Posts by ojaivalleywomansclub

Sunday, June 28, 2026, 2pm at the Veritas Theater, 226 Ojai Avenue #102 See below for how to RSVP.

Fidget Books – OVWC Board members Judy Murphy and Carina Solecki displayed one of the recently created books at our last meeting, Judy Murphy gave an update on the project and showed some of the completed books. We were approached by the Community Memorial Hospital-San Buenaventura and Ojai Valley Community Hospital to create these books for their patients under severe stress.
Kits were assembled by a large group of volunteers at the last Hand Stitching Group meeting, with items that were purchased and donated and volunteers took the kits home to assemble them. It was a successful start to an ongoing project, and Judy will be seeking feedback from the Hospital for this first stage. Many members volunteered and will be making the Fidget Books and blankets led by Judy Murphy with assistance from Suzanne Shaffer.

March 21, 2026

Fidget Book Update

As I told the Ojal Valley Community Memorial Hospital OVCMH and the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club OVWC Board, our initial goal is to deliver 10 fidget books per month. I suspect their need is much greater, but I do not want to over promise and under deliver! Our first delivery took place this week and we sent them our first 12 books. Yay!  I expect feedback about what works best etc. which I will pass on to you.

Some of you open your machine and whip a couple out at once (well, maybe not “whip”).  Others take a bit longer, but I am told the second one is much easier than the first.  I would like to know if each of you can commit to making at least one/month?

We just picked up a ton of new fabric from Teresa’s quilting club so we have supplies to last!  And she took 5 kits to give to her seamstresses!!  (We are searching for more seamstresses so please let me know if you have any suggestions.)  It is so cool to know that one distressed patient, their caretaker and the medical personnel all benefit from your effort. And I am told that fidget books often become like security blankets for these patients.

Sincerely, Judy Murphy 

These are a few examples from the annual program booklets that were published by the local newspaper, The Ojai. These booklets included; an annual motto or theme, a message from the president, listed the members, committees, programs for the monthly meetings, members names and addresses, some included bylaws, some also included advertising sponsors.

1950 President’s Message “Your Club Year is ready to begin. With the knowledge that our nation is facing a period of severe strife and unrest, both internally and internationally, we do not have to go outside of our own community to help. Let us be good citizens and help shoulder some of the responsibilities that come in times of such emergencies. Its not so much what we do in this world that counts as HOW we do it. While we are aiming for perfection it is well to remember that perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things but in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. This little book is the Key to your Club Year USE IT, My deepest gratitude to all who helped compile our yearbook. My wish for you is one of health, happiness, and peace. Most sincerely, Mrs. H. Waite Gerry”

We are proud to be included in the current Ojai Museum Exhibit,  open January 15 through April 5, 2026.