Wednesday, August 22, 2007

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Mercedes Velgot
MIW9@aol.com

Celebrating 35 Years of Giving


Welcome to all our members, old and new! As you read this, you will notice the new format our newsletter has taken this month, thanks to Ozlem Yazar. We are working to incorporate the newsletter as part of our newly updated web site, thanks to Tami Campos and Johanna Pfund. As we refine our processes, we appreciate your patience and as always, please feel free to give us your feedback as we welcome your suggestions.

Flash back to 1972. Maxi skirts and ponchos dominated closets by day and disco glam ruled by night. Donny Osmond and David Cassidy had all the girls swooning. Apollo 17 was the last moon mission launched and Watergate was about to break. Mark Spitz won 7 gold medals in the Munich Olympics while Charlie’s Angels caught the bad guys. Our soldiers were still in Vietnam.

In Weston 1972, Karin Giannitti was a mom at home with her children in the days when that’s what moms did…they stayed at home! Weston was a town where about 80% of your new friends and neighbors moved every 3 years. So, Karin Giannitti started a club where women who were new to town could socialize at night and the “Weston Young Women’s Club” was born in 1972 with the first official meeting held in1973.

It soon became “THE place for everyone to join in,” Karin recalls. “Our first project was a children’s tag sale at Norfield Church and we raised $300.”

As the Weston Women’s league celebrates 35 years of Giving, Karin reflects,”It’s a real testament to the goodness of the gals in town, who want to participate and give back in so many ways.”

I am honored to be President of the WWL in this special year and look forward to a great 2007-8! I look forward to welcoming all of you back at the September Supper.

Our first General Meeting is at the September Supper at the Cobb’s Mill Inn on Wednesday, September 19th with cocktails beginning at 6:30 p.m. This WWL tradition is a wonderful way to start the year in a beautiful relaxed setting, good food and friends old and new.

As we celebrate our 35th Anniversary, I am honored to welcome back many of the League’s past presidents as well as our founder, Karin Giannitti. I hope that you will have the opportunity to meet them and be inspired by them during the course of the evening. Thanks to our Hospitality Chairs, Kathleen O’Connell and Lauren Abrams, the summer will not go quietly with the dinner they have planned!

Special thanks to Jackie Kupper and Bernie Park for coordinating a fun and successful Summer Luncheon. Eight new members joined us that day and were warmly welcomed by all with a fantastic spread overlooking Jackie’s spectacular view of Crystal Lake. It seems to be a new tradition at the Summer Luncheon: new member Lyndsay Howard stepped up to co-chair the UNICEF/Ragamuffin Parade. We are looking for a seasoned member to take this on with her!

Heirloom tomatoes, arugula, fresh goat cheese and lamb, cranberry tea breads and fresh baked pies were just some of the offerings of our very own Farmers’ Market. And it’s not over yet! The fall months will yield new crops and plants until October, so please patronize our farmers. Yvonne D’Aquino, Lori Barshop, Debby Katz, Pamela Cannon and Katherine DeSousa have done an amazing job running this market every Saturday. The tireless efforts of the “Market Masters” from our membership have set up umbrellas, sold water, and welcomed our Weston shoppers with WWL dedication and we thank you for your support. Saturdays from 8-noon at the Historical Society---we hope to see you there!

Lastly, a few reminders: our first Senior Luncheon is Wednesday, September 19th, the morning of the September Supper. Kit Woolverton still needs a few volunteers to add to the meal and help to serve our Seniors. Please contact Kit if you can help out.

Here’s to our 35th Anniversary year…May it be successful for all of us and those we serve!

MEMBERSHIP

Bernie Park
341-9747
bernie_mcgovern@hotmail.com

What an exciting year ahead!! We are fortunate to be celebrating our 35th Anniversary! Our membership is truly the backbone of this organization. All our members bring such talent and commitment to all our community service and philanthropic activities and we hope you will continue to support our purpose again this year.

