Letter from Our President, Patty Courtright
Celebrating 70 years
In 1949, a well-dressed woman wouldn’t dream of attending an important event unless she was wearing her best dress, smart-looking hat and white gloves. At the time, a house cost around $7,500, soap operas were about to make the transition from radio to TV, Harry Truman was in the White House, and Ford ushered in a more streamlined look for cars.
In Chapel Hill, a new organization called the University Woman’s Club was established to help women in the UNC community, primarily faculty wives, find meaningful connections to the community and to one another. The club launched a membership drive in spring 1949 under the leadership of Norma Berryhill, the first president, and the fledgling organization was underway. Through the years, the University Woman’s Club has expanded in mission and scope to engage women throughout the UNC and surrounding communities, and today we have some 225 members from incredibly diverse backgrounds.
This coming spring, we’ll turn 70! Throughout the year, we’ll celebrate this milestone with programs highlighting our talented members and a look at the UWC through the eyes of women who have been an integral part of the club for many years – and, of course, ample opportunities for fellowship. We’ll end the year with a formal anniversary celebration during our spring luncheon.
Keep your UWC brochure and handbook handy so you can mark your calendars, and refer to the newsletter for additional details about upcoming events. Be sure to read pages 4 and 5 of the newsletter for a glimpse into what the UWC has meant to so many of us. All of this information, and more, will be posted on our recently revamped website, so please visit www.uwc.web.unc.edu during the year. There, you’ll also find the fascinating history of our club and its evolution, researched and written by our Historian, Linda Haac.
Unfortunately, because of all the disruptions caused by Hurricane Florence, we weren’t able to hold our fall reception, which is always such a lovely way to start the year. As our events get underway, though, you’ll have many opportunities to catch up with friends and explore the different activities and interest groups. I hope you will be able to attend the October 30 luncheon and program featuring talented soprano and UWC member, Florence Peacock, and think about exploring what is “in our own backyard” with the first two trips of the year: an October 11 visit to Patterson’s Mill Country Store and an October 17 Duke Gardens Trolley Tour.
On behalf of the board, I welcome you back for an exciting 70th anniversary year and invite you to join the University Woman’s Club if you are not already a member. No hats or gloves required! Feel free to contact me (pattycourtright(at)gmail.com) with questions or suggestions, as well as Vice President Brenda B. Schoonover (rcschoon2(at)aol.com) and Membership Chair Donna Falvo (falvod(at)bellsouth.net).
New Member Coffee – Donna Falvo
Welcome to all of our new UWC Members! We’re so happy you are part of our exciting organization! Board members greeted new members at Donna Falvo’s home on Wednesday, October 3rd where Anne Montgomery went over the UWC Handbook sharing all of the stimulating and enjoyable activities, trips, and events UWC offers as well as the resources contained in the Handbook.
UWC always welcomes new members. If you have your eye on several friends to add to our club, send them a copy of this newsletter. Ask Donna Falvo for a Fall Brochure that has the membership form. Please join us in welcoming current new members.
Programs
October Program and Luncheon – Our first program will begin with a musical performance by member, Florence Peacock, an active member for many years and UWC President from 1998-1999. From Florence’s alma mater, Hollins Collins: “A renowned soprano, Peacock has performed across the country and in such countries as Canada, England, Indonesia, and Russia. She has served as president of the Chapel Hill Music Teachers Association and on the boards of the North Carolina Symphony, Opera Company of North Carolina, and Early Music America.” Florence will be accompanied by pianist Susan Lohr and cellist Roman Massenet. The program will take place at the Chapel Hill Country Club, Tuesday, October 30th, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. The cost for the luncheon will be $24.00 which will include a chicken entrée and a dessert. A vegetarian option will also be offered. Additional information and sign up will be emailed. Please contact Ellen Johnson, 919-929-3233 or ecmcjo(at)gmail.com, with questions.
