March 2023 Newsletter

A Message From Carmen Skurdal

Our President

Dear Members,

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! The Queen of Hearts Gala was a tremendous success and everyone had a wonderful time. Our members were dressed to the nines and it was so nice seeing all the lovely ladies. Our mob dance was a huge surprise to the crowd and many husbands, who had no idea that their wives had been practicing for this event. The band- Carson Mac- kept us dancing all evening and they were awesome. Thank you to all who attended, we really appreciated your enthusiasm and fabulous dancing.

We had a great sit down with cookbook author Nathalie Dupree. She entertained us with her wit and memories of fellow chefs like Julia Child. Her wealth of knowledge about baking and cooking had many women taking notes. I think we all were a little starstruck by this awesome lady.

Even though we seem to not be able to shake off Winter my thoughts are already turning to Spring flowers and consistently warm weather. Meanwhile, I hope you can enjoy those sporadic warm days by doing an outside activity or having a meal outdoors.

We are still seeking members who would like to volunteer their time by becoming active on the Board or any of the committees. This club regenerates itself on new ideas and perspectives; we welcome new and seasoned members. Please remember that those women that serve this club are all volunteers, donating their time because they believe in this community and serve because they are invested in its success. I am thankful for the considerable time they spend doing their jobs. But they also have their own responsibilities to their families so please keep that in mind when you are trying to get in touch with them. Take a moment to thank them for all they do as they are the ones that make this club as successful as it continues to be.

Our remaining luncheons will focus on renewal of your wardrobe and maybe even you. Just a teaser… read Gabriella’s section to see what is in store for you. See you soon!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

- Margaret Mead

March 8th

Luncheon Invitation

from Gabriella Pietrafitta, 1st VP

Even though we have had a mild winter, I am still so excited that Spring is around the corner. When I think of Spring, the bright colors of flowers, plants and even the clear blue sky comes to my mind.

Michelle Niddifer from Style Finder will be our March speaker. Her expertise will enlighten us on ‘How to Wear Color with Confidence’. I know as we age we tend to reach for more dark colors so this will be beneficial.

I am very excited to give my closet a make over!

Luncheon Registration

Reservations Information

Welcome to the 2022-2023 WWC year!

Reservations can be contacted at wwclub.reservations@gmail.com

Luncheon cost is $38pp for members and $43pp for guests.

Payment must be received by the Wednesday before the Luncheon. Registered Members and Guests of Members may attend only.

PLEASE NOTE:

Payments made by CREDIT CARD will be charged a

$3 convenience fee.

More Details on Your Luncheon Reservations

Leah Flach, 2nd VP

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Queen of Hearts Gala on Saturday night.

A big thanks to Mary Beth for securing the band, and for the photo op area. Many people took advantage of the Valentine’s Day backdrop and the props. There was a lot of laughter and fun in that area as well as on the dance floor.

Many thanks to all who graciously served on the planning committee. Thanks to Angela for designing and planning the elegant decor. It made for a very special evening. Thanks to Carmen, Debbie, Darnell, Marilyn, Marti and Mary Beth. Thank you Deidri for invitations. Thanks to Billie Jean for help with invitations. We are so thankful for Regina for handling reservations and special requests. Carmen the cookies and your dance choreography were an extra special treat we all enjoyed!

It was a fun evening with many Queens on the dance floor. Some of us danced until it was time to bid farewell. Thank you for making this event a success.

Community Update

Mary Beth Cristinziano & Karen Toth

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Tri-Area Ministry Food Bank and The Hope Center at Pullen at the February Luncheon.

This month we will be asking for donations of underwear and/or socks for boys and girls:sizes that will fit ages 5-12 years old.

As always, we will also pass a collection box for the Tri-Area Ministry Food Bank.

Directory News

from Deidri Ottesen

The Directories are printed and were distributed. If you still need a directory, please contact us.

Thank you!

WWC Activities

Activity News

from Tamara Porter

Fun with Fitness group is open to all who want to get together for walking, or other fitness related activities with NO PRESSURE! Lots of fun to be had! Reach out to Karen Delgado to be added to the list.

