WCD MAY NEWSBYTES😄

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NEWSBYTES
MAY 2022
WCD ANNIVERSAY EDITION

We've Come a Long Way!

WOMAN'S CLUB OF DOUGLASTON

Annual Meeting and Luncheon Fundraiser

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

11:00 a.m.

NORTH HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
200 Long Island Expressway
North Hills, Manhasset - NY

PROGRAM
106TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
WOMAN'S CLUB OF DOUGLASTON

We will celebrate our longevity as an active and integral part of the community
at our Annual Meeting and Luncheon Fundraiser on Friday, May 6, 2022, at North Hills Country Club to commemorate our birth in 1916.

Featured as part of our program we will have a fashion show themed: “The Evolution of Women’s Fashion through the Decades”.

There will also be a Historical Display of the WCD’s transition from as early as 1930, special commendations from our local government officials (Congressman Suozzi, Senator Liu and Councilman Braustein), slideshow, numerous documents and photos borrowed from our archives, and of course, fabulous raffles, door prizes and 50/50’s.

Click here to see invitation.
Click here to see RSVP

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WCD welcomes our new member:
Patricia McGrath

A WAIT LIST has been established for membership for non-resident applicants.
Until further notice no guests will be allowed to attend upcoming WCD General Meetings with the exception of the Annual Meeting and Luncheon Fundraiser in May.

Contact Membership Chair Aida Ieraci for more details: acapua3@verizon.net

ANNUAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON FUNDRAISER:

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET to let us know ASAP!! the type of raffle that you are planning to donate.

(Please attach a brief description of the contents of your raffle.) We need to prepare and print beforehand a list of the raffles to be included with the program booklet of the days’ events.

Contact:

Linda Akers: Linakers@yahoo.com
Maria DiChiara: Mariaa1656@cs.com
Aida Ieraci: Acapua3@verizon.net

Please respond to attend our Annual Fundraiser by using the RSVP (included with the invitation) If you missed the April 22 deadline to mail your check you can still register and pay online by visiting our website
http://www.womansclubofdouglaston.com (Small processing fees might apply).

(Please share this link with family and friends)

MONTHLY CLUB CALENDAR

BOOK CLUB
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2022

The Book Club will meet at 12:00 p.m. Join Chairwoman Joan Curran and other Book Club members in the Bar Room prior to our General Meeting. All are welcome to join this group of women as we share our love of books.

The books selected for the coming fall season and next year are as follows:

2022
October 6th
Wish You Were Here, Author, Jodi Picoult
November 3rd
The Pull of the Stars, Author, Emma Donoghue
December 1st.
Reader’s Choice

2023
February 2nd
The Lincoln Highway, Author, Amor Towles
March 2nd
Before You Know Kindness, Author, Chris Bohjalian
April 6th
A Man Called Ove, Author, Fredrik Backman

AFTERNOON OF CARDS AND GAMES
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022
Time: 12:30-3:00 p.m.
(Optional Lunch : $25.00 - cash only for non-Douglaston Club members.)

We will meet at the Douglaston Club for mingling with fellow members while enjoying your favorite table game. (Bridge, Canasta, Scrabble, Dominoes, Poker and other quick to learn and fun to play games.)
12:30 p.m. (Greet, meet, organize tables)
1:00 p.m. (Play commences)

For further information please contact Pat Doyle: crxbeach@aol.com or
Tel.718-631-1609

UPCOMING EVENTS

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022
CHARITY EVENT - BRIDGE TO LIFE
Visit to their new headquarters
14-02 124th St, College Point, NY 11356

One of the new charities we are supporting, Bridge too Life, is having a Grand Opening event at their newest location on Saturday, April 30th, 3:00 p.m. at St. Fidelis Church in College Point followed by a reception and tour.

We would love to have a few of us show our support and attend this event.

Please call Joyce Ramirez/Charity Chair for more info (347-495-8082)
and car-pooling.

MONDAY, MAY 30, 2022
MEMORIAL DAY

Douglaston/Little Neck Memorial Day Parade - Monday, May 30, 2022

This year In honor of our 106th year, we have decided to march as a group in the Memorial Day Parade. It will be held on Monday, May 30th.

After a two-year suspension due to Covid 19 pandemic, this enthusiastically supported event will include a large array of local organizations, students, politicians, floats and marching bands. It has been a tremendous source of pride for the community since1927.

We are currently developing a way to showcase our WCD color, lavender in our marching attire.

Please standby for details as to time, place and all further needed instructions. You will receive them shortly.

