Juniors Annual Holiday Party

Join the Juniors for our regular monthly meeting...with a twist. This coming Tuesday, we will have our meeting in conjunction with our annual holiday potluck, and guests are most certainly invited! Come join us as we wrap up another year and chat about all that is to come in 2018. We will be conducting our annual ornament exchange as well, so please feel free to bring a wrapped ornament if you'd like to participate in the exchange. We hope to see you there!

Join us for Breakfast With Santa

The Juniors annual Breakfast with Santa is just around the corner, and we would love to see you there! Tickets are $5 per person and are limited, so get yours now! This event is taking place in Wesley Chapel at Lexington Oaks Community Center and will be the perfect time to get your kid's pictures taken with Santa!

Burger 21 to Support the Juniors!

Come on out for food and fun all day long on November 21st at Burger 21 in New Tampa. 10% of proceeds all day will go back to our club - no need to mention you're there for Juniors. Thank you so much for your support!

Ice Cream Social

GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club is hosting an Ice Cream Social and YOU are invited! Open to the public, this is an excellent chance to come out and meet the Juniors and learn how you can make a difference in your community with just a couple hours a month. The ice cream social will be taking place on October 3 at 6:30PM at the Lexington Oaks Clubhouse, 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd, in Wesley Chapel. To learn more, see the guest list, and RSVP, visit our Facebook page.

Sunrise of Pasco, Inc.

GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club would like to help Sunrise Domestic Violence Shelter in their search for donations. Many of the shelter residents do not own a vehicle, so must walk everywhere. With all the rain in Florida, they would love donations of umbrellas, raincoats, ponchos, stroller covers. There are both women and children in need of these items, so all sizes are welcomed. Thank you!

Parliamentary Procedure Workshop

Beth Reed, current Vice President, and Angie Carter, current Treasurer, attended the District 8 Parliamentary Procedure Workshop on August 26. This event, which took place in the GFWC Temple Terrace Woman's Club clubhouse, focused on educating club members across the district on the proper way to run meetings, hold votes, and many other interesting topics. It was such a blessing to have an event like this so close to home!

Hamburger Mary's Good Times

Our GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club fundraiser at Hamburger Mary's in Ybor is always a ton of fun and one of our biggest fundraising events of the year. This year was no different. We appreciate the turn out from members and friends of members, as well as the general public who came out to support the work that we do. Funds raised from our Hamburger Mary's events go towards our general fund and will be used in the coming year to support efforts across multiple CSPs.

Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) Fundraiser

Mark your calendars for the next CCI event! Make eating a selfless act by joining CCI and Chipotle on Tuesday, July 11 from 10:45 to 10:00pm.  

Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone, or tell the cashier you are sup-porting the cause for CCI to make sure 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Ca-nine Companions. 

Juniors Mother's Day Event at Sunrise a HUGE Success

Thank you to all among you in the community who donated your jewelry to our Mother's Day Event at Sunrise Domestic Violence Shelter.


It was a huge success and the children were overjoyed to "shop" for their Mothers Day gift. After making their selections, members helped the kids nicely wrap the jewelry in bags and then each child was able to make a Mother’s Day card, as well.

We had enough for each child to take as much as they wanted to make their mother feel special. Members who helped out this evening had a wonderful time, and it was heartwarming to see these kids get a chance to spoil their moms.  

It was so successful we plan to do it again at Christmas time. So, if you have any jewelry please start saving it now or get with one of our members to pick it up from you. Remember it is a tax deductible donation and Juniors is happy to provide a receipt.

Juniors Present Scholarships at WCHS

The GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club is proud to continue our annual tradition of supporting local high school seniors by presenting two graduating Wesley Chapel High School seniors with scholarships this year. Funds for these scholarships were raised during our BUNCO event earlier this year.

All About GFWC Juniors Special Program: Advocates for Children (One Voice for Children in Florida)

GFWC Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children (One Voice for Children in Florida) is designed to encourage all clubs to make a difference in our world by becoming advocates for children. Clubs may choose to organize projects that benefit children in their community, state, or world. 

While project ideas are numerous, clubs are encouraged to educate themselves     regarding current issues facing our children: child abuse, health issues, poverty, cyberbullying, teen dating violence, child obesity, texting while driving, depression and suicide, etc. 

