GFWC McAlester Fortnightly celebrates 120 years of service

SUBMITTED BY GFWC MCALESTER FORTNIGHTLY

McAlester Fortnightly, volunteer club within the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), recently held their Annual Spring Banquet at the Puterbaugh Event Center.

Current President, Brenda Calahan, welcomed members and guests to our Spring Banquet event. Guest speaker, Karen Lyons, from the Choctaw Nation, speaking about Family Violence Prevention and Outreach. This topic coincides with the GFWC International Signature Project of Domestic Abuse Prevention and Awareness.

GFWC Oklahoma President 2024-2026, Charlene Ridgway, spoke on the GFWCC International Signature Project of Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention. She then presented Brenda with a GFWC citation for 120 years of service and 2023 project awards to the Fortnightly group. Ridgway invited all members to attend the GFWC SC Region meeting in Oklahoma City in October.

Fortnightly’s 2024-2026 officers installed by Dot Thompson, Parliamentarian, are: Brenda Calahan, President; Paula McGee, Vice President; Tonya Ettner, Treasurer; June Doyle, Secretary. Thompson then recognized the appointments of Megan Ciolli, Parliamentarian; and Angie Sellmeyer, Historian. Famous for being “Door Prize Dot”, Thompson presented each with an appropriate chocolate bar.

Service pins were awarded by Brenda Calahan to: 40 years, Janis Allford; 30 years, Dot Thompson, Margaret Fields, Kymberly Thornton, Sue Miller, Ellen Wilson, Vicky Bolte; 20 years, Linda Navatril; 10 years Vicky Cherry, Janet Derichsweiler, Debbie McCauley.

A historical display of successful Fortnightly community improvement projects within our area was available for all attending to view. Among these were published yearbooks over 110 years old; Pen and ink drawing of McAlester Public Library which was built with an Andrew Carnegie grant obtained by Fortnightly and dedicated in 1915; Chadick Park, which Fortnightly members founded in 1915, with the 100 year arch celebration photos; GFWC International ceramic plate collection from 1972-1976; GFWC International Creativity Award to Fortnightly recognizing achievement in the Pinwheels for child abuse Prevention Program in 2014; along with the 2024 tabletop map of Oklahoma showcasing our community.

Fortnightly has two scholarships awarded each year to graduating high school students. They will be highlighted in a future article.

A delicious lunch organized by Fortnightly’s Arts & Crafts Department was provided by Lucy’s 2 with decorations by Fortnightly’s Casual Gourmet Department. Speaker arranged by Megan Cioili, Literary Department Director and Arts & Crafts Dual member.

General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), is dedicated to enhancing the lives of others through volunteer community service. You can learn more about the volunteer activities our clubwomen are performing in the Pittsburg County, Oklahoma area by contacting GFWC OK McAlester Fortnightly Club President, Brenda Calahan at 918-916-0947.

GFWC OK FORTNIGHTLY officers installed, from left to right: Angie Sellmeyer, Megan Ciolli, Tonya Ettner, Paula McGee, June Doyle, Brenda Calahan

Submitted Photos

BRENDA CALAHAN presents Dot Thompson with her 30year Service Award pin.