Editor-in-Chief, Annette Aloisio
 

Unbeknownst, Annette is not only working behind the scenes for NewsBytes writing and/or editing all copy submitted herein but she is also right out front getting up close and personal with WCD members as she conducts her  probing and very delightful interviews.

      Program and Meeting Highlights:

    Holiday Music through the Ages with Musica Dolce

November Highlights: 

Libby Skala                                                                                                                                                                                              

On Thursday, November 7^th, the Woman’s Club of Douglaston was treated to a performance by the extremely talented Libby Skala.                                                               

                                                                              
                                   

Prelude to her show we were treated to the haunting tones of the mandolin beautifully and skillfully played by Steven May.  Libby performed her one woman show with no fanfare no props just her mesmerizing persona. She portrayed her beloved  (paternal) Grandmother Lilia whose world and life was interrupted when Hitler came into power and she was forced to flee Vienna with her two young sons in tow. Lilia was a woman of tremendous strength, will and substance - among a myriad of experiences she was notably an accomplished architect, and in a whole other life, a Golden Globe, Emmy and Oscar nominated actress. We were all enthralled with Libby’s honest portrayal of her grandmother, poignant and raw with emotion.  I actually saw tears in many eyes, mine included. However, with the humor and charm injected throughout our smiles were apparent as well.

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Meet our Board...

Flower Arranger Committee: 

Martha Gotz,  Chairwoman
Mary Taylor,  Co-Chair                                                                                                                                                 
 

                                        
 

Spotlight On
Ann (Nee Marino) Cavaseno

              Ann was born on November 16th, 1924.  Her parents were born in the Province of Catania, Sicily.  Her father, Edward, was born in 1890, and her mother, Josephine, in 1892.  Although they came from the same town, they actually were introduced to each other in Brooklyn, USA. They married and had two daughters.  Ann, whose given name is Concetta and Agatha, who is called Ida, who resides in Florida.  How Concetta became Ann is an interesting tidbit.  Evidently, Ann’s Mom had lost a child at birth and when she was pregnant with Ann, she prayed fervently to the Blessed Mother’s Mother, Ann; thus Concetta became known as Ann;  a bit of a difficulty and confusion during the school years.

Ann’s Father fought with the Italian Army and was the Secretary to an Officer.  He resided in Argentina for several years where many family members still reside.  Eventually, he found his way to America. Ann’s mother was a seamstress in Manhattan for a manufacturer of an expensive line of clothing and was extremely talented in the art of dressmaking. Ann resided with her parents on Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn.  She remembers crossing the road (when there was no Belt Parkway) and swimming in the ocean; one of her favorite pastimes.

Ann considers her parents' marriage  a  love story.  They were totally devoted to each other and their daughters.  One of Ann’s favorite memories is attending the Opera with her Father, who was a devotee of the Opera, but since they couldn’t afford the costly tickets, they attended SRO: standing for the entire performance.  To this day, Ann is an opera enthusiast.

Ann remembers the war years as turbulent.  She remembers working for Con Ed where she made switches for airplanes! Ann ultimately married at the age of twenty-one, and had three children: Vin, Edward and Joanne. All her children are successful in their fields.  Her devoted son, Edward passed away several years ago at the age of sixty.  She misses him so, but knows that he is at peace, for which she gives thanks. Ann’s husband started a business in Brooklyn repairing televisions at a time when there were tubes.  Ann, more often than not, was the diagnostician as to which tube needed to be replaced.  It was a successful business, and she became a successful businesswoman.
 

Ann and her family moved to Little Neck in 1970 where she raised her children in the home in which she presently resides. When Ann’s marriage failed, Ann (now in her 50’s) went to work at A&S Department Store; not as a salesperson, but as an undercover Security Guard!  Ann also worked at the Election Board for approximately fifteen years. Ann has many hobbies: chief among those is gardening, crocheting, reading, music appreciation, and the love of all types of sports.  If any of you have ever attended an event with Ann, you also know she loves to dance!  She is an extraordinary baker and fantastic cook! Ann’s passion in life was travel.  She has traveled far and wide, including cross country to California, Hawaii (where she flew on a helicopter between islands), Alaska, France, England, Greece, South America, etc.  Ann loves to travel and has many fond memories of traveling with the women of the Woman’s Club of Douglaston.

Ann has been a member of the Woman’s Club of Douglaston for approximately thirty years.  She has always enjoyed participating in Club activities, particularly, the Book Club, and has made many friends, who remain her friends to date. Ann is also a member of the Douglaston Garden Club where she partook of many flower shows and is the recipient of several blue ribbons.  She is a “green thumb” gardener, as evidenced by her garden in Little Neck. Ann’s secret to her longevity, I believe is portrayed by her deep faith (she rarely misses Mass and when she does, she watches it on television); her love of life; her love and dedication to her family; her positive attitude and her never ending optimism.  She enjoys living every day to the fullest. Ann believes that life is a balance.  Bad things happen, but she always gives thanks for the good things.
 

Ann is never without a smile which lights up her whole face.  She attends Woman’s Club and Garden Club meetings, sometimes with difficulty, but manages to be present and enjoy the social atmosphere and especially the members.
The Woman’s Club of Douglaston has been a very important part of her life. Ann is the proud Grandmother of five and the soon to be great grandmother of seven.  Her seventh great will be born in December. Ann will celebrate her 95th birthday on November 16th.  There will be a huge gathering of family and friends wishing her a happy birthday and a blessed and healthy year.  Ann is loved by all who know her.  She is a very special gal and I am proud and honored to call her “friend”.

Stay socially connected at the Woman’s Club of Douglaston!