The Russellville Public Library was the site for the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club’s January meeting. The program focus was on celebrating the General Federation of Women’s Clubs/Alabama FWC President’s Project: Living the Volunteer Spirit, Honoring Everyday Heroes. Librarians are everyday heroes! Club members donated books to the Russellville Public Library.

Joshlyn Bowen, director of the library and member of Book Lovers Study Club, presented an informative program on the library.

Lela Ray gave the institute on Helen Keller.

Brenda Oliver, club president, asked members to give information on their volunteer hours, projects and donations to the club’s committee to compile reports for GFWC Alabama, which are due Feb. 1. Serving on this committee are Cheri McCain, Patricia Cox, Brenda Oliver and myself.

GFWC Alabama clubs in the state are requested to submit their reports annually. Why report?

These reports are the “diary” of the club’s activities during the year – providing pictures of achievements and accomplishments of members. The reports are the heart and soul of the club’s history.

The reports are also the basis of publicity and communication campaigns. They help future club members plan activities, knowing what was or was not successful in the past, and are useful for membership recruitment.

Furthermore, these reports are necessary to compete for recognition and awards on the district, state and international levels of the GFWC.

Reports also provide critical statistical information to help GFWC represent the membership to national policy makers.

They assist clubs when writing grants, as they provide the history of the club’s activities.

In other business, club members Cindy Bailey and Gayle McAlister were selected to attend the Leadership Seminar that will be held at the GFWC Alabama Headquarters in Birmingham. Cheri McCain, state LEADS chairman, stated, “Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on their current leadership skills. Once needed skills have been identified, each attendee will revive as an individualized action plan is made to seek out the needed skills to be an effective leader!”

Correspondence was received from Safe Place expressing appreciation for Book Lovers’ donation of 24 pairs of pajamas, valued at $300. This year marked Safe Place’s biggest Christmas donations of 144 pairs.

A thank you note was also received from FAME for our donation.

The club’s annual membership dues for the Chamber of Commerce were approved.

Joshlyn Bowen, Sheila Upchurch and Lela Ray were acknowledged as hostesses.   

The Collect was read for the closing of the meeting.   

Malone is lifestyles columnist for the Franklin County Times.