College Club of Buffalo Monthly Newsletter...Jim and Sue Aronica. **Lunch is served at 12:00 PM immediately followed by the program. Carolann Besch is our very capable luncheon reservation

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April 2018

College Club of Buffalo Monthly Newsletter

The College Club of Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14222

716-885-4404

Mission Statement

The College Club of Buffalo is a community of women

who promote the advancement of education through programming,

scholarship endowment, charitable activities, and social interaction.

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Paradise!

Fondly,

Beverly

Officers and Board

President…Beverly Thomas; 1st Vice President…Jean Singleton; 2nd Vice President...Mary Ellen McGowan

Treasurer…Lillian Gondree; Assistant Treasurer…Carolann Besch; Corresponding Secretary and Newsletter

Editor…Rosina Alaimo; Recording Secretary...Pat Krims

Directors: Bonnie Botsford; Nancy Davidson; Betty Kulpa; Mary Vacanti

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Monthly Bridge Activities

Party Bridge April 4 Party Bridge is the 1st Wednesday of the month. Please sign up for this event with Dorothy Medler (885-1786). Since play begins at 11:00 AM, plan to arrive by 10:45. Bring your smile, your quarter and your lunch. Goodies will be provided. Mark your calendar; Make a sandwich; Bring Mike’s bridge lessons; come and play! April Hostess is Dorothy Medler. May Hostess is Joann Starr If you would like to play, call the hostess of the month to sign up. If you must cancel, call the hostess of the month.

Duplicate Bridge: April 11 Duplicate Bridge is the 2nd Wednesday of the

month at 10:45 AM. Please be on time.

$25.00 is due paid to Nancy Thomas.

Call Clare if you cannot play. Otherwise you are

expected to be there. Desserts are welcome— Just

let Clare or Betty know what you plan to bring. If

you cancel the morning of bridge you will be ex-

pected to provide a sub.

Bridge Luncheon: April 16 12 noon $17.00

Lunch is served at 12:00. Sign-up sheet is available at the Club. Please reserve your seat at a table and for lunch by the Friday before the event. If you need to cancel, call Dorinne Ebel at 838-4418. This is important both for an accurate lunch count and to insure that we have 4 players per table.

Kitchen Bridge

Kitchen Bridge will resume soon. Call Hallie Howell (885-4190) to sign up. Scrabble anyone? 4 members played scrabble on March 19th. Please join us on April 23rd for game 2. Call Shawna Kay at 881-4373 if you want to play.

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Cultural, Literary, Educational, and Social Activities

Reading Between the Wines 1st Thursday evening of the Month The next meeting for Reading between the Wines is Thursday, April 5th at 6:30 PM. We will be discussing

The Mistress of Paris by Catherine Hewitt

Spectacularly evoking the sights and sounds of mid-to late nineteenth-century Paris in all its hedonistic glory, Catherine Hewitt’s biography tells, for the first time ever in English, the forgotten story of a remarkable woman who, though her roots were lowly, never stopped aiming high. Comtesse Valtesse de la Bigne was painted by Édouard Manet and inspired Émile Zola who immortalized her in his scandalous novel Nana. Her rumored affairs with Napoleon III and the future King Edward VII kept gossip columns full. But her glamorous existence hid a dark secret: she was no comtesse. Valtesse was born into abject poverty, raised on a squalid backstreet among the dregs of Parisian society. Yet she transformed herself into an enchantress who possessed a small fortune, three mansions, fabulous carriages, and art the envy of connoisseurs across Europe. A consummate show-

woman, she ensured that her life―and even her death―remained shrouded in just enough mystery to keep her audience hungry for more.

New Newsletter monthly feature!

Our College Club family is very important to us. We meet for lunch, for Bridge, for book clubs, for entertainment and

for dinners. And yet, we don’t know very much about each other. We are mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts.

We have children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews that are “bragworthy.” Heck, we have pets that are

“bragworthy.” So, with your help, I would like to use this space for us to brag! For instance, as a tease, do you know

that Betty Kulpa has a very good reason to brag about her son? Do you know that Lillian Gondree and I have been

friends or over 50 years? So, my email is [[email protected]]. Feed me your “brag” and I will print it! Deadline for

inclusion in the March newsletter is February 9th! I want to hear from you!

