Dear WCD Members,
Wow, cannot believe the summer has passed so quickly! In spite of the fact that we have been for the most part confined to our homes and limited to our outside movement, time still goes by much too fast. Normally, at this time we would be looking forward to the new season anticipating getting together again for our meetings, events and programs, and to just catch up.
While we are currently in a New York State mandated state of suspension, and perhaps longer than we want, this does not mean we are not planning ahead in one way or another. This too shall pass and when it does let's be ready to tap into those very things we have been acutely aware of missing – antiquing, theater, music, museums, our top-notch programs and, of course – each other! We are posting herein a listing of programs we have already scheduled but for the moment have been put on hold. All or maybe some of these will be dusted off and put back on the agenda as soon as possible.
We will continue to publish our “NewsBytes” chock full of sundry articles of interest, little tidbits, WCD updated, member interviews, etc. etc. Also, we will continue send you now and then a few choice videos via email – uplifting and fun, some silly and others quite interesting and informative to bring a smile and some mental stimulation.
I am confident we will see each other soon, if even on the phone, computer or tablet screen – till then, do take care, stay well and remember we are still here!
Johanna Abramo
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Editor-in-Chief, Annette Aloisio
PONDERINGS, MUSES AND IDLE THOUGHTS
Suffrage: vote: the right to vote
Suffragette: a woman who advocates suffrage for women
On August 18th, 1920, one hundred years ago, after unimaginable and well-documented struggles, women gained the right to vote:
AMENDMENT XIX: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation”.
This “right” did not come easily. Several generations of women suffragettes lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied and often practiced civil disobedience. Some women were imprisoned. It is interesting to note that not all women supported this “right”. They were called anti-suffragettes. They believed the suffragettes were "absolute harridans, slovenly housewives, appalling mothers, ugly, they looked like men and they were lesbians”. (Ms. Atherton)
The National League For Opposing Women Suffragettes:
10,000 women did not want the right to vote!
It was thought that women were “intellectually inferior and emotional and did not have the capacity to make political judgments”. Some saw women’s right to vote as a “prelude to a social revolution which would set society back”.
Some believed that giving women the right to vote would “upset the natural order of things”. One of the most blatant objections to women being granted the right to vote: “Because it flies in the face of nature, which has clearly indicated
the spheres of action respectively assigned to the two sexes”.
Historical Author Elizabeth Crawford states that there was a genuine concern that giving women the right to vote
would “destroy families, cause dissension in the home if a man wanted to vote conservative and his wife liberal”. It has also been said that women have “neither the capacity nor the leisure to vote”.
We are all familiar with the names, Susan B. Anthony,
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Their stories have been told and we know them well.
What many of us do not know is that there was yet another group who fought long and hard to gain this “right” and they were the black (“negro”) women. They were brave and fierce
women who fought for their beliefs: risking their lives and in some cases imprisoned, and yet they persisted.
Question: Why do we not know these women: Ida B. Wells, Elizabeth Piper Ensley, Mary Church Terrell, Juno Frankie Pierce, Mary McLeod Bethune and Sojourner Truth (a former slave and first black woman to win a lawsuit against a white man and a figure in the statue described below), Mary Ann Cary, Mary Louise Baldwin (Native American), Nina Otero Warren, and many more?
Answer: Because these women were not respected by the
white suffragettes, they were forced to create their own movement. It is reported that when black women reached out to the suffragettes, they were ignored declaring it as a “race issue”.
All of these women were extremely accomplished in their lives. They were intelligent women fighting racial
inequalities. They marched to Washington, they founded Associations of Colored Women’s Clubs, they earned Bachelor and Master Degrees, they fought lynching which commonly and routinely took place in the South, they co-founded and became members of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, they taught school, and they opened schools for “Training Negro Girls”. They deserve to be recognized!
Although all women voters were granted the right to vote
in theory, however, in reality, most black women didn’t gain suffrage until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (President Lyndon B. Johnson) due to poll taxes (which had to be paid -- or no vote), literary tests, and other racist measures to prevent black women from exercising their “right”. There is a plethora of information and documentation written on this topic. We urge you to research this little known history.
On August 26th, 2020, a bronze sculpture was erected in
Central Park depicting the images of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony, all New Yorkers. The sculpture is called: “Women’s Rights Pioneers Movement”.
