Westport Woman's Club Bulletin
Westport Woman's Club
SEPTEMBER 2019
Board of Directors 2019-2020
President  Christina McVaney;   1st VP Special Interests   Kim Reichert; 
2nd VP Finance   Maria Fraile;  3rd VP Ways & Means   Donna Pellittieri; 
Secretary   Donna Sedgwick; Treasurer   Wynne Abrams; 
Communications  Gloria Smithson;   Community Services Donna Richardson; 
Curio Cottage  Deb Fratino ;  Grounds  Ellen Hooker & Janette Duchnicki
House  Sarah Menchaca; Membership  Robin Clark; 
Parliamentary Advisor  Sharon Jones;   Programs Lauri Weiser; 
Rentals   Ana Hitri & Pattie Takita YDF   TBD
Past President   Christina McVaney
PRESIDENT'S LETTER


Dear Ladies,
 
Welcome back to a great new season at the WWC!

I would like to thank the Nominating Committee, Dorothy Curran, Chairwoman, and Committee members, Dorothy Packer, Cornelia Olson, Jeannette Tewey and Colleen Grant, for their commitment to gathering a group of women who will be leading the organization this coming year.  I am truly thankful to be working with such strong and committed women.

We still have one position left to fill.  As in last year, the Yankee Doodle Fair Chair position is still open.  I will be organizing the fair again this year but I would like to train someone to take it over.  Please keep a look out for current members, new members or potential new members who would enjoy putting together our most important and fun Yankee Doodle Fair. 

Speaking of YDF, thank you all for making it one of our best fairs to date!  The addition of the private party on Wednesday night helped our bottom line tremendously.  We hope to replicate it again in 2020 since both the WWC and the private party client had a great experience. Stay tuned!

We'll be starting the new season with our September Club Day on Monday, September 9th, the second Monday of the month due to the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Please remember to renew your membership and let Elizabeth know if you want to be on the permanent lunch list.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and see you soon!


All My Best,

Christina McVaney 
203-293-519 0
  IN THIS ISSUE

SUNSHINE GIRLS
Thanks to Pat Vezendy, Wendy McKeon and Jeannette Tewey, our Sunshine Girls over the summer.

Our Sunshine Girl for the month of September is 
Bobbie Herman, [email protected]
203-255-1577
 
Kim Reichert, 1st VP, [email protected]
203-362-8256
 
CONDOLENCES
Our friend, Fay Farquhar, passed away on August 16th at her home in Tuscon, Arizona.  Fay was a vibrant person, an avid Bunco player and an active member of the WWC for many years.
 
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

September 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7


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

BRIDGE
9:30 am

 
8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Club
Day
CANASTA
1:00 - 4:00 pm
MAH JONGG
1:00-4:00 pm
BRIDGE
9:30 am


15 16 17 18 19 20 21

BOARD MEETING
  COMMUNITY
SERVICE
10:00 am  
 
    GOURMET
11:30 am  
 
  CANASTA
1:00-4:00 pm
 
BUNCO
7:00 pm
 
GARDEN 
DEPARTMENT

10:00 am

WAYS & MEANS
10:30 am

MAH JONGG
1:00-4:00 pm


BRIDGE
9:30 am

BOOK REVIEW
1:00 pm
BYOB
4:00 pm

22 23 24 25 26 27 28




CANASTA
1:00-4:00 pm

LADIES WHO LUNCH
1:00 pm
 
MAH JONGG
1:00-4:00 pm

NEW & PROSPECTIVE
 MEMBER RECEPTION
 5:30-7:30pm
BRIDGE
9:30 am


29 30







 
















CLOTHING TAG SALE FUNDRAISER
 

P lease bring your donations of gently used women's, men's and children's clothing 
and accessories (shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry, etc.) to our Clubhouse.
No personal items please (undergarments or bathing suits)

and be sure to SAVE THE DATE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25  -  10:00 am - 3:00 pm
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26  -  10:00 am - 3:00 pm
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27  -  12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
 
More information to follow.  
 
Mary Lee Clayton & Susan Loselle
Co-Chairs, Clothing Tag Sale

CLUB DAY
 
Date:      Monday, September 9
Time:     11:30 am
Where:   Bedford Hall

Here it is already August and the summer has really flown by. Any day now, it will be time for the activities of the WWC to resume this fall. 
 
September Club Day is going to be delayed by one week because of Labor Day.  So, please plan to join us on Monday, September 9, for our first luncheon of the 2019-2020 season.  It will be hosted by the Bunco ladies, led by Wendy McKeon.  Be sure to make your reservation with Elizabeth by 1:00  pm on Wednesday, September 4.
 
We are again having our lunches catered by Aux Delices because many members were so pleased with the delicious meals they provided for us last year.  The September menu will include: Chicken Empanada with an Arugula, Grilled Corn, and Tomato Salad.  The vegetarian option is a Roasted Vegetable Empanada with the same salad.  Sliced bread with butter will accompany the entree.   Dessert will be Lemon Pound Cake with Stone Fruit Compote.  Doesn't this sound like a lovely meal to start off our new year?  
 
