Book Lovers Study Club kicks off new year
The Book Lovers Study Club held its first meeting of the 2025–26 club year Sept. 11 at Russellville First Methodist Church.
President Gayle McAlister opened with a silent prayer honoring the 2,977 lives lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. She noted the day should always be recognized.
Cheri McCain presented the institute on the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Success for Survivors scholarship. The program provides financial assistance to survivors of domestic or sexual violence who are pursuing postsecondary education.
The scholarship is part of GFWC’s national effort to break cycles of abuse by helping survivors rebuild their lives through education.
Stephanie Mayfield distributed posters to promote the club’s women’s self-defense program, a fundraiser for SafePlace. This project aligns with the GFWC International Day of Service initiative: “One Day. One Mission. A World Without Violence.”
Members received a copy of the 2025-26 yearbook. The club’s guiding theme continues to be GFWC Alabama’s “Living the Volunteer Spirit – Compassion in Action” with a spotlight on mental health.
McAlister chose Alzheimer’s awareness as her personal project for the year. GFWC partners with the Alzheimer’s Association to support research, care and advocacy through initiatives including the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Clubs nationwide organize teams and fundraisers and walk to raise awareness and funds.
The GFWC also advocates for legislation addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementiarelated health issues.
The club endorsed Heifer International as part of the Health and Wellness Community Service Program. The nonprofit works worldwide to fight hunger, focusing on families, and especially on giving women the resources, training and opportunities they need to build better lives.
According to Heifer International, 67% of its project participants in 2024 were women, though women still face unequal access to tools, land, markets and training in many regions.
The organization helps families reach a living income and sustain adequate food, housing and resources. Book Lovers will support this effort with a monetary donation.
Patricia Cox serves as chairman for the Maudie and Roger Bedford 5K run and the Walk to Wellness, the club’s eighth annual cancer awareness fundraiser.
Runners and walkers will take off from the Farmers Market Pavilion the morning of Nov. 1. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. with a $35 entry fee. The Walk to Wellness follows at 9 a.m. with a $25 fee.
The first 100 participants will receive free T-shirts. Cox reported that sponsors have been secured, and proceeds will support individuals on their journey to wellness.
Other September observances the club includes are National Hispanic Heritage Month, Cholesterol Awareness Month, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Hunger Action Month and Library Card Signup Month.
Members were also invited to attend the Blountsville Culture Club’s 100th anniversary celebration Sept. 28 at Blountsville Baptist Church.
The meeting closed with a reading of “The Collect” by Mary Stewart, written in April 1904.
