Westport Woman's Club Bulletin
Westport Woman's Club
NOVEMBER 2017
Board of Directors 2017-2018
President  Dorothy M. Packer;   1st VP Special Interests   Jeannette Tewey; 
2nd VP Finance   Barbara Stemmer;  3rd VP Ways & Means   Suzan Murphy & Karen Kleine;  Secretary   Cheryl Bliss; Treasurer   Barbara Szefc; 
Communications  Anne Hunt & Pattie Takita;   Community Services Sarah Menchaca; Curio Cottage  Susan Loselle ;  Grounds  Cornelia Olsen ; House  Deborah Fratino; Membership  Robin Clark; Parliamentary Advisor  Susan Fox; Programs  Ana Hitri; Rentals  Mira Auxier & Adriana Cvetkov;  
YDF  Kim Reichert & Christina McVaney;  Past President   Dorothy E. Curran

PRESIDENT'S LETTER


Dear Ladies,

Come celebrate the Thanksgiving season at  November Club Day, complete with a traditional turkey dinner arranged for us by Jeannette Tewey, First VP.  Also at this time, we will be receiving our  2017-2018 Membership Directories, thanks to Membership Chair, Robin Clark, who effortlessly organized our Wine & Cheese Reception for New and Prospective Members.  It is never too late to join the WWC...so encourage your friends.

All Members and their guests are invited for an evening with Jarret Liotta who will be treating us to a free test screening of his dark comedy, "Home Movie," in Bedford Hall on Saturday, November 4, at 6:30 pm.  Filmed entirely in Westport, "Home Movie" includes scenes taken at the Westport Woman's Club.  So come and see if you can identify which were filmed here!  No admission will be charged, but snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Elizabeth Greenawalt, our Office Manager "extrardinaire," has done a magnificant job of sorting, folding, organizing and carrying upstairs all the donated clothing received during our Clothing Drive.  Thank you, Elizabeth, and thank you to all the generous Members who donated such quality items, and what a selection we received.  Thank you!

Our Clothing Tag Sale, Co-Chaired by Susan Loselle and Mary Lee Clayton, will have this fine clothing available at bargain prices.  Let's all shop together and have fun with this. The dates are Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Sunday, November 12, from Noon to 3:00 pm.

Thank you, Christina McVaney and Gloria Smithson, Co-Chairs of our Sip and Savor fundraiser, bound to be a success thanks to all of our Members and guests who supported this special event.  

2017-2018 Nominating Committee 
I am pleased to announce our Nominating Committee for the coming year:
     Jo Fuchs Luscombe, Chair
     Mary Lee Clayton
     Dorothy Curran
     Susan Fox
     Susan Hricik
Congratulations ladies, and thank you for serving.

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, let us all be grateful for the abundance in our own lives.  Please consider making a gift to the Westport Woman's Club, specifically for our Endowment Fund, to ensure that the abundance in our lives will continue to be shared with our neighbors in need for many years to come. Building up our endowment will allow us to increase investment income, thereby offsetting our future expenses, thereby ensuring the opportunity for future women to come together as friends and workers, continuing to better our community.

You may also consider a gift of appreciated stock.  If you were to sell, you would have to pay capital gains tax, while the Westport Woman's Club, as a tax-exempt non-profit does not pay tax and can receive it as a gift at its full value, enabling you to deduct the full value of this gift of stock on your tax return (consult your accountant).  Remember the WWC when you are planning your estate, in your will, or in a letter directed to your Executor, which can be delivered to your attorney.  This can be our Legacy as Members of The Westport Woman's Club, generously continuing to share our friendship, energy and resources.  Our heartfelt appreciation and thanks is extended to all of our past and future donors and benefactors.  We wouldn't be together without you, and it is so nice being together!

With love and thanks to all, 
Dorothy


Dorothy M. Packer
President
203-227-7769


In this Issue
Sunshine Girls
Thanks to October Sunshine Girl, Lorraine Feliciano.

Our Sunshine Girl for the month of November is Zita Casey, 203-227-3752
croxie30@aol.com

Jeannette Tewey 1st VP, jtewey@optonline.net 203-227-5089
Condolences
Our deepest sympathy on behalf of the Club to the families of long-time member Barbara Hart, and past member Lucille Kear, who recently passed away and to Susan Hricik and her family on the loss of Susan's sister, Judith V. Bourne.
 