**I haven’t heard from anybody! Does this mean that there is no interest in this type of information? I’ll give it one

more month—if your silence is very loud, I will abandon the idea.

Breakfast by the Book 3rd Friday of the Month

The Monthly Friday morning Book Club will become the Friday Afternoon or Brunch by the

Book Club star ting on April 20th. The group will discuss Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy

by Karen Abbott.

Karen Abbott illuminates one of the most fascinating yet little known aspects of the Civil

War: the stories of four courageous women—a socialite, a farm girl, an abolitionist, and a

widow—who were spies. After shooting a Union soldier in her front hall with a pocket

pistol, Belle Boyd became a courier and spy for the Confederate army, using her charms to

seduce men on both sides. Emma Edmonds cut off her hair and assumed the identity of a

man to enlist as a Union private, witnessing the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The beautiful widow, Rose

O’Neale Greenhow, engaged in affairs with powerful Northern politicians to gather

intelligence for the Confederacy, and used her young daughter to send information to Southern generals.

Elizabeth Van Lew, a wealthy Richmond abolitionist, hid behind her proper Southern manners as she orchestrated

a far-reaching espionage ring, right under the noses of suspicious rebel detectives. Abbott used a variety of

primary sources to create a riveting account of the Civil War era.

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Monthly Program Dinner: Wednesday, March 21st

Our monthly program dinners are scheduled for the- 3rd Wednesday of every month. The cost for the dinner is $20.00. Reservations must be made by noon on the Monday before the dinner by calling Carolann Besch at 883-4482. AND, if you must cancel, you MUST call Carolann with that information to avoid being charged for your dinner. **Reservations and cancellations must be made with Carolann Besch at 883-4482.

Wednesday, April 18—Cost $20.00

5:15 PM Wine And Hors d’oeuvres

6 PM—Dinner and Program

Program: Drama: the Making of a TV Pilot Robin Lazzara, is a senior at SUNY Buffalo State College majoring in Television and Film Arts, and has worked as the Executive Producer on the TV Pilot, The Last Year. This is a drama in which a worldwide phenomenon known as The Calendar Plague begins wiping out humanity, prompting a local reporter to go searching for a cure in hopes of saving those closest to her, and hopefully, the world. Robin is eager to share the pilot and her insight on the production process with us. Robin’s team includes:

Mandy Hebblethwaite (the Director of Photography),

Liam Peterson (the Director), and Craig Acton (the Head Writer).

Program Luncheons

This month we have three program luncheons planned: April 9th,April 16th, and April 30th. Our tasty lunches are catered by the dynamic duo of Jim and Sue Aronica. **Lunch is served at 12:00 PM immediately followed by the program. Carolann Besch is our very capable luncheon reservation manager. Please sign up with Carolann by phone (883-4482) or at the Club by noon on the Friday immediately before the luncheon so she has an accurate count for the caterer. The cost of the luncheons is $17.00. We encourage you to pay by check.

***Monday, April 9th Speaker: Angela Keppel Program: Urban Planning Angela Keppel is a history enthusiast, Buffalo booster and urban planner. She is a lifelong Buffalonian who grew up going to concerts at Lasalle Park, exploring the ships at the Naval Park, going back-to-school shopping with Great Grandma at AM&As, and spending time in an old building owned by her uncle at the corner of Broadway and Michi-gan. Angela attended opening day at Pilot Field and still thinks the orange seats at the Aud were the best place to watch a Sabres game.

Angela is fascinated by Buffalo’s history and Buffalo’s future. As a professional urban planner, she is very inter-ested in and excited about where we’re going as a City; but, thinks it’s also important to look back and take pride in where we’ve been. She have a B.A in Political Science from Niagara University and a Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Buffalo.

Angela has spent the last decade working in urban plan-ning in Buffalo/ Western New York and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. She currently works in Downtown Buffalo as a Project Planner with Buf-falo Place, Inc.

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April 23 Luncheon program speaker: Program Speaker: Lisa Ann Prasher, Senior project manager with Norstar Building Corp. Norstar opened its doors in Buffalo, New York 16 years ago.

Since that time, Norstar has developed 2,399 units for its 16

public housing authority clients. Norstar’s national holdings

now include ownership of over 3,500 units in New York,

Texas, Florida and Michigan; it has redeveloped over 3,400

units for non-profit clients, public housing authorities, and

its own account.

