Have you ever celebrated another culture’s holiday in their country? Have you ever experienced an unfamiliar holiday with friends in America? Some of us have not, so this December, our Program Committee, aka Ann Topjon and myself, Claire Koehler, will offer our members a brief description of five holidays from across the world. They will include: African (Kwanzaa), Asian (Chinese New Year), Jewish (Hanukkah), Christian (Christmas), and East Indian (Diwali). Whether the holiday is focused on a particular religion, country, or ethnic group, each is rich with tradition, symbols, and deep meaning. When we know what these traditions or symbols mean, we can better understand why these holidays are so important to those who take part in them, and, we can find our own ways of identifying with them.
In addition to learning a bit more about these celebrations, our December Program will feature Diane Britton. She was born in San Bernardino, California, but has lived in Whittier since 1974. She graduated from the University of Redlands, with a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders in 1972. She has had various careers since then, but she has been connected to the WCCS, Women’s and Children’s Crisis Shelter for many years. In 1993, she joined the Shelter’s Right Hand Board, an auxiliary of the WCCS, and served as president from 1996 through 1999. In 1997, her innovative spirit led her to originate the 5K Walk fund-raiser called “Stepping Out Against Domestic Violence” for the WCCS, and served as chairperson of the Walk until 2011. Diane has served on the Board of Directors of the WCCS for 22 years. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Women and Children’s Crisis Shelter’s Thrift Shop. She will be presenting us with an overview of the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Shelter at our December 14th Branch meeting.
We will place a basket on the front table at this meeting for the collection of Gift Cards for the WCCS. The shelter offers vital services to our community, so all donations are appreciated. The needs of the shelter’s clients are best filled by gift cards from the retail stores like Target and Walmart, but gift cards from gas stations, pharmacies, fast food restaurants, and grocery stores will also be welcome.
We look forward to seeing you all at our Branch meeting on December 14th at First Friends Church at 2:00 PM. See next page for details. Let’s make it a season for everyone!
