GFWC/Iowa Toledo Woman’s Club presented the book “40 Days – My 1,037 mile Run Around Lake Michigan” written by Iowa author, Steven Cannon, to the Toledo Library. Left to right Standing: Nancy Carson, Ila Jean Bratton, Donna Lasser, Ann Hendricks, Ann McMullen, Arlene Gerlach, Barb Muecke, Sylvia Johnson, Marlene Eernisse, Karen Havran presenting book to Jenny Bledsoe, Librarian, Seated: Earlene Bacon and Carolyn Anderson. -Photo provided

GFWC/Iowa Toledo Woman’s Club opened their club year with a meeting at the Toledo Library meeting room on September 12, 2017 at 1:30 PM. Following dessert served by hostesses Arlene Gerlach and Ann McMullen the club members recited the Pledge to the Flag.

Nancy Ramthun of Knoxville gave a most interesting program on Regenerative Medicine, which is a project of the General Grand chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Regenerative medicine works to replace or restore function to damaged or diseased tissues and organs and provide treatments for some of the diseases and injuries currently classified as untreatable. Through cell therapies and tissue engineering, Regenerative Medicine scientists hope to use the body’s own cells to restore diseased tissues and organs or grow replacement organs. Regenerative Medicine also has the potential to provide both treatment and cures for conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. The work is all carried out in one building at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

The meeting was called to order by President Earlene Bacon. Earlene then gave an inspirational and funny message “Cleanse My Purse” written by Charlotte Thiesse, which was published in our GFWC/Iowa poetry book. 15 members answered Roll Call. Secretary Carolyn Anderson read the minutes of the May meeting, which were approved. Marlene Eernisse gave both the current Treasurer report and also the Club year annual report. Floriss Adair read an article on “Operation Smile” which is supported by all of the GFWC clubs. Marlene also read various thank you notes received from groups that had received donations from our club. Ann McMullen gave a conservation report.

Upcoming meetings were discussed. The planning meeting will be held in Solon, to make the final plans for the SE District Convention which will be held on September 30th. Our club and the Solon club will be the hosts for this year’s convention. Earlene and Marlene will be attending the Mississippi Valley Regional Convention to be held at Honey Creek Resort at Lake Rathbun at Moravia, Iowa from September 21-24th. Marlene is the Registration Chairman for this event.

Karen Havran, SE District and Iowa Adventures in Reading Chairman showed a book that will be presented to both the Toledo Library and the Tama Library from our GFWC/Iowa Toledo Woman’s Club. This book is by an Iowa Author, Steven Cannon. The book is entitled “40 Days My 1,037 Mile Run Around Lake Michigan.” Steve is an adventurer, runner, biker, skier, and he nearly died while on a kayak event on the Yukon River. He also is a Motivational Speaker and has a Des Moines Real Estate business. Steve also plans races and fundraisers through his production company, One Race Events. He raises money for Livestrong, Camp Kesem and Above and Beyond Cancer. His next book “Upside Down in the Yukon River” is nearing publication at this time. Pictures were taken at both library presentations.

The meeting was closed following reciting of the Club Collect.