October 2025 Newsletter



To give aid and encouragement in promoting the education and welfare of at-risk children in the state of Georgia.

Dear Circle Members,


As we step into this new season, we are reminded of the beauty of friendship, service, and community that makes the Circle for Children so special. We have a full and exciting month ahead, and we are thrilled to share what’s happening.


First, our Fall General Meeting is just around the corner on Tuesday evening, October 7th at Park 82 Restaurant in the Cumberland area. We have rented the entire restaurant for the evening, and free parking is available right next to the venue. This annual gathering is also our big recruitment event, and it promises to be a fun evening for members and guests alike. Friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family are all encouraged to come and learn more about the Circle and our mission. Guests will also enjoy our ever-popular fashion show, featuring our very own members modeling beautiful looks from Range Boutique. Most importantly, this event is an opportunity to introduce our recruits to the work of our charity partner this year, City of Refuge. If you know someone interested in joining but unable to attend that evening, please reassure them that they are still welcome to join us this year. And for those who haven’t RSVP’d yet, it isn’t too late — we’d love to see you there!


In addition to our general meeting, we are delighted to share that there will be two opportunities this month to volunteer at City of Refuge. Serving together is one of the most meaningful parts of our Circle experience, and we hope many of you will take part. Please be sure to check out the details for these volunteer opportunities later in this newsletter and consider joining us in this important work.


We are also introducing a new feature in our monthly newsletters: the Member Spotlight. Each month, we’ll celebrate members who are traveling, marking a milestone, or doing something extraordinary. It’s a way to honor the special moments in our community and to remind us of the friendships that make the Circle so unique. This month, our spotlight shines on members who have been traveling together. Many of us love to travel, and after our August meeting with Kelly Butler, The Points Maven, it’s been especially fun to see how Circle friendships extend into adventures both near and far. The Circle is indeed a place where lifelong friendships are formed, and this spotlight is a beautiful reminder of that.


Finally, we are beginning a Bereavement Section so that we can walk alongside one another not only in times of joy but also in times of sorrow. When a member experiences the loss of a loved one, we want to be aware so we can surround them with love, prayers, and support. If you know of a Circle member who has lost a family member, please let us know so we can share it with the group and be present for them during their time of grief.

We are so grateful for each of you and for the way our Circle continues to shine through service, friendship, and care for one another. Together, we make a difference — in our community and in each other’s lives.


Carrying the light forward,

Susan Fulkerson & Mary Beth Wegener

Co-Presidents 2025–2026


2025-26

Membership Renewal

HOW DO I PAY MY DUES ONLINE?

If you would like to pay your dues online please follow the following steps:


  • Click HERE to get started.


  • Fill out the member information requested, select a 2025-2026 Membership Dues option, add any additional donations and then choose "Paypal Checkout".


  • This will open a separate Paypal window. From there click "Pay with Debit or Credit Card". You may either log-in to checkout through your Paypal account OR you may checkout as a guest.


Please email our Membership Team for more information or for the mailing address to pay by check. DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 1, 2025!

OCTOBER


New Member Recruitment Party/Fashion Show and

Fall General Meeting

Park 82 Restaurant

Tuesday, October 7

6:00 pm


Volunteer Event: Fall Festival

City of Refuge

Friday, October 17

9:30 am - 12:00 pm


Volunteer Event:

Trunk or Treat

City of Refuge

Thursday, October 23

5:30 - 7:00 pm


New Member Orientation

Rita Furness's Home

Sunday, October 26

2:00 - 4:00 pm


NOVEMBER


Membership Deadline

Saturday, November 1


Executive Board Meeting

Wednesday, November 5

Zoom (Evening)

 

Social Event: Candle Making 

Wednesday, Nov 12

Sea Love in Vinings

11 am


Pineapple Porch Fundraiser

Thursday, November 20

​5:00 - 7:00 pm


DECEMBER


Volunteer Event: Pre-School Holliday Party

Thursday, December 18

​City of Refuge

9:30 am - 12:00 pm

 

Holiday Party

Sunday, December 14

Danielle Houret-Lam's home

​5:00 - 7:00 pm    


SAVE THE DATE!

