Westport Woman's Club Bulletin
Westport Woman's Club
APRIL 2018
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,

So many Club Members have been busy, including our Community Services Committee, led by Sarah Menchaca.  The Committee submitted their recommended Grant Awards, which were recently approved by our Board. Thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) will be awarded to twenty-five non-profit and human service organizations providing balanced assistance to children, health and safety, food and housing, education and seniors in our community and neighboring communities.

The Ruegg Grant Committee has received eight applications, and will soon identify which organization will receive our Ruegg Grant this year.  Funding for the Ruegg Grant comes from the late Erhart Ruegg, who left much of his estate to the Westport Woman's Club in honor of his mother, Lea Ruegg. Lea Ruegg loved our Club, especially playing Bridge in our living room, which is now named the "Lea Ruegg Room" in her memory.

The Nominating Committee, chaired by Jo Fuchs Luscombe, has produced a strong slate of Officers & Directors for the 2018-2019 WWC Board. Please see the Nominating Committee's Recommended Slate below.  Club Members will elect the new Board at our May Club Day.

Most Active Member Award
Special heartfelt congratulations to Lorraine Feliciano who was unanimously elected by our Board as this year's recipient of the Westport Woman's Club Most Active Member Award.  A college scholarship will be given to a Staples High School senior in Lorraine's honor at our Scholarship Breakfast on Friday, May 25. 

Life Membership Awards
I am also pleased to announce that the 2017-2018 Board has selected the following members as recipients of Life Membership for their special contributions to the Westport Woman's Club: 
          Nancy J. Beard
          Jeannette Tewey
          Ellen Hooker
          Rose Jordan
          Sarah Menchaca

Our annual Art Show , also organized by Past President Jo Fuchs Luscombe and her diligent committee, will feature fourteen artists selected by Curator, Miggs Burroughs.  This year's show will honor the memory of Bobbie Friedman, local artist and first wife of Drew Friedman. 

Our generous Art Show Sponsors are The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center, Inc., Bill Harris, Jr., Jeannette and Michael Tewey, Vivian Rosenberg, the Gault Family Foundation, Linda and Vincent Debo, and Janette and Stan Duchnicki. Thanks to all of our sponsors and donors, including Jo Fuchs Luscombe, Castle Wine & Spirits and the Art Show Committee. 

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Opening Reception,  enjoying a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres, while viewing the artworks, which will be priced to sell.  Show hours are:
          Saturday, April 28, 5:00-8:00 pm - Opening Reception
          Sunday,  April 29, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
          Monday,  April 30, 12:00 - 4:00 pm

And, last but not least, Yankee Doodle Fair Raffle Tickets will be distributed to members at our April Club Day, so please plan to attend and plan to buy and sell those raffle tickets. Your efforts and support are greatly appreciated.

With love and thanks to all, 
Dorothy

Dorothy M. Packer
President 
203-227-7769


The Nominating Committee is pleased to present, for your approval, the  following Slate of Candidates to serve as the  Westport Woman's Club Officers and Directors for  2018-2019: 

President - Christina McVaney
1st VP, Special Interests - Kim Reichert
2nd VP, Finance - Maria Fraile
3rd VP, Ways & Means - Co-Chairs,  Karen Kleine &
Donna Pellittieri

Secretary - Cheryl Bliss
Treasurer - Barbara Szefc 
Communications - Gloria Smithson 
Community Services - Susan Hricik
Curio Cottage Representative - Deb Fratino 
Grounds - Cornelia Olsen 
House - Sarah Menchaca 
Membership - Robin Clark
Parliamentary Adviser - Sharon Jones 
Program - Co-Chairs, Leah Scherzer & Josephine Calcagni
Rentals - Co-Chairs, Ana Hitri & Trish Leavitt
Yankee Doodle Fair - TBD**
Past President - Dorothy M. Packer

** The Nominating Committee will continue to seek a YDF Chair or Co-Chairs. It is hoped that a likely candidate or candidates may surface during or after YDF.

Respectfully submitted,
Jo Luscombe, Chair
Mary Lee Clayton
Dorothy Curran
Susan Fox
Susan Hricik 

  In this Issue

Sunshine Girls
Thanks to our March Sunshine Girl, Carol Goetz .

Our Sunshine Girl for the month of April is Carol Burgess, 
203-226-5593 [email protected]

Jeannette Tewey 1st VP
[email protected] 203-227-5089

Condolences


Deepest sympathy to the family of our member, Maxine Hinkle, who passed away recently.  We also send sympathy to Pattie Takita on the death of her sister.

