Book Lovers Study Club held its monthly meeting at the home of Brenda Oliver on Nov. 13. The inspirational thought was given by Martha Sibley. Lela Ray was welcomed back as a former member. Federation moments highlighting Lily Ledbetter and her fight for fair pay that resulted in the Fair Pay Act being passed in 2009 were presented by Kathy Archer. With Public Issues being the main focus, Paula McDowell, Franklin County District Judge, presented an interesting program on the laws that affect women.

Shelia Upchurch reported on the Christmas Dinner fundraiser. The event will be Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 4-6 p.m. at the Country Cottage. Tickets ($8 each) were distributed to each member to sell. The dinner will consist of turkey and dressing, green beans, sweet potato casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce, and dessert. Proceeds will go towards the scholarship for a RHS senior and for helping our public and school libraries and other worthy causes. Book Lovers members will entertain The Cottage residents with bingo and music and also serve cookies and punch.

Details on the “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” were given by Susie Malone. This event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4 on the steps of the Franklin County Courthouse between 4:30 – 5 p.m. A reception honoring our veterans will be held prior to the event from 3:30 – 4:15 at the Courthouse. Following the candle lighting ceremony, the annual Christmas parade will be held at 6 p.m. Book Lovers members voted to help Cultura Garden Club with the veteran’s reception.

In other business, members approved the recommendation that Book Lovers Study Club will join the Northern District in re-districting of all AFWC Clubs.

Several handouts with important dates were distributed to members. These included the GFWC Clubwoman Magazine subscription; LEADS Seminar; Shot @ Life; and AFWC scholarship applications. Members turned in their Trick or Treat boxes for UNICEF. Brenda Oliver, project chairman, collected donations and will give a report at the December meeting. Members were urged to collect donations in the shot glasses provided for the Shot @ Life Awareness Campaign. Socks were collected for the Step Away from Abuse project. Members were encouraged to keep collecting pop tops for the Ronald McDonald House. The Operation Christmas Child Samaritan’s Purse was discussed. Several members have filled shoeboxes with small toys and gifts for children in impoverished countries. The RHS Consumer Science Dept. made 60 armbands in support of Book Lovers project for Operation Smile. The Fame Girls Ranch Christmas project was discussed. It was decided that the club would make one large donation (a money tree) to the Fame Girls Ranch for them to use at their discretion.

There being no further business, the meeting ended with the reading of the “Collect” led by Patricia Cox.