Our goal for the 2007-8 year is to recruit 35 new members! And to give us all a little incentive…our 35th member who recruits a new member and our 35th new member will receive a prize. Thanks to all our members who have already started to recruit friends and neighbors as we had 9 new members join over the summer.

Please remember to renew your WWL membership! To ensure that you are included in the WWL Directory, I need your renewal information today. The new directories will be available at the September Supper.

Ali Melito has graciously agreed to stay on as Friendship Chair. Ali did an amazing job assisting those WWL members who had new babies and those who experienced difficult circumstances in the family this past year. I am thrilled to have her on board again this year.

SUMMER LUNCHEON

Once again, Jackie Kupper graciously opened her home for the Annual Summer Luncheon on July 11th. It was a wonderful event and those present had the pleasure of welcoming 8 of our newest members. Thank you Jackie!!!

NEW MEMBERS

Please join me in welcoming our new members:

Teresa Augustyn Teresa moved into town in June with her husband, Eric and 2 children, Sam and Catherine from Charlotte, NC. She has a background in finance. She is very interested in doing community service.

Jen Bennhoff
Jen is originally from San Diego. She moved from Greenwich and currently lives near school with her husband and 3 children Mallory, Hadley and Delaney. She was a Freelance Writer for several magazines and films prior to motherhood. She is now one of our Brownie troop leaders!

Lisa Bigelow
Lisa moved to Weston last summer from Long Island with husband Frank and 3 children Ryan, Lauren and Matt. She was a financial analyst prior to being a full time mom.

Tiffany Davidson
Tiffany has lived in Weston since 2001 with husband, Andy and son, Jordan. She has recently launched Femme Fatale Fitness a personal training business focusing primarily on kickboxing.

Francine English
Francine is originally from Montreal, Canada. She moved from Nyack, NY with husband Andy 4 years ago. They have 3 girls Ellie, Abby and Maddie. She is currently working in Technology Sales.

Linda Gelfand
Linda is originally from California. She moved in May from Millburn, NJ with spouse Jonathan and 2 children David and Rachel. She was an environmental consultant.

Lyndsay Howard
Lyndsay is the Senior Partner in a strategic PR communications firm. She moved to Kettle Creek Road with husband, Ken and two children, Alexander and Theo from NYC in March. She is very eager to co-chair the Ragamuffin Parade!

Kristin Rudolph
Kristin and her husband, Rich have just had their 3rd child Theodore Christian in July. The 2 big sisters are Sadie and Amelia. Kristin has lived in Weston for a few years and is originally from Pittsburg. Her career background is in social work and law firm administration.

Melissa Walker
Melissa has recently moved with her newlywed husband, Doug from the Washington DC area in April. She is presently enjoying her daily commute into NYC where she is a Security Litigation lawyer.

WELCOME BACK!

Deb Prister
Deb is one of our sustaining members who has decided to become active again this year. Deb has lived in Weston with her husband Tim for over 13years. They have 3 children Maddie, Emily and Timmy. She was a NICU nurse prior to staying at home.

Lisa Luft
Lisa is also a seasoned member who has rejoined. Lisa lives with her husband, Harvey and has raised 3 children Glenda, Carly and Jordan here in Weston. Her background is in education administration.


NEW BABIES

Annika Grace Cicale-Moskal
After only one hour and a half in the hospital (Lisa was cutting it close!), Annika entered our world on Monday, July 15 @ 10:20 pm. She weighed 7 lbs 2 1/2 oz at birth and was 19" long. Congratulations, Lisa, Eric and big brother, Daniel!