Office Hours  
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (  Lunch)
Office Manager,
Elizabeth Greenawalt
   203-227-4240
Resident House Manager,
Lilibet Rojas

November 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4
 
 


MAH JONGG
1:00-4:00 pm



BRIDGE
9:30 am
 
"HOME 
MOVIE"
6:30 pm
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Club Day
CLOTHING 
SALE
SET UP


CLOTHING SALE 
SET UP

MAH JONGG
1:00-4:00 pm



CLOTHING SALE 
SET UP

BRIDGE
9:30 am
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

10:00 am - 3:00 pm


12 13 14 15
16
17 18
Noon - 
3:00 pm


 
GARDEN 
1:30 pm



WAYS & MEANS
10:30 am

MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm


BRIDGE
9:30 am

BOOK REVIEW
1:00 pm

BYOB
4:00-5:30 pm
19
20 21 22 23 24
25
BOARD MEETING
10:00 am

GOURMET
11:30 am

BUNCO
7:00 pm


MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm




 
26 27
28 29
30
 1
COMMUNITY 
SERVICES
1:00 pm




 
GARDEN
WORKSHOP
10:00 am

MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm

GARDEN
WORKSHOP
10:00 am

BRIDGE

9:30 am

DECK THE
HALLS
10:00 am


CLUB DAY
 
Date:  Monday, November 6
Time:  11:30 am
Place:  Bedford Hall

Joi n us on Club Day at 11:30 am, Monday,  November 6, for an early Thanksgiving Celebration.  Our hostesses will be Curio Cottage volunteers chaired by Susan Loselle.
"A Dash of Salt" will be serving Roast Bone-in Turkey Breast, with Mashed Turnips and Potatoes, Gravy and Brussel Sprouts with Sultanas and Parmesan cheese and dinner rolls. Dessert, of course, will be Pumpkin Pie, not too sweet and with just enough spice.
  
Please be sure you make your reservation by 1:00 pm the Wednesday before Club Day, and
if you need to cancel, please call the office, 203-227-4240 by 1:00 pm the Wednesday before Club Day to avoid being charged.   The cost for our luncheons is $20.00.
  
 If you would like to be on the Permanent Lunch list, please call the office at 203 227-4240. 
  
If you have a serious food allergy or are a vegetarian, please let me know.

Please help the Food Closet on Club Day.  All you need to do is bring one item to donate.  For suggested items, please refer to the Food Closet article.  If we remember to do this every Club Day, we will be helping many people in need.
 
Jeannette Tewey, jtewey@optonline.net, 203-227-5089

PROGRAM
  
The program for November Club Day will focus on the new exhibit at the Westport Historical Society that envisions the Town of Westport 50 years from now. Michael Mombello, one of the organizers of the exhibit, will present the overall view of the architectural evolution of our town in 50 years.  Club member, Vesna Juresko Herman, will present the architectural transformation of a single family house in Westport from 1700 through the present time and with a close look into the future.  She will discuss the longitudinal changes in the chaaracter  and shape of the house in the context of advanced technologies, developments of new materials and environmental forces.  

  Ana Hitri, anahi3@icloud.com, 203-349-5732

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Next Meeting:  Monday, November 27
Time:  1:00 pm
Place:  Living Room

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
As the Woman's Club has done for many years, we are having our traditional Annual Holiday Toy Drive for children who are neglected, abused and undergoing difficult times. Members are being asked to bring NEW UNWRAPPED gifts, as well as gift cards, cash and checks, through November until Club Day luncheon on December 4th. There is a drop off box outside the office.

While gifts are welcome for all ages, there is a particular need for newborns and teens.   Favorite requests are: infant toys and clothing, Fisher-Price, Playskool and similar sturdy toys, dolls (all sizes), Disney items, balls, trucks, remote control cars and batteries, sports equipment, hand-held video games and batteries. Suggestions for older children are: gift certificates to Kohl's, Target, Bobs, Old Navy, Barnes and Noble; sweatshirts, sweaters, hats, cosmetics, manicure kits.

Checks, made out to The Children's Connection, can be dropped off at the office or given to me at the November or December Club Day luncheons. Your check should contain your name, address and a reference to the Westport Woman's Club in the memo area. We also accept rolls or packages of gift wrap along with ribbons and/or bows.   The Holiday Toy Drive is held well in advance of Christmas in order for the participating agencies to have time to distribute the gifts to approximately 3,000 children in surrounding communities.
Thank you for your generosity.
 
