The first meeting of the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club for the 2022-2023 calendar year was held Sept. 8 at the Russellville First Baptist Church Green Room.

Members were asked to wear their favorite team colors. Tables were decorated for Auburn University, University of Alabama, University of North Alabama, Russellville High School Tigers and more. The refreshments – chicken fingers, chips, dips, candy and drinks – were served in tailgate fashion.

Co-hostesses were Michelle Sibley and Debbie Beason.

The following officers were introduced: President Brenda Oliver, Vice President Ponda Gordon, recording secretary Gayle McAlister, corresponding secretary Cindy Bailey, treasurer Leah Masterson, historian Susie Hovater Malone and parliamentary adviser Cheri McCain.

Each member was given a copy of the club’s yearbook, which included membership roster, committee assignments, bylaws, standing rules, programs and projects for the year. The cover was designed by Lela Ray, and I did the layout. The yearbook will be submitted for judging to the University of Alabama for scholarships.

President Oliver presented the program on “Living the Volunteer Spirit – Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes,” which is GFWC Alabama President Jan Greer’s project. Alabama Federated Clubs are encouraged to sponsor projects honoring these heroes in their communities during this two-year administration.

Each month Book Lovers will feature a program honoring our local heroes, such as healthcare workers, veterans, firefighters, librarians, educators, police officers and more.

Special recognitions and goodie bags for local heroes will be presented throughout the year.

WALK TO WELLNESS FUNDRAISER

The Book Lovers Walk to Wellness Fifth Annual Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraiser will be held Oct. 29. This year’s walk is in memory of Maudie Darby Bedford.

Registration will be held at the Russellville High School Field House in the Touchdown Club Room. Registration fee is $20 and may be paid on the day of the event at 9 a.m. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m.

Free T-shirts will be given to the first 100 registered.

Pre-registration is available through any Book Lovers member or may be mailed to Walk to Wellness, 60 Morgan Court, Russellville, AL 35653.

The proceeds will be donated to the Russellville Hospital Cancer Fund and cancer survivors.

The planning committee members are Michelle Sibley, Patricia Cox, Anna Carol Porter and Shelia Upchurch.

Cheri McCain gave a report on the GFWC Alabama Leadership Workshop, which was held at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover in August. It was well attended, and a lot of information on projects and programs was presented.

Members observed Sept. 8 as International Literacy Day and Sept. 11 as Grandparents Day.  Other September recognitions include Cholesterol Awareness, Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Childhood Cancer Awareness, Hunger Action Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month and Library Card Sign-up Month.

The meeting adjourned with the reading of the “Collect.”