Holiday Reception – Thursday, December 6, 1:00-3:00 p.m., at Extraordinary Ventures, 200 South Elliott Road in Chapel Hill. Additional details about this exciting event will be mailed closer to the reception.
In Our Own Backyard
The first two opportunities to explore “In Our Own Backyard” are offered in October.
Trolley tour of Duke Gardens – Join UWC friends for a beautiful fall garden tour on Wednesday, October 17 at 11 am. The fee is $10.00 per person and you must arrive and be parked by 10:45 to join the tour.
The trolley tour with docent/drivers will not only offer information about the flora, but also give participants a history of Duke Gardens. You will Enjoy yourselves as the docent/drivers are very knowledgeable and approachable with most any question you might have about the gardens or about your own personal garden. Although they have scheduled stops, the docent/drivers are happy to stop at any area that strikes your fancy. The tour takes about one hour to an hour and a half. Come prepared for the fall weather and to be dazzled by the gardens splendor as there is always something lovely in bloom.
The tour is limited to 10 people with two golf carts holding 5 UWC members in each cart. Please contact Judy Tilson (see below) to reserve your place. However, to secure your reservation you will need to send a check for $10 to the contact person. To complete your registration, mail a $10 check made out to: Judy Tilson, 525 Carolina Meadows Villa, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Parking: Located just to the left as you enter the gardens. Convenient, but with parking meters.
Suggestions: Judy will send each participant a list of registrants to help facilitate forming a car pool and staying for an optional lunch after the tour at the Nasher Museum Café which is a short two- block walk. Reservations can be made at (919) 684-6032.
Paterson’s Mill Country Store – Co-sponsored with Antiques and Collectibles and In Our Own Backyard, this activity is a fascinating reminder of yesterday! The store is located at 5109 Farrington Rd., between NC Hwy 54 and Old Chapel Hill Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. This authentic country store is a history museum and a shopping venue with a wide variety of goods. It contains memorabilia and artifacts which harken back to the 1870’s original store. Among other highlights; marvel at the turn-of-the century doctor’s office as well as a collection of historic pharmaceutical goods. You will be tantalized by local crafts, antiques and collectibles which are available for purchase.
Optional Lunch Suggestion: Come with a friend and have lunch before the tour at nearby Nantucket’s Grill, 5925 Farrington Rd. (corner of HWY 54 and Farrington Road). This excellent restaurant starts serving at 11. Just plan to arrive at Patterson’s by 12:45 to have time to park.
To join the tour, call Margy King, 919-942-1372; Jane Levy, 919-967-5736; or Ann Hillenbrand, 919-967-5138. You can also Email Marge Yanker, myanker(at)gmail.com
Please remember for all programs and activities, barring any emergency or sickness, if you signed up, please show-up!
UWC Scholarships – Linda Opfer
The UWC Scholarships in honor of Ida Friday are awarded to two female students who attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Selection is made by the University’s Office of Scholarships and Student Aid on the basis of academic achievement and potential and need for assistance with college costs. Your contributions are encouraged to support this scholarship for deserving young women.
Checks should be made payable to UNC-Chapel Hill and designated for the UWC Scholarship Fund #656705. Mail your checks to the UNC Office of Development, P.O. Box 309, Chapel Hill, N.C., 27514. Gifts to the scholarship fund count toward your total Carolina Giving record and are tax deductible. Questions? Call Linda Opfer at 773-220-5333.
Above, scholarship recipients Ha Eun Lee (left) and Alyssa Brown (right).
Need Updates and Information?
• Contact Event Coordinator
• Use website, www.unc.edu/uwc
• Contact our president, Patty Courtright
• Scholarship: Linda Opfer
• Communications: Barbara Bell
• Membership: Donna Falvo
• Newsletter – Carol Marshall
Impressions on Being a Member of the University Woman’s Club
This summer the leadership team began talking about various ways to celebrate the richness of our 70 years as a successful organization of women. One of our interest centered around finding out how women throughout the years came to the organization, their impressions of our group, and the impact that the UWC had on their lives. Teddy Lovejoy, a psychologist by training and profession, agreed to interview several members and summarize their conversations for our benefit and enjoyment. Teddy has been a member for only 2 years and has been an eager participant from the beginning.
