Past Activities

March Club Meeting

Carol C. shows two wooden Pysanky eggs.

At the March club meeting, we celebrated cultures worldwide. Arts and Culture Co-Chair Carol C. gave a  presentation on the Ukrainian tradition of Pysanky eggs and the meaning of the different designs. She demonstrated how to use permanent markers to create traditional designs on wooden eggs. Each attendee was given a handout of Pysanky designs and two white wooden eggs to decorate. One club member of Ukrainian descent, Nancy K., shared her family’s tradition of making Pysanky eggs and brought some of the eggs they had created.  Club members provided refreshments of international snacks and desserts.  In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, many members wore something green for good luck!



Nancy K. shows some of her family's Pysanky eggs.
Nancy K. shows some of her family’s Pysanky eggs.

March International Luncheon

In March, our International Lunch group went to GrasshopperToo Irish Pub and Restaurant in Wayne. Eight members and one guest enjoyed the traditional Irish fare, including Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mashed, Chicken Murphy, Fish and Chips, and the Irish American dish Corned Beef and Cabbage. Everyone enjoyed their meal, the lovely atmosphere, and the lively conversation.

 

 

Liberty District Performing Arts Day

Several club members attended and performed at the Liberty District Performing Arts Day. Club member Rosalie Cozzi beautifully played “Prelude #2” by Gershwin and got everyone singing “I’ve got Rhythm”. Maryann Rashap sang “No Business Like Show Business” and “Second Hand Rose”. New club member Laura Reinhardt was terrific doing the flamingo dances and wore a beautiful outfit. Laura had all of the women in attendance up and dancing. Hopefully, she can teach flamingo dancing at one of our club’s monthly meetings.

Youth Art Month

In cooperation with The West Caldwell Public Library, the Women’s Club of Caldwell celebrated Youth Art Month on Saturday, March 4, in the library’s children’s room. Pre-School and Elementary school children were invited to listen to storybooks with their parents and then create artwork based on the stories. Club members read I Can’t Draw by S. Martin, Sea Shapes by S. MacDonald, and The Rainbow Fish by M. Pfister. The children then learned how to draw a fish by tracing around their parent’s hand. The fish were cut out and glued to a background and embellished with silver paper scales. The finished artwork will be displayed in the library’s children’s section for the month of March.  For more information about this event or other art-related events, email Carol at artsculture@womensclubofcaldwell.org.

A Baby Shower for Eva’s Village

Club members display some of the many items collected for Eva’s Village.

Our club organized a Baby Shower get-together for club members to bring additional items for Eva’s Village and to view the hundreds of baby items collected from the public. Club member Maria L. organized the baby shower, complete with games and punch!  Members enjoyed playing Family Feud with questions about baby care and Wheel of Fortune based on Nursery Rhymes. The members organized the items collected and packed them for delivery to Eva’s Village, an organization that aids women and children in need. For more information about Eva’s Village, visit https://www.evasvillage.org/.

National Make a Blanket Day –

We had a fantastic turnout of volunteers (club members and friends) to help make blankets for Project Linus at the West Caldwell Library on the afternoon of Saturday, February 18.   Arts & Culture Co-Chair Carol C. prepared the fleece for the volunteers to cut and create fringe on the edges. The finished 18 blankets will be donated to the North Jersey Chapter of Project Linus, which will deliver them to children in need. To learn more about this service project, email Carol at artsculture@womensclubofcaldwell.org.

 

February Club Meeting –

At the club’s February meeting, Captain Jeffrey Sutherlin and members of the West Essex First Aid Squad gave a presentation on how to handle Emergency Situations, including Basic First Aid, CPR, AED demonstration, etc.   Our club made a donation of $1,000.00 to the West Essex First Aid Squad. Program Coordinator Diane Russo and Health & Wellness Chairperson, Nancy Howley, presented the donation to Squad Captain Jeff Sutherlin, West Essex First Aid volunteer Jessica Anello, and Squad President Peter Nancoz.

February International Luncheon

For our February Internation Luncheon, we chose Asian Delite restaurant in West Caldwell, which prepares Chinese and Japanese specialties. Club members and friends joined together for a fun-filled and delicious afternoon of friendly banter and camaraderie.


Members Go to Broadway

Maria L. and Alicia D. were two of several members who entered the lottery for tickets to see Six on Broadway. They were surprised to find they had won box seats! If you want more information about upcoming club theater trips, contact Maria at mtlopez973@yahoo.com. 