It is quite an amazing work of art and meaningful subject
matter. The statue depicts three women: one standing and two sitting at a table, possibly working on a piece of legislation. Also interesting to note is that this is the first statue of real women erected in Central Park’s 167 year history. We shall not consider "Alice in Wonderland”, “Mother Goose” or “Juliet” (with Romeo) as “real women”.
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Imagine a world in which women were not “allowed to vote”? Unimaginable in our times, but that world existed
and thanks to these women and scores of others,
we own this “right”. It is ours to use. Let us remember these strong unrelenting women who fought so hard for us. We stand on their shoulders; we salute them and remain indebted to them. We have surely proven the naysayers wrong!! We shall never again be silenced. We shall continue the struggles and fight the good fight where and when
necessary.
Woman’s Club of Douglaston Members, let us always cast
our vote; let us be proud when we do so; let us remember
this is a hard won privilege for women; let us honor the Suffragettes who paved the way for all women.
“We are women; hear us roar….”
SEPTEMBER – The 9th month of the year
Named for Septem meaning seven.
It was the 7th month of the 10 month Roman calendar.
“Thirty days hath September…..” Thirty days to remember the
summer and look forward to the Fall Season.
“September Morn ….. Look how far we’ve come; So far from
where we used to be; But not as far that we’ve forgotten how it was before… September Morn.” (Neil Diamond, Gilbert Francois Leopold Becaud).
“There are flowers enough in the summertime,
More flowers than I can remember –
"But none with the purple, gold and red that dye the flowers of September”.
(Mary Howitt 1799-1888)
The garden is beginning to lose its vigor; the blooms are beginning
to fade; the leaves on the trees are beginning to offer nature’s most
magical colors of nature; the crops are being harvested; the days are
growing shorter; the earth is doing what it has to doto prepare for yet another season.
Interestingly, the most common birthdate in the world is September 16th.
More people are born on this date than any other.
September babies are born under the sign of Virgo and Libra. Their birthstone is Sapphire and their flower is Aster and Morning Glory. Virgos have many attributes. Chief among
them is their sense of orderliness, neatness and attention to detail.
September is an ending to summer fun, end of leisure summer days,
and beginning of school (in whatever form it may be this year).
There are many holidays in September. The most notable is
Labor Day, a movable date, but always the first Monday of the
month. Tragically, the date most often thought of is
September 11th, (Patriot’s Day) ; a date in 2001 on which the unthinkable occurred in our fine and magnificent city. We shall never forget!
September is also known as National Cat Month. On a lighter note,
some of us may celebrate the following:
9/8 National Hug your Hound Dog Day
9/13 Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day
9/19 International Talk Like a Pirate Day
9/24 National Punctuation Day
Let us not forget the following:
9/13 Grandparents Day
9/17 Constitution Day
9/18 Rosh Hashanah (at Sundown)
9/21 International Day of Peace
9/22 Autumnal Equinox
9/27 Yom Kippur (holiest day in the Jewish Calendar)
9/29 Michaelmas (an ancient Celtic “Quarter Day” and feast of
St. Michael the Archangel
Whatever days you choose to celebrate (or not), let us allow
September to be a new beginning, a renewal, a re-birth. Let us look forward to earth’s bounty and give thanks for all that is good.
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The Woman's Club of Douglaston
will resume General Meetings
as soon as NYC enters a phase
that would allow us
to hold indoor meetings
As the WCD goes digital, members who do not have email will receive notices by mail.
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MONTHLY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Organized by Helene Schutz, Program Chairwoman
Please click here for more details about each program
October 1,2020
Chorus Girls, Politicians, Movie Stars and Gangsters
The Diamond Horseshoe Documentary
Jesse Harris is a noted filmmaker, award winning photographer and designer.
November 5, 2020
Georgia O’Keefe: Flower Power
Louise Cella Caruso is a noted art historian who has studied at CW Post, the Metropolitan, the Louvre, Prado, Vatican and Uffizi.
December 3,2020
Chris Smith Trio Plays Winter in Jazz
Jazz is the purest of American musical forms.
Chris Smith Ph.D. Drummer. David De Jesus Asst. Prof. of Jazz Studies on Alto Saxophonist Peter Coco Ph. D. on Double bass.
February 4, 2021
Women Who Care
This dual program will reflect the ways in which we help those less fortunate in all aspects of life.
1). Hour Children. Hour Children is one of the charitable organizations supported by the WCD.
Sister Tesa Fitzgerald CSJ is their founder and Executive Director.
2). In this unique presentation we will gain insights about how the caregiver can care for herself and avoid dangerous pitfalls which lead to stress and illness.
