As I was reminiscing about the League before our Round Robin discussion at Applewood not long ago, I realized my perspective of the League is a little different. I loved hearing all about the meetings, actions, studies and involvement in the town our members pursued in the past. I joined the League in the early 1980's after Janice Ratner invited me to an Opening Meeting. Eva Cashdan was President when she asked if I would be in charge of Meeting Organization. Doris Holden had held the position for a long time. She was very organized and presented me with a picnic basket filled with extension cords, large cream pitchers, a door stopper, and some small LWV signs, etc. I was terrified. After all, Doris and her partner Florence Bert were pros at this.

In those days Legislative parties were held at Seymour and Harriett Shapiro's on Lincoln Avenue. We'd socialize in the kitchen and then meet in the living room to hear Stan, Ellen, John Olver, and others speak. Lois Dethier always made this incredible salmon mousse which everyone loved. For several years Mary and Ed Sunderland hosted the Holiday Parties at their home, also on Lincoln Avenue. They had to get special permission from the Police Department so we could park along the street. They had a beautiful home. They would push the dining room table back so we had more room. They lined the food table with poinsettias. I remember Ed would go get wine from his own collection to offer anyone who would enjoy some. Even board meetings could be very special. Once, Diana Romer held a luncheon at her home. She served an amazing Panzanella. The recipe came from her family's vineyard in California. I think we enjoyed some of the wine from there, also. Lucy Benson once entertained the board with a catered dinner. It was very special. There may have been a speaker, but I remember it being catered in a beautiful home. See it pays to be on the board or SC today.

Later, Carol Rothery held the Legislative Receptions at her home. She loved to entertain and had a large living room. She taught me the art of table toppers - one cloth over another. She also held new member meetings at her home as did Cynthia Brubaker and Kathy Vorwerk. Cynthia even dressed as Elizabeth Cady Stanton for one of those meetings at Barbara Ford's home. Our birthday celebrations began later. Eva Cashdan thought of this wonderful tradition. At first, they were held at Hickory Ridge Golf Club for many years. The buffet luncheon was delicious and the views of the snow out the large windows were lovely.

The largest party I remember was our 75th Birthday celebration held in 2014. It was a catered luncheon at the Top of the Campus at UMass. There was a large cake, flowers for each table, and of course our famous League History Boards. Cynthia and Kathy were co-Presidents then. A group of past presidents shared their memories. We also helped celebrate the town's 250th birthday, once again with a HUGE cake from Atkins with the town logo. This and our 80th Birthday celebration last year, were both held at the Amherst Woman's Club. I've come to know your special recipes and styles. So many of you have so graciously opened your homes to us over the years for many parties and events. I know we are all thankful for these memories and friendships. I look forward to seeing you at Phyllis Lehrer's home for our next Holiday Party on December 8 from 3:00 -5:00.

Happy Thanksgiving! Deanna Pearlstein

 

versions have been purchased for distribution at our LWVA events and programs. A number of them have been given to the Jones Library for distribution. It is good to report that they are being snatched up; LWVA will be needing to buy more soon.