By Lesley Keays
Herald Correspondent
Awash in the rich colors of Valentine attire, the Woman’s Club of Sanford showed their affection for community at their recent luncheon.
There was no shortage of goodwill and love-infused zeal on Oak Avenue. Linda Hollerbach read from her poignant essay, “From Calling Cards to Text Messages.” Hollerbach traced deftly the chronological narrative of clever ways couples communicate their feelings- and undertake courtship- from the Edwardian era to the present.
“Today, romance unfolds in texts, video calls, and online profiles. Messages travel instantly. Emojis replace ink. ‘Swiping right’ has replaced calling cards.
Yet despite the technological shifts, the underlying desire remains unchanged: to be seen, chosen, and cherished,” declared Hollerbach.
Hollerbach shared examples of courtship that included a sample handwritten love letter with a red waxed seal, a quill pen, and modern-day paper Valentine greetings.
“Every generation believes romance was better in the past, organizers say. But when we read the letters, we discover something timeless. The form changes — the feeling doesn’t,” noted Hollerbach.
“WCOS offers a gentle reminder that whether written on embossed stationery or sent with a heart emoji, love has always been about making someone feel special in the world. And that, through every decade, remains beautifully unchanged. This year, use your words,” Hollerbach concluded.
Arts Chair Sally Dehler updated the group on upcoming art classes held chiefly on Sunday afternoons.
WCOS Member Laura Bedard PhD, Chief of Department of Corrections for John E. Polk Corrections Facility in Sanford, presented fascinating insights on her career and the creation of her first work of fiction entitled, “What Do I Wear to the Execution?” After a Q&A session, several attendees brought their copies for the author to sign. Her book is available on https://www.amazon.com/.
WCOS reminds rising female students and their supporters in Seminole County that Educational Scholarships are available. The WCOS Educational Scholarships are designed to support female students pursuing higher education, including college, undergraduate, graduate, professional, vocational, or trade school programs. Recipients from last year are encouraged to apply as well as new applicants. Applicant must be female and a resident of Seminole County during the 2025-2026 school year.
Application must be completed, submitted, emailed or postmarked by March 27, 2026 to be considered. The WCOS Educational Scholarship Awards Ceremony will be held on June 3, 2026. Recipients must be present to receive scholarship funds.
For more information on WCOS, please access https://www.womansclubofsanford.com/