Joan Swirsky: R.N., psychotherapist, author, Canadian Free Press columnist and NY Times correspondent.
March 4, 2021
Irish Heritage Harp and Vocal Concert
Mia Theodoratus is currently teaching at Sarah Lawrence College and the Irish Arts Center.
April 1, 2021
Divas of Jazz
Ricky Riccardi is an author, radio personality and lecturer.
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THE HIDDEN STORY OF THE
WOMAN'S CLUB OF DOUGLASTON
AND THE SUFFRAGISTS
Remarks by Professor Helene Schutz,
WCD Program Chairwoman
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Announcement:
Our Antique trip was cancelled, however,
in keeping with this traditional annual event,
please enjoy the brief recount on famous and/or most expensive antiques in the world
and a video of the Antique Capital of America
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TOP 5 WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE ANTIQUES
An antique is a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its considerable age. Aside from age, other factors such as beauty, rarity, condition, utility, personal emotional connection, and other unique features are considered when giving value to the item. Antiques are bought at antique shops, auction houses, online auctions, estate sales, and other venues. The following are the world’s most expensive antiques.
Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase – $80.2 million
Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase is by far the most expensive sold antique in the whole world. The vase is decorated with gold, pastel yellow and sky-blue, and has 4 motifs including fishes and flowers. It also bears the imperial seal and is believed to have been crafted for Emperor Qianlong, who reigned between 1736 and 1795. At first, it was thought to be a nice replica and valued at only $1000. After reevaluation, it was determined to be authentic and was reappraised at $1 million. Accordingly, there were 18 of this vase but this is the only one that is left. How it got to London from China is still a mystery.
The vase was exhibited to be sold at an auction in the United Kingdom in 2010 and because of its purity, beauty, history, and rareness, the bidding went over the top and was finally sold for $80.2 million.
Badminton Cabinet – $36 million
Among the world’s most expensive antiques that were sold is the Badminton Cabinet made in Florence during the Medici dynasty. The cabinet took 6 years to make, made by a team composed of 30 craftsmen. Decorated with precious stones like lapis Lazuli, amethysts, ebony and other semi-precious gems, the cabinet is considered as one of the finest pieces of French furniture. The 12-foot tall cabinet also includes a clock with fleurs-de-lis for numbers. This piece of antique furniture twice set records for most expensive sale. In 1990 it sold for $16.6 million and in 2004 it sold for $36 million. The cabinet is now owned by the Lichtenstein Museum where it is on public display.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester – $30.8 million
The Codex was named after the earl of Leicester who purchased the document in 1719. It is a collection of scientific writings by Leonardo da Vinci and considered as his most famous and significant work. The Codex is also regarded as an elaborate work of science and contains theories, sketches and musings on astronomy, geography, the elements and several scientific topics. All the topics in the document have da Vinci’s signature which proves that it is authentic. Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester was purchased by Bill gates at a Christie’s auction in 1994.
Olyphant Battle Horn – $16.1 million
The Olyphant Hunting Horn dates back to the 11th century and traditionally handcrafted from carved ivory and decorated with detailed motifs. This fully functioning battle horn is made from an elephant’s tusk and intricately carved with motifs of animals of the hunt, including rabbits, ducks, and deer. It was sold for $16.1 million at a private auction in Scandinavia. The Olyphant Battle Horn is extremely rare as there are only six such horns exist in the world.
White Porcelain Moonflask in Pink and Blue Enamel – $15.1 million
In addition to the list of the world’s most expensive antiques is the White Porcelain Moonflask in Pink and Blue Enamel. This flask was crafted in the 18th century but carries the 15th-century peerless essence and nature. The flask is enameled in pink blue and white and features a unique Qianlong 6 character mark. The handles are of the dragon scroll design and the mouth of the flask is ringed with a ruyi band. The Moonflask was last sold in Hong Kong at an auction in 2010 for $15.1 million.
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THE ANTIQUE CAPITAL OF AMERICA
Town of Essex, Massachusetts
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The WCD does not support or sponsor any advertising displayed in this video.
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OUR 2020
VIRTUAL FUNDRAISING
Due to the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic this year, we had to cancel our Annual Luncheon and Meeting but in lieu of this, we held a Virtual Fundraiser which was a complete success.
We thank our members and friends for their generosity and support. We received a total of
$3,450.00 in donations.
We list below all the donors, and although their individual donations ranged from $25.00 to $500
we thank equally each one of them from the bottom of our hearts.