Lisa, a resident at the College Club, is project manager on

one of Norstar’s developments.

Monday, April 30 Program Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY has been

Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY has been protecting, strengthening and empowering the people of Western New York since 1923. Today, they offer the most comprehensive services of any human service organization serving all eight counties. Most importantly, they serve those in need and those who are most vulnerable - children, adults, older adults and families - without regard to religion, race or age. Their goal is optimum emotional, mental and physical health for all.

Membership Form

College Club of Buffalo Payable by April 1, 2018

College Club membership dues are payable annually and due on April 1st. According to our Bylaws, Dues may be paid in full ($350.00) by April 1st or in two installments of $175.00 each payable by April 1st and July 1st. Member’s Name__________________________________________________________

______Annual dues of $350.00 _____________ payable by April 1, 2018

______I will pay $175.00 by April 1st and $175.00 by July 1st.

Please make check payable to College Club of Buffalo and Send to:

Carolann Besch

180 Linwood Ave

Buffalo, New York 14209

It’s time to renew your membership to the College Club of Buffalo!

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A Humorous “out of the past” memory from Lillian Gondree:

When I was five years old I was chosen by my teacher to greet the guests at my kindergarten class graduation cere-

mony. Every graduate wore an academic robe and mortar board - it was a very formal event. I memorized a speech

of welcome for all parents, other family, visitors, teachers, and the entire student body - it was a large audience.

I remember stepping out onto the stage in the auditorium as the teacher opened the drapes. We had practiced this moment very carefully so that there were no mistakes in my entrance. I even had to wear the shoes that I would be wearing on the actual graduation day.

I was in place and a few seconds after the audience was quiet and focused I began my speech. It went perfectly and the audience gave me a round of applause. I was so happy that I had remembered every word and had used a loud voice. I saw my mother nod and smile at me from one of the front rows. In my mind I quickly reviewed my role and knew there was something else I had to do but I couldn’t remember what it was. I didn’t panic, I just rethought the order of my performance, a mental check-off list.

The audience began to squirm and titter. What was wrong? Unbeknownst to me a hand had reached out from be-hind the curtain to grab my robe and pull me off the stage. I had forgotten to exit.

This hiccup in my debut didn’t scar me for life, but there were a few years between this first performance and my next.

A tribute to Alice Hague, a former member of the College Club.

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The College Club membership is growing! 5 new members joined us last year. So, this newsletter space will be dedicated to

getting to know those new members. This month we meet Kathleen Pawlak.

Kathleen M Pawlak

I was born and raised on the East Side of Buffalo. I am the oldest of five children having 2 brothers and 2 sisters. We attended

Transfiguration grammar school and then I went to Mount Mercy Academy high school. As youngsters we were members of

Polish Falcons of America Nest 6. We participated in gymnastics classes, played volley ball tournaments and joined the bowling

league. We had fun times making many friends and traveling to competition events. During my high school years I was a cheer-

leader and joined the Latin and Spanish Clubs. I had a part time job working at the Famous Broadway Market and at

Sattlers. We also had a cottage off Old Lake Shore Road in Angola where we spent our whole summers for many years. Those

were memorable moments spent at the beach and the summer recreation programs. After HS graduation I attended the EJ

Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. At first I wanted to be a teacher but my mother said the pay was low and there

were not many jobs. She convinced me to be a nurse because people will always be sick and I would always have a job. Sadly

my class was the second last to graduate before the school closed. At that time ECMC had just opened and I started working in

the ICU there staying for eight years. After two years of experience I was able to enlisted in the Army Reserves. I was

commissioned as a 66H which is a Medical-Surgical Nurse with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the 865th Combat Support

Hospital. I really enjoyed my military career of 20 years learning military skills and traveling to different Army Bases for annual

training. I received some military awards and retired with the rank of Major. I really enjoyed nursing but then a career with the

New York State Police seemed so exciting and such an Honor to be one of "New York's Finest". Probably was one of the

happiest day when I received my letter of acceptance to the New York State Police Academy. It was rough training and a tough

job. I learned so much about myself and the motoring public. Most of my career was spent on the New York Thruway which

was not very pleasant in winter. After 20 years I did retire because I became very sick. After recovery I am now enjoying

retirement. For many years my children and I have performed with the Polish Heritage Dancers. At the age of 50 I started

bagpipe lessons when my son Barry and daughter Gabrielle wanted to play. I now play with the Buffalo Caledonian Bagpipe

