Back to School

It is “that” time of year again!! School is getting back into session and everyone is falling into a routine again. Here are some reminders for ensuring safety of schoolchildren everywhere this year:

1.Make sure coats, lunch boxes and backpacks are labeled. But, DON’T put your child’s first and last name on the outside of clothing and bags!!! That gives predators too much information!
2.Remind your child of safety precautions and procedures prior to school starts! Example: Never leave school with anyone that you don’t know or that your parent didn’t authorize directly.
3.This is the perfect time to establish or reinforce family emergency procedures.
4.And this one is for everyone whether they have students or not…..DRIVE CAREFULLLY!!! The start of school means more traffic, children at bus stops and school buses on the road!

Additionally, let me suggest that your club make an Education activity a priority these first few months. Take up supplies for needy students or offer to sponsor a local classroom….I promise you that the students AND the teachers will greatly appreciate it!

It hasn’t been too long since our chapter, Junior Woman’s Club of Columbia (SC), held our spring installation. It was an exciting time as a wonderful new board was installed. I am serving as Provisional Vice President and Education Department Chair for this year and I am so excited about those opportunities. As you read this, I am preparing for our summer membership social in August. This year it will be a JWC Columbia “Fiesta”!! One of our members owns a stationary shop and she graciously donated the cutest Fiesta themed invites! Now, I have to get them all addressed and mailed!

Last night I attended the District Meeting for GFWC-SC with three fellow board members and really good friends. We had a terrific time and by the end, all four of us had been elected to serve on a state committee…how exciting for us and our club! It was an informative evening and an all around good time with women from our district.

I love being a Clubwoman! This has become such a part of my life — a life changing part! I’ve made great friends, gotten actively involved in my community and invaluable leadership experience. I can’t imagine life without GFWC and my chapter!

Being installed as Provisional Vice President

I LOVE meeting other Clubwomen! We met Doris, from Columbia Women's Club at the District Meeting!

This year I had the pleasure of serving on the event committee.  After months of meetings, donation solicitation and planning, we held Baubles and Bubbles on February 19, 2009.  We sold 300 tickets to the “ladie’s only” event and everyone had a wonderful time! 

The numbers won’t be announced until our year end Awards and Installation Banquet in a few weeks, but it appears to be close to $20,000 for the shelter!

(I have tried to upload photos for you to see, but unfortunately it keeps telling me the files are too big!!)

One huge blessing over the last few months has been my friends, especially some of my JWC Columbia girls!  One friend brought dinner, books and magazines after dinner, while another kept my dog while I was recovering!  It was wonderful to know they cared during this craziness!

Melanie and Kristie in Dec. 2008

When first assigned the task to write about my mentor, my immediate reaction was one of a deer in headlights.  “I don’t have a mentor!” was my first thought.  And, so I began, like I always do to research the topic.  I asked friends who were there mentors and I consulted the Webster’s Dictionary.  There I learned that a mentor is defined as “a wise adviser; a counselor”.  I’ve known many people who have filled that role in my life – from family, friends, career, social and civic activities.  But, I kept coming back to my best friend, Kristie. 

Kristie and I became fast friends while working with the youth at church when my oldest son and her only son were still in elementary school.  I can’t count the numerous phone calls, e-mails and conversations that have transpired since  that time.  And, then there are the countless laughs and tears shed together.  Kristie is first and foremost an inspiration to me.  She’s a single, working mom who has been in school (she’s working on her third master’s degree right now!) since I met her.  And, yet, through all of it, she always has the happiest, most positive outlook on life.  She takes nothing for granted and, as her son often jokes, she gets excited about everything, even the little stuff.  

Kristie has been adviser and counselor to me in general life activities — marriage, children, friends, and career.  When I was starting my degree in Education and making a career change she was there to encourage and challenge me.  She never hesitated to offer me advice, a new way of looking at things, and materials!  She was always my go-to person when a project was assigned.  She still helps me out when I need it and for the last year it has been more than any one person could have asked for. 

I can’t think of enough, or even the right, words to say “thank you” to Kristie for being my confidante, my mentor and most of all, my best friend.