We have partnered with  organizations that advocate on behalf of children every-where-  March of Dimes and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

IDEAS

• Blankets for Babies– donate new or gently used blankets to shelters  or local police
• Donate to or participate in your area for the March for Babies in the spring.
• Advocates for Children ‘Juice Box’ Challenge: Challenge clubs to donate at least one juice box per member to  their local Child Advocacy Centers (CAC).  Juice boxes help CAC staff build rapport with children as they discuss difficult issues.
• The program Capes for Heroes provides capes for children with  disabilities, life threatening illnesses and kids that just need to be empowered. The capes give deserving children an  extra boost of strength and courage to make them feel like the  superheroes they are.
• GFWC has declared the fourth week in October as GFWC Advocates for Children Week.-planning events related to the Juniors’ Special Program. Try a new project or a previously successful one. It’s up to you! Consider your club’s interests and community needs.  Contact your Governor/Mayor to request they proclaim this week as “GFWC Advocates for Children Week” for your state/city.  Sunday, October 22 - Saturday, October 28, 2017
• Make our voices heard on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the country. Become an eAdvocate, get informed, and take action to improve the health of women, infants and children. Sign-up today at marchofdimes.org/advocacy and select “Take Action”.
• This year, parents of nearly 16,000 children in the U.S. will hear the words: “Your child has cancer.” One in five of those children won’t survive. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and as a leader in the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will focus on raising awareness and funds for this very important issue.

How Can YOU help Our Local Community?

I know that so many people want to get involved, to help locally...but they just don't know how. Here's an idea: JOIN US AT OUR NEXT MEETING!! Honestly, we are always looking for additional members who want to get involved and make a different. We have a ton of different projects and organizations that we already support, but we are always, always open to additional ideas, so if there is a cause that is near and dear to your heart, suggest it and let us help you be the change!

Our next meeting is May 2nd at 6:30PM in Lexington Oaks. We would love to see you there.

GFWC Pasco Juniors Help Welcome Home Honor Flight

Honor Flight, Mission 29, returned with a jetload of veterans coming back from their Tuesday, April 25th visit to Washington, DC.  They arrived at the Clearwater-St Petersburg airport.  The Honor Flight had many welcoming crews and signs!  Members of GFWC and Canine Companions helped to welcome home the veterans with signs and cheers. 

The GFWC International Outreach Community Service Program

The GFWC International Outreach Community Service Program is de-signed to enable members to become better world citizens through advocacy, educa-tion, and action, which will, in turn, affect change in and for our global friends and their communities.
GFWC members can’t always be physically present to assist and make changes in countries around the world; however, members can be assured the donations made through our partnership agencies are reaching those in the greatest need.  There are countless ways to support global development and make a lasting difference.

Consider raising cultural awareness; celebrating ethnicities; conducting fundraising activities to support healthy child development; advocating  for basic human needs such as food, water, clothing, and education;  and promoting self-sufficiency. 

Half of the world’s population, over two billion people, lives on less than $2.00 a day and 21,000 children die each day  due to poverty, hunger, and easily preventable dis-eases. GFWC  encourages our clubs to reach beyond their own communities to  the global community to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, their families,

IDEAS

• Help children all over the world by funding life-saving vaccines.
• Participate in international cultural exchanges.
• Educate your club and community about major issues and challenges facing people in developing countries.
• Support the development of healthy and sustainable communities around the world.
• Ensure children have access to health, education, equality, and protection.
• Provide support and encourage growth and sustainability by donating gifts such as livestock to families in need.
• Educate members about United Nations programs concerning women and children.
• Promote legislation in support of human rights around the world.
• Provide members with direct service opportunities for persons in developing countries through our  program partners.  (Heifer International, Operation Smile, Shot@Life,  UNICEF)
• Help ensure that children and families have access to clean water by providing wells.
• Make and send pillow-case dresses to Little Dresses for Third World Countries.

All About the GFWC Home Life Community Service Program

THE GFWC HOME LIFE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM deals with  issues that affect the well-being of individuals, families and communities  by providing opportunities and resources to meet and address needs through volunteering. Clubs may develop and imple-ment projects that promote a healthy lifestyle, increase awareness, prevention, research, and treatment of  disease; target personal development; address the issues of  hunger, inadequate housing, and homelessness; and/or prevent  or correct 􀀀inancial dif􀀀iculties, women’s health, theft prevention, service dog programs, people with disabilities, healthy lifestyles, and childcare.

