Acton Woman’s Club 2020-2021 Programs

In normal times, our monthly meetings consist of a lovely luncheon, time to visit, and then a quick business meeting before our program.  Due to the restrictions of the Coronavirus Pandemic, our activities are strictly curtailed.  However, we are now having our monthly  “Luncheon” Meetings via ZOOM.  Times are uncertain, so keep tuned for updates.

September 16, 2020:  Luncheon and Meeting canceled.

October 14, 2020                               Meeting and Program via ZOOM              MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES:  Multi-talented David Polansky has been singing and dancing for years.  Clear the aisles.  You will want to dance!  Time of ZOOM Event to be determined.

November 11, 2020                                    Meeting and Program via ZOOM  WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE:  Fredie Kay, Esq., Founder and President, Suffrage 100MA, will discuss the dramatic and largely unknown history of the Women’s Suffrage movement in the United States from the 1700’s – 1920 and beyond, to the voting limitations minority communities faced even after the 19th Amendment was adopted.  Also included will be the important role of Worcester and the many suffragists of Massachusetts, including women of color, and the enormous, but unfortunately failed effort of women to obtain the vote in Massachusetts prior to the 19th Amendment.

December 9, 2020  ZOOM Meeting at Noon

Begins with a short meeting.  At 12:15 the program will be a half-hour showing of The Renaissance with Richard Brettell of the NY Museum of Fine Arts.   After the viewing we will have a “Coffee and Conversation” time.  Join in the spirit of the season by hunting down your favorite holiday ornament, and be set to briefly describe it and its history.  It will be fun to share our holiday traditions!

January 13, 2021   Due to Covid, the Twin Seafood program at Acton Studios had to be cancelled.  ZOOM starting at noon. 

February 10, 2021  ZOOM opens at 11:45, Business Meeting at noon.  Program: continuation of the NY Museum of Fine Arts video.

March 10, 2021  ZOOM opens at 11:45, Business Meeting at noon, Program 1:00 PM,     

April 14, 2021    ZOOM opens at 11:45, Business Meeting 12:00   Program: 1:00 PM MARIE ARDITO’S MOTIVATIONAL SEMINAR will help you realize that you have talents to create something to leave as your legacy.  We all have a story to tell.  How will you be remembered?

May 19, 2021    Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers  We will announce the venue once COVID rules are clear.  We are looking into the POSSIBILITY of meeting for an outside luncheon, PERHAPS postponed to June.  We will keep you posted!

Acton Woman’s Club 2019-2020 Programs

Our monthly meeting consists of a delicious luncheon and some time to visit, after which we all head upstairs for a quick business meeting and a special program.

 September 11, 2019  Lunch 11:30 AM, Meeting 12:30 PM, Program 1:00 PM                     

CHOCOLATE: EVERYONE’S FAVORITE:  Need to satisfy your sweet tooth?  Learn all about chocolate from World Traveler Jaxon Stallard, a chocolatier extraordinaire.  She may surprise us with a sample.

October 9, 2019    Lunch 11:30 AM, Meeting 12:30 PM,   Program 1:00 PM

MUSIC THROUGH THE DECADES:  Sure to lift your spirits and get your feet tapping.  Multitalented David Polansky has been singing and dancing for years.  Clear the aisles.  You’ll want to dance.

October 19, 2019     PIE SALE Clubhouse @ 10:00 AM

This major fundraiser for the year, which supports the scholarships the club presents to two ABRHS students, features homemade pies, and is supplemented by some baked goods.  Pies and baked goodies sell out quickly, so, come one, come all!

November 13, 2019   Lunch 11:30 AM, Meeting 12:30 PM,   Program 1:00 PM

WHAT’S IT WORTH?  HARRY AND MARY:  You may have wondered about that ring given to you by your grandmother or an old boyfriend.  Harry Morgan will evaluate it for you while Mary Ellen will share their experiences as antique dealers and appraisers.

December 5, 2019 – 11:30-2:30 THURSDAY

FESTIVE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON–WAYSIDE INN, SUDBURY

11:30 AM Arrival—Bar service in adjoining room,  12:00 PM Brief meeting   12:30 PM Lunch will be served

 January 8, 2020 *Note Change of Location*  Lunch and Program 11:30 AM   Meeting 1:30 PM

THE LOBLUNDO BROTHERS of Twin Seafood:  Back by popular demand.  What treats can we expect?  Something delicious, for sure.  Join us for a demonstration and tasting at ACTON TV Studios.

We had a fabulous salmon luncheon with wonderful side dishes.

February 12, 2020 *Note Change of Location*  Lunch, catered by Legends of West Concord, free to all members and guests, 11:30 AM; Meeting 12:30 PM;  Program 1:00 PM.

 REMEMBER: MEETING WILL BE HELD AT  Acton TV Studios, 16a Craig Rd, Acton.

AN EVENING WITH EDGAR ALL POE:  A portrayal of the famous poet by Campbell Harmon will inspire us to revisit his famous stories.  Maybe, THE RAVEN will show up.

