GFWC Book Lovers Study Club hosted the GFWC Alabama North District meeting at Russellville First Baptist Church April 2. The fellowship building was decorated beautifully with spring flowers.

Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore welcomed the north Alabama club women to Russellville and to Franklin County. He highlighted some of the recreational sites and entertainment venues in our area and encouraged the ladies to take time to visit.

Gail Guice, North District director, presided over the meeting. The theme was “Living the Volunteer Spirit – Empowering Others to Live Well.”

State officers were present and gave updates on the many activities and projects supported by the GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Club.

A silent auction was held to raise money for the annual North District Scholarship. This year’s recipient of the $500 scholarship was Leah Rushing, senior at Russellville High School.

Being the hostess club, Book Lovers Study Club chose The Place of Grace for the North District Spring Project. Cheri McCain presented background information on The Place of Grace and how Jocelynn James Edmonds founded the organization for our area. Many attendees brought needed items for the facility as well as made cash donations to The Place of Grace.

Candidates for the 2022-2024 officers of the GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs were introduced and given an opportunity to speak on their qualifications. State election will be held at the 127th Annual Convention April 21-23 at Joe Wheeler State Park.

Awards were presented to the top North District clubs for their community projects for the past year.

Russellville’s Book Lovers Study Club received the following awards for Category B: Health and Wellness Community Service Program; Education and Libraries CSP; Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP; Arts and Culture CSP; GFWC Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children; GFWC Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention; National Reading Society: Epsilon Sigma Rho; Membership; GFWC Women’s History Resource Center, honorable mention; Leadership, honorable mention; Fundraising; and Communication and Public Relations.

Door prizes were given at the close of the meeting, and each attendee was given a spring plant as a favor from Book Lovers.

The meeting adjourned with the reading of the GFWC/AFWC Collect.