IDEAS

• Research problems in your community that are largely unaddressed and identify those who are underserved.   Work on programs & projects that focus on the identified needs.
• Promote the acquisition of correct health and safety information from the Centers for Disease Control and  Prevention at www.CDC.gov.
• Plan programs on women’s heart health. Expand the programs beyond the club level to in-volve the community. Utilize information located at www.hearttruth.gov for program ideas.
• Sponsor a National Wear Red Day® celebration (First Friday in February each year).
• Learn the basic facts about gynecologic cancer, including risk factors and screening options. Establish information sharing sessions and utilize resources located at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/.
• Plan programs on breast cancer awareness.
• Offer free mammograms to the needy.
• Organize and/or participate in health fairs and forums.
• Learn about proper medication utilization and the issues with prescription drug addiction.
• Create a resource list of local women’s clinics and health centers and distribute it in public areas such as shelters, places of worship, and libraries.
• Educate club members and the community regarding the “Make the First Five Count” Initia-tive.  Visit www.Makethefirstfivecount.org for information.
• Visit the autism website to learn more about autism. Utilize the knowledge to educate others within  the community.
• Incorporate fitness activities into your club and community activities, including walking or yoga.  Sponsor a fun run.
• Start an exercise group in your club, then initiate a weight loss challenge in your club and keep  track of pounds lost.
• Promote healthy self-esteem and self-worth.
• Organize financial workshops for women, retirees, single parents, and/or college students.
• Work with local food banks and homeless shelters to provide needed donations, stock shelves,  and provide other volunteer services.
• Work with local agencies that provide supportive services to the homeless and mentally chal-lenged  by volunteering at fundraisers and local events.
• Partner with a local nursing home or mental health facility to enhance the quality of life for the elderly  and disabled.
• Organize clothing drives. Partner with other local agencies to dis-tribute to the needy.
• Participate/ donate to Canine Companions for Independence (Dog Fest)

All About the GFWC Education Community Service Program

The goal of the GFWC Education Community Service Program is to develop  projects that will help improve the quality of life and create  a better world.
Article 26 of the United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration  of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to education.” GFWC clubs know that education can open doors and expand opportunities and freedoms for their members, their communities, and the world. Education contributes to fostering peace, democracy, and economic growth, as well as improving health and reducing poverty.  Focus is on the following areas.

1. Libraries -Having founded over 474 public libraries and 4,655 traveling libraries in the 1930s, The American Library Association credited GFWC with establishing 75% of America’s public libraries. In the 21st century,    libraries continue to be an important part of our communities, demonstrated by a 2013 survey in which 90% of Americans, ages 16 and older, said the closing of their local public library would have an impact on their community. 
2. Schools– any project related to any kind of school!
3. Literacy-Literacy is a subject that creates widespread community concern and support. Additionally, literacy affects all people in virtually every aspect of their daily lives. Talk to your local and county school boards, as well as literacy organizations, and use your imagination to create unique and original projects that capture a variety of audiences.  
4. Scholarships -Most GFWC clubs and federations give scholarships & they range in amounts. No matter how small a scholarship may be, each one is important to the recipient.  There is a step-by-step plan on scholarships in the GFWC Club manual. 
5. Epsilon Sigma Omicron -ESO is an honorary educational society open to all per-capita dues  paying GFWC  members. ESO provides clubwomen with a structured read-ing program that is educational and stimulates a desire for self-improvement. ESO   materials are available online at www.gfwc.org/what-we-do/community-service-programs/epsilon-sigma-omicron. 
6. Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY)- Since 1958, more than 425,000 students have begun their leadership journey with HOBY. Annually, more than 10,000 high school students from across the country and around the world participate in HOBY programs, such as:  Community Leadership Workshops,  State Leadership Seminars, World Leadership Congress and  Advanced Leadership Academy. 

For more ideas for the above categories please refer to the 2016-18 GFWC Club Manual— there are far too many to list here. 

