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Smith College just sent out a notice that, beginning on March 30th, students will be completing the remainder of the Spring semester remotely. This could prove challenging for many students, and that's why we're urging you to contribute to the "Student Aid Emergency Fund" that was set up to help. In lieu of the Spring Exam Care Packages that the Club usually sends, we donated the $400 towards this emergency fund.
DONATE NOW HERE.
We've really enjoyed meeting so many of you at the new events and happy hours! Unfortunately, we'll be canceling some upcoming in-person events because of COVID-19, but we're looking into hosting more virtual gatherings, such as a Smithie Virtual Tea this Friday (more info below.) We're still planning events, but check the club's
Instagram and
Facebook for updates on cancelations.
Future happy hours will be opened up to everyone, not just the "recent" alums, so come join us! We're also going to be starting a new series of family park playdates in the coming months. Let us know if you'd like to meet at a specific park!
Speaking of ... don't forget to fill out the survey, so that we can plan new activities and events that you want to attend! It's open until March 15th.
Here's the link.
Early results from the survey!
So far, we heard from 39 Smithies ranging from graduating year of 1961 to 2016. You told us that you are most interested in fun events, reconnecting with Smithies, making new friends, and networking. For events, you said weekend days are the best time and that the central peninsula (Menlo Park & Palo Alto) is the best location.
If you agree or disagree with this feedback, please fill out the survey (10 minutes) so your voice is heard! We will be sharing more detailed feedback in the next newsletter and will be implementing changes based on your feedback.
Upcoming Club Events
Smithie Virtual Tea!
Fri, March 13, 2-3pm
Login details to be shared soon via the club's Facebook and Instagram.
Since so many of us are under optional or mandatory work-from-home policies at the moment due to COVID-19, why not take the opportunity to call in and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee virtually with a group of Smithies? Enjoy a moment with friends from the comfort of your own home to see some new faces. Whether you can join for 5 minutes or 50, we'd love to virtually meet you!
Raincheck Date of Milagro's Happy Hour in Redwood City
Wed, March 25, 4-6pm
Celebrate Hump Day with the best mango margaritas in California (claims our VP, and who's to argue?). This one's early because their happy hour is 4-6pm, but trust us, between that and their 'hora feliz' nachos, it's worth it. First drink on us!
Buy your own ticket ($89) and RSVP to us via
email or social media! Join a group of Smithies to learn to make steak tagliata with arugula and fried capers, parmesan cheese risotto with pancetta, sauteed spinach with garlic and lemon, and dark chocolate-espresso budino. YUM.
Edgewood Trail Loop Hike
Sat, April 4, 11am-1pm
Join us for a 3.1 mile loop hike in Redwood City! The trail is rated as moderate, and features beautiful wildflowers and lovely views of the Peninsula, Bay, and Crystal Springs Skyline. Please RSVP by
email or via social media so we know to expect you!
Loved Twice Charity Event in San Mateo
Sat, May 9, 2-4pm
We are sponsoring our fourth annual community service gathering for
Loved Twice! More details to come in the next newsletter.
Future Family Park Playdates!
We had a family park playdate planned for the end of the month, but will be rescheduling. When we reschedule, the first will be at Shoup Park in Los Altos. Feel free to bring family, friends, other Smithies, or come on your own! Shoup Park is a hidden treasure with a redwoods boardwalk, green space, playgrounds and picnic space, and it's right by downtown Los Altos, so you can grab dinner afterwards. Reach out if you know of other great parks!
Club News
In case you missed it ... check out our NEW website!
We switched over to a new website, check it out
HERE!
Volunteer with the Club
Happy Hour Series
So many fun happy hours with Smithies this past month! The first was at Stein's in Mountain View on Feb. 7th where bubbles and truffle fries were enjoyed and some fellow Seven Sisters were very, very excited to see a table full of Smithies.
On Feb. 19th, Smithies teamed up for Trivia Night as the "Wandering Menstruals" at Katie Bloom's in Campbell and killed it. Period. But for real, we took down some old pros with our knowledge of tech, Bob Dylan, and classic movies. Let us know of any other good trivia spots!
The next happy hour was a classy evening at Calave in Palo Alto on Feb. 27th where the food and delicious wine pairings impressed.
We sampled a lovely Italian Sangiovese and a Syrah from Oregon, and came up with some great ideas for new Palo Alto events.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the happy hour at Milagro's on March 4th because of a scheduling issue, but it was rescheduled to March 25th. The Arcade Night on March 10th at LvL Up was canceled due to COVID-19.
Book Club Events
On Wednesday the 19th, eight of us (supplemented by emailed comments from a regular who couldn't attend) met to discuss "The Marriage of Opposites" by Alice Hoffman. Thanks to Jean Davidson for kindly hosting us.
We had mixed opinions about this book: several found it a compelling page-turner, one thought it was a bit of a slog. It had a number of interesting themes to explore, including women's lack of empowerment, slavery in the Caribbean, the boundaries of race, religion and class and the impact of transgressing them, mothers and daughters, how easy it is not to know others even in a small island community. We felt the author did not imbue her characters with much psychological depth and isn't a great storyteller but we greatly admired her scene-setting and depiction of place, especially St. Thomas.
Upcoming:
March 18: "Bad Blood" by John Carreyrou. Available now at Kepler's.
April 15: "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison
May 20: "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" by Roz Chast
If you're interested in joining the book club, please contact
Sally Smith '64
for more information.
Stay tuned for more Smithie events and news next month.
Thanks!
Samantha Li '09
Newsletter Editor
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