Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) members and friends recently traveled to Washington, DC, to celebrate Women’s History Month at the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ Washington headquarters. Through the efforts of WCF President Tina Diamond and Congressman Peter King, they were able to take a tour of the White House and then attend a presentation at the GFWC headquarters given by Dr. Marjorie Spruill, a Distinguished Professor Emerita at the University of South Carolina who specializes in women’s and gender history and the history of the American South. Spruill discussed her most recent book, Divided We Stand: The Battle Over Women’s Rights and Family Values That Polarized American Politics. The book focuses on the women’s movements of the 1970s, particularly the federally sponsored International Women’s Year (IWY) conferences of 1977, in which GFWC participated.
Throughout this club year, Diamond initiated a new fundraiser to benefit the humanitarian efforts of Fitness for Africa-Pearl of Hope School in Uganda, founded by Heather Parisi, daughter of WCF member Cheryl Parisi. The school continues to help bring education to children in areas where there are no schools. Ambassadors volunteered to hold monthly luncheons at local Farmingdale restaurants. As Heather Parisi says, “even the smallest amount of money goes a long way to bring these children literacy, fitness and a chance for a better life.” WCF Ambassadors have continued through the New Year to set up an inexpensive lunch, which includes a small donation to this cause, a real win-win.
In other developments, WCF members recently welcomed new member Vicki Impollonia, who is a long-time resident of Farmingdale and just recently retired from the Farmingdale School District, where she worked for many years in the Adult Education Program. Impollonia signed the WCF membership book, which dates back to the club’s origin in 1913. Members wore red to support American Heart Month while listening to Eileen Collette, Epic House director, speak about how much the residents of Epic House, who are physically and mentally disabled, appreciate the visits and baskets of goodies donated by members and distributed by the WCF at various holidays. The visits offer residents good socialization skills while lifting their spirits.
Additionally, a Lemon Auction was organized this month by Bea Ferrari. Members found many great bargains while contributing to the club’s philanthropic endeavors. And on March 12, the GFWC’s Island Metro District held its annual Cultural Arts Day at Delmonico’s Restaurant, hosted by the Junior League of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale. High school students and club-women from Long Island displayed their many arts and crafts pieces. First-place student winners received a monetary award from the Island Metro District, which the WCF then matches.
—Submitted by Maria Ortolani
