PRESIDENT'S LETTER SEPTEMBER 2010

Having been a mother, a student and a teacher, I always think I should be getting ready for school and preparing for the new school year when September rolls around.  Although we don't have to worry about starting school in this glorious retirement, we can start getting really involved in the UPWC "new year."

Before I talk about this year, I'd like to share more about the history of the UPWC. Last month I discussed Cheryl Tefft's founding of our women's club.  This month Linda Gidel summarized the second year of the club in one word…Cookbook. To prevent raising membership dues, they had a committee take on a supposedly small project to bring in extra cash to pay for the newsletter.  However, it quickly became a huge undertaking!

Linda shared that, "we spent many long hours collecting recipes, rewriting recipes, proofreading recipes, typing and retyping recipes and all of us proofreading the final draft until we were literally cross-eyed and exhausted.  The best part was that we had nearly 100% of our members participate in giving up their 'secret family recipes' for a terrific cookbook.  To this day I always refer to my UPWC Cooking With Friends cookbook first, and every time such great memories come to mind."

This year is starting off with a wealth of activity. I want to personally thank Anne Nellis and Kris Higgerson for co-chairing the school supplies drive for the Children's Guardian Fund.  Hopefully you all saw the picture that demonstrated the amazing generosity of our club members. Thanks to all of you who participated in this Outreach project.  Check out the Outreach tab on our website for additional opportunities for more service in the months ahead.

September 24th is our first opportunity to share social time together at the Sunset Picnic at Lido Beach.  The sign-up deadline is September 13th and reservations are filling up quickly. You don't want to miss out on the fabulous menu of Roasted Fillet of Beef and Poached Salmon, Tomato Pasta Salad and Mixed Greens, Artisan Breads and Plum Bakewell Tart. You only need to bring chairs, beverages and ice. Sign up today for fun, fellowship and delicious food!

Do you have any books you'd like to exchange? Saturday, October 2nd will be our next Book Exchange at Jan Hoffman's house from 9-11 am. You can start dropping off books on Jan's porch anytime after September 20th.  No magazines, textbooks or cookbooks and books must be in reasonably good condition.

Remember our Fall General Meeting and Luncheon kicks off our "Season for Sharing" on Friday, October 29th at Mattison's Riverside.  Our charities will be sharing opportunities we have for service as individuals and as an organization. Detailed information is on the website under Social Events, and you can make your reservations beginning September 15th.

Our Diamond & Crystal Ball Committee has some very exciting plans that will be revealed this month.  Mark your calendars for December 4th and respond quickly once your invitation arrives and the reservation form appears on the UPWC website. Don't be left out of the best event our club has ever experienced!

And just a reminder..if you haven't renewed your membership, be sure to do so now so you can participate in all these exciting plans for our "new year."