Valentine’s Cards for
Nursing Home Residents

Club members and friends gathered at the West Caldwell Library to make Valentine’s Cards for residents at a local nursing home.  We held three workshops at the library to make over 130 unique cards for the West Caldwell Care Center residents.  We hope these cards send a little love this Valentine’s Day.


January Club Meeting

We started the year with a little fun – a Skit Night! Arts Performing Chair, Maria Lopez, researched and typed several well know skits for club members to perform. There was the famous Lucy & Ethel working at the chocolate factory, a scene from the Golden Girls, and several Saturday Night Live skits.  Lots of fun was had by all in attendance.

 

Member Holiday Gathering

Club members “Jingled & Mingled” at our December holiday gathering. Diane R., Mary Pat P., Nancy K., and Kate S. decorated the room with a Winterland theme and organized a variety of activities  (Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, Surprise Gift Exchange, Cookie Exchange, and Holiday Craft) for club members to enjoy.  A wonderful time was had by all!

December  International Luncheon

Our December International Lunch took us to Shan Shan Noodles in Parsippany, a Chinese restaurant whose specialty is hand-pulled noodles. We meet once a month, and new potential members are welcome. To join us, check our calendar and contact us at womensclubofcaldwellnj@gmail.com.
 

NJ State Botanical Gardens Skylands Manor Trip

Five club members visited the N.J. State Botanical Gardens Skylands Manor in early December to see the Christmas displays in the manor house.  Each room of the manor was decorated with botanicals and ornaments to represent a holiday theme, including Santa, candy canes, elves, gnomes, and the movies Elf and The Grinch.   After the tour, members enjoyed a light lunch and visited the holiday boutique, which had nature/garden-themed items for sale.

November Club Meeting

Richard Gibbs, who has been collecting postcards with scenes of western Essex County for about 30 years, was our guest speaker for our November meeting. His presentation of postcards allowed viewers to take a trip back in time down Bloomfield Avenue from the Caldwell-Verona border to Roseland Avenue.  Photographs included many pictures of the trolly and train route, plus many homes and businesses that still exist in town. Most of the postcards in his collection date from about 1905 to 1930. Mr. Gibbs narrated the trip and answer questions.  The presentation was enjoyed by all.

 

November International Luncheon

 
We met at Fairfield Falafel House for our monthly international lunch.
Fairfield Falafel House offers traditional Middle Eastern food.
 

Bring Your Own Craft – WC Library

We met at the West Caldwell Library on Tuesday, November 8, to knit or crochet during the library’s Bring Your Own Craft Night. Some attendees crocheted or knitted items for charities such as Warm Up America, Project Linus, and Click for Babies. We also offered supplies for individuals to learn how to knit or crochet. For more information about this event or upcoming craft activities, please email Carol at artsculture@womensclubofcaldwell.org.   

NJSFWC Fall Conference

Four club members attended the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Club’s Fall Conference at the Battleground Country Club in Manalapan Township, NJ on Monday, October 23.  The morning speakers included representatives from the Special State Project – Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, and a short review of projects from the Community Service Program Chairmen. Our club’s Special State Project chair, Barbara Buechner delivered a trunk load of food, donated by our club members, to the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. In the afternoon, the keynote speaker was Julia Orlando director of the Bergen County Housing, Health, & Human Services Center. She spoke about the work she does in Bergen County which has culminated in the first community to end homelessness. 

Pictured from left to right are Phyllis Kent, Barbara Buechner, NJSFWC President Shirley Holly, W.C. of Caldwell President Alicia DiMonte, and Carol Crump.

October Club Meeting

At our October meeting, we were moving our bodies to music while practicing for a future flash mob event. The song “Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake was upbeat and fun! We danced to a video made to teach listeners the dance: How To Dance – Can’t Stop The FeelingHalloween decorations, including club-made spooky trees, were the night’s decor. We also enjoyed wonderful member-provided refreshments. Everyone in attendance had plenty of laughs and got some exercise, too!

Visit to the Van Vleck Garden

Several members visited the scarecrow exhibit at Van Vleck Garden in Montclair.

Van Vleck Garden ScarecrowsVan Vleck

 

International Luncheon – October


Euro Grill  Members met for a Portuguese lunch at Eurogrill on Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell. 