March 11, 2020  Lunch 11:30 AM, Meeting 12:30 PM,   Program 1:00 PM

GARY HYLANDER:  No program series would be complete without Gary.  He’s keeping us in suspense about his subject but it’s sure to be witty, filled with interesting anecdotes and delivered with panache.

This luncheon was especially in honor of the completion of our new kitchen!  Three of the Kitchen Committee members celebrate a job well done.   Pictures of the new kitchen are on the Rentals page.

The cake featured our new stove and microwave.

April 8, 2020  Lunch 11:30 AM, Meeting 12:30 PM, Program 1 PM  Now cancelled due to Coronavirus Pandemic.

FLORAL CENTERPIECES:  Snow cancelled last year’s program, so we promised our own JOAN GARDNER a safe month to share her skills with us.  Someone will go home with a treasure.

 *Annual Food Pantry Collection; monetary donations accepted as well.

May   13, 2020    ANNUAL MEETING AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS:  We will announce the venue in January.  Reservations will be made with the Hospitality Committee at the March and April meetings.

                    

Acton Woman’s Club 2018-2019 Programs

Our monthly meeting consists of a delicious luncheon and some time to visit, after which we all head upstairs for a quick business meeting and a special program.

September 12, 2018: Lunch 11:30 a.m.  Meeting 12:30 p.m.  Program 1:15

Fashions by THE DESIGNERS LEATHER CLOTHIERS:

Jill Pilosi, daughter of Nancy Gerhardt, will dazzle us with her exclusive selections of leather jackets, pocket books, attache cases, accessories and gift items.  These exquisite one of a kind creations will please the most discriminating fashionista.

Below is a short slideshow of a few of our members modeling Jill’s designs, who is in the  in the background with the microphone.

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October 10, 2018: Lunch 11:30 a.m.  Meeting 12:30 p.m.  Program 1:15

WORLD OF BROADCASTING:

R.D. Sahl, a household name for many years as anchor of NECN and now an Acton resident, will share some of his favorite experiences in the world of broadcasting.

October 13, 2018:  10:00 a.m.  PIE SALE at the Clubhouse, 504 Main St.

This major fundraiser for the year, which supports the scholarships the club presents to two ABRHS students, features homemade pies, and is supplemented by some baked goods.  Pies and baked goodies sell out quickly, so, come one, come all!

November 14, 2018: Lunch 11:30 a.m.  Meeting 12:30 p.m.  Program 1:15

OUR TOWN LEADERS:

Today we have a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet some new town officials:  Town Manager, John Mangiaratti; Superintendent of Schools, Peter Light; Fire Chief, Robert Hart; and we welcome back Police Chief, Richard Burrows.  Each will give a 10 minute presentation relating to his position, followed by a question and answer session.

December 5, 2018: 11:30-2:30

FESTIVE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON – WAYSIDE INN, SUDBURY:  Reservations will be made with the Hospitality Committee at the October and November meetings.

Enjoying each others company at the Holiday Luncheon at the Wayside Inn.

JANUARY 9, 2019: **Note Change of Location**

Lunch and Program 11:30 a.m.  Meeting 1:30 p.m.

COOKING SPECIALTIES:

We welcome back Joe Loblundo, owner of Twin Seafoods of Acton/Concord.  A favorite program that is greeted with great anticipation, Joe prepares the food which will be shared by all.

**Acton TV generously offers their wonderful kitchen facilities AND spacious parking lot at 16A Craig Road, Acton.**

February 13, 2019: Lunch 11:30 a.m.  Meeting 12:30 p.m.  Program 1:15

FLOWERS WITH A FLAIR:

Our own talented Joan Gardner will demonstrate how we can create simple centerpieces with local flowers and a bit of ingenuity.  Some lucky members will go home with a centerpiece for Valentine’s Day.

March 13, 2019: Lunch 11:30 a.m.  Meeting 12:30 p.m.  Program 1:15

FORTY WHACKS:  Lizzie Borden on Trial, presented by Dr. Gary Hylander

We have been holding our breath for a whole year to hear Dr. Hylander tell us the story of one of the most notorious murder trials of the Gilded Age.  Bad weather cancelled this event last year, but our enthusiasm hasn’t waned.

April 10, 2019: Lunch 11:30 a.m.  Meeting 12:30 p.m.  Program 1:15

VINCENT: A Portrait by the Postman Roulin,  portrayed by Ted Zalewski.

Zalewski captures the spirit of Van Gogh the man and the essence of Van Gogh the artist.  Ted entertained us last year when he brought Teddy Roosevelt to life.

This is also our annual Food Pantry Collection.  Monetary donations accepted as well.

May 15, 2019

ANNUAL MEETING AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS.

Westford Regency Hotel at 11:30.  Reservations will be made with the Hospitality Committee at the March and April meetings.

Acton Woman’s Club 2017-2018 Programs

Our monthly meeting consists of a delicious luncheon and some time to visit, after which we all head upstairs for a quick business meeting and a special program.

