I’m A Clubwoman

I have to tell the story of one of the past presidents of my club. Barb Gray was a sleepwalker. On Dec. 14, 2005, the day of our club Christmas Party, she got up in the middle of the night, opened her locked basement door, and fell all the way down the stairs to the basement. She broke her neck.

Have you ever been in the situation where someone asks you to do something, but you’re not real sure what you’re getting into? My first year as a clubwoman has been that way! Lucky for me they haven’t steered me wrong! This week I had another one of those “opportunities.”

Who is my mentor? My life has been influenced by so many great and wonderful women, but one that sticks out is our local Pierian Club president, Mary Lou Gilbreath. Mary Lou has been part of my life for a very long time.

Just last week Congress, the Senate and President Obama voted to support the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Which is a step up for women everywhere. (Please see the extensive story in the GFWC Clubwoman Magazine).

One of the things I have enjoyed most in GFWC membership is the annual Arts and Crafts Show sponsored by my district. (GFWC Illinois District 10) We have an unusually large district of 14 clubs, and three of them are among the largest in the state. Ladies from clubs around the district bring their arts and craft work to show and to be judged. The winners receive ribbons and recognition. As adults how many times do we get to be recognized for our handiwork and hobbies? We see our kids win awards all the time, but this is the time for Mom and Grandma to be recognized. Time for the kids to be proud of us!