ANNUAL GALA

Lighting the Way

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Atlanta Country Club

An excerpt from The Circle Cookbook 1977...


Capital City Club


The occasion was the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the United States Navy Band in November, 1938. The Young Matrons’ Circle was sponsoring the Band’s appearance at the Municipal Auditorium. At the close of the evening concert the Capital City Club Grill Room was the setting for our supper-dance.


The Atlanta Georgian printed an article on November 11, 1938 concerning special dishes to serve on Band Day. To quote, “Fish is one of our most valuable foods and yet in Atlanta it does not receive the praise and consideration due it.” That certainly has changed! But what has not changed is the wonderful way the Circle operates on behalf of our school.


This particular event was a tremendous success, and school children from Atlanta and bands from all over Georgia were brought to the afternoon concert.

EVENTS

September Social - MLK Jr. Walking Tour

What a great time our members had on the Marting Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour Social…the group also had lunch afterwards at the historic Paschals Restaurant…it was a beautiful, informative day! Thank you Elaine LaMontagne & Pat Iaffaldano for organizing!

Fall 2025 General Meeting, Fashion Show

& New Member Recruitment

This is going to be such a fun evening as we have the ENTIRE restaurant to ourselves! Invite friends & get your tickets today!


Tuesday, October 7, 2025

6:00 pm

Park 82 Restaurant

4403 Northside Pkwy NW

Atlanta, GA 30327

(Cumberland/Vinings Area - free parking at the restaurant!)


Dinner and non-alcoholic beverages are included at $60 per person.

PLEASE pre-purchase drink tickets to reduce the check-in line! Beverage tickets including wine, cocktails, and beer are available for $13 each when you make your registration payment through PayPal.


If you have already registered for the event you may go back in and pre-purchase drink tickets through the link below.

Registration deadline has been extended!

DONATIONS - We will be collecting the following hygiene donation items for the City of Refuge - Full size shampoo & conditioner for textured hair, full size body wash, full size body lotion, full size toothpaste, toothbrushes, full size deodorant for men, women & teens, flushable wipes & sunscreen. We will also be collecting bags of Halloween candy for the Trunk or Treat Event.

November Social Event: Candle Making 

"Fragrance is more than just a scent--it's an experience."


Fall is Candle Season! Please save the date to join us for a candle-making experience at Sea Love Candle Boutique in Vinings on November 12th!


You will create a 12- ounce candle of 100% soy wax. Explore 100+ fragrances to blend your own mix within the category of your choice: Spice, Woody, Sweet or Fresh. You can also browse Sea Love's boutique selection of home decor, apparel and personal products.


Wednesday, November 12

4300 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 246, Vinings, GA

11:00 - 12:00 is candle-making. Then, while our candles set, plan to stay for shopping or lunch at Hob Nob Tavern in Vinings Jubilee

BYO snack or beverage while making your candle


More details and registration to come. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Annual Gala

We are thrilled to share that Lighting the Way, The Circle for Children’s annual gala, will be featured in SocialAtlanta’s Gala Guide for 2025/2026! This exciting new guide highlights some of Atlanta’s most impactful and anticipated philanthropic events.


SocialAtlanta also hosts a community calendar and online society pages, showcasing photos from notable charity and cultural gatherings across the city. Our inclusion is a meaningful recognition of the work we all do to support children in need.


We invite you to visit their website and see Lighting the Way listed alongside some of Atlanta’s most significant fundraising events: SocialAtlanta.com


Thank you for your continued support!


Warm regards,

Ruth Chitwood & Polly Hogue

2026 Gala Chairs

Please contact Sarah Candeto if you are interested in serving on the auction committee. We will need help setting up and breaking down on the day of the event. Please also start thinking of items to donate!

It’s Time to start Rounding Up our Members from over years past that were a Big Part of our 99 year Circle history! As we count down to our 100 year Jubilee in 2027!


