By Lesley Keays
Herald Correspondent
Spring arrived swiftly in Central FL and Woman’s Club of Sanford acknowledged the change on April 1st by showering their Oak Street Clubhouse with charming handmade trinket trays and faux Japanese cherry blossoms.
Sanjuanita Justiniano, WCOS Secretary, took copious meeting minutes.
Sally Dehler, Arts Chair, announced that she is again seeking out Arts & Crafts instructors for her WCOS Art Program. “We make sure that when participants leave class, they’ve learned something new, and take their new piece home that day.” Individuals interested in teaching do not have to be WCOS members. 100% of the proceeds benefit WCOS Educational Scholarships and local charities.
WCOS Appointed Leader of Inspiration, Linda Hollerbach, read her essay entitled, “Golden Eggs and Japanese Blossoms.” “Cherry blossoms,” Hollerbach explained, “hold a special meaning in Japanese culture. They bloom brilliantly, but only for a short time. Because of this, they remind people that life is beautiful, fragile, and meant to be appreciated while it is here,” she noted. Hollerbach then spoke on “Seven Japanese Principles for Everyday Living” as follows:
IKIGAI (生き甲斐): Your reason for being. Find meaning in what you love, what you do well, and what brings value to the world.
KAIZEN (改善): Continuous improvement. Small, daily progress creates lasting change.
WABI-SABI (侘寂): Beauty in imperfection. Embrace simplicity, aging, and the imperfect nature of life.
SHOGANAI (しょうがない): It cannot be helped. Accept what is beyond your control and move forward with grace.
GAMAN (我慢): Endure with dignity. Practice patience and quiet resilience in difficult moments.
OMO IYARI (思いやり): Thoughtful compassion. Act with empathy and consideration for others.
Each luncheon attendee was gifted a small cherry blossom charm as a token of camaraderie.
Marge Nix of Quilts of Valor (QOV), a charity supported by WCOS, updated the audience on her organization’s progress. QOV, in its seventh year, creates and presents quilts to US military members past and present for their dedication, sacrifice, and courage shown in service to our country. Quilts of Valor boasts 40 quilters in Florida alone. “A Quilt of Valor is a work of heart,” quipped Marge.
Recipient Judy Jett was in attendance to receive her special quilt. Judy is a US Army veteran who served more than six years of active duty. She’s lived in numerous US states and abroad, including South Korea, where she served as an MP and as a K-9 handler. Jett was awarded a National Defense Ribbon, a Good Conduct Ribbon and an Army Commendation Medal.
In a deeply moving moment, Nix draped the quilt around Jett’s deserving shoulders.
WCOS also asked member Lisa Holden, a four-year Navy veteran and current City employee, to stand for recognition.
For more information on Woman’s Club of Sanford, access https://www.womansclubofsanford.com/