Linda Akers
Annual Luncheon Chairwoman
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Click here for video of the drawing
of our raffle winners.
Raffles:
1) BED BATH & BEYOND $350 GIFT CARD
2) $200 Cash
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AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
MARIA DI CHIARA AND
FRAN BELLO
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We thank our members and friends for their generosity.
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ABRAMO, JOHANNA
AKERS, LINDA
ALAGGIA, ANNETTE
ALOISIO, ANNETTE
AUTZ, MARGARITE
BARAN, MARY
BECCALORI, CELESTE
BELLO, FRAN
BODIE, GLORIA
BRINK, CAROLYN
CLARK, FLORENCE
CODY, CECILIA
CURRAN, JOAN
DI CHIARA, MARIA
EHRLER, ELIZABETH
EMERY, BEVERLY
FLYNN, JANE
FORTE, JOAN
GALLO, BETTE
HANLEY, REGINA
HART SANDY
IERACI, AIDA
IM, HELEN
KAROFF, CAROLYN
KELESIS, PEGGY
KOWALSKY, NINA
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KRAFT, GEORGIANNE
LA CORTE, MARY
LAMB, BRENDA
LIPPMAN, CAROLYN
LYNETT, JERI
MACKAY, MARYLYN
MARSILLO, CAROL
MILUNEC. SARAH
MINOGUE, AMPARO
MULHOLLAND, DOROTHY
O'FLANAGAN, EILEEN
PEPE, ROSEMARIE
POLLAND, DIANE
RAGUSA, MARIA
RAMIREZ, JOYCE
RAUCHENBERGER, ELAINE
ROBERTSON, ROSEMARIE
ROMANO, MARIE
SCHUTZ, HELENE
SCHWARSIN. JEAN
SIVER, JOAN
STONE, MARILYN
TAYLOR, MARY
TIMOYANIS, PAMELA
VERVILLE, IRENE
WRYNN, MAURA
WRYNN, NELL
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LINDA AKERS
Among our 17 Board Members, all of whom are diligent, sincere, there is one who is a human dynamo nothing she cannot do, and she does it all.
Linda resided in Little Neck for more than thirty years before moving to Douglaston in 2004. Linda joined the WCD in 2002 and almost immediately chaired the Hospitality* Committee which she enjoyed so much (and was encouraged by her mother-in-law to do so because “you would be so good at it”). If you have been to Linda’s home, you are aware that Linda is more than “good at it”, she is a most gracious hostess governing over her lovely home and garden. She loves cooking, planning dinner parties, etc.
Years later, Linda’s Hospitality work easily segued into her
becoming Luncheon Chairwoman. We who have attended
our WCD Luncheons know Linda still enjoys every year’s
challenges and new themes. Linda has “chaired”
the Annual Luncheon for many, many years.
Linda has served and serves as the following:
President, Vice President, Museum Chairwoman;
Charity Co-Chair, Library Co-Chair (a short-lived committee), Hospitality, Annual Luncheon, Website, Parliamentarian, Advisor, Advisory Board, Potpourri, WCD Queens Representative to the Long Island Federation of Women’s Clubs, President of the LIFWC (for 3 years), and Advisor to History Committee.
Her role as PARLIAMENTARIAN is a vital position in the
WCD. It is our history and the rules under which we must
abide. If anyone has a question relating to the WCD, ask Linda. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will research it
and get back to you lickety-split with all the details
giving names, dates, places and events.
Linda has modestly stated: “It sounds like a lot, but it is
not much. The good part is I still enjoy serving and helping”.
It was during Linda’s Presidency that the WCD moved
to the Douglaston Club where we continue to meet today.
It was also during her Presidency that six $1,000 Scholarships were awarded to deserving High School Seniors. It deserves to be mentioned that twice (2013 and 2018). Linda averted the dissolution of the WCD by forming Advisory Committees which became necessary when no one was willing to volunteer to serve as President.
Linda is always thinking of ways to enhance the WCD. Let
us not forget the annual festive, memorable, fun luncheons
Linda has worked so tirelessly to bring to us. Each year the luncheon exceeds the year before! Linda has graciously
opened her home to our new member cocktail party. And, Linda played a major role in the mask-making for the hospitals during this horrific time of pandemic.
Under Linda’s guidance, the WCD recently held a “virtual auction” wherein members were invited to send in their donations in support of our Woman's Club and to be eligible to win two fabulous prizes. Because of Linda’s efforts, the WCD’s bank balance has been increased by more than $3,000.!