Theodore Christian Rudolph
Theo decided to grace us with his arrival 12 days late on Saturday, July 28 at 4:16 PM! He is the first boy for proud parents Kristin and Rich and big sisters Sadie and Amelia. He weighed 9 lbs 4 ozs and was 21 1/4" long.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
July- September Birthdays
July
Monica Cuevas 1
Mary Louise 2
Carolyn Mariyappa 4
Sarah Margulies 4
Dena Tunney 7
Kristin Rudolph 7
Tami Campos 9
DianeSather 10
Jennifer Orr 18
Andrea Diamond 19
Lisa Luft 21
Jackie Kupper 24
Dawn Egan 27
Kristin Brooks 27
Lynn Wang 28
Lindsay Duggan 31

August
Georgia Gurren 2
Monica McCall 2
Mary Louise Santacaterina 2
Terry Cho 4
Sarah Margulies 4
Lisa Zhang 5
Lori Barshop 7
Katherine DeSousa 14
Ali Melito 18
Patricia Gosnell 23
Liz Waltzman 29

S
eptember
Caroline Schreder 1
Lisa Bigelow 14
Mary Allen 15
Deb Prister 16
Julie Baisley 18
Allison Wysota 18
Liz Menke 20
Meg Young 20
Michelle Sperry 24
Candace Halpern 25
Kathleen O’Connell 28
Pam Toft 30


BOOK-A-BABY

The Weston Women’s League honored 5 babies born to members during the 2006-7 year and one high school graduate with a donation of one book in honor of each child to the Weston Public Library.

The babies honored were:

Lilly Barshop, 10/23/06 mom Lori Barshop

Grace Lord, 1/16/07 mom Liz Menke

Lilliana Philomena Sperry, 9/1/06 mom Michelle Sperry

Sarah Zwack, 9/27/06 mom Michelle Zwack

Katherine Daisy Waltzman, 3/8/07 mom Liz Waltzman

Oliver Patrick Velasco, 1/19/07 mom Jen Velasco

Claire Frances Zhang, 9/30/2006 mom Lisa Zhang

Scarlett Elaine Cofsky, 10/15/2006 mom Bridgett Barry


High school grad:

Sean Michael Bruce, June 2007 mom Tammy Roberts


Five Year Members Honored

We had 4 members celebrate 5 years with the WWL. We honored Carolyn Holt, Pam La Fontaine, Sarah Margulies and Monica McCall at the June Installation Dinner. All were given a beautiful Cross pen with their name and WWL engraved on it. Congratulations!

SENIOR SERVICES

Kit Woolverton,
227-7879

kitwool@aol.com

I am very excited for our first Senior Luncheon of the year which is scheduled for Wednesday, September 19th from 11:00 to 2:00 at Norfield. Thank you to all who have graciously signed up to provide food or on site help. We’ll be serving passed hors d’oeuvres, baked ziti, salad, bread, and brownies with ice cream or chocolate sauce for dessert. Thanks to your generosity, we are in pretty good shape. The only things we’re a bit short on are dessert and appetizers. We could also use some additional hands in the kitchen to help serve so if you feel so inclined to join in on the fun or if you’d like to contribute frozen appetizers or prepare brownies (the kind from a box), please call me or send me an email at kitwool@yahoo.com.

Meals-on-Wheels is a food delivery program to aid Weston’s elderly shut-ins or incapacitated residents. Meals are delivered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Please call Johanna Pfund at 221-7590 or follow the online instructions at www.westonmealsonwheels.com to volunteer
Thank you!

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Kelly Batcha
bathcagirl@hotmail.com