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

April 2018

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
 CLUB DAY
CANASTA
1:00 - 4:00 pm

MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm

 BRIDGE
9:30 am


 
 
8 9 10 11 12 13 14



 CANASTA
1:00 - 4:00 pm
MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm


BRIDGE
9:30 am






15 16 17
18
19
20 21

 
GOURMET
11:30 am

CANASTA
1:00 - 4:00 pm

BUNCO
7:00 pm
MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm

BRIDGE
9:30 am

BOOK REVIEW
1:00 pm
BYOB FRIDAY
4:00-5:30 pm
22 23 24 25 26 27
28
BOARD MEETING
10:00 am



LADIES WHO LUNCH
12:30 pm


CANASTA
1:00 - 4:00 pm
MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm

BRIDGE
9:30 am

 
ART SHOW
5:00-8:00 pm
29 30





ART SHOW
12:00-4:00 pm

ART SHOW
12:00-4:00 pm



















 






CLUB DAY
 
Date:   Monday, April 2
Time:  11:30 am - Refreshments
            12:00 pm - Lunch

Join us Monday, April 2, for Club Day, hosted by New Members, chaired by Robin Clark.

Please be sure to make your reservation by 1:00 pm the Wednesday, before Club Day.

The menu for this month has been changed due to Passover. A Dash of Salt will be serving an Asian Cobb Salad with Chicken Yakitori, marinated and grilled chicken with greens, matchstick bell pepper, cucumber, zucchini, scallion and red onion. Matzah and rolls will be available. Dessert will be a flourless chocolate cake.

If you have a serious food allergy or are a vegetarian, please let me know. If you need to cancel a reservation, please do so by Wednesday, March 28, to avoid being charged.

Jeannette Tewey,  [email protected] , 203-227-5089

PROGRAM

Our April Club Day guest speaker will be Jennifer Tombaugh, President of Tauck Tours.   A graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Business School, Jennifer's collaborative leadership style has led her to become the first person outside of the Tauck family to be named President of the company, which traces its roots back to 1924, and with a fourth generation now involved.  

Tauck is a global travel company, which serves all seven continents with more than 140 travel experiences and events for culturally curious travelers on land, sea and river.  Jennifer Tombaugh will introduce us to life-enriching travel experiences on every corner of the globe, by small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. 

Ana Hitri,  [email protected] 203-349-5732

BOOK REVIEW

Date:   Thursday, April 19
Time:  1:00 pm
Place:  Living Room

"A Piece of the World" by Christina Baker Kline

In this story, the author interweaves fact and fiction in a powerful novel that illuminates a little-known part of America's history.  Inspired by the painting, Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth, Baker Kline vividly imagines the life of a woman with a complicated relationship to her family and her past, and a special bond with one of our greatest modern artists.
 
Come join us as we discuss this fascinating story.  Books are available at the Library for you to borrow.

Pat Vezendy, [email protected],  203-226-9869, for Lee Mennitt

BUNCO

Date:    Tuesday, April 17
Time:   7:00 pm - Chat and Chew,   7:30 pm - Game Begins
Cost:    $5.00

Ladies...Let's embrace SPRING!
It is time to roll those dice!!!

After a very loooong winter, we need to get serious...(not really..lol) What we need to do is get together for fun, food and fellowship...
Sign up on the bulletin board in the foyer
No experience necessary...Hibernation time is over...Thaw out - Come and have some fun...You might even win some $$$...
Looking forward to seeing you...


Wendy McKeon, [email protected] , 203-222-0038

BYOB FRIDAY

Date:  Friday, April 20
Time:  4:00 - 5:30 pm
Place:  Club Kitchen 

April, at last!
" Bring something to sip and nibbles to share;
It won't be the same if you're not there!"

Please join us for BYOB Friday, on April 20, in the WWC Kitchen! The daffodils are out, the birds are back, the nests are built, and the eggs are laid, so it's time to buy our summer beach stickers. Sure, it's likely raining rather often, but "April showers bring May flowers." To celebrate, why not bring a tiny umbrella to garnish whatever you're sipping?

Bring  Yourself  Over  Briefly, to say hello (or linger longer), anytime between 4:00 to 5:30 pm! Yes,  Bring  Your  Own  Beverage of choice and nibbles to share. Whether you are new to the WWC or a member since "forever," this is an easy and festive way to meet fellow members, share the buzz on the upcoming Art Show, plan your hat for May Club Day and enjoy that sunset happens AFTER we finish at 5:30 pm! 

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, [email protected] , 203-246-0543


CANASTA

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

We play on Tuesdays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm - if there is a minimum of four 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 Canasta cards and tray but, if you do, please bring them.

Lessons are given, also on Tuesdays 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.