If you prefer the vegetarian option, please email me before Wednesday, September 4.   If you need to cancel a reservation, please do so by contacting Elizabeth before Wednesday, September 4,  to avoid being charged.  This will be imperative since Elizabeth will NOT be here on Monday to assist in any last minute requests/changes.
 
It is so helpful to be on the permanent lunch list, because you never have to remember to call the office to make a reservation.  Being on the permanent lunch list means you always have a seat at every luncheon and, if you are unable to attend for any reason, just let Elizabeth know beforehand.
 
Hope to see you on September 9th at Club Day!
 
Kim Reichert , [email protected] , 203-227-4590

PROGRAM
CT State Senator Will Haskell, 26th District

The Guest Speaker at our September Club Day will be S tate Senator Will Haskell.  This will be a non-partisan discussion of Senator Haskell's life, growing up in Westport, and how he came to be the youngest Connecticut State Senator in the history of the General Assembly.  

Senator Haskell represents the 26th District, which includes the towns of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

Laurie Weiser, [email protected], 203-256-1973

BOOK REVIEW         

Date:        Thursday, September 19
Time:       1:00 pm
Where:     Living Room
Book:        "Crossing To Safety" by Wallace Stegner
 

"Crossing To Safety" traces the lives, loves and aspirations of two young couples from different backgrounds, east and west, rich and poor, who move between Wisconsin and Vermont over the course of four decades and build a lasting friendship.
 
Books can be picked up at the Westport Library.

All Are Welcome To Join In The Discussion 
 

Heike Martin, [email protected] (203) 227-2448
Pat Vezendy,  [email protected], (203) 226-9869

BUNCO

Date:  Tuesday, September 17
Time:  7:00 pm - Chat & Chew,  7:30 pm - Game begins
Place:  Kitchen/Bedford Hall
Cost:   $5.00 (Sign up on the board in the foyer)
 
Hostesses - Please note the change

It has been decided that there will be NO OFFICIAL HOSTESSES each month.   Please feel free to bring whatever you may want to eat and drink.   As we usually have 24+ ladies, if you plan to share, you needn't bring too much.  There will be more than enough for us to "nibble"... Snacks...not meals!!!
 

July was our annual "Bunco Queen" crowning!   This year, our "Co-Queens" are Ann Doorly and Lauri Weiser.  Congratulations!!!   Both of these ladies showed extreme "LUCK"...since skill is not needed to excel at Bunco!
 
If you haven't tried it yet, please join us for a fun night... Lots of laughs and a chance to win some $$$.   Maybe you can be "Bunco Queen" next year!!!

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

BYOB FRIDAY

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

"Bring something to sip and nibbles to share; it won't be the same if you're not there!" 

Let's kick off the new WWC year in simple style at September BYOB Friday!  Please join us, and bring along those swell travel, family and beach photos that you're hoarding on your cellphone!  Plus, inquiring minds are wanting to know...Which barely-worn fashions from your closets have you donated to the WWC Clothing Sale? (After all, Volunteers have first dibs!)

Plan to Bring Yourself Over Briefly, to say hello (or linger longer), anytime 4:00 to 5:30 pm, and be sure to 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 entertaining way to meet fellow members, share your latest peppered kale chips recipe, compare notes on the new South Beach picnic facilities at Compo, hear reviews of this year's heirloom tomato crop at the Farmer's Market, ask Siri what's new with Alexa, or simply launch a lovely weekend.

As always, we operate picnic/tailgate style, bringing our own simple set-ups and serving implements, then disappearing without footprints or fingerprints.

Dorothy 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

Date: Tuesday, September 17
Time: 10:00 am           
Location: Living Room
 
Hello WWC Ladies,
 
I am looking forward to your participation in the Community Service Committee for 2019-2020. All members are encouraged to participate.
 
We work diligently to raise money all year long and this is where it is decided who benefits from our efforts. Please join us in making these decisions. You are always welcomed to stop by to see what Community Services is doing. We reach out to those in need in Westport and the surrounding areas.

Meetings
Day/Time:  The third Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am
Months:  September - May (excluding December)

Hope to see you September 17, at 10:00 am.
 
Thank you.
 
Donna Richardson ,  [email protected]203-354-8743  


CURIO COTTAGE   
 
The Curio Cottage contributes over $25,000 each year to our club. A huge thank you to all who shop, donate and volunteer. In order to continue to meet this figure, WE NEED MORE CLUB MEMBERS TO GET INVOLVED!

Please consider signing up to work just one shift-only,  2-1/2 hours each month.   I know what you're thinking; what if I have an appointment or am away and can't work?  We have a simple solution, just send an email to Lorraine Feliciano (Sub List Coordinator).  That's all you need to do.  And, speaking  of subs, why not get involved by adding your name to the sub list.

Please contact Susan Loselle (Co-Chair) for questions or to sign up. Thank you.

On another note, Carol Brezovec will be stepping down as Curio Cottage Co-Chair.  he will continue to be a part of our Curio team.  Thank you, Carol, for all you have done for Curio these past 19 years.

We are fortunate that Suzan Murphy will be the new Co-Chair.  She has volunteered at Curio for many years. Thank you, Suzan.