For those who may not know me, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Kelly Batcha and I have been a member of The League for 3 years. Last year I thoroughly enjoyed my position as VP of Social Activities. This year I will be your VP of Community Service, taking the reins from the fabulous Jacquie Lange, who has succeeded in leading us through yet another year of WWL Community Service at it's best. Many thanks to Jacquie! We have much to look forward to with fall already in the air. Several Chairs from last year are already stepping up for another round! We thank you for your continued dedication! UNICEF/Ragamuffin Halloween Parade:New member Lyndsay Howard has graciously stepped forward to chair this beloved annual event. We are seeking a seasoned member as co-chair to bring this production to its full glory!
A sincere thank you to Lyndsay who agreed to chair only moments after signing up as a brand new member at the fabulous Summer Luncheon hosted at Jackie Kupper's house.
We also need plenty of volunteers to help staff this event, please sign up! Red Cross Blood Drive:The Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, November 24th at The Norfield Church Hall. Thank you to Jaime Lalonde who is chairing this crucial event for us again this year! Jaime is looking for a co-chair to help coordinate this event as well as several volunteers needed to staff the day of. Sign-up on the board or check with Jaime to schedule your time slot. The sign up board will be on display at The September Supper. Please visit the board early & often to find the most suitable opportunities for your schedule. I thank you in advance for your support and dedication to our community service events which cannot succeed with out you! Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns you many have regarding any of our events throughout the year.
Happy 35 Years WWL!

WWL Installation Dinner June 6, 2007

Meeting called to order at 8:15 p.m.
Katherine DeSousa presided over the invocation.

President’s Remarks: Lisa Cicale-Moskal – Tara Quist moved to approve the minutes of the May general meeting, Jacquie Lange seconded, all in favor.

By-Laws: Sonya Stack – Sonya presented the membership with the proposed By-laws amendment which would allow members in good standing who move to a neighboring town to continue their membership in the league. They would have the full voting privileges and responsibilities as resident members, but not be allowed to hold and office.

Board Recognition: Lisa Cicale Moskal- Lisa thanked the current board for their work through 2006-2007.

Membership: Mercedes Velgot – Mercedes recognized all five year members. Katherine DeSousa recognized all new mothers from this year with a small gift. Tammy Roberts was honored as Member of the Year, while Kristin Brozeck and Jen Skorr were honored as New Members of the Year. Thanks to all for their hard work. Lastly, Mercedes recognized and thanked Lisa on behalf of the 2006-2007 board for her hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Installation of 2007-2008 Officers: Lisa Cicale Moskal presided over the installation of the 2007-2008 Officers. Mercedes Velgot presented the appointees.

2007-2008 Business:
Farmers’ Market: The market begins this Saturday, June 9th; please support this great community service. Market masters are still needed.
Summer Luncheon: Members were urged to attend the Summer Luncheon at Jackie Kupper’s wonderful home on Wednesday, July 11 from 11 - 1 p.m.
Meals on Wheels: Mercedes reminded the members that the summer is a difficult time to get drivers and any help is much appreciated. Please help out during these months.

Meeting adjourned at 9.35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Caroline Schreder - Recording Secretary

Proposed Budget for 2007 / 2008

Tammy Roberts
341-0243

troberts@123mail.net

The following is the proposed budget for 2007-8 year from Treasurer Tammy Roberts.
This budget will be voted on at the September Supper, so please take a moment to review it. Discussion will be open for your comments or questions at that time.

2007/2008 Proposed Budget


HOSPITALITY

Kathleen O’Connell 341-9883
oconnellk@optonline.net

Lauren Abrams 222-7829
laurena15@optonline.net


For those of you who are in denial that summer is coming to a close you don’t have to be…September 19th is still summer! Join us at the September Supper with our “It’s Still Summer” beach theme.
Mark your calendars for the WWL Annual September Supper :
Wednesday, September 19th at the Cobb’s Mill Inn, beginning at 6:30. You should have received your invitation in the mail, so please remember to RSVP by September 10th.

We’ll also be celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the WWL, so please get those replies in – a special treat awaits our 35th member to respond!

We will also be looking ahead to October and will have opportunities for you to sign-up to bring sweets, savories, and drinks to our next meeting.

We look forward to seeing you at the Cobb’s Mill Inn “beach”!