To register to march in the parade with WCD or to volunteer to help organize this event, please email
womansclubofdouglaston@gmail.com

Your support and participation will be greatly appreciated.

H.S.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2022
WCD GENERAL MEETING AND GROUP PICTURE

The WCD group picture planned on April 7th was cancelled due to weather conditions. As part of our 106th Anniversary celebration we plan to take the WCD group picture on the front entrance steps of the Douglaston Club at our October General Meeting (Thursday, October 6th.)

All members are welcomed to take part in this 106th anniversary photo.
We request that you wear vividly colored clothing to enhance the result.

This photo will have special meaning for us now
as well as preserving WCD 2022 for posterity.

SAVE THE DATE:
ANTIQUE TRIP TO MILLBROOK, NY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022
Stay tuned for more details

Highlights of the
April 7
WCD GENERAL MEETING

Underneath the Paramount Hotel: The Diamond Horseshoe Story

The Paramount Hotel is located on W. 46^th Street and Times Square in Broadway’s Theater District.  Mr. Jesse David Harris introduced us, via his entertaining and informative short film, to the “underground” of the Paramount Hotel.  Mr. Harris also introduced us to his assistant producer and photographer, John Hobb who worked along with him in the creation of this film.  We learned that the Hotel was completed in 1928 in all its Art Deco splendor.  It was the hotspot for many of the talented showbiz types, including Gene Kelly, Milton Berle, Virginia Mayo, and yes, the one and only — Frank Sinatra!

The film featured in-depth, face-to-face interviews with some of the actual showgirls who were considered to be superior to the dancers.  Some of these former show gals were found via ancestry and good old detective work.  Mr. Harris actually “teared up” and became emotional as he described his locating and meeting with several of these showbiz ladies and even a “cigarette girl”.

The brainchild behind the Diamond Horseshoe Nightclub (which literally was in the Basement of the Paramount Hotel) was Billy Rose – the ultimate Broadway producer, lyricist, director of shows, second husband of Fanny Brice, and who we are told, were truly “in love” after they divorced. Billy wrote many of Ms. Brice’s songs and directed her in her career.  Billy Rose produced and directed the first water ballet in our own backyard (Flushing Meadow Park, a/k/a Corona) with the dazzling, never before seen Aquacade at the World’s Fair of 1939.

So many facts were learned: for example, to gain entrance into the famous Speakeasy of the 1920’s, the cost was $2.50! Andy Warhol’s Funeral was held in this underground Palace with the room bedecked all in pink.  The New York Library holds “tons” of photographs donated to them by Billy Rose.  Billy Rose discovered Esther Williams.  Sugar Ray Robinson (of boxing fame) danced there.  This endeavor of Billy Rose grossed $20,000,000 in today’s money equals $240,000,000.  Billy Rose passed away in 1966.

A.A.

A REVIEW OF OUR MONTHLY EVENTS

APRIL BOOK CLUB - “The Engineer’s Wife" by Tracey Enerson

Joan Curran led our discussion by offering a synopsis of this novel which is "based" on a true story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge which spanned the East River connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.

It tells us about the tremendous financial as well as human costs, accidental deaths and overall heartaches during its construction. And, how in the end it was left to a woman to complete the task. But she did it!  Woman Power!  Read it – you will learn and enjoy!

Remember:  “The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  (Dr. Seuss)

THEATRE - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022
BROAWAY MUSICAL: TINA

On a dreary, rainy, overcast, misty day, 25 WCD Members and some guests were driven into the City by a very capable driver who dropped us off at our first destination: Daniela’s Trattoria.  We had a hearty, three-course delicious lunch (including dessert, of course), wherein we sated our appetites.

The best was truly yet to come.  Who doesn’t know Tina Turner and her phenomenal energy and, oh those legs!  Well, although Ms. Turner was not present on stage, the performer was her clone.  From the opening number through the last energetic finale, we danced in our seats, we sang all the old familiars, we applauded and thoroughly enjoyed the performances.

And, just when we thought it was over — Ms. Turner’s clone surprised the audience with a roaring, rocking continuing performance of Ms. Turner’s hit songs. The entire band was on stage supporting that powerful voice.  The audience went wild; we were out of our seats and as many members will attest, we felt as though we had a part in the performance absorbing the energy in the theater.  A great show – great performances – great day.  Thank you to Maura Wrynn and Mary Taylor for organizing the luncheon and theater outing.  It truly was — “Simply The Best”!!

