2026 Ossoli Circle Membership Coffee Welcomes Members and Guests
The 2026 Ossoli Circle Membership Coffee was a tremendous success and a wonderful beginning to President Linda Williams’ year, with nearly 90 members and 32 guests in attendance. The beautifully decorated historic Ossoli Circle Clubhouse provided a welcoming setting for a morning of fellowship, hospitality, and an engaging program.
Upon arrival, members and their guests were warmly greeted by Membership Chair Evelyn Miller and Mitzi Good before making their way into the auditorium. There, guests enjoyed coffee, tea, and delicious nibbles while mixing and mingling with Ossoli members.
President Linda Williams officially welcomed everyone and expressed her delight at seeing so many members and prospective members gathered together. Each guest was introduced to the group and presented with a special welcome package.
Following the introductions, the program, developed by Linda Williams and Pamela Schwartz, began with an adorable video featuring two service dogs who overheard members discussing some of Ossoli Circle’s many activities and service projects. Curious to learn more, the two canine visitors made their way into the Clubhouse, providing a delightful and creative introduction to the program.
President Williams then narrated a series of slides giving guests a thorough overview of Ossoli Circle and the many ways members can become involved. At the heart of the presentation was Ossoli Circle’s mission: to unite the club membership for charitable purposes, to preserve our historic house, and to empower all women to reach their full potential.
The presentation highlighted Ossoli’s commitment to service in the community, opportunities for social activities and fellowship, and members’ involvement beyond the local club through the district, GFWC of Tennessee, and GFWC International. Together, these opportunities demonstrated the many ways Ossoli members can serve, connect, learn, and make a difference.
The program concluded with an exciting announcement—the introduction of President Linda Williams’ 2026–2027 President’s Project. In partnership with Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, Ossoli Circle will raise funds to purchase a service dog for a veteran.
The announcement brought the morning’s program full circle. The two service dogs who had charmed everyone at the beginning of the presentation represented something much greater by its conclusion: the life-changing difference a specially trained service dog can make in the life of a veteran.
With an outstanding turnout, warm hospitality, an imaginative program, and the introduction of a meaningful new service project, the 2026 Membership Coffee was a memorable beginning to another year of friendship, service, and purpose at Ossoli Circle.