Your Hospitality Co-Chairs,
Kathleen O’Connell and Lauren Abrams

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY BREAKFAST


Co-Chairs:
Caroline Covert, carolinecovert@gmail.com
Elizabeth Menke,
emenke@nyc.rr.com
Kerry Scaramuzza,
kscaramuzza@gellerco.com

Save the Date! The 2007 Children's Holiday Breakfast will be held on Sunday, December 2nd.
This event is a beloved Weston family tradition to get us all in the holiday spirit!

The event will take place at the Weston Middle School where the gymnasium is transformed into a winter wonderland.
There will be a hearty breakfast for everyone to enjoy, crafts and activities for the children, adults will have the opportunity to do some shopping from our boutique vendors and memories can be captured with a family photo with Santa or Frosty!

We already have a few volunteers to chair certain aspects of the event but are looking for many more volunteers in every category to help us make this year's breakfast a success. In particular, we still need chairs for dismantle and transport, sponsorship, decorations (already have a lot of staff volunteers) and holiday boutique. Please look for our sign-up board at the September Supper/General Meeting.



If you have any questions in advance, please feel free to contact anyone of us.

We look forward to working with you on this special event!

WWL WEBSITE

Tami Campos
http://www.westonwomensleague.org/

Happy September! I joined the WWL in February and have really been enjoying the events and comradery of the group. Being new to Weston, it has been a great way to meet new people and give back to a community that has so graciously accepted my family.

In deciding how to get more involved in the inner workings of the WWL, I decided to take the reigns from Johanna Pfund as Webmaster for the group. As such, I plan to make a few changes to the site but nothing too major as Johanna has already done a great job in creating and maintaining the site for a number of years. I hope to have my changes implemented and up and running by press time.

If anyone would like to post WWL news, photos or other items of interest to the League. please don't hesitate to email me at felix45@optonline.net and be sure to check out our new and improved website at westonwomensleague.org.

SPRING FUNDRAISER

Caroline Schreder : 557-3305
Tara Quist: 454-5887

Please join us at the September Supper when we will reveal the date and location for the Spring Fundraiser. There may be an additional surprise!
See you then.

LONG RANGE PLANNING

Kitty Lavin 226-9919
thelavins@optonline.net

Stephanie Young 221-0559
syoung2@optonline.net


Our primary goal this year is to better connect WWL members with the community we serve and the organizations we support financially. We will be giving members suggestions for one day individual and family volunteer projects and considering the possibility of adding a community service project.

Another topic for our first meeting, which will be held in October, will be decision making about our future involvement with the spring Mother Daughter Tea and other fundraising ideas you might have for the future.

Please check your e-mail for an announcement of the date of our next meeting!

SOCIAL

Sarah Margulies 557-3781
smargulies@optonline.net

Pam LaFontaine 341-9725
plafont@optonline.net

Sarah and Pam are gearing up for a really fun social season with the WWL!! Plans are in the making for loads of great social activities for the upcoming year and with so many ideas brewing, it’s hard to narrow them down! Of course, if you have a favorite event you would like to see repeated or a fabulous new one….please don’t hesitate to contact one of us. We are always open to suggestions!! Stay tuned for details for the first planned Social event in the October newsletter.
Weston Women’s League Annual
September Supper
and
Fall Kick - Off Meeting

Celebrating 35 Years of Giving

Wednesday, September 19, 2007
6:30 p.m.
The Cobb’s Mill Inn, Weston


Hors D’oeuvres and Cash Bar
Spinach, strawberry and avocado salad

Choice of entrée:
Broiled sea scallops over linguini with a light marinara sauce
OR
Baked chicken Scarpariello with potatoes and green peppers
Chocolate dipped cream puffs accompanied by raspberry sorbet

$42 per person payable to WWL
---------------------------------------------------------------

Kindly R.S.V.P. with check and entrée choice by September 10th:

Entrée Choice: Scallops_____ Chicken_____

Name:___________________________________

Mail to: Lauren Abrams, 15 Ridge Lane, Weston CT 06883