Milton Woman's Club gets top honors
The GFWC Milton Woman's Club, Inc. may be a small group of women, less than 25 in number, but they accomplish more in one year than clubs much larger in size. For 12 years, they have won Best Club for their size (25 or less members) in the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs (FFWC).
During the recent FFWC convention in Orlando, immediate past president, Anthea Amos, 1st Vice President Paula Lou Mapoles and Janet Amos represented the local club and were delighted hearing the Club's name called again and again to receive awards for their outstanding community service work during the past year.
Awards received include: Outstanding Spirit of the Wounded Service Member for Sew Much Comfort; Certificate of Voluntary Excellence for Sew Much Comfort; 1st Place – Arts – Arts in the Community; 1st Place – Conservation - Resource; 1st Place – Conservation – Beautification; 1st Place – Overall Conservation Department; 1st Place – Education – Education in the Community
1st Place – Overall Education Department Winner; 2nd Place – Education – Literacy; 1st Place – Overall Home Life Department Winner; 1st Place – Home Life Department – Focus on Health; 1st Place – Helping Hands in the Community; 1st Place – International Affairs Department – United Nations; 1st Place – Overall International Affairs Department; 2nd Place – Reaching Out Internationally; 3rd Place – Fund Raising; 2nd Place – Leadership; Certificate of Appreciation for KIND News, a newsletter provided to three Santa Rosa County District teachers; and Honor Score Certificate for having 100+ points on the FFWC Honor Score in donations/contributions to FFWC.
The Milton Woman's Club took 3rd Place in the state for their 2008-10 Community Improvement Contest Award. In addition, the club received a $100 for their "Books for Babies" project, written by Paula Lou Mapoles and another $100 for their "Dress for Success" project, written by member Janet Rothbart.
The FFWC held an "Artful Bra Contest" to benefit Breast Cancer Research. Milton Woman's Club member, Janet Rothbart, received 3rd Place in the State. There were over 300 bras entered, with only 100 being chosen to travel on a tour of the state. After the tour, the bras will be auctioned with proceeds benefitting breast cancer research.
Paula Lou Mapoles has served as the GFWC Florida Federation of women's Clubs Chairman of Education in the Community. She wrote two reports which were then sent to the GFWC Chairman of Education in the Community. GFWC Florida is listed in the "Large Membership Category" along with states such as California, Ohio and North Carolina. At the National convention, GFWC Florida Federation received 1st Place in the "Large Membership Category." Mapoles and the FFWC will receive honors during the FFWC Fall Board meeting in Orlando later this year.
At the last meeting of the 2009-2010 year, new officers were installed. They include: President, Melinda Bedgood; 1st Vice President, Paula Lou Mapoles; 2nd Vice President, Anthea Amos; Recording Secretary, Darlene Mosley; Corresponding Secretary, Cecile Stephens; and Treasurer, Kathy Cowell.
Membership awards were presented to the following: Janet Rothbart and Melinda Bedgood, Jerry Coney Leadership Award; Anthea Amos and Dr. Georgieanna Bryant, Mary Commons Spirit Award; Darlene Mosley, Outstanding New Member Award; and the recipient of the first Pat Lochausen Award for Continuous Leadership was presented to Cecile Stephens.
The GFWC Milton Woman's Club, Inc. began in 1913 and became a part of the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1916. Their first project was the establishment of the first regular garbage and trash pickup within the City of Milton. The rest of their ninety-seven years is history. Never underestimate the power of women! This small group is mighty in their resolve and spirit.
If you would like to be a part of this hardworking, award-winning group of ladies, call 850-982-2955 or email mpbedgood@aol.com.