Donna Richardson, [email protected], 203-354-8743


COMMUNITY SERVICES

There will be no Community Services meeting in April.

Our next events will be our annual 
Grant Awards Breakfast:
Date:  Wednesday, May 23
Time:  8:30 - 10:00  am
Place:  Bedford Hall

And our Scholarship Awards Breakfast:
Date:  Friday, May 25
Time:  10:00 am
Place:  Bedford Hall

Sarah Menchaca, [email protected] , 203-221-1952

CURIO COTTAGE

The figures are in and the Curio Cottage had a very successful February Half-Price Sale! Thank you to all who worked and shopped, and a big thanks to those who donated items. 

Remember the Curio as you are doing your spring cleaning.  The best time to drop off items is on Mondays from 1:00-4:00 pm.  If you can't make it then, we do accept donations any other day we are open.

Please contact Susan Loselle for  more information.   Thank you. 

Carol Brezovec, [email protected] , 203-221-7688
Susann Loselle, [email protected], 203-454-4171

GARDEN DEPARTMENT

We will not have a Garden Program in April.

Friday, May 4
Grace Farms in New Canaan, the venue for our next outing is more conducive to a visit in warmer weather.  Friday, May 4, is the tentative date for the trip to Grace Farms.  Members will receive further information via e-mail once details are confirmed.

Tuesday, May 22
Also, "Save the Date" of Tuesday, May 22.  We will be attending the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit at the New York Botanical Gardens.  Attendees will discover the artist's little-known depictions of the Hawaiian Islands and the plants and landscapes that inspired them.  

We will travel to both events by individual cars.  Drivers are always welcome.  Details for both trips will be in the May Bulletin. 


Vivian Rosenberg, Garden Chair , [email protected] 203-227-4419
Jerilyn Deveau, Program Chair,  [email protected] ,  203-372-2920

FOOD CLOSET

Thanks to those of you who contributed needed items to the WWC Food Closet recently. 
We are now better equipped to respond to requests when the Department of Human Services calls us.
 
Some staples that always go quickly are:
 
Hamburger Helper
Chicken Helper
Tuna Helper
Powdered milk (in packets)
Mashed potato mix
Canned fruit
Grape jelly
Strawberry jam
 
And some added treats that we like to include are:
 
Hot chocolate (in packets)
Crackers
Cookies
 
We appreciate all contributions that our members make to the Food Closet. The white wicker hamper outside the office is always available for your donations. Your assistance in helping us fulfill the Club's mission is so important. Thank you.
 
Wendy McKeon, [email protected], 203-222-0038 
Kim Reichert, [email protected] , 203-227-4590

GOURMET

Date:  Tuesday, April 17
Time:  11:30 am
Place:  Club Kitchen

Gourmet Group will meet at 11:30 am on Tuesday, April 17, in the Club House. 

Our cooks this month are Lica Cole, Marion Potter, Mary Lee Clayton and Mitzi Lyman. 

Full details of the meeting will be sent to members by email. Please RSVP to Lisa Allison by April 10,  if you plan to attend.



Lisa Allison, [email protected] , 203-227-9563
Barbara Gladnick, [email protected] , 203-854-0424

LADIES WHO LUNCH
 
Date:       Tuesday, April 24
Time:       12:30 pm
Address:  Pearl at Longshore, 260 Compo Road South, Westport

This month's dining adventure takes us to Pearl at Longshore, which we last visited in 2016.  Pearl offers a lovely view of the harbor, together with a variety of delicious food. Yelp gives it generally good to excellent reviews. Pearl offers a variety of selections, including fresh shellfish, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta and small plates. I'll be having the Lobster Roll!

You'll find the menu at -- https://www.pearlatlongshore.com/menu/lunch-2/

Please let me know by Friday, April 20, if you'll be joining us so I can tell them how many to expect. And, as always, I ask that you email or call me as I may not remember if you tell me in person.
 
Bobbie Herman, [email protected] , 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 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.


Audrey Rabinowitz, [email protected] ,  203-227-6010

MEMBERSHIP
 
Our new 2017-2018 Membership Directory is now available.
Please be sure to pick up your copy at the office.