Anne Montgomery, a member for 35 years, joined UWC at the suggestion of her friend, Mary Ducker. Anne knew that she would love the activities and programs and became an active member as much as her time permitted while she worked as a senior administrator in the Business School. After she retired, she was able to be even more involved in UWC. Currently, her favorite activities are: Afternoon Bridge Group, the Gourmet Dinner Group, First Tuesday Lunch Group and the Art Museum Tour Group. “I just love, love bridge! In the dinner group you must love to cook, be a good cook and enjoy sharing recipes.” You will find Anne at all of the UWC programs.
Anne’s name can generally be found on the UWC Board serving in one capacity or another as she’s the kind of person who will always say “yes” when asked to serve. Her impressive commitment to serve also includes numerous community organizations. Anne served as President in 2007-2008 and has especially enjoyed being with UWC women who are “intellectually challenging, warm and friendly people.”
In the early 1960s, Ellen Johnson came to Chapel Hill with her husband who joined the UNC faculty in the Chemistry Department. As the wife of a faculty member she was grateful to have been invited to join NewComers, which was a division of UWC at that time.
She values the club because it has offered her an opportunity to get to know people from other University departments than just her husband’s. Ellen has attended all the UWC events through the years and remembers that, for many years, most events would take place on campus. She likes the club’s purpose of service to the University, and feels that the club has been “a good thing because it personalizes relationships” in a place that has become larger and more impersonal.
Ellen is a longtime member of the Evening Book Group and is, with her husband, a current member of the Wine Tasting Group. She has greatly enjoyed working with publications and has served as Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Second Vice President. After her children were older, Ellen acquired a Master’s degree in Computer Science and worked for the Medical School as a programmer. At the N. C. Botanical Gardens, Ellen is a master gardener volunteer who serves as a docent for children’s tours.
After graduating from UNC in 1983, Laurie Norman began working for the General Alumni Association and is currently the Director of Alumni Relations for the School of Education. At the encouragement of various UWC acquaintances, Laurie joined the club in 2000. She has been invaluable in maintaining the UWC database, current membership. Status and has been in charge of producing the UWC Handbook since 2004.
Laurie is definitely a people person and values UWC for the opportunity to meet new and interesting people. She attends most events and makes sure to be present at the “Sir Walter Cabinet” luncheon held on alternating years. She feels that UWC is a worthy organization that provides a unique opportunity to learn about the University and community.
Laurie usually attends UWC Board meetings. When her schedules permits, she hopes to be able to participate in more of the activities sponsored by the club. Besides being active in UWC, Laurie serves on the boards of Preservation of Chapel Hill the Carolina Club.
Lilian Pruett says that joining UWC was “one of the smartest moves I ever made!” On the faculty of NC Central for 35 years as a Professor of Musicology, Lilian retired in 1998. She soon joined UWC in order to meet and become acquainted with other women who were involved with the University and lived in Chapel Hill. Lilian is a member of the daytime Book Group and the First Tuesday Lunch Group, and was part of the G.E. M.s (Generation in the Middle) group which was discontinued a decade ago. She started the German Conversation Group which is still going strong. She has a great fondness for the wonderful women she has met in UWC over the years and has especially enjoyed overnight trips, lovely receptions at the Chancellor’s and the President’s homes and serving as Treasurer.
Lilian grew up in Croatia, then Austria and came to the States to attend Vassar College. She continued graduate studies at UNC where she met her husband. She was one of the first female Ph.D recipients in Musicology and became the first female faculty member in the Music Department. Because of nepotism rules, Lilian left her position at UNC to teach at NC Central, where she taught until her retirement.