Pattie Takita
Holiday Toy Drive Chair


Sarah Menchaca,  sarahdmenchaca@gmail.com, 203-246-1760


BOOK REVIEW

Date:    Thursday, November 16
Time:   1:00 pm
Place:   Living Room

Our book for November is "Hillbilly Elegy," by J. D. Vance.  
From a former Marine and Yale Law School Graduate, a poignant account of growing up in a poor Appalachian town, that offers a broader, probing look at the struggles of America's white working class.  Part memoir, part historical and social analysis, J. D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy" is a fascinating consideration of class, culture, and the American dream.  

The Library has books on order.  


Lee Mennitt,  leemennitt@gmail.com ,  203-523-0904


Date:   Friday, November 17 
Time:  4:00 - 5:30 pm
Place:  Clubhouse Kitchen

Hooray! Pre-Thanksgiving BYOB on Friday November 17!

Bring Yourself Over, Briefly, to say hello (or linger longer) in the WWC Kitchen on the last Friday before Thanksgiving, anytime 4:00 to 5:30 pm.  Yes, Bring Your Own, Beverage of choice and nibbles to share. (No "turkeys" or stuffiness allowed!) Whether you are new to the WWC or a member since "forever," this is an easy and congenial way to meet fellow members, become updated on local weather trends or compare Thanksgiving menus, recipes, destinations (or reservations!).  
 
"Bring something to sip and nibbles to share.  It won't be the same if you're not there!"

As always, we operate picnic/tailgate style, bringing our own simple set-ups and serving implements, then disappearing without footprints or fingerprints.  
 
 
Dorothy E. Curran, DorothyECurran@aol.com , 203-246-0543

BUNCO

Date:    Tuesday, November 21
Time:   7:00 pm - "Chat & Chew," 7:30 pm - Game Begins
Cost:    $5.00


Come join us!
All are welcome...no experience necessary.
Come out for a night of food, fun and  fellowship. 

Just sign up on the bulletin board in the foyer and get ready for a great night!





Wendy McKeon, XWAMX50@aol.com , 203-222-0038

CURIO COTTAGE


 As the busy holiday season approaches, remember that the Curio Cottage can fill many of your shopping needs.  If you're looking for great merchandise to help with entertaining such as extra dishes, glasses, bases, candleholders, or fantastic decorations, just stop by and take a look!




Carol Brezovec, richardbrezovec@gmail.com, 203-221-7688
Susan Loselle, seloselle@gmail.com, 203-454-4171

GARDEN DEPARTMENT

Date:  Tuesday, November 14 
Time:  1:30 pm
Place:  Bedford Hall/Kitchen
    
On Tuesday, November 14, at 1:30 pm, we will be making small arrangements with a Thanksgiving theme, perfect for the holiday table.  Garden Department members should please bring containers no larger than 4 inches for round containers, and 6 inches for rectangular containers. All of the live elements, including flowers and greens, will be provided.  Members are welcome to furnish their own natural items such as branches, vines, etc., that they would like to use in their own arrangements.  Also, please remember to bring your garden clippers.
  
Since these workshops have been very popular in the past, if you are planning to attend, please RSVP by November 7, to Vivian Rosenberg, who will be ordering materials for our use.  We look forward to seeing many of you there.
  
Coming Up:
Holiday Boutique Workshops and Deck the Halls
Wednesday, November 29 - Wreaths
Thursday, November 30 - Boxwood Trees
Friday -  December 1 - Deck the Halls

Workshops will begin at 10:00 am.  Please bring your lunch; beverages and desserts will be provided.  
  
ORDER FORM
If you wish to order holiday wreaths or boxwood trees, please submit your order on the Garden Order Form here:  Order Form

Vivian Rosenberg, Garden Chair , vivianrose1@gmail.com 203-227-4419
Jerilyn Deveau, Program Chair,  jerilyndeveau@yahoo.com ,  203-372-2920

FOOD CLOSET

Despite receiving goods from two very successful food drives at Staples High School, unfortunately our Food Closet is again low on many items, and we are totally out of the starred items below. We are hoping you might bring in a few of the following canned or packaged goods on Club Day or perhaps drop them off at the WWC office:
 
  • *Hamburger Helper, Chicken Helper, Tuna Helper
  • *corned beef hash
  • *Sloppy Joe mix
  • *canned fruit
  • *canned vegetables
  • *cereal
  • canned potatoes
  • apple sauce (in jars)
  • cranberry sauce
  • sugar (1 lb.)
  • big juices (in plastic bottles)
  • mayonnaise
  • catsup
  • mustard
  • cooking oil
  • muffin mixes
  • beef stock
  • coffee
We are happy to fulfill the requests for food that we have been receiving from Human Services, but we can only do this with your help. Thank you for your continued assistance. We appreciate your support!