Robin Clark, [email protected], 203-231-2109

WAYS & MEANS

Date:  Wednesday, April 18
Time:  10:30 am

Please join us for our next Fundraisers:

Art Show
Saturday, April 28 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm (Opening Reception) 
Sunday, April 29, from 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Monday, April 30, from 12:00 - 4:00 pm

The Art Show will once again be  curated by Miggs Burroughs. Jazz Vocalist Melissa Newman will perform at Saturday's Opening Reception. Chair, Jo Fuchs Luscombe, notes this year's event honors the late artist Bobbie Friedman, first wife of Drew Friedman. This annual show, featuring local artists, seeks to generate sales for them and funds for need-based college scholarships for Staples High School seniors. This year's  artists, whose works will be available for purchase, include Jen Greely, Bernie Perry, Nancy Moore, Roseann Spengler, Leonor Dao Turut, Kerry Heftman, Sam Abelow, Sue Benton, Jo Titsworth, Dale Najarian, Carlos Davilla, Holly Hawthorne, Noah Steinman, and Karen Ford. Art by Honoree Bobbie Friedman will be available for viewing, but not for purchase. 

Thirty percent of sales will benefit need-based scholarships for Staples seniors, including new Westport Woman's Club-administered scholarships, funded by The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center, Inc., benefiting Staples seniors who have financial need and an interest in pursuing studies in the visual arts.

Painting with a Twist 
Wednesday, May 2, from 6:30 - 9:00 pm.  

One of the talented artists on staff will be with us every step of the way as we enjoy wine and cheese and paint our way to a finished work of art. You'll be amazed before the night is over! You just might discover your inner artist! 
 
Half of the proceeds will be donated to the club.  The cost will be $35.00 per person.  We will be painting "Spring Stroll." This should be lots of fun!!


Also, mark your calendars for our  Antique Appraisal Day on Saturday, June 9. 


Our next meeting will be held on April 18, at 10:30 am. All are welcome.

Suzan Murphy, [email protected] , 203-222-9117
Karen Kleine, [email protected], 203-858-4010


YANKEE DOODLE FAIR

Date:  Wednesday, April 4 
Time:  10:00 am
Place:  Living Room  

We've started the ball rolling and have already accomplished quite a bit in preparation for Yankee Doodle Fair 2018!

The raffle prizes are now all in place. First prize is $1,000 cash, second prize is $500 cash, and third prize is a gift certificate from Silver Ribbon ($350 value). The books of raffle tickets will be distributed to you at April Club Day; be sure to see Kim Reichert for your "golden tickets" when you are signing in and picking up your name tag. After that, you'll be ready to get out there and SELL, SELL, SELL!


 
Speaking of selling, members will be asked to sell raffle tickets in various locations around town: at the Farmers' Market, Stop and Shop, the Memorial Day Parade, the beach, the transfer station, andany other place you can imagine. Once we have confirmed dates for the Farmers' Market and for Stop and Shop, we will let you know so interested volunteers can sign up. Remember, these raffle tickets are our rain insurance for the YDF!


We are encouraging members to sign up to solicit prizes for Take a Chance.  The list of previous donors will be in the office; each person is asked to sign up to indicate which (old or new) businesses/restaurants she will be visiting.  That way, we will not pester any company which has already donated this year.

You may pick up the necessary forms in the office; remember to see or call Elizabeth in the office (203-227-4240) or Suzan Murphy (203-222-9117 or 203-247-7726) to inform them which prize(s) you are pursuing.

We are pleased to announce that numerous Suzuki School of Music students will once again be performing on the Saturday afternoon of the fair. That's always a big draw for families, and they also visit our nearby Baked Goods sale to enjoy some home-made goodies! An exciting new addition to the YDF this year is a performance on Saturday evening near the gazebo by some School of Rock students. Think of all the teens and 'tweens their music will attract!

Be sure to be part of the fun and join us at the next Yankee Doodle Fair 2018 Planning Meeting on Wednesday, April 4, at 10:00 am in the living room. It's a perfect way to support the Club and to interact with some great women (both "old faithfuls" and especially our newbies). Help out a little or a lot; your participation is what's important. Looking forward to seeing you then.

Christina McVaney, [email protected], 203-292-8138
Kim Richert, [email protected], 203-227-4590  

Yankee Doodle Fair Bake Sale

The Westport Weston Health District requires us to submit some information on bakers and what they will bake in order to issue a Bake Sale Permit for the Yankee Doodle Fair.   To comply with this requirement, we will be submitting a list of bakers including all members that baked in 2017.  
  • If you baked in 2017 and will not be baking this year, or if you do not want your name included for some other reason please email or call Lisa Allison.
  • If you intend to bake items that are different from last year, you should also contact Lisa Allison so that the list can be amended.
  • Any members who will bake this year but did not bake in 2017 should also please contact Lisa Allison so that your name may be added to the list.
For your information, the bake sale will run throughout the Yankee Doodle Fair June 14-17. We need a lot of baked goods to meet the demand of YDF customers, so please support us!
 
Lisa Allison, [email protected] , 203-227-9563
Barbara Gladnick, [email protected] , 203- 854-0424


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