Members of Woman's Club of Farmingdale Attend International Convention

7/5/24

Members of Woman’s Club of Farmingdale Attend

International Convention

The 2024 General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc. (GFWC) 55th Annual International Convention was held recently in Chicago, IL. Women’s clubs from around the nation, as well as the world, came together once again to live their volunteer spirit and discuss action issues for projects, advocacy & training to make the world a better, safer place while meeting old & new “sisters.” First time attendees from Aruba, Nevada, Wisconsin, Colorado Springs, Maryland, Austria, Brazil and the Philippines were warmly welcomed.

At the “A Night at the Diamond Club” Gala, the members of the Illinois Women’s Club turned out in force to showcase their GFWC spirit in their 1920’s best, as did many club women from a diversity of states and countries, including from New York, the Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) members Past President Barbara Hoerner, President Lynda Leone, Linda Kreussling, Tina Diamond and Vicky Impollonia. President Leone, as the NYS Leads representative, carried in one of the ceremonial flags. The Installation Ceremony, which occurs every two years, serves as the official transfer of leadership from one administration to another. The gavel and pin were passed to a new International GFWC President, Suellen Brazil, from Alabama. Suellen pledged to dutifully serve GFWC and proudly shared her Administration’s platform to increase Membership, Build Strategic Partnerships, and Launch a Brand New GFWC Online Learning Program. The Convention included three days of workshops, luncheons, business meetings & gala dinners concluding with the installation banquet of the new GFWC Intl President, Suellen Brazil, and her 2024-2026 Administration. This purple gala (purple decorations and table settings) is in honor of the newest GFWC affiliate organization, the Alzheimer’s Association. Many clubs received awards for various programs, including the WCF for their ”Beads of Courage Project” and for membership growth.

Beads of Courage is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and teens coping with serious illness, their families, and the clinicians who care for them. Every Beads of Courage® program integrates the use of beads, the earliest art form known to humans, as visible, tangible symbols of human experiences that need and deserve to be expressed. Every time a bead is given courage is honored, suffering is alleviated, resilience is strengthened, and the experience of human caring is affirmed.

A Wonderful, Patriotic Party was enjoyed by all at the Farmingdale Adult Day Care Center recently, including the seasonal choir made up of performers from St. Kilian's Choir, Community Members, Retired FSD Fine Arts Director Rita Padden and her husband Tom and members of the Woman's Club of Farmingdale. In addition, at this event, several day care members also joined in the singing of well-loved patriotic songs. But the Star of the Show was Hank, a WWII veteran. After receiving a special acknowledgement from Day Care Director Mike, Hank spoke to the guests about his war experiences. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, HANK!

submitted by Maria Ortolani, WCF Publicity Chair