The Cherokee Rose the Newsletter for the GFWC Woman’S Club of Palatka

The Cherokee Rose The Newsletter for the GFWC Woman’s Club of Palatka

March 2021 Linda Priest, President

Wow! Can you believe it is March already? If you haven’t been to the club lately, drive through the driveway and enjoy the azaleas. They are so beautiful this year. All the hard work of the grounds committee last year is showing now. Mentioning azaleas, what a successful azalea sale we had this year. The weather cooperated and it was a nice day outside. So many of the people who bought our azaleas were repeat customers. They wait until our sale to purchase azaleas. This year the azaleas are beautifying the lawns of homes, churches and businesses fulfilling the original purpose of the sale – to beautify our community. Some of the azaleas are going to Clay and Marion Counties. It is very satisfying to see these plants going into other counties to promote beauty and health to the

pollinators who love them as well. Much appreciation and gratitude to Dee Parker and her husband, Terry, and all the volunteers who helped with this fundraiser. Appreciation to Pat Baughman for a wonderful lunch provided for the volunteers and to Lynne Currie for the delicious brownies. This year we sold 1900 plants! We could not have done it without you and all of those who purchased the

azaleas. Again, many “thanks” to you all, those mentioned and those who were behind the scenes , un-named but working hard to make this a successful event. We have some exciting things coming this month and into April and May. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the March luncheon (please RSVP to Kay Hope via email if you plan to th attend), the tickets for the Fashion Show on the 27 are on the website for purchasing. We have even had whole tables purchased for this event! I love it! We have a dinner & country rock band in April and a reading by the River City Players in May. Stay tuned for more details via email, Facebook, and newsletters. The “Prize Opportunity Tickets” (aka raffle tickets) will be available at the March luncheon. This is another huge and extremely important fundraiser for our club, ladies. Not only do we get funds to benefit qualifying local students with scholarships but we also can bring in much needed funds to continue running our club so we can do what we do best – help our community. This is a fundraiser we all can join. If you have any questions as to how you can participate from home (should you not be attending functions right now) call me. I have ideas! We will be welcoming our latest new member at the March luncheon, giving me 115 reasons to love this club – our members! United we make a difference for our members, our club, and our community. As Rosie the Riveter would say, “We can do this!”

Love to all, Linda

Celebrate Women’s History Month Join GFWC in recognizing women’s contributions to history, culture, and society from March 1-31. Women’s History Month, observed annually in March since 1987, is dedicated to reflecting on the often-overlooked contributions of women to U.S. history. From Abigail Adams to Rosa Parks, the timeline of women’s history milestones stretches back to the founding of the country. The official recognition of Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, in 1978. As part of this celebration, presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest, and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa, California. A few years later, the idea caught on within other communities, school districts, and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, as National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration, and six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March. One of the many ways Women’s History Month has been celebrated since then involved a 50-year progress report issued by the White House in 2011, which detailed the status of women in the U.S. The report found that younger women were more likely than their male counterparts to hold a college degree and that the number of men and women in the labor force had nearly equalized. Continue to follow News & Notes through March as GFWC celebrates Women’s History Month! https://www.gfwc.org/news-publications/news-notes/

Arts & Culture – Carol Lutter GFWC Woman’s Club Palatka February Luncheon at the club house saw a good turnout. We were fortunate to have two amazing speakers from The ARC of Putman County, Inc., Kari Bates, and Abbey Such (pictured with Carol Lutter). The theme was Arts & Culture and they spoke to us about how important the arts are to the residents of The Arc. Having challenges in their lives does not deter them, and they actually look forward to their creative time. We will definitely be hearing from them again. Photo by Elizabeth Elliott GFWC PALATKA WOMEN’S CLUB DISTRICT 4 WINNERS GFWC Palatka had a great showing at the District 4 Arts and Culture Competition on February 24-25, 2021. We had 6 First place winners, 7 second place winners, and 3 third place winners. First place winners were Debra Daniels for Paint on China (Cardinal), Ornament (2000 Thumb Tac’s all glued by hand), Natural Materials (Southern Bell). Joan Godwin won first place for her Doll Clothes (Crocheted Bride Gown) and Drawing (Bear portrait). Julie Hart won first for her photo Natural History (Alligator). Second Place winners were Linda Priest for Jewelry (Beads), Fabric (Quilted Photo by Elizabeth Holiday-van Gnome), Debra Daniels for Clay (Shark and Octopus) and Recycled Rensberg Materials (Dragonfly – made from broken whisk). Director’s Choice Award D4 goes Third Place winners were Mindy Estep for Photo Florida (What to Joan Godwin … the photo Ant?), Photo (Behind the Scenes), Joan Godwin for Scratch Art doesn’t do her justice! Acrylic Painting, Watercolor (Twin Frogs) and Debra Daniels for Crochet (Twin Plus Afghan) and Mixed Media (Daisies). Congratulations to all who participated. Hope everyone is thinking about next year.