5th Opioid WalkVolunteers in Action –
Opioid Awareness and Recovery Walk

Club members volunteered to serve the walkers at the 5th Annual Opioid Awareness and Recovery Walk on October 15 in Caldwell. 
Pictured from left are Joann P, Marge O’, and Dori G. 

 

Halloween Craft

Members of the Women’s Club of Caldwell met at the West Caldwell Library to create a Halloween craft.  Each attendee made a spooky mini tree with pumpkins, spiders, and bones!  For more information about upcoming art/craft activities with the club, please email Carol at artsculture@womensclubofcaldwell.org.

September Collection

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Women’s Club of Caldwell’s collection of birthday party supplies for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. Your donation of gift bags, decorations, tableclothes, ect. will bring smiles to children dealing with cancer. The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation provides New Jersey families facing the crisis of pediatric cancer a place to turn for comfort and support. For more information about this project or the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, please email Barbara at  BzBuechner@gmail.com

 

September 2022 Club Meeting

At our September monthly meeting, Master Gardener Jane Kinkle was assisted by Frances Larkey in giving a presentation on the difference between herbs and spices, plus the history of spices.  Attendees also made a delicious herb cream cheese spread and planted herbs (basil, chives, and parsley) to take home.

 

Tag Sale for Alzheimer’s Research

An all-club tag sale was held to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research.

 

The Seeing Eye………. Worth the Wait!

What a wonderful experience for all who attended  and what perfect weather! On Friday the 14th, of May 2021, The Seeing Eye visited us (WCC) at Grover Cleveland Park. Although the Star attractions were Mac, a Lab-Golden Retriever Cross  (who looks like a Black Lab) and his owner Kathy Murray, 2 other Seeing Eye dogs in training and their volunteer trainers delighted us with their presence.  Don MacGowen, Program coordinator for the Seeing Eye Pennies for Puppies Program, taught us a lot about the Seeing Eye including about the lives of the dogs, how people and dogs are matched and how the program is funded. A  demonstration occurred , with the help of Doris , one of our members, to show us one of the exercises that potential candidates go through in order to be matched with their dogs.  And we were regaled with Seeing Eye and puppy antics by both Kathy and Don, as well as by the volunteers in training. We learned a lot about the lives of these amazing dogs and their owners. Recently we received a Thank You letter for the donation WCC made to the Seeing Eye with the certificate : A note of Thanks also goes to the Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy for allowing us to utilize the Pond House and the benches and bathrooms there.

Special Event: Women of the Supreme Court

On Friday March 19th 2021 the WCC held  a special event entitled Women of the Supreme Court that was held via zoom. During this event we learned some fascinating facts about the backgrounds, lives, successes and struggles of four of our female Supreme Court Justices. It was a lot of fun learning about these four women and all who participated had a wonderful time..

February 2021 Blizzard Bags for the Caldwell Food Pantry were collected

Blizzard bags were collected during the month of February 2021 for the Caldwell Food Pantry.  Each bag contained an emergency supply of food for one meal to feed a family of four. Thanks to all members of the club and the broader community for  your help in feeding our community!

A Meditation and Healthy Habits  presentation was held at the  January 15, 2021 Monthly Meeting The Women’s Club of Caldwell Monthly meeting was held on January 15th 2021. The theme for the meeting was “Meditation and Healthy Habits for the New Year.” After a short club meeting, guest speaker Penny Prosperi presented meditation/stress reduction techniques. This meditation practice was followed by  a slide presentation pointing out what  healthy habits look like and dis cussed strategies to incorporate good habits into your life.   The slide show can be found in the Community Outreach page of this website.

Special Event The Statue of Liberty

September 18th 2020 on ZOOM

 
 The West Caldwell library,
sponsored by The Women’s Club of Caldwell
was pleased to offer a special zoom event “The Statue of Liberty” Presented by  Kevin Woyce author, photographer and lecturer specializing in regional American history..
The  event started with a brief informational commentary on The  Club  followed by a very interesting presentation and slide show on the history of The Statue of Liberty.  The event was well attended and the audience was impressed by the wealth of information Mr Woyce has to share.  Congratulations to all on a very successful event.
 

ART Contest Update:

As you may know, West Caldwell Library has been closed due to Covid -19, however, all artwork from the Children’s Art Show and Contest will remain on the display wall and can be viewed when the library re-opens. Please check with the Library for details.  
 
Once again, the Women’s Club of Caldwell and West Caldwell Library want to thank and congratulate all students who participated this year and produced such wonderful work!

