It’s hard to believe that The Woman’s Club of Rye turned 80 this year. Not only has the social club that was started in 1933 club aged well, it has grown into a vital and varied organization, 200 members in all.
By Robin Jovanovich
It’s hard to believe that The Woman’s Club of Rye turned 80 this year. Not only has the social club that was started in 1933 club aged well, it has grown into a vital and varied organization, 200 members in all.
Younger members gravitate to the Children’s Philanthropy Section, whose primary mission is to raise funds for the children of Rye through events like Family Portraits, Halloween Painting Bake Sale, Annual Rug Sale, and Designing Women. Funds are distributed among Rye organizations, including the Rye Youth Council, Rye Y, Rye Recreation, Helping Hands, Rye Nature Center, Kids’ S.P.A.C.E., and Rye Arts Center. In the last year, the Section raised $38,300.
The Crossroads Section evolved when members moved beyond the child-focused years. Ann Goldsmith and Eileen Shea, now in their third year as co-presidents, say, “Our members are interested in getting out and about. This year we’ve made plans to visit West Point and Cold Springs on the Hudson. We meet monthly for a book discussion and go to movies together. And while we all look forward to dinner on a beautiful night at Shenorock each summer, we’re always interested in trying new restaurants.” (They were excited to learn that three new ones are opening in Rye, especially the French bistro.)
The Regular Section offers a monthly program at Club Day, the first day of the month at Christ’s Church. At their October meeting, Rye Police Detective John Wood spoke on crime prevention. The 61st Beaux Arts Exhibit is on display at the Rye library until November 1. Everyone looks forward to the Fall Bridge Luncheon, which this year will be held October 24 at Coveleigh Club. Their Playgoers group has orchestra seats for the Broadway musical hit “Kinky Boots” in January.
The Woman’s Club is a valued service organization, but these women know how to have fun while they’re helping the community.
And they can look forward to an even brighter future. Longtime member and officer Janet Meyers reports that the Woman’s Club will become a 501c3 very soon. “Men will then be allowed to join.”
Members are always invited to bring guests and the Woman’s Club welcomes new members. To learn more, contact Ann Goldsmith at 835-0255.
