Book Lovers Club honored at state

Members of Russellville’s GFWC Book Lovers Study Club joined clubwomen from across Alabama for the 131st annual GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs convention April 23-26 at the Marriott Prattville Hotel and Conference Center at Capitol Hill in Prattville.

I enjoyed attending the convention and representing GFWC Book Lovers Study Club. Other club members attending included President Gayle McAlister, Cheri McCain and Patricia Cox.

The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club received awards and recognition for legislation and public policy, health and wellness, communications and public relations, mental health initiatives, environmental community service, scholarships, membership growth, and support of Ronald McDonald House Charities through the AFWC Pop Tab special project.

Convention speakers included Emma Terry, Miss Alabama 2025; Ingrid Galinat, director of International House and Programs; Gozel Muradova, a native of Turkmenistan and GFWC Alabama International House scholarship recipient; Joy Brooks, founder of Lemonade Boutique and Anchor On Main; and Suellen Brill Brazil, GFWC international president.

Terry, a Leeds native and graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, spoke about representing Alabama and advocating for people affected by ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

“Part of being a good Miss Alabama is representing my state with pride,” Terry said.

She said her community service initiative, “Stomping Out ALS One Step at a Time,” grew from her grandfather’s illness. It focuses on raising awareness and supporting research for the disease.

“The smallest steps can make the biggest difference,” Terry said. “That’s what I advocate for, because there is a cure for ALS. We just haven’t found it yet.”

Terry said the initiative raised $48,000 during the past two years for the Duke University ALS Therapy Development Institute and patient assistance fund. She also discussed her interest in attending Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

“I love Birmingham, and Cumberland has produced some of the most fantastic attorneys,” Terry said. “I’m an Alabama girl.”

Suellen B. Brazil of Daphne became the 55th international president of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, making her the first Alabama woman to serve in the role in the organization’s 136year history. Brazil served as keynote speaker for the Friday evening dinner.

Brazil encouraged members to attend conventions to help shape the direction of state federations, strengthen understanding of GFWC programs and celebrate volunteer achievements.

She also thanked club members for supporting the historic GFWC headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Brazil leads more than 63,000 members across the United States and in 15 countries, along with a national board of directors composed of 200 leaders. She said members focus on issues including domestic and sexual violence, food insecurity, healthy lifestyles and civic engagement. Her administration theme, “Educate, Engage, Empower,” emphasizes equipping members with knowledge and skills while encouraging collaboration through GFWC’s “Circle of Influence.”

Brazil commended Alabama clubwomen for addressing issues including mental health concerns, domestic and sexual violence, health and wellness and advocacy for children.

She also invited members to attend the 2026 GFWC Annual Convention June 26-29 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The state convention featured banquets, door prizes, arts and crafts, vendors, AFWC sales, opportunity items, and other activities. Friday Fun Night featured a1980s Glow Night with music, dancing, prizes, snacks and members dressed in ’80s attire.

Convention organizers presented various awards and scholarships throughout the event.

Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr. welcomed attendees to the city. Gillespie became part of a second generation of his family to serve the city through government. His father served on the Prattville City Council from 1984 to 1992. Gillespie won election to the city council in 2004 and now serves his third five-year term as mayor.

Ellen Clack led a memorial service honoring past club members.

Becky Vansant, state president of the GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs, coordinated events with clubwomen throughout the state and presided over the convention.

“Thank you for the time and resources you have personally committed to participating in this celebratory weekend,” Vansant said. “It is my hope that each of you will leave with a renewed passion and with fond memories of time spent with Federation friends.”

In her final report, Vansant shared several statistics achieved during her administration. Alabama clubwomen completed 1,345 programs and projects, contributed 99,686 volunteer hours, donated $363,655 and raised $130,259. In-kind donations totaled $165,878 from 41 clubs and 1,012 members.

Vansant also expressed appreciation for support of the organization’s historic state headquarters and the “Fixin’ Our Face for Generations to Come” capital campaign, which funded repairs and renovations to the building.

Delegates also reviewed convention procedures and considered proposed bylaws revisions that Bylaws Chairman Ellie Duncan presented on behalf of the GFWC Alabama Board of Directors. Voting delegates discussed the proposals, adopted 11 bylaw revisions and returned one proposal to committee.

Convention delegates also elected 2026-28 GFWC Alabama officers. Candidates delivered campaign speeches Friday, and delegates voted Saturday morning.

Officials announced the election results Saturday evening. Officers elected were Caroline Hollowell, president; Jennifer Robertson, president-elect; Lois Roberts, first vice president; Pam Johnson, second vice president; Cindy Walker, secretary; and Ellen Clack, treasurer.

Members later gathered on the terrace for a reception honoring incoming President Caroline Hollowell.

The convention concluded with final reports, an invitation to attend the 2027 GFWC Alabama State Convention, and the reading of the Collect before adjournment.