Winners are announced elsewhere in this edition of NewsBytes.
Linda is a R.E. Broker and because of her love of travel she
founded Akers Global Travel LLC, wherein she handles every detail of one’s itinerary. Additionally, Linda is an avid golfer, played tennis; sews; cooks; paints; travels extensively, and is an interesting and well-read woman. She is devoted to her family, including husband Larry and their sons, Michael and
Geoffrey.
When Linda has a thought, it becomes a plan. We who have “served” with Linda are familiar with her passion, dedication and enthusiasm. She is always upbeat and has an optimistic nature.
It must be mentioned that Linda is also active in our sister club, Douglaston Garden Club. Linda is everywhere!
We are truly blessed that Linda is such an integral part of the WCD. Thank you Linda for your many years of outstanding service to our Woman’s Club of Douglaston and for inspiring us to “step up to the plate” when needed! You have proven to us that volunteering is good for the soul, mind and body and you inspire us to follow in your footsteps.
*Our Historians tell us that the Hospitality Committee was considered a “rite to membership”. Almost all members served on this most important committee.
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On July 27th, 2020 the Woman’s Club of Douglaston lost one of its long=time members, Carol Brock.
Carol was truly a “Grande Dame”. Her accomplishments are
too numerous to mention, however, we note her greatest
achievement was founding “Les Dames d’ Escoffier”
(a society for women in a male dominated culinary world). Due to Carol’s dedication, women chefs all over the world are recognized and applauded.
Carol was 96 years young at the time of her passing. She was
a long time Douglas Manor resident enjoying all that the
Manor has to offer, most particularly swimming in the bay.
Carol’s two sons, Craig and Brian survive her.
Another Manor resident said of Carol: “Ms. Brock would be
haughty or bubbly, driven to make things happen, to make life
meaningful, especially for women in our industry”.
(Lidia Bastianich, a close friend and member of Les Dames).
RIP Carol. You shall be missed.
A Personal Reflection
In Loving Memory of Miriam Teitelbaum
by Helene Schutz
I met Miriam about 25 years ago 5000 feet above sea level in the Sierra Madre Mountains at a spa called Ixtapan de la Sal. Miriam was all knowing as she spent many prior years there and stayed on for months. She knew the pedigree and accomplishments of the guests, where the best of anything was and how to get it. These are important skill sets when you are in a remote village in central Mexico. Her personality was so vibrant and welcoming that I called her the Empress of Ixtapan, it appeared she reigned over her court at the spa.
At the beginning of our relationship it seemed to me that Miriam was born under a lucky star. Her husband was adoring. Her family was beautiful, healthy and successful. She told exciting tales of a lifetime of world travel, sophisticated city adventures and extensive philanthropy. She spoke about her love of fashion, theatre and fine dining. After knowing her at length, I observed and concluded that Miriam created good luck by her great determination, positivism and love of people. She was a force of nature.
Miriam was not merely a wife and a mother. She was a matriarch in the truest sense of the word. Married for 69 years to Meyer, she had 3 children: Arlyne, Diane and Louis. There were 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. They constantly surrounded her with love.
Speaking as a friend, her home was always open. She laughed with you when you were happy and was there for you when you were lost.
Miriam joined the WCD at the age of 92. She thoroughly enjoyed the meetings and participated in club trips. She even made new friends at the WCD which is quite a feat at that age.
Rarely ill, Miriam lived most of her life in good health and thoroughly maximized every day to the fullest. She passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on September 3rd. We wish her daughter, Diane Polland, our support and deepest condolences. We thank Diane for sharing Miriam with us for these past years.
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This will bring a smile to your face
Let's laugh a little bit...
Our pets..Our best companions
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COCO - Aida Ieraci's grandgirl
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Gloria and Owen Brehl
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KEMURI- Joyce Ramirez's grandgirl
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Stay socially connected at
the Woman’s Club of Douglaston!
Important!!!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE OFTEN
(to accesss click below:)
www.womansclubofdouglaston.com
TO VIEW OUR CURRENT AND UPCOMING ACTIVITIES,
PROGRAMS, PHOTO GALLERY OF EVENTS, AND ALL
OUR "NewsBytes" COMMUNICATIONS, ETC.
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Remember: "A good friend is a connection to life -- a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world. More people are focusing on friendships later in life -- and research reveals the many health benefits".
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Warm regards,
Johanna Abramo
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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.
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