Susan Loselle, [email protected], 203-858-5989
Suzan Murphy, [email protected],  203-247-7726
Co-Chairs

GARDEN DEPARTMENT         
 
Date: Wednesday, September 18
Time: 10:00 -12:00 am        
Location: Wakeman Town Farm


On Wednesday, September 18, from 10:00-12:00 noon,  the Garden Department is heading to Wakeman Town Farm in Westport.
 
Back in May, as our guest speaker, Alice Ely introduced us to the Monarch Butterfly.  She brought us milkweed seedlings to plant and attract nature's beautiful gift.  During our September visit she will talk about raising and releasing Monarchs and the Pollinator Pathway Habitat.  This is perfect timing as she will be in the midst of monarch releasing.  Following her presentation, you will be free to explore the farm at your leisure.
 
Light refreshments will be served.
 
We are very excited about this trip and hope you will join us.  
Please RSVP by Monday, September 9, to [email protected]
 
Wakeman Town Farm is located at 134 Cross Highway, Westport.  Everyone should plan to meet at the main building (kitchen/classroom).

Vivian Rosenberg, Garden Chair, [email protected] , 203-227-4419
Leah Scherzer, Co-Program Chair, [email protected]203-856-6189

FOOD CLOSET


Although the WWC Food Closet was fully stocked after the United States Postal Service Food Drive in May, some of our supplies now need to be replenished. We had many requests during the summer; with children on vacation from school (not receiving free breakfast, lunch, and snacks), people needed our services to provide food for their family members.

The following items are needed to restock the shelves in our Food Closet:

* Hamburger Helper
* Chicken Helper
* Tuna Helper
* Dinty Moore Beef Stew
* Hunt's Manwich
* Canned Corned Beef Hash
* Canned Chili
* Chef Boy Ardee Pizza Kits
* Taco Dinner Kits
* Rice-A-Roni
* Canned Fruit
* Salad Dressing
* Grape Jelly
* Strawberry Jam
* Pancake Mix
* Coffee (1 lb. ground)
* Tea Bags
* Sugar (1 lb.)
* Crackers
* Cookies

If possible, kindly pick up several of these items on the list the next time you are doing your grocery shopping. You may drop it off in the basket outside the office at anytime or bring it with you to the next Club Day on Monday, September 9.  We greatly appreciate the generosity of our WWC members.

In addition to bags of food stuffs, each family also receives Stop and Shop gift cards from us in order to purchase meats, dairy products, bread, and produce.

Thank you for your consideration.

Wendy McKeon,  [email protected] 203-222-0038 
Kim Reichert, [email protected], 203-227-4590

GOURMET

Date:  Tuesday, September 17
Time:  11:30 am
Place:  Bedford Hall


Gourmet Group's first meeting of the new season will be on Tuesday, September 17, at 11:30 am in Bedford Hall. Full details of the meeting will be sent by email.  Gourmet Group members who wish to attend should RSVP by email to Lisa Allison by September 5. 

Dues will again be $45.00 this season and members should either bring a check to the meeting, made out to our Treasurer, Anne Hunt, or send it to Anne Hunt at her home address.  Any other WWC member who would like to join the group should also contact Lisa Allison. 

The Group usually meets for lunch and conversation on the third Tuesday of every month except January.  Each member is expected to form part of a cooking, set up and clean up group once during the season which runs from September to May, and we also have a couple of pot lucks. If you would like to try one meeting to see if Gourmet Group is for you, the guest fee is $20.00 which is refundable if you join the group and pay dues.

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

LADIES WHO LUNCH

Taverns were places to greet friends and meet new associates in an informal, relaxed environment and in their day, were THE social networking sites. This month we return to a favorite, which has received excellent reviews on Yelp.

Date: Tuesday, September 24
Time: 12:30 pm
Place: The Old Post Tavern, 1418 Post Road, Fairfield

They serve a variety of foods including: a raw bar, appetizers, small plates, burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches and entrees. You'll find their menu at -- https://www.oldposttavern.com/menus

Please let me know by Friday, September 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,  s[email protected],  203-255-1577 


MAH JONGG

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

Mah Jongg is played every Wednesday from 1:00-4:00 pm. 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 own a Mah Jongg set, but if you have one, please bring it.

Also, you do not need to make a commitment to play each week; come whenever you are available.

Do you want to learn a new skill?  Lessons for beginners, and for those who want to brush up on their skills, are given on Wednesdays, starting at 1:00 pm. Please contact me if you are interested or have questions.

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


MEMBERSHIP
  

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

WA YS & MEAN S
                               
Date:  Wednesday, September 18
Time:  10:30 am
Place:  Clubhouse

Welcome to a new season of WWC fundraisers.  

We had a fantastic year last year under the guidance of Karen Kleine and I'm hoping this year will be even better!  This will be my first year heading up Ways & Means on my own and would sure appreciate your help.  Please come out to our first meeting on Wednesday, September 18, at 10:30 am, and let's make plans for the coming year!  

Our first scheduled fundraiser is the Clothing Tag Sale, Friday thru Sunday, October, 25 - 27.

Donna Pellittieri,
[email protected]
203-216-0821


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