Band and the Buffalo Bagpipe Band Club. I recently purchased a kayak which I love paddling at Canalside and surrounding

areas. Since I love the theater I started volunteering on Shea's Spotlight Committee. I am a new member to the Buffalo

Federation of Women and am on the Board of Directors. Probably my favorite group is the Bell Ski Club which does many

skiing, hiking, biking and social activities which always involve eating and hearty spirits. Every Monday evening from May to

October you can see me riding with Slow Roll Buffalo. Plus over the years I have belonged to various Polish Organizations -

Polish Arts Club, Pulaski Police Association, Chopin Singing Society, and Pomost. Thank You for letting me share my story with

you. am a member of the NYS Retired Troopers Association am the newly elected secretary for the WNY Chapter. The NY State

Police has just celebrated their 100th Anniversary.

A Bit of Humor:

Teacher: “If I gave you 2 cats and another 2 cats and another 2, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven.”

Teacher: “No, listen carefully… If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven.”

Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would

you have?”

Johnny: “Six.”

Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?”

Johnny: “Seven!”

Teacher: “Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!”

Johnny: “Because I’ve already got a cat!”

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Picture Page

Delores Sapienza brought her vintage hats for us to look at and try on. Those of us in

attendance had a great time learning about the hats and trying them on.

The pictures below speak for themselves.

As you know, we honor birthdays on the first Monday luncheon of every month. Jim

and Sue provide us with a delicious and cake for this purpose.

The March cake is featured here. It was delicious!

Genteel lunch wearing our hats!

Showcasing wonderful vintage hats!

Delores Sapienza

Another shot or our genteel lunch and

display of hats

April Birthday Cake

Appreciation lunch for a

few of our residents

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From the Chef’s Kitchen————————————————————

Jim and Sue Aronica have provided us with memorable and delicious lunches since

September. They have graciously agreed to share their recipes with us. Try this recipe today and Enjoy!

1 tbsp. butter 1/2 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp. flour 3 c. Chicken broth 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 3 tbsp. tomato paste tortellini 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan 3 c. spinach, packed 1/3 c. cream 2 tbsp. basil, thinly sliced for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and

cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and flour and whisk to combine. Cook 1 more minute.

2. Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and tortellini. Bring to a boil, and then simmer until tortellini is cooked, about 10

minutes. Add the cream and parmesan and stir to combine. Add spinach and let wilt. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with

basil and serve.

College Club historical facts

Did you know…... :

….that the College Club once boasted a membership of 174 women? Can we make that happen again?

….That Our lovely Georgian Revival home was designed by local architects for Philip Sherwood Smith, the di-

rector of Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, the predecessor of the Albright-Knox, in 1903.

….That Town & Country, a popular national magazine, recognized the building’s distinctive

elegance in an article published in 1906.

….That During Mr. Smith’s time, there was a music room, on the third floor

….That College Club members worked tirelessly during the war years sewing and rolling bandages.

….That the Steinway grand piano that graces our living room was purchased. In 1921

…..In 1927 a scholarship fund of fifty dollars was created to help worthy seniors at the University of Buffalo.

…..we had 67 members in 1944

More College Club can be found in the May newsletter.

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April 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Easter Sunday

2

Closed

3 4

10:45 AM

Party Bridge

5 6:30 PM

Reading

between the

Wines

6 7

8 9

10:00 Board

Mtg

12:00 PM

Program Lunch

10 11

10:45 AM

Duplicate

Bridge

12

13 14

15 16

10:30 Board Mtg

12:00 Program

Lunch—Budget

presentation

17 18

5:15 PM Wine

And Hors

d’oeuvres

6 PM—Dinner

and Program

19

20

1:PM

Brunch by the

Book

21

22 23

12:00 noon

Program

Luncheon

24 25

26

27 28

29

30

12:00 PM

Program

Lunch

Happy Birthday to all our April birthdays!

April 8 Marie Barker

April 19 Barbara Kuvshinoff

April 21 Marjorie Girth