All about the GFWC Conservation Community Service Program

The GFWC Conservation Community Service Program is designed  for members to gain an appreciation for our environment. Members  are encouraged to increase awareness of conservation issues, work  to preserve, maintain and restore our natural resources, preserve habitats for plants and animals, and participate in endeavors to beautify and sustain the world around us. Our natural resources include, but are not limited to, water, trees, plants, air, land, and wildlife.

IDEAS

•  Educate young people about the importance of protecting our natural resources.
• Invite local experts and members of community organizations to speak at club meetings about  conservation and beautification practices.
• Write op-ed pieces, letters to the editor, and press releases about important conservation issues  in your community and submit them to your local media.
• Plant native species for beautification and restoration of land and waterways.
• Clean up along roadways, waterways, and trails.
• Implement beautification projects at parks, hospitals, shelters, cemeteries, & other community  gathering places.
• Clean up trash after youth and adult sport and community events.
• Encourage preservation of historic properties.
• Visit a state or national park.
• Tour a botanical garden.
• Honor individuals and businesses for their gardens and civic pride with a “Garden of the Month” project.
• Plant and care for trees and donate funds for reforestation plans.
• Create community gardens to promote self-sufficiency.
• Advocate and investigate local food and where it comes from.
• Preserve natural habitats to protect wildlife.
• Provide local shelters and sanctuaries with needed items for animal rehabilitation and care.
• Support curbside recycling programs, utilize drop-off and buy-back recycling centers, or organize  a recycling program if none exist.
• Work with local officials and organizations to facilitate proper disposal of unused medicine and needles.
• Participate and/or volunteer at a local household hazardous waste collection day event.
• Visit a landfill and discover the waste disposal practices which are in place to protect the land, air, and water.
• Implement energy conservation practices in your clubhouse, home, office, & public buildings.
• Investigate renewable energy projects and sources in your area.
• Participate in an awareness day such as Arbor Day, America Recycles Day, Earth

All about the GFWC Arts Community Service Program

The GFWC Arts Community Service Program encourages mem-bers to promote and support arts activities in their clubs, schools, and communities. It is designed to  inspire clubwomen.   As Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” The goal is to create programs and projects that include music, literature, dance, drama, theatre, and other arts related areas, both traditional and innovative. 

IDEAS:

• Host an art supply drive within your club. Contact your local school district or   com-munity center  to see what is needed.
• “Hire” student jazz combos, string quartets, or even the whole band to perform at club events.
• Hold a fundraiser to purchase a large piece of equipment for your local schools’ art, music,  or drama departments, such as a potter’s wheel, kiln, microphones, or tech-nology.)
• Attend public art displays, plays, and concerts as part of a social event for your club.
• Use member art for club cookbook covers, greeting cards, program covers, etc.
• Sponsor ads in local theater or school theatre playbills.
• Use an artistic event to raise funds to sponsor local community art and cultural programs.
• Sponsor an author visit to your local library.
• Establish scholarships for students studying the arts such as literature, drama, or music.  This could be to attend an arts school or summer camp.
• Establish awards that acknowledge the artistic achievements of club and  community members.
• Sponsor Youth Art Month activities in your community during the month of March.
• Establish and support artist-in-residence programs and artist speakers.
• Members enter the District 8 Arts competition in February.
• Members attend the District 8 Arts meeting in Zephyrhills in February.

March of Dimes Upcoming Event

March of Dimes, which is a partner to the GFWC will be sponsoring their annual March for Babies Walk on Saturday, April 29  8am at Wiregrass Mall.  We would love to have a club team.  To join and make a donation use this link: https://www.marchforbabies.org/EventInfo/?si=&PersonId=&EventID=18398&SeId=ViewBag.SelectedTeamEventId 

Laurel and Sharon plan to walk and would love to have others join them!

Charity BUNCO a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who made Charity Bunco a success! After supporting the Bartell scholarship with $314.70 and ex-penses we raised just over $300 for our club scholarship!

All proceeds go to local graduating seniors via the GFWC Pasco Junior women's club scholarship and the Sean Bartell Memorial scholarship. Great prizes included a drawing, awesome company and dinner! 

Thank you to Henry at Wolf’s Den diner for donating the food and the venue for our charity bunco event this week! Wonderful food and a great owner! Go check them out. 27607 state road 56 in the Sam’s club plaza Opened for breakfast and lunch only.