Health & Wellness – Mindy Estep Kicks for Kids Fundraiser Sip & Paint We had 32 ladies in attendance for our first Sip & Paint on February 25th. We had a such a wonderful time, the next one is tentatively scheduled for June! Look at the lovely artwork we produced. I can’t draw a stick figure ant… Photos by Julie Hart A big thank for all who turned out to bag for tips! Don’t forget your pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House and bras for Save the Girls!

Photo by Tiffany Sage Photography

We SOLD OUT! Yes, Dee Parker out did herself this year. We sold 1800 azaleas or an entire truckload. But wait, the grower was able to fit another 100 plants on the truck. And they sold out too. Dee will be sleeping well Friday night; I saw a couple of bottles of champagne….

Photo by Elizabeth Elliott

Photos by Tiffany Sage Photography

4 as Club President Mrs. Roy Germany passed the gavel to Mrs. Porter Angel. If the Angel name sounds familiar it is because Doris and her husband were the owners of Angel’s Diner and resided in Palatka’s North Historic District. Doris presided over 284 club members and during her term welcomed 32 new members to the club. In the words of member Pat Buchanan, “If you were asked to join, you had made it.” The 1956 membership list seems almost impossibly large and one wonders if the ladies ate in shifts. The Executive Board lists 23 members doing the work of the Club alongside the eight officers. Although the clubhouse was only seven years old, records indicate that in 1956 it was painted at a cost of $487.00. At the same time drapes were ordered with a price tag of $523.00. The Woman’s Club was in good shape financially and supported a wide range of charities. The club had both a savings and a checking account totaling, on average six thousand dollars. Betty Milne served as treasurer and her reports show donations to the Boy Scouts, Indian Welfare, The T.B. Association, March of Dimes and Teen Town. The latter was an activities center for teenagers. It is noted that a six-piece orchestra from Daytona was engaged for $100 to play at the club’s Christmas Dance that year. Proceeds from the dance netted $79.01. President Angel donated .99 and the Photo courtesy of Nancy Harris profits were split between Teen Town and the Hilltop House. Funds were raised in a variety of ways and annual dues appear to have been $1.50 in 1956. One of the largest revenue sources was the club’s Birthday Calendar. For a donation, your birthday was listed on the calendar and businesses bought advertising spaces throughout the calendar year. The clubhouse was rented out and it appears that rental rates were fairly fluid, ranging from fifteen to twenty-five dollars. Monthly utilities averaged at $25.00 and the piano was tuned for seven dollars. Club members championed two projects specifically in 1956 – building a Junior College and Putnam Memorial Hospital. The draw to join the Woman’s Club was a straightforward one, “We were doing civic works,” explains Pat Buchanan “and we were all great friends.” From card parties to fashion shows, Mad Hatter and Birthday Luncheons to the annual Follies and Confetti Ball for teenagers, the Woman’s Club of 1956 stayed busy and productive. President Doris Angel served at a time when family, Church and club were the cornerstones of a well lived life. Her love for the Woman’s Club spanned a lifetime and her photograph smiles at us from the president’s wall at the clubhouse.

Elizabeth van Rensburg Club Historian 2021-23

Disclaimer: Information in this article came from interviews and our archives; the minutes, treasury reports, yearbook, and president’s report for the year 1956.

(continued next page)

Can they see the live parakeet?

Photo courtesy of Nancy Harris The ladies of the Mad Hatter group are the winners of the hat completion; Nancy believed there were several categories hence the lineup of ladies. Her best guess is early 1960's because “I remember hat that mother created … and the subsequent demise of the poor parakeet.”

As best she could recall the names are: (l to r) Beverly ______(last name unknown) Rae Hall Norma Benson Doris Angel Kathryn Couver (I'm pretty sure . . .?) Hazel Huff

The President's theme in 1973 was "Each One, Reach One" - not as a marketing strategy for new members but instead a call to deepen friendships inside the Woman's Club of Palatka.

Mrs. Margaret Rideout presided over 216 members of the club in 1973. This was a year of change at the Woman's Club. A loan was secured in the amount of $2,950 and the Club exterior was painted, the ceilings were lowered, new lighting was installed, and a sound system purchased. In March, a thousand was paid on the loan and in June, five hundred more went toward the principal. Mrs. T.E. MacGibbon headed the Clubhouse committee for Repairs and Replacements.

The budgeted income for the year was $4,720. Membership dues began the year at ten dollars but were raised to $15 in November. The reason for this rather large hike was the club's annual fashion show fundraiser. It was noted that 86 members did not sell or purchase their assigned tickets and the decision to include two tickets in the cost of membership was made.