From her husband’s University department, Mary Howes received an invitation to join the UWC in 1970, as a newcomer to Chapel Hill. She has been an active member of the Bridge Group for years.
Along with a couple of other women, Mary started an Investment Club for UWC members, and this group is still going strong.
She has held Board positions in the past, was President in 1992-1993 and was responsible for organizing numerous field trips from visits to other UNC campuses, historical gardens in Virginia, as well as other sites in NC. Mary had a travel business for 25 years and owned her own business. For several years, she organized and lead tours of English gardens for the N.C. Botanical Gardens. Much later, she organized and led family trips to different places in the world for each of her eight grandchildren.
Mary feels that the importance of UWC in her life has shown through the relationships she has had with other women with which she had a lot in common. As the wife of a man who once served as N.C. Secretary of Environmental and Natural Resources, Mary is a lifetime member of the “Sir Walter Cabinet. UWC honors the Cabinet and their spouses every other year at a luncheon. Mary’s service to the community includes: the Audubon Society, WUNC, the Ram’s Club and Triangle Land Conservancy.
If you are up early in the morning and you live in Hope Valley, you might see Linda Naylor beginning her daily twenty mile bike ride through the neighborhood and along the American Tobacco Trail. Linda, a committed cyclist, is determined to clock no less than twenty miles each trip she takes. Retired in 2006 from various staff positions at UNC, including that of Administrative Assistant the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, Linda joined UWC while she was employed. Linda Carl, already a member of UWC, suggested she might like to join in order to attend the Wine Tasting Group. Linda remains a member of that group and organizes the monthly group, Friday Out to Lunch Bunch. Since her retirement, she has served on various board positions and is currently serving as UWC treasurer.
Linda states that she values UWC because of the people. “Everybody is so interesting. The membership is diverse with many professions and interests represented.” These acquaintances would might not have been available to her otherwise.
If you would like to share your experience or view of what the University Woman’s Club has meant to you, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Patty Courtright pattycourtright(at)gmail.com. or Teddy Lovejoy, tlovejoy(at)nc.rr.com.
President: Patty Courtright
First VP: Brenda B.Schoonover
Second VP: Carol Marshall
Secretary: Anne Montgomery
Treasurer: Linda Naylor
Assistant Treasurer: Lucy Smith
Parliamentarian: Aida Zukowski
Historian: Linda Haac
Membership: Donna Falvo, Margy King, Lynn Martin
Nominations: Donna Falvo*
Interest/Activity Groups: Carol Ziemiecki*
UWC Scholarships: Linda Opfer and Carol Marshall
Email/Telephone: Paula Easton
Website/Facebook: Barbara Bell*
Newsletter: Carol Marshall, Teddy Lovejoy*
Brochure: Katherine Savage
Handbook: Laurie Norman
70th Anniversary: Brenda B. Schoonover
“In Our Backyard”: Marge Yanker
Fall Reception: Mary Hoffman, Alice Mass
Fall Program: Ellen Johnson, Nan Burby
Holiday Reception: Mary Ann Stringer and Harriet Croom
Valentine Fundraiser: Judy Tilson, Anna Stine
March Program: Betty Brandon
Spring Luncheon: Barbara Day*, Nancy Nye, Brenda B. Schoonover
Fall Reception
Our gratitude to Mary Hoffman and Alice Mass for their tireless efforts in getting our Fall Reception prepared for us. They were ready and we were ready but with the closing of the University we had to cancel this year’s Reception. The great news is that both have agreed to be co-chairs for next year.
Not having this event to mingle with your friends and sign up for activities makes it even more important that you put our programs on your calendar, read your brochure, contact members using your handbook, check the website and this newsletter and each contact person for the activities so you won’t miss out on a thing.
We are leaping into this half of our almost anniversary with great anticipation, a whole host of offerings for you and look forward to seeing each and every one of you.
We welcome all women who have an interest in joining
and sharing opportunities for friendship, social activities,
intellectual stimulation and service