabilities and also are given the opportunity to experience the lessons and fun of camping. The camp is located on 170 acres of land along Lake Superior near Big Bay in Marquette County. It was founded in 1934 by two MI women with a vision to improve the health care of children. It originally was an abandoned dairy Farm known as “Baycliffs” that had a very large house for all to see which everyone around referred to as the “Big House.” It is here, where they began a program for children who were malnourished and underweight. Keeping an emphasis on health, the focus moved to therapy due to the polio epidemic in the 30’s and 40’s and has remained a physical therapy camp ever since.. Bay Cliff has served an estimated 15,000 children, helping them to live fuller, more independent lives. The camp operates in the summer as well as the winter. In 1998 GFWC MI endorsed Bay Cliff as a GFWC Michigan Project. GFWC MI clubs have been working to donate to the Linen and Laundry Building a/k/a “Suds and Duds” where the campers’ clothing is prepared and stored for daily use. We also help them with donations of various items such as bedding and clothing including formals for their prom. Over the years a lot of quilts have been hand-made and donated by our members as well.

GFWC MI holds a Special Visitation Day at Bay Cliff for GFWC MI members in the summerusually July. Those who are interested, drive to Marquette the day before and stay overnight at the Marquette Ramada Hotel. At around 9:30 the next day, they carpool to the camp and are welcomed by the children and staff. The older boys take our members on a tour explaining everything and at noon we gather for lunch. The members sit with the children who share their rules for manners. After lunch there is a presentation from Mr. Tim (the Director) where he tells about the camp, thanks GFWC MI for their support, and then GFWC MI presents them with our donation. Everyone then goes into the auditorium where the girls talk about experiences at the camp. The day ends around 3:00 pm and our members head home full of excitement and pride. If you wish to participate in the annual visitation this year it will be July 17-18, 2017. Contact Diane Lahtinen, Chairman for more information. Please join us for this very rewarding experience. Diane Lahtinen, Bay Cliff Chair

[email protected] / 906-786-8561 / 906-280-4478

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OFFICIAL CALL GFWC MICHIGAN LEGISLATION DAY HUMAN TRAFFICKING - MICHIGAN’S WATER QUALITY CONSERVATION GRAZING Held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 with Registration from 9-9:30 am Please mark your calendars with this very important date! Cost $30.00 (includes lunch) due by June 1, 2017 Chair: Darlene Berent Legislation Day will again be held in a meeting room at the Radisson Lansing. Join us and become better informed about Human Trafficking, Michigan’s Water Quality, and Conservation Grazing. Invite state reps and senators from your community to attend. Support Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention, and Consequences. Learn the facts regarding Michigan’s Water Quality, including Flint! SCHEDULE - Registration 9:00 – 9:30 am - Program Starts with Human Trafficking presentation/updates (includes) Sen. Judy Emmons - Panel on Michigan Water Quality - Lunch - Conservation Grazing – reduce the use of chemicals to manage invasive plants - Visit the Capitol – 2 block walk - Program Ends – 2 block walk back to the Radisson Pre-arranged taxi service to and from the Capitol will be arranged for those in need of transportation for an additional cost. Please indicate if you have this need on the attached registration form. Discount rooms are available at the Radisson for those interested in staying the night of Tuesday, June 6, 2017. To make your hotel reservation please call Radisson Reservations at 1-800-333-3333 or with the hotel direct at 517-482-0188. Reservations may also be made by logging onto www.radisson.com/lansingmi. YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN RESERVATION! Reservations must be made by June 1, 2017. Valet parking is $12.00 per night. Page 11

LEGISLATION DAY REGISTRATION FORM YES! I want to be a part of this important Legislation Day focusing on HUMAN TRAFFICKING & MICHIGAN’S WATER QUALITY CLUB NAME ________________________________________________ MEMBER NAME(S)

PHONE #

E-MAIL

1. ___________________________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________________________ 3. ___________________________________________________________ 4. ___________________________________________________________ 5. ___________________________________________________________ 6. ___________________________________________________________ 7. ___________________________________________________________ 8. ___________________________________________________________ 9. ___________________________________________________________ 10.___________________________________________________________ 11.___________________________________________________________ 12.___________________________________________________________ (use back of page to list additional members) How many need pre-arranged taxi service to the Capitol? ___________ Please include your check(s) for $30.00 per person payable to: GFWC MICHIGAN MAIL TO: Kathy Lewis 695 Peach Tree Lane Rochester Hills, MI 48306 Registration is DUE BY JUNE 1, 2017 Contact Darlene Berent (249) 889-3242 or Kathy Lewis (586) 871-7832 with any questions.

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THANK YOU GFWC MICHIGAN! Last year the Upper Peninsula District invited you to take a Road Trip and come to the Upper Peninsula for the 122nd GFWC MI Convention…and you did. You picked up Donna Diva and traveled to Gladstone, Michigan. All 154 GFWC MI members and 35 guests enjoyed three days filled fun, friendship, awards, and education. We were honored to have our International President, Sheila Shea as our guest and keynote speaker. She provided us with her special insights into conflict resolution, and building our GFWC clubs. I am sure all who were at the convention now feel that they have a personal friend at 1734 N Street, NW in Washington, DC. We began the convention with a Welcome Fiesta for 80 people around the in-door pool. On Friday night, we honored 15 clubwomen as Ms. Federation. On Saturday afternoon we heard Ron Rademacher tell us about special places to visit on our travels around Michigan. Saturday night we laughed with the Menominee River Chorus (and King Kong) as we traveled with them as “Yoopers in New York.” On Sunday we remembered 42 clubwomen who passed on in 2016. In between, we celebrated our clubs who received awards in 2016, shared our thoughts on fourteen topics at our Table Top Discussions, and learned ways from Tom O’Connor to avoid conflict in our interaction with club members in our Leadership Workshop. The Education Foundation and Guiding Harbor hosted the Friday Luncheon and we turned bare branches into growing money trees for the Education Foundation Scholarship Fund. Guiding Harbor filled in our calendars with ways we can support them by attending events throughout the year. Home Life Chairman, Mary Sensabaugh challenged all the Districts to sponsor the training for a Canine Companion for Independence Service Dog as another way to extend our helping hand to our veterans. We set the tone for the convention with our Northern Lights table decorations and our Mackinaw Bridge that connects our two peninsulas. We honored our GFWC MI President, Donna Brown, with a table decorations highlighting her Daffodil project and her Clean Water project with our “Always Fresh-Sometimes Frozen” table decorations. The Northwestern District has invited us to “Go Tubing Down the River” and come to the 123rd GFWC Convention in Big Rapids on April 20-22, 2018. We can’t wait for next year for another wonderful weekend with our GFWC Sisters!

Karen Karen Krumm, Convention Chair and UPD President

[email protected] / 906-748-4686

Editor’s Note: Thanks to the entire UPD District and Convention Committee for all the sharing, fun and laughter. We are truly all GFWC sisters whether we are a Yooper, a Troll, or a Diva. Page 14