Addendum:  At one point in the production, Tina is penniless, in debt, in danger of losing her home; no funds and truly desperate.  Ms. Tina’s net worth today is $250,000,000.  Just thought you would find this tidbit interesting.  Moral:  don’t ever give up your hopes and dreams – you can do it!

A.A.

CHARITY - SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022
HOUR CHILDREN DONATION TRUCK PICK UP AT DOUGLASTON CLUB
Charity Committee Chair Joyce Ramirez and Co-Chair Annette Aloisio,

We would like to thank everyone who came out on Saturday, April 9th for our first charity event supporting "Hour Children".

We had 24 WCD members participate and 30 neighborhood families come with loads of wonderful donations …. so much in fact that we had to close the truck 20 minutes early as there was no more room!

Also, this would not have been possible without the support of the Douglaston Club. Their former manager, John Veneziano approved the date and use of the parking lot; and continued support from our new manager, Henry Lopez and Susan Turchiano, Events Coordinator made our event a resounding success!

We hope to have another event in the Fall 2022 so watch out for news by end of summer.

For more pictures of this event visit our website www.womansclubofdouglaston.com

A Message from our President

Helene Schutz

106 and Still Going Strong

Greetings Ladies,

106 is an auspicious number.

It is a sign that your better angels are prompting you to assume leadership and take the initiative within your family and community. 106 signifies unwavering courage to fight your limitations, so that your potential becomes stronger than your excuses. I can’t think of a more fitting spiritual and numerological match in meaning and mission for WCD’s 106^th anniversary.

I picture a birthday cake with 106 candles ablaze for this extraordinary occasion. My wish is that the little girl who, today, sits in front of her own 5th birthday cake will, in 60 years, find our calling and traditions—unbroken by then for 166 years —appealing, and will become part of WCD’s continuing bright future.

Our club is thriving and having full activities once again post-COVID. I am especially proud of our charitable efforts that have provided hands-on interaction and needed funding for our worthy causes. As I write this message, I am looking forward to our Annual Luncheon on May 6^th and the substantial donations to our charities.

So many of you have participated to ensure our Luncheon’s success: planning logistics, buying, or selling tickets, gathering donations, making raffle baskets, researching for our history table, or working on our fashion show. This is just a partial list since there are so many aspects required to launch this enormous endeavor; thank you to all who pitched in so enthusiastically. I’d also like to thank Linda Akers for her creative and capable direction for the event.

As the Winter ends and the warmth of Spring is on the horizon, I reflect that my greatest pleasure as President has been getting to know you and getting closer to you through our shared work, achievements, and good times together. Undoubtedly you, our members, are a special and rare group of women who strive tirelessly for excellence and have achieved amazing results through selfless hard work.

On a personal note, I thank you for your support, prayers, and friendship throughout our time together.

Wishing the WCD a happy, happy 106^th! And may we all celebrate many, many more birthdays together in good health and happiness.

Helene

Editor-in-Chief
Annette Aloisio

“What’s It All About Alfie….”  (Lyrics by Burt Bacharach and Hal David – Screenplay by Bill Naughton)

“The song questions the meaning of life: ‘what’s it all about Alfie, is it just for the moment we live…are we meant to take more than we give or are we meant to be kind’…”

“The movie tells of a young womanizing man who leads a self-centered life "purely" for his own enjoyment.”

So, I thought:  what is “it” truly all about?  We live each day, taking for granted that we will live to see another day and trying to make the most out of each and every day.  Is it so wrong to live "purely" for our own enjoyment?

Most of us are at an age wherein we have raised our families (some are still in this stage).  Families come in all shapes and sizes and there is always drama past, present or future. Also, most of us are at an age wherein we have fulfilled our duties, obligations and responsibilities as caring children to our parents as they aged, as they became needier and less independent.  Often, we lost our parent(s) which was heartbreaking, sad; sometimes we are left with regrets and “if onlys”.  And, yes, often times, we are left feeling exhausted.  So, is it so wrong to live "purely" for our own enjoyment?

When we take on the role of caretaker to our husband, parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and even our beloved pets, we are often times overwhelmed.  So, is it so wrong to live "purely" for our own enjoyment?"

Most of us in our golden years have for the most part fulfilled or are fulfilling our obligation and duty to take care of others in our lives – be it parents, husband, children, siblings, aunts, uncles,  friends, “fur babies” (dogs, cats, birds, fish, etc.”).  Some of us take on the responsibility with grace and compassion.  We do what we have to do, and we do it well.  When people need us, we do our best to be our best.