International Luncheon – June, 2020

The  International Luncheon was held  this past week for  both fellowship and to support the local restaurants in town. This was the first time we met as a club, for this activity  since the lockdown due to the Corona virus.  This month we ordered from Eurogrill on the Avenue, and ate our Portuguese curbside pickup at the West Caldwell Gazebo. With COVID restrictions being lifted soon for outside dining, we are  planning  to support another  local restaurant on Tuesday, July 7th (1st Tuesday of the month). Although many members of our group have been deliberately ordering out to support the restaurants in town throughout this pandemic, we are hoping to continue this activity, as a group, in order to keep in touch with our membership as we support our local businesses. Please join us, This activity is open to all. Bring your masks until further notice!

Members prepare lunch at Oasis In Paterson 3/13/2020

Samples of children’s art work displayed at the West Caldwell Public Library

New Member Orientation. March 6, 2020

We held a new member introduction into our club. It was an informative session designed to welcome and embrace new members as well as encourage active participation in all activities.

Women’s Club Meeting. February 21, 2020

Our February 21 meeting focused on women’s health and exercise. We listened to a talk by our one of own registered nutritionists, emphasizing mindful healthy eating.  Club members enjoyed good food, nutritional advice and dancing for exercise.

Women’s Club Meeting. January 17, 2020

Photo of the Women’s club members who prepared soup for our soup tasting meeting.

WCC members participate in the First Annual “joint” Seniors Club Holiday Celebration luncheon@ the Greenbrook Country Club, N. Caldwell, 12/13/19

WCC members enjoying the 49th annual Christmas sing -along at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newark NJ 12/12/19

Holiday Party 2019

On December 6th, we held our holiday party. After some food and fun we wrote cards to people in assisted living for our community service project. Local vendors were on hand with holiday gift giving items. We had a good showing of members and friends.

Meet and Greet

On Friday November 15th, we held a meet and greet at Rock’ n Joe’s Cafe.  Potential new members had the opportunity to meet and spend  time with some of the club’s women, have any questions answered, and enjoy some pastries and beverages.

.November Monthly Meeting

For our November monthly meeting, we had Geeta Lahiri and Carol Fahy from Young Living, talk to us about essential oils. They guided us in making some take home products. Everyone left with a face serum, hand moisturizer, and a sleeping spray. On December 6th, we’ll be having our holiday party. If you wish to join us, reach out to us on our contact us page.

Book Club

We hold a monthly Book Club meeting at a member’s house, where we socialize, enjoy sharing food, and engage in discussion. If you are interested in joining us, please send us an email through our contact us In November, we discussed “The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World” by Melinda Gates. In  October,  we discussed the book Educated: a memoir by Tara Westover. For November, we will be reading The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates.

Oct 22,2019 Cloverleaf Scholarship Fundraiser a Success

Rain did not deter the many Club members  with their families and friends who came out to support our Fundraiser held last night at The Cloverleaf Restaurant in Caldwell.  Fun was had by all as we enjoyed the variety of “vittles and libations” and community spirit  offered there.

OCTOBER MEETING

For our October meeting, we enjoyed a wonderful variety of dishes in a potluck dinner. This was followed by a presentation by Linda Kenyon as Julia Child. Our November meeting will be held on the 8th. We’ll have a presentation on the benefits of essential oils and we’ll be making some take home, women’s care products. Check the flyer on the upcoming activities page

Bullying Prevention

On October 5th, as part of bullying prevention month, author Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta presented a program at the Caldwell Public Library. Maryanne’s memoir is about being bullied in the 1970s and how she learned to fight back. The Women’s Club of Caldwell co-sponsored the program with the Caldwell library and donated 10 books to GCMS and local libraries

World Environmental Health Day

WCC helped create conscience and educate the community about this year’s theme: “Climate change challenges, time for global Environmental Health to act in unison.”

September meeting

In addition to our regular business meeting, we painted wine glasses and filled stockings for soldiers.


Stockings for Our Troops

Operation Yellow Ribbon, was selected for this year’s stocking drive. They are a New Jersey based organization whose major focus is organizing and collecting donated supplies and goodies to send to our brave U.S troops deployed  in the Middle East. Our club filled holiday stockings with items and love at the September 20th meeting.

Gazebo Concert In July

Members of the WCC attending the West Caldwell gazebo concert. Check our Facebook page to see our latest activities. (see link below)