We are looking to add a third Bunco group, but need a coordinator. Please let me know if you would like to coordinate hostess homes and send out monthly sign-ups to attend. It is such a fun easy game to play while chatting and eating/drinking beverage of choice.

*Bridge group is looking for members that already know how to play at some level. Contact Sue Lanka for details.

If you have suggestions for other groups, please let me know.

Tamara

You can contact me at: wwclub.activities@gmail.com

Read Descriptions of all Activities

Learning Something New

1.Technology Group- Coordinator: Cathy Werder

We meet on the last Tuesday of each month at the Club dining room at 11:00 am. RSVP Required. We work for an hour and then have lunch together.

February: Ibooks & Libby Library App

March: PayPal, Zelle, Venmo

April: Wallat App & Apple Pay

May: Fun Apps, GIFS etc.

2.Once and Done Events-Coordinator: Marion King

This group will meet occasionally for one-time events, i.e. walking tours, art & museum exhibits, outdoor concerts and whatever else ladies are interested in on a one time basis. (this would be separate from our Fall or Spring bus trip out of town).

The Arts

3.Craft Group- Coordinator: Linda Veraldi

Contact Linda to make sure you receive the craft description and details of the next upcoming craft which meets on Wednesday at 2:00 every other month

4.Theater and the Performing Arts- Coordinator: Mary Beth Cristinziano*

This group will meet occasionally to attend the theater or other performing arts events as they come up during the year. The days and times will vary.

If you are interested in some fun ladies’ nights out, sign up with our group and you will receive the notices of upcoming events. A few exciting performances I know I would like to see are:

April-The musical Les Miserables

April-The opera Porgy and Bess

5.Movie Matinees: Mary Beth Cristinziano

This group will meet monthly to go to an afternoon movie at the Wakefield Marquee Theater. The days and times will vary.

6.Quilting/Sewing Group: Joan Addicks

This group is still new looking for quilters, and folks that love to sew! Meeting times will be decided later.

Epicurean Groups

7.WWC Dinner Club- Coordinator:Sujata Sin

8.International Lunch Bunch- Coordinator: Julie Bernatz & Kristie Jones

The International Lunch Bunch changes locations each month and we are using SIGN UP GENIUS at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d48aaa829a0fa7-international#/

9.Sip and Share Wine- Coordinator: Carol Colburn

Sip and Share events are held periodically and it will be announced through the Newsletter or eblast.

Cards and Games

10.Mahjongg for Beginners- Coordinators:Janice Press & Susan Jackson

1st & 3rd Mondays 11am-3pm Heritage Country Club

11.Mahjongg for Beginners- Coordinators:Janice Press & Susan Jackson

2nd & 4th Thurs 11:30am - 3:30pm Wakefield CC

12.Bunco Babes- Coordinator: Darnell Securcher

1^st Tuesdays of the month 6:30 -9pm

13.Bunco Bratz- Coordinator:Carmen Skurdal,Pat Carroll & Deb Paragone

3^rd Thurs of the month 6:30 -9pm

14.Canasta Babes- Coordinator: Sandy Benedict

3^rd Thurs 11:00 - 3pm @ WCC & various locations

15.Couples Hand and Foot- Coordinator: Nancy Ross

2^nd Sat 6:30 - 11pm

16.Couples Hand and Foot-Coordinator: Carol Ganas

1^st Sat 6:30 - 10pm

17.Couples Panic - Coordinator- Elaine Buzitsky

3^rd Mon. 6:30 - 9pm

18.Samba- Coordinator: Cyndi Peterik

1^st Fri 11am-3:30pm @ Miltons-Wakefield

19.Hand and Foot Friday- Coordinator: Cyndi Peterik

3^rd Fri 11am-3:30pm @ Miltons-Wakefield

20.Hand and Foot Thursday- Coordinator: Elizabeth Hay

4th Thurs 11am-3:30pm location varies

21.Bridge-Coordinator:Sue Lanka

TBA

If you wish to contact a Coordinator for a specific group, you will find their information in the Member Directory. As always, if you have an idea for a new group we would love to hear from you.