Monthly membership meetings fluctuated between luncheons, coffees, and a covered dish dinner that husbands were encouraged to attend. The 1973 Birthday Luncheon was attended by one hundred and eighty-six ladies. At the February coffee meeting, the program was the History and Care of Wigs presented by the Wig Wam Store.

The club received a bronze plaque from Rodeheaver Boys Ranch in May. Ladies of the sewing committee had donated one hundred and twenty-eight hours of mending to the ranch and the plaque was in thanks for their efforts.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

5 28 1 2 3 4 6

Azalea order deadline Board Meeting Azalea Pickup Read Across 9:30 noon – 6pm America

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Garden &

Grounds

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Member Luncheon – Environment program 11:30

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Fashion Show D4 Awards 11 - 2 Meeting 1 2 3 28 29 30 31

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

March 2021

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 28 29 30 31 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Garden & Grounds 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Brown’s Landing Clean-up tentative April 2021

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

BBQ & Country Rock Band 6-9pm 25 26 27 28 29 30 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Notes: 2021-2023 Officers President - Linda Priest, [email protected] 4/24 – Lake Shore Woman’s Club Luau President Elect - Mindy Estep, [email protected] 4/24 – Federation Day Celebration Crescent City 10:30am 1st Vice President - Lucy May, [email protected] 5/14-16 – GFWS Florida Convention, 2nd Vice President - Erin Hewes, Orlando [email protected] 5/1-2 – River City Players reading Recording Secretary - Kay Hope, [email protected] Treasurer - Joan Godwin, [email protected] Stay tuned for details on the BBQ & Corresponding Secretary - Nicole Grace, Country Rock Band event! [email protected] Auditor - Lynne Currie, [email protected]

Camellia Johnson Image from 1993 MOT production of Aida. Performers : Johnson, Camellia (Singer) Palatka, FL, September 15, 1953 – August 26, 2015

THE MEZZO STUDIED at Bethune-Cookman University School of Music before making her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1985, as Lily in Porgy and Bess. Her other Met roles included Madelon in Andrea Chenier, Serene in Porgy and Bess and the Priestess in Aida. Johnson was also much admired at Glyndebourne, where she was a superb Strawberry Woman in Trevor Nunn’s production of Porgy, conducted by Simon Rattle. An excellent recitalist and concert artist, Johnson performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama.

Image from 1993 MOT production of Aida

Humorous/Thoughtful Quote You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do. Carl Jung

Laugh of the Day What did the bread say to the butter? You’re my butter half.

From Rhea: Now that the Azalea Sale is over, let’s keep the garden and grounds looking good! We can attract more rentals, too. We are attempting to develop a schedule for a Garden & Grounds Day every second Thursday. There's lots of enthusiasm for the next one and we have plenty to do.

When it is bad weather, we will skip it. The weeds don't mind! See you there - Rhea

March Club Luncheon The luncheon will be served at noon on In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we will be serving: Thursday, March 18th, 2021 ... but everyone usually turns up around 11:30 (for the benefit Corned Beef of new members). Boiled Cabbage, Carrots As always, confirmation of attendance is Boiled Potatoes required before noon on Tuesday, March 16th Irish Soda Bread to secure a place. Baileys Chocolate Cake As always, please reply to me by email – as Pistachio Dessert phone calls, messages, and texts can be missed, forgotten, or not passed on. -Kay Iced Tea

New Members a/k/a … getting to know you! My name is Lori Slaven. I am a rare breed in that I was born and raised in Palatka, currently living in Satsuma. Other than years away for college, I have never lived anywhere else. My husband (Mike) and I have three adult children, our boys both live in the area and our daughter lives in PA. We have eight grandchildren and the love of my life, Tank our six-year-old Pittie. I am going into my third year as Executive Director of Lee Conlee House. Prior to accepting the position of ED, I was the Finance Director coming from the Florida Department of Health in Putnam where I was the Business Manager. I am an active member of Sunrise Rotary (Florida's Friendliest Club) and am active in my church. I love this community and volunteer with several community organizations. I can't imagine living anywhere else as I can't imagine another place offering the peace and tranquility that comes with living in Putnam County.

Happy Birthday! Nora Rensel – 3/08 Karen Dampier – 3/09 Kathy Collins – 3/11 Gina Gilman – 3/13 Betsy Driggers – 3/22

Text between Kay Hope and her Dad…Hey Lovely! I think I have finally gotten the hang of this “on-line” banking! Kay…That’s not online banking, Dad. That’s money laundering. It’s illegal! Stop it!

You can order your tickets online and at the March meeting!