I’m A Clubwoman

Every year GFWC Illinois schedules Legislation Day. It’s a day in our state capital for our members. This year there were about 60 ladies that attended. Citizens need to take a little time to get to know their legislators. It was terrific experience for all of us. Not only did we get to bond with our sisters from all over the state, we got a real education on what the daily life of a law maker is all about. I can’t stress the importance of an educated electorate to you. I guess this is really my “Passion Project!”

Memorable quote: Nothing moves fast in a Democracy!

Our club membership is constantly growing in spite of the advanced age of many of our members. We really feel that having quality programs at the meetings is a big part of why ladies want to join with us. We have a good mix of educational and entertaining programs, usually giving the performer an hour after the business portion of the meeting. We begin our meetings at 1:00 and ask the entertainer to come at 2. At 3 we have the most incredible home made desserts and coffee or tea.

The meeting of my club last week was like looking out at a Sea of Red. Every February, many of us wear red to our meeting, not because of Valentine’s Day, but to note Women’s Heart Health Month. We have a large club, and there was a LOT of red to look at!

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.

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!

Mabel Lou Weber has only been my friend for nine years. But in that time, she has recognized me as a potential leader and encouraged me to do things I would never have dreamt of doing. I think the thing I admire about her the most is her ability to recognize promise in others and her enthusiasm to bring out the best in them. She is generous and giving with her time and all her talents. She loves life and is positive and cheerful, even in the face of difficulties. In fact her old friends have given her the nickname, “Gus” for Gusto! She loves her family and friends, and we know it.