Wendy McKeon, xwamx50@aol.com, 203-222-0038
Kim Reichert, kim.reichert@gmail.com , 203-227-4590

GOURMET

Date:   Tuesday,  November 21
Time:   11:30 am
Place :   Bedford Hall 

Gourmet's November meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 21, at 11:30 am, in Bedford Hall.  Cooks for this meeting are Heike Martin, Dorothy Packer, Josephine Luscombe and Ellen Hooker. Further details of the meeting will be sent to members by email. 

Gourmet Group members who wish to attend should RSVP by email to Lisa Allison by November 14 .
 

Lisa Allison, liallison@optonline.net, 203-227-9563
Barbara Gladnick, bagladnick@optonline.net , 203-854-0424

LADIES WHO LUNCH

We will not be having our usual monthly luncheon in November and December, as the fourth Tuesdays co me too close to Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Instead, we will have a Festive Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, December 12.  Please see your December Bulletin for details.

Bobbie Herman, sangazure1@aol.com , 203-255-1577

MAH JONGG

Time:  1:00 - 4:00 pm
Date:   Wednesdays
Place:  Living Room

We play on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm - if there is a minimum of 3 or 4 players. Emails are sent out at the beginning of each week to members who are interested in playing. If you want to be included in these weekly emails, please contact me to put your name on that list. All players are welcome, regardless of skill level and experience. You do not need to have your own Mah Jongg set, but if you have one, please bring it.

Lessons are being given, also on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, to members who would like to learn to play the game or haven't played in years but want to brush up on their skills. Please contact me if you are interested.

MAH JONGG CARDS
We recently received a check for $100 from the Mah Jongg League, which is their contribution from their charitable program, based on our group order sent earlier this year.
This is the 10th consecutive year that the Club has participated in this program, bringing the total amount received to almost $1,000.  

Orders for next year's cards are now being taken. Standard print is $8.00; large print is $9.00. Orders from friends and family are also welcome - they don't have to be members of the Club. If paying by check, please make it payable to Audrey Rabinowitz. Your new card(s) will be mailed directly to you at the beginning of April.

Not only do we get to enjoy playing this game, but we are also raising funds for the Club - a win-win situation. 

 
Audrey Rabinowitz, bxiteb4@aol.com ,  227-6010

MEMBERSHIP
 
Our new 2017-2018 Membership Directory will be available at November Club Day.
Please be sure to pick up your copy.

 
Robin Clark, rclark@westportnational.com , 203-231-2109

WAYS & MEANS

PRIVATE TEST SCREENING OF JARRET LIOTTA'S "HOME MOVIE"
Date:   Saturday, November 4
Time:  6:30 pm
Place:  Bedford Hall

In thanks for allowing him to use our Club to film scenes for his independent dark comedy,
local screenwriter, director and filmmaker, Jarret Liotta, is giving our Members a private test screening of his soon-to-be released film, "Home Movie."  Our Members, their spouses and friends, are invited and admission is FREE.  This event will not be advertised and it will not be open to the general public.

This 90-minute rough cut is low-budget, and filmed entirely in Westport by Jarret Liotta.  The lead actress is a Westport native.  "Home Movie" tells the story of a young woman who, upon learning of the sudden death of her father, returns to her suburban home community.  There she begins to suspect that her father was murdered, by her mother (hence dark comedy). 

Please plan to join us on Saturday evening, November 4, at 6:30 pm, for what will be a uniquely entertaining evening!  Jarret Liotta will make a short presentation before the film. Beverages and snacks will be provided.


CLOTHING TAG SALE

Set-Up Days:  Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday     November 7, 8, 9

Sale Days:       Friday, November 10       10:00 am - 3:00 pm
                         Saturday, November 11   10:00 am - 3:00 pm
                         Sunday, November 12      Noon - 3:00 pm


Please plan to stop in and shop our incredible bargains at this Clothing Tag Sale.  We are so appreciative of the fine items so many of our Members have donated.  You will find an amazing selection including winter coats and even fur coats!  Let's have fun with this and shop together.  Come and support our fundraiser and enjoy finding a few items that are calling your name!  Cash and checks only.

 
Next Ways & Means Committee Meeting:
Wednesday, November 15 - 10:30 am


Suzan Murphy, murphy05@aol.com, 203-222-9117
Karen Kleine, kkleine3@gmail.com, 203-858-4010

The BULLETIN 
OF THE WESTPORT WOMAN'S CLUB 
44 Imperial Ave 
Westport, CT 06880