By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Westborough – Founded in 1916, the Westborough Woman's Club is continuing its long history of community service.
In the past year, the club donated $200 to the Friends of the Westborough Public Library for renovations; $300 to the fuel assistance program of the Westborough Senior Center; and $300 to Hot Summer Nights, a program of Westborough Youth and Family Services. In addition to awarding four $1,000 scholarships, the club gave $500 each to the Women in Science Leadership Seminar and the Massachusetts Students Accepting Responsibility (MassSTAR) Leadership Seminar.
Judy Wilchynski has been a club member for 10 years, served as president from 2006 to 2010, and currently volunteers as publicity chair.
“The fact that the Woman's Club has been around for 97 years says a lot about the organization,” she said. “It's an eclectic group of women with a wealth of life experiences – whether it be through jobs, education, the arts, travel, or whatever.”
In the club's early years, its influence spawned creative contributions to the town that still thrive decades later. In 1917, the club staged its first play. Nineteen years later, the members” interest in theater inspired the formation of the Westborough Players” Club. In 1963, club members saw the Hundred Town Chorus begin as a spinoff of their musical endeavors.
“The arts have always been an important part of the Woman's Club,” Wilchynski noted.
An artist's corner has been added to the club's monthly business meetings, held September through April at the Congregational Church of Westborough. An artistic member is invited to display items and then speak briefly at the start of the meeting, which continues with a guest focusing on a different topic each month. The Tuesday, Dec. 10, meeting will feature a musical program with students from the Westborough High School fine arts department.
The club holds several annual fundraisers including a fashion show. Years ago, they collaborated with major clothing retailers.
“In the past, we had stores like Talbots, Coldwater Creek, and Macy's come and do the fashion shows,” Wilchynski explained. “They don's do that anymore, so we'se put a different twist on our fashion show the last few years.”
This year the club presented “Fashion-atin” Rhythm” with a dinner Oct. 26 at Acacia at Indian Meadows. Members were treated to a musical journey through history and fashion. Outfits from the 1900s through the 1960s were modeled by club members Penny Adams; Carolyn Black, president; Cordilia Fenton, program chair; Joyce Gallinagh; Kay Hurley; Elaine Moore, treasurer; and Annie West. Commentating was Jane Kruse, vice president. Alberta Milhem created the concept and Jack Wertheimer provided music.
Their next major fundraiser is the 17th annual Holiday House Tour scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance or that day at the Congregational Church, 57 W. Main St., where refreshments will be served 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Guests will receive a trifold including a map and description of the five selected houses, which this year range from a 1720 Georgian-style home with Westborough history to an updated cottage-style colonial.
“There's always something special about the houses that have been chosen,” Wilchynski said. “It might be because of the way they'se decorated, or the architecture, or its history.”
For tickets, contact Kathy Wilfert at 508-654-3762 or [email protected]
Among the club's current 87 women is longtime member Janet Harvey, who joined in 1950. To welcome more new members, they recently initiated a reach-out program to inform women of the club.
“New members bring new ideas, talents and energy,” Wilchynski said, “and that's what keeps the club going.”
For membership information, call Kathie at 508-366-0902.
