March 10
7 - 11 pm

Wine and Cheese
and Chinese Auction

to benefit the
Cleveland Foodbank

At the home of:
Pat Agatisa and Jerry Boyle
16520 S. Woodland Road
Shaker Hts., 44120

Photos of the Holiday Party will be posted soon.  Please send any photos you may have to the EWC  (information@eastsidewelcomeclub.com).

President's Message

 February, 2012

Our first real snow and I’m adjusting.  I have finally learned what “LE” means in front of snow, so I guess I’m on my way to becoming an Ohioan!  I have thoroughly enjoyed walking on the Shaker Heights golf course in the snow.  As an easterner, walking on the golf course, watching the skiers, the sleders, and the romping dogs is reminiscent of walking in Central Park.  At the Eastside Welcome Club we are not going to let the weather get in the way of our activities and fun.

We start off this month with coffee on February 1 at Anne Arcara’s house.  This is a relaxing way for members and prospective members to connect over coffee, and children are welcome.  Many of us note that we made some of our first friends at the coffees.

From the coffee, we move ahead to our February 9th luncheon  at the Cleveland Racquet Club where our speaker Dr. Mari Halkovich will speak on “Glitz and Glamour in the White House, Seven First Ladies from Ohio, their history and fashion.”   Our speaker is a retired school district superintendent whose second career combines her interest in history with her love of antique and vintage jewelry.  Come to the luncheon and learn about our presidents from Ohio  and their wives.   Dr. Halkovich  will bring some of her jewelry and other treasures, related to the presidential wives, for us to admire.  When we were planning luncheons over the summer, we had members call us to recommend her as a presenter, so I know this will be an enjoyable event. Can you name the 7 Presidents from Ohio and their wives? I certainly didn’t remember that Ohio produced 7 Presidents!In addition to spending time together having fun, the Club will continue our efforts to raise funds for the Cleveland FoodBank.

On March 10th at the home of a former club president Pat Agatisa and her husband Jerry Boyle, we will hold our auction for the benefit of the foodbank as well as enjoy wine and cheese.   We continue to solicit for new, vintage or antique items as well as service items and gift certificates. If you have a special relationship with a vendor who might like to make a donation, or questions about a donation, please reach out to Kristina Gobel, President Elect.  She is willing to answer any questions, as well as arrange to pick up your donations in advance.   Keep in mind that we will accept contributions from the sublime to the ridiculous.  Last year, a popular item was a liquor dispenser in the shape of a gas pump. Rumor has it that it will be re-donated!  Here is how the raffle will work:  EWC members buy raffle chances either with cash or by writing checks to the Cleveland FoodBank.  You will then receive raffle tickets which you can use to try for items.  Last year was the first time we included spouses in this event which added to the fun.  Please note that the wine and cheese remain a free benefit of your membership.  In my professional work I come across individuals who have to choose between buying medications, making their mortgage payment, or buying food.  When I urge them to go to the foodbank, they return, stating they were treated with dignity, felt cared about and not made to feel shame over the need to ask for food.  I so admire that our charitable efforts span over the entire year and are not limited to a one shot, “feel good” effort.

In closing, I wish you all Happy Valentine’s Day, and hope to see you at club events.

Fondly,

Sally Cantor

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Join the Eastside Welcome Club! Membership is $30.00 per year (prorated $15.00 for new members joining after January 1) and includes a subscription to the monthly newsletter, sent by email unless a hard copy is requested, and a membership directory. Our membership year is from June 1 through May 31. To join the Eastside Welcome Club, go to the membership page to fill out an application, or download the Membership Form and mail your $30.00 check, payable to the Eastside Welcome Club, to: Susan Ross 3104 Kingsley Road Shaker Heights, OH 44122 For information, call Susan at 513-404-4969. Email: ususan.ross@gmail.com.