Click Here to Read Descriptions of the Cards & Games

Hospitality Reminder

from Diane Ellis and Laurel Davis

Please check in at the Hospitality Table prior to entering the luncheon to have your name checked off our attendance list and to pick up your name tag. Checking in will enable WWC to secure an accurate headcount. Please remember to return your nametags to Diane Ellis at the end of each luncheon. Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing all of you at our next Luncheon.

wwclub.hospitality@gmail.com

Membership News from

Lisa Sampair

Please Join me in welcoming our newest members to the Wakefield Women's Club...

Joyce A. Gunter and Lisa Lampert

If you are a new member, there will be activities planned exclusively for you. Be sure to check your email and to keep a look out for information in the Newsletter. As a reminder, to ensure eligibility to participate in any future WWC activities/functions your MEMBERSHIP MUST BE PAID. Please be aware that prospective new members may attend a total of two club functions/activities, after which membership dues must be paid in order to attend future functions/activities. If your membership profile information needs updating (email, address, phone numbers and/or mailing address), kindly let me know by emailing wwclubmembership@gmail.com This will ensure you receive all WWC correspondence. Do not hesitate to contact me with any additional questions you may have.

Stay warm and enjoy this Winter weather.

WWC Membership Renewal Form

Treasurer's Report

from

Billie Jean Condit

For WWC's detailed financial information, please email Billie Jean Condit WWC treasurer at wwclub.treasurer@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE: Payments for WWC events made by CREDIT CARD will be charged a $3 Convenience fee.

As always, WWC will continue to accept cash and check payments for WWC events from our members who do not want to pay by credit card.

Below is a link for the Wakefield Women’s Club Approved Budget for 2022-2023 Fiscal Year. This Budget has been approved by your elected Executive and General Board. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have concerning our Budget. I can be reached at wwclub.treasurer@gmail.com

WWC Approved Budget 2022/2023

Sunshine

from

Carol Wakely

If you are aware of a member having a difficult time due to a death in the family, an illness or an injury, please

contact Carol Wakely at this time. She will be happy to reach out and let our member know we care.

New Member Socials

Co-Chairs Kathy McKeown & Pam Verdonik

Hello New Members! The New Member Social Committee wants to once again welcome you to Wakefield Women’s Club and encourage you to sign up for activities and events that interest you.

Be Social!

Click the picture to be redirected to our Facebook Page.

Tech Update

Cathy Werder

Be sure to have wwccommunications@gmail.com in your email contact list (gmail, yahoo, iCloud, etc.) to ensure delivery of all notices from WWC. If you need assistance, join Cathy at Tech Group meetings! Meeting times and topics are in the Newsletters.

Visit our website for MORE INFORMATION!

You can make reservations, see what activities are coming up, submit a new headshot for the directory, and so much more!

WWCLUB.ORG

Visit our Website

YOUR WWC 2022-2023 BOARD

Executive Board

President- Carmen Skurdal

1st Vice President- Gabriella Pietrafitta

2nd Vice President- Leah Flach

Secretary- Mary Beth Cristinziano

Treasurer- Billie Jean Condit

Membership- Lisa Sampair

Advisor- Rebecca Vossler

General Board

Activities- Tamara Porter

Community- Mary Beth Cristinziano/Karen Toth

Website Admin/Social Media- -Cathy Werder

Hospitality- Diane Ellis/Laurel Davis

Newsletter- Debbie Paragone

Reservations- Regina Fioto/Darnell Securcher

___________________________________________________________________

Non-Board Positions & Committees

Directory - Deidri Ottesen

Fashion Show - Sherry Patti/Mary Beth Cristinziano

Table Decor-Open (currently rotating on a monthly basis)

Sunshine- Carol Wakely

New Member Socials- Kathy McKeown/Pam Verdonik

UPS Drop Box Location:

14460 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 149-222 Raleigh NC 27614