GFWC MAR Conference Supports

11/6/26

GFWC MAR Conference Supports

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"Birthday in a Box" Charity

Members of the Women's Club of Farmingdale (WCF) met up in Albany for the annual General Federation of Women's Club Middle Atlantic Region Conference (GFWC MAR) which took place from Thursday, October 8 to Sunday October 11, 2026 at the Marriott Albany, NY. Hosted by the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs and the NYS Federation of Women's Clubs, it included an evening reception, the official processional, a Board Meeting and the NYS Banquet. The MAR Region includes member clubs from Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Attending from the WCF were: Tina Diamond, Vicky Impollonia, Linda Kreussling, Lynda Leone, and Cathy Sewell.

Table centerpieces were a unique way to support a very worthwhile charity, "Birthday-in-a-Box." An aluminum tray was filled with birthday items, including cake mix, frosting, party hats, candles, balloons, birthday cards, drinks and then wrapped in colorful birthday wrapping paper. The Birthday-in-a-Box program was created in 2005 to serve homeless children living in domestic violence shelters, scattered sites, motels, and other locations which could not host an in-person birthday party. The BIAB Program allows Birthday Wishes to reach homeless children in almost any living situation. This program empowers and bonds families, helping them maintain this important tradition while in a shelter.

On October 21, members of the WCF visited Epic House in Farmingdale bringing with them several baskets of homemade chocolates and desserts and soft toys. Epic House is a residential group home and care facility for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. EPIC Long Island's Residential Program operates 18 group homes, located throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties for 146 adults who have developmental disabilities. Each of EPIC Long Island's residences is unique, and the individuals who live there have various abilities as well as life challenges.

Also in October, WCF member Rosemary Emigholz welcomed members into her fall-themed home, complete with seasonal plants and a spread of homemade desserts and apple cider. The group spent several hours "catching up and sharing." Many thanks to Rosemary for her very generous hospitality.

On October 30, the WCF Book Club met at Rosemarie's Restaurant in Farmingdale to discuss a much-loved book selection, "Theo of Golden." Debbie Podolski temporarily replaced Book Club Chair Elaine Ryan who was unable to attend. "No Spoiler Synopsis" – This is an easy paced story exploring grace, grief, human connection and the power of kindness. When Theo steps into a coffeehouse in Golden, he discovers dozens of sketches of the town's residents hanging on the wall.How these drawings transform their lives unfolds with the story.It was quite a coincidence when club members entered Rosemarie's Restaurant to discuss this book to find dozens of sketches of past and present employees hanging on the wall just inside the entrance.

The GFWC NYS encourages members of all women's clubs to actively engage in programs that contribute to Wellness, Literacy and Community Building. To that end,

WCF members participate in a "Walk n Talk" weekly fitness program (weather permitting), chaired by Ann Lomonte; a monthly Book Club Discussion, chaired by Elaine Ryan; and a weekly Mahjongg Game, chaired by Nancy Carman, at the local library.

The Women's Club of Farmingdale, a local 501-C-3 non-profit organization, is always interested in welcoming new members. For more information, please email: President Margaret Barrett, mvbgiants@aol.comor Membership Chair, Lorraine Stanton, hslorry@optonline.net.#IAMGFWC.

submitted by Maria Ortolani, WCF Publicity Chair