Pictured is the Judges' Choice winning tree decorated by The Knotty Mama. Other winners were; Religious-Kids' Club; Organizations-Gladbrook Fire & Rescue; Business-Independent Living; Youth-Gladbrook Jr Auxiliary; Miscellaneous-Barb Smith; and Theme-Gladbrook Clover Kids. Thank you to everyone who decorated the amazing trees for our annual Festival of Trees! PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANN RUOPP

On December 14 the Gladbrook Womens’ Club met at the Cedar Falls Womens’ Club Victorian House in downtown Cedar Falls. The manager, Mary Schwake, told of the history of the house and how the Womens’ Club came to purchase it. We were able to wander the house and check out all the nooks and crannies! They served us a delicious lunch before our meeting.

The meeting was called to order by co-president Joan with 11 members answering rollcall with their favorite Christmas tradition.

In old business, the Gladbrook Theater concession sign up sheet was passed around as there is a need to fill in spots in the new year.

Joan expressed a thank you to all that helped with the Holiday Brunch. An update of what we used was given and thoughts of changes for when we do this again. Comments from attendees were positive and many were surprised at the variety that we served.

The Womens’ Club Christmas tree was decorated by Karen, Jamie, and Melissa for the Festival of Trees.

400 Santa Sacks were packed by the committee for the tree lighting evening.

Joan and Bonnie secured the judges for the Festival of Trees. They had a difficult time choosing the winners! The winners were as follows: Judges Choice-Knotty Mama; Religious-Kids’ Club; Organizations-Gladbrook Fire & Rescue; Business-Independent Living; Youth-Jr. Auxiliary; Miscellaneous-Barb Smith; and Theme-Gladbrook Clover Kids.

The January meeting will be at the Gladbrook Methodist Church with Lynne Sash presenting the program.