The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club held its final meeting of the year at the 43 Grill Restaurant May 13. Brenda Oliver presided over the meeting and presented the poem, “What a Wonderful Year.”

Cheri McCain presented the program, Empowering Others to Live Well through GFWC Sisterhood.

In sisterhood, women are empowered, and being supported is a big part of sisterhood. You know your sisters have your back, which allows you to stand in your own power more easily and become the leader of your own life.

Members shared some of their sisterhood experiences.

Cheri also presented a short book review on “Rose Kennedy.”

A report was given on the GFWC Alabama North Region Spring meeting, which was held May 1 in Huntsville at the WellStone Behavioral Health Center. Attending from Book Lovers were Patricia Cox, Cheri McCain, Brenda Oliver and Gayle McAlister.

The guest speaker was Frank Barger, Madison County probate judge. His office works closely with the staff at WellStone. He spoke about the criminalization of mental health illness and shared that 75 percent of incarcerated should be in a hospital.

Added to that, the large decrease in beds available for mental illness makes the situation even more problematic. It is estimated there is a waiting period of up to one year for a bed at Bryce Hospital in Tuscaloosa.

For the District project, clubs donated toiletries, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioners, bath gel/soap and similar items to the WellStone Group Residential Homes. Monetary donations were also made to the WellStone Behavioral Health Center.

Each North District club was recognized for their reporting of the 2019-2020 club year. Book Lovers Study Club was recognized for reports and received first place certificates in Health and Wellness CSP; Environment CSP; Education and Libraries CSP; Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP; Arts and Culture CSP; Special Projects in Communication, Fundraising, Leadership, Membership, Scholarship and Legislative Action; National Reading Society; Epsilon Sigma Rho; and the President’s Project–Diabetes Awareness/Camp Seale Harris.

At the District meeting, Book Lovers Study Club donated $500 to Camp Seale Harris. President Randy Matthews was very thankful for our donation.

A memorial service was held in recognition of GFWC Alabama North District deceased members. Dot Murphy, a member of GFWC Book Lovers Study Club for close to 50 years, donated countess hours to the betterment of our community. Gayle McAlister, Dot’s niece, represented the Book Lovers Study Club as she shared many contributions of her Aunt Dot.

In the business session, members voted to sponsor the Dickens’ Christmas fundraiser Dec. 4 to correlate with the Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular.

Book Lovers Study Club will present its annual scholarship to the senior with the third highest grade point average at the RHS Awards Night program, scheduled for May 24.