Posted by By Angie Sellmeyer, GFWC-OK McAlester Fortnightly Historian
The GFWC-OK McAlester Fortnightly Spring Banquet found State President, Charlene Ridgway, exclaiming over the many achievements and awards Clubwomen have earned. Many club members were honored during the banquet. Serving next term as club officers are: Brenda Calahan, President; Paula McGee, Vice-President; Ellie Merwitz, Secretary; Audrine Randolph, Treasurer and Angie Sellmeyer, Historian.
McKinlee Crase, Director of the KIBOIS Domestic Violence Shelter, was the keynote speaker. She praised the club for assisting with projects by collecting toys, clothes, and appliances for the women’s shelter, plus she explained how we have assisted individual women to graduate from the shelter.
GFWC OK McAlester Fortnightly scholarship Chairman Mary Burris, presented two scholarships to young men on their way to a bright future. First scholarship is the Bobby Schumaker scholarship awarded to Mason Coxsey. The Alene Puterbaugh Scholarship was then awarded to Blake Byrum.
Volunteer Service recognition pins were awarded to Clubwomen with 5 years, 10 years and 20 years of service. New members were recognized and given the GFWC insignia pin.
The Daughters of the Prairie Junior Club Pledge was led by President Gabrielle Deputy. Fortnightly Vice President, Paula McGee, led the GFWC Club Collect written by author Mary Stewart in 1904.
Many “Thanks” were given to the Literary subclub for the wonderful luncheon, to the Arts and Crafts subclub for delightful decorations and to Casual Gourmet subclub for inviting the speakers.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs, (GFWC), is an International volunteer organization dedicated to improving our communities with public service projects. “Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention” is the Signature Project.
Further information is available at gfwc.org and gfwc-ok.org.