Over the next 2 years we would like to keep our past Circle members in the loop and it would be awesome to add these ladies to our newsletter to keep them in the loop. Let’s create a Big On-going Reunion of Circle ladies past, present and future! 


Make a list of your favorites... I need names including cell # and email so we can start lassoing them back into The Circle!! Forward this newsletter and tell them to contact me!! Even if they have moved out of town...


We want these ladies to Circle back and we don’t want to have to send a posse after them!! 


Please forward contacts to Jennie Johnson at 678-595-7064 or jjjohnson8090@yahoo.com.


Jennie Johnson & Peggy Fulghum

Centennial History & Outreach Co-Chairs

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

This month’s Member Spotlight shines on five of our Circle friends — Debbie Wagner, Lynn Thompson, Doris VanWagenen, Diane Miller, and Jane Dye — who recently traveled together to Greece and Turkey.


From volunteering side by side at City of Refuge to exploring the historic streets of Athens and sailing the turquoise waters of the Aegean, these women exemplify the spirit of friendship and adventure that the Circle inspires. Their journey is a beautiful reminder that the bonds we form here extend beyond our meetings and volunteer projects, creating lasting memories and lifelong friendships along the way.

CITY OF REFUGE

2025-2026 Circle beneficiary:

City of Refuge is a faith-based environment that helps individuals and families transition out of crisis.



Congratulations to Jane Johnson, City of Refuge Volunteer of the Month!


City of Refuge says..."We are so grateful for Jane Johnson, one of our dedicated volunteers who faithfully serves in our preschool’s nursery. Jane’s kindness, patience, and love for children create a warm and nurturing environment where our youngest learners can thrive. Her consistency and care make a lasting impact, and we are thankful for the joy she brings to our preschool!"


Congratulations Jane!

Please join us at our two upcoming City of Refuge Volunteer Events! The Fall Festival requires a background check so please click below to register and complete that step. For the Trunk or Treat, event please email Jane Johnson with your RSVP and she will add you to the list. Click below to register for both events.

Birthdays


October 1

Shellee Spagnoletto


October 3

Pam Trompeter


October 5

Dianne Kaseta


October 6

Polly Hogue


October 8

Nina Allen


October 9

Anne Keane


October 24

Susan Fulkerson


October 30

Carole Steele


If your birthday is not in the Circle directory, please email Martha Altieri.

Access the Directory online with new Password!


The membership directory of active Circle members can now be viewed on our website. For the privacy of all members, the directory is password protected. You may access the directory under the membership tab on the website. A printed copy of the directory will be available at the February General Meeting.


Directory Password: Circle1927!

Bereavement


We extend our heartfelt condolences to members who have recently lost loved ones. Our thoughts are with you and your families during this difficult time.


Belinda Vogel's Mother,

Harriet Ethel Kubicar


Bernie Locklear's Husband, Bill Locklear


Cynthia Dolezal's Husband,

David Dolezal


Konni Minter’s Mother-in-law,

Margie Minter

Circle Celebration Fund

Can't think of a gift for a friend? Consider

donating to the Circle Celebration Fund in

their name. A lovely acknowledgment will be sent to the honoree informing them of the donation you made in their name. Please contact thecircle4children@gmail.com

if you would like to donate.

Circle Correspondence

Please send any Circle Correspondence to thecircle4children@gmail.com for announcements of births, loss of loved ones, outstanding events or illnesses. Please include the individual's address so the corresponding secretary can send the appropriate correspondence.

Kroger Community Rewards will donate a portion of your grocery purchase total to The Circle for Children.Please sign up for a Kroger Card the next time you're grocery shopping and link it to The Circle for Children.


To link your Kroger card go to www.kroger.com and login to access "My Account". Under "Community" select "Community Awards" then click the "link card" button. Then, search for "The Circle for Children" or enter number, CX636. You can also call Kroger at 1-800-562-4438 and they will sign you up over the phone.

The Circle for Children | circle4children.org

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