I like to think of “it” as a balancing act.  We give to others, and hopefully to ourselves.  While we practice being kind to others, it is equally important to be kind to ourselves.  It is healthy and healing to indulge our wants, our needs; it is healthy to take time to be kind to yourself – have “alone time”.

We at the WCD give to Charity; we attend meetings; we support our Club; we go to theater; we go on trips; we go to museums; we go to opera; we go to luncheons; we help a friend and/or neighbor in need.  We socialize; we care.  We give with full and loving hearts while nourishing our minds and bodies and fulfilling our individual needs.

As has been previously stated, socialization is the number one requirement for sound mental health.  In taking care of ourselves, we are being kind to ourselves.

Bottom line:  I do believe “it” is about caring for others, definitely; but caring for yourself most importantly – not in a selfish manner – but in a selfless manner.  No, it is not wrong to pursue enjoyment – it is healthy and necessary.  Let’s omit the word “purely” (entirely).

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”  (Eleanor Roosevelt)

A.A.

MAY 2022

“I thought that spring must last forevermore; for I was young and loved,
and it was May” (Vera Brittain)

The month of May, according to the Gregorian calendar, is named after Maia – the goddess of springtime and growth.  Historically, the gentle warmth of the month caused flowers to blossom, crops to sprout, and people to dance.  Children made garlands from greenery and participated in joyful celebrations on the first day of May.

These early May celebration traditions declined in popularity some two thousand years ago, but the spirit of May-time merriment remains to this day.  Even as we grieve the loss of our heroes on Memorial Day, we find ways to celebrate the freedom that proves that their sacrifices were not in vain.

On the second Sunday of May, we honor those women who are our mothers – mom, mommy, mama, ma!  We buy flowers, we spend the day together or in the silence of our hearts, we honor those no longer with us.  We never forget our amazing, caring, loving Mothers!

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes" (Maya Angelou).

Meet the Board
Fran Bello

For as long as I have been a member of the WCD (more than 12 years), and before my membership, Fran has been our Music Chair.  Fran joined the WCD Board in 1979 and in addition to serving as our Music Chairwoman, she also served as Vice President (2008-2011).

Fran does not take this task lightly.  She does her research; she treats each venture as an adventure, giving careful thought to the likes of the WCD members.  Some of the outings with Fran as our Guide and Leader, and most recently, was La Boheme’ at the magnificent Metropolitan Opera House where a few short years ago (pre-pandemic) we saw Le Nozze di Figaro.  Thanks to Fran we took a trip to the historic Kings Theater in Brooklyn where we saw the Moscow Nutcracker Ballet – unforgettable.  Of course, no one will ever forget the trip to St. John the Divine, which trip Fran is hoping to repeat during this coming Christmas/Holiday Season.

Fran adds a touch of class to our already “classy” Club.  Fran enriches our lives with these out-of-the ordinary soirees and affords us opportunities which some of us may never have previously partaken.  Thank you, Fran for doing your job and doing it so well.  You are and forevermore will be our Fantastic Fran!

Fran counts her blessings every day, as we count ours that Fran gives us what we need to soothe our souls and enrich our minds.  Brava Frances!

Fran is a long-term resident of Douglas Manor. She is a loving mother, and a very proud grandmother and great-great grand mother!

A.A.

SUNSHINE
Thinking of you cards were sent to Joyce Ramirez and Nell Wrynn.
A Get Well Card was sent to Ann Cavaseno.
A Thank You Card was received from Beverly Emery.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR MAY GIRLS

Joyce Ramirez, May 1

Carolyn Karoff, May 1

Ruth Ma-Harrigan, May 9

Sandy Hart, May 11

Pat O’Connor, May 18

Jeri Lynett, May 26

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Woman's Club of Douglaston
917-300-9026

Officers:
Helene Schutz, President
Vice President, Maria DiChiara
Recording Secretary, Helena Wong
Corresponding Secretary, Sarah Milunec
Treasurer, Sandy Hart

NEWSBYTES EDITORIAL TEAM
Annette Aloisio, Editor-in-Chief
Johanna Abramo, Content Oversight, Editorial Review
Linda Akers, Design, Audiovisual, Publishing
Sarah Milunec, Hard Copy

The Woman's Club of Douglaston is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the IRS. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law Section IRC 170.

Copyright © *2022* *WOMAN'S CLUB OF DOUGLASTON*, All rights reserved.
Established 1916

Email: womansclubofdouglaston@gmail.com
Website: www.womansclubofdouglaston.com

Woman's Club of Douglaston
Douglaston, NY 11363

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Woman's Club of Douglaston · Douglas Manor · Douglaston, NY 11363 · USA