But few are aware that seasonal resident Jacquelyn Pierce is currently serving a two-year term as international president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), one of the world's largest and oldest women's volunteer service organizations.

Elections took place during the GFWC's Annual International Convention in Denver, Co. this past June, where delegates representing clubs from every state in the nation - as well as 23 countries throughout the world - came together to celebrate the organization's 115th anniversary while voting in their new slate of officers.

Pierce is no stranger to administrative posts within GFWC. She has dutifully served every office from treasurer to president elect.

"But rank has its privileges," Pierce said. "One of the most coveted is the fact that each president defines the theme that will be addressed by all our clubs for the next two years. During my term, from 2006 to 2008, domestic violence will be the President's Special Project with the theme "Empowering Women One By One."

The theme, which was announced at their June convention, is then followed by the next presidential privilege: namely, the determination of the followup GFWC Retreat host site, whereby delegates representing over 160,000 members come together as a "think tank" to design the model curriculum that will serve to advise and inform the clubs' network.

For Pierce, there was never a question as to where the retreat would be held.
"Marco Island, of course. My Marco Island!" she said. "It's been a totally new experience for the delegates. What an honor to introduce them to paradise."

But paradise hasn't been all play. While the delegates enjoyed the seaside accommodations of the Marco Hilton, "attention to agenda" has been their mantra.

"When intense periods of discussion are required, allowing for relaxation is a must. But the energy that comes from the beauty of Marco helps us to think 'outside the box,'" Pierce explained. "If we're going to effect the necessary sea change that will allow for the systemic impact of domestic violence to be edified - one woman at a time - we must think outside the box."

With that in mind, it was fortuitous that Pierce contacted Marco Eagle columnist Elinor Stanton, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and therapist in private practice, to assist in solidifying that mindset through a programming event that would follow their final evening at the Olde Marco Inn.

"Whenever I finish reading one of Elinor's columns, I always feel as if I've had a personal conversation," Pierce said as she began her laudatory introduction.

The petite Stanton began her program by engaging the delegates with an inquiry.

"Do you know anyone who is unhappy? Unhappy, not necessarily depressed," she clarified. "Because there is a difference."

What unfolded was a riveting presentation, incorporating principles of quantum physics with analogous applications to the brain's processing capabilities and its consequent impact on thoughts and feelings.

"You can change your thoughts if you can change your thinking," Stanton calmly assured, while encouraging the daily discipline of affirmations.

"It must be a positive statement about you," she further instructed. "Then begin to say it, literally hundreds of times a day. Changes begin to happen in your brain, effecting new patterns. And those patterns in turn will alter your mood and make it better."

Stanton also stressed the importance of being happy when it comes to health.
"Studies have shown that happiness helps to lower blood pressure," she continued. "But I'm not talking about being the perennial optimist here. It's important to stay in touch with negative feelings, acknowledging them, dealing with them, and eventually allowing them to melt away."

At the end of the day, Stanton's presentation was very much in keeping with the founding principles of GFWC, as she stressed the importance of developing healthy support networks as a means of staying healthy, happy, whole and productive.

For more information about the General Federation of Women's Clubs, visit www.gfwc.org or contact the Naples Women's Club, Inc. at 239-262-6331. They are located at 570 Park Street in Naples.