September 13, 2017: Lunch 11:30 a.m. Meeting 12:30 p.m. Program 1:15 p.m.

AMERICAN COMEDY: A brief history of American comedy will be presented by WBZ Jordon Rich. His program will include the evolution of comedy from vaudeville to present day. John promised to play audio clips from the Marx Brothers to Jerry Seinfeld. We look forward to an hour of humor and fun.

October 11, 2017:    Lunch 11:30 a.m. Meeting 12:30 p.m. Program 1:15 p.m.

DOLLY MADISON REMEMBERS: presented by Patricia Perry. Of the first ladies of the United States, Dolly Madison, wife of James Madison, fourth president of the the United States, has been considered to be the most colorful. Some of the events she is remembered for are: meeting 12 American Presidents. helping lay the cornerstone of the Washington Monument, avoiding the invading British Army in in 1812, and being accused of having not one, but two affairs. You will also hear her related personal memories of George Washington, Francis Scott Key, and several more famous people. It should be a very interesting program.

October 21, 2017     Pie Sale:  At the Clubhouse at 10:00 a.m.                                          This major fundraiser for the year, which supports the scholarships the club presents to two ABRHS students, features homemade pies, and is supplemented by some baked goods.  Pies and baked goodies sell out quickly, so, come one, come all!  Pies are $12.  

November 8, 2017:  Lunch 11:30 a.m. Meeting 12:30 p.m. Program 1:15 p.m.

MARTIN AND SUZANNE: Guitarist and Vocalists, Martin Grosswendt and Suzanne Salem-Schatz are Boston bred musicians who tour nationally, performing a wide range of American traditional music, including folk, classic, blues, old-time country and much more.

Enjoying Martin and Suzanne’s program of folk and old-time country music.

In addition to playing and singing, they are known for engaging audiences with their warm style of sharing the stories and history behind the songs they love to share.

December 6, 2017 11:30-2:30.   HOLIDAY LUNCHEON  at the Wayside Inn, Sudbury. Members may make reservations with the Hospitality Committee at the October and November meetings.   

                                       

December 14, 2017,   1:00 – 2:30 p.m.  COOKIE FEST at the Clubhouse                 Spreading holiday cheer is always fun.  A long-standing and festive event finds members baking cookies at home, and having their own party at the clubhouse to package them for distribution to our police and fire stations, as well as to the Acton Community Supper and the Council on Aging.   The fest continues with members enjoying coffee, tea and cookies as an ABRHS choral group performs for us under the direction of Judy Moss.  

January 10, 2018:  Lunch and Program 11:30 a.m.  Meeting 1:30 p.m.   *Note the change of location*   COOKING HINTS: We welcome back for their fourth year,  Joe and John Loblundo of Twin Seafood of Acton and Concord.

The brothers will once again perform a cooking demonstration at Acton’s TV cable station at 16a Craig Road, Acton. Their delicious selections will be served to all the members.  Sooooo good!

February 14, 2018:  Lunch 11:30 a.m. Meeting 12:30 p.m. Program 1:15 p.m.   VALENTINE’S DAY: Songs by Andrea Lyman – Andrea, our favorite vocalist and actress promises us a show of Love Songs for Valentine’s Day: Old Love, New Love, Every Love and True Love. There will be amusing and informative patter in producing most songs along with some stories. It’s time to sit back and reminisce!

March 21, 2018:  Lunch 11:30 a.m. Meeting 12:30 p.m. Program 1:15 p.m.

Ted Zalewski, aka Teddy Roosevelt, Mind, Body and Spirit, historical interpreter of Theodore Roosevelt, combines education, history, drama and fun in his acclaimed presentation of Teddy Roosevelt.  Zalewski’s performance contains the highlights of T.R.’s life as cowboy, soldier, naturalist, historian, father and statesman, and helps us understand a man who won the Noble Prize, inspired the Teddy bear and, at age 42, became the youngest person ever to serve as President. Theodore Roosevelt lived a life that inspires us still.   Prepare for some “rough-riding!”

April 11, 2018:  Lunch 11:30 a.m. Meeting 12:30 p.m. Program 1:15 p.m.

Special Event: Meet Kenneth Warchol, Worcester County Bee Inspector.

We are pleased to have as our guest, Ken Warchol, expert on bees. Beekeeping is in Ken’s blood, as he is a 6^th generation caretaker of bees. His family practice originated in Poland and was brought to the US by his father after WW II.

Ken has been actively involved in the Worcester County Beekeeping Association for may years as Vice-President, President, Program Director and Bee School Director. Dr. Lu of Harvard College called upon Ken in 2009 to help direct a study of bees. Also, at Harvard, Ken was asked to lecture to a worldwide group of beekeepers and scientists on what he had observed in his inspections over a five year period. We look forward to an interesting and knowledgeable session presented by Ken Warchol, an expert on bees.

May 16, 2018,  11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.    ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS at the Westford Regency in Westford. Members may make reservations with the Hospitality Committee at the March and April meetings.