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.

March 2021

Dear Friends, It has been an interesting year with many challenges. Madeline and the residents did an outstanding job decorating the house for the holiday, and hopefully, post Covid, We’ll be able to return to the club soon. Some of us have been fortunate enough to have received the vaccine, and I look forward to our country turning the corner on this dreadful disease.

You should know how much the board and I appreciate your patience and devotion to the College Club. I know that many of you are new members and have not been able to participate or get to know other members and one another. I’m asking for your patience and continued membership and support. We are already planning our return with activities beginning in June. We recognize that many of you are still employed, and we want you to be able to enjoy and participate. I look forward to getting to know you and am planning a porch party at my home for our new members.

Many improvements have taken place at the Club House including a new pantry for the residents, and painting of the front porch. Electrical updates include (at long last) a new front lantern on the porch, as well as a lantern on the lawn. A new floor will be installed in the main kitchen in June.

Nancy Davidson donated a lovely miniature Japanese Maple to the front garden. She and Pat Krims worked tirelessly to put away the garden for the winter. I truly appreciate all of your efforts.

I hope that many of you will join our Book Discussion on the 29th. If anyone wants to begin an evening group, or any other ZOOM activity, please let me know, so that I can arrange it. Some of us have been discussing the Suffragette movement via ZOOM. It’s been wonderful seeing old and new friends. I’ll continue to send out notices of gatherings.

Fondly, Beverly

Officers and Board President…Beverly Thomas; 1st Vice President…Mary Vacanti; 2nd Vice President...Mary Ellen McGowan Treasurer…Barbara Kuvshinoff; Assistant Treasurer…Carolann Besch; Corresponding Secretary and Newsletter Editor…Rosina Alaimo; Recording Secretary...Pat Krims Directors: Lillian Gondree; Kathy Howells; Shawna Kay; Jean Singleton

1 Membership Information We are starting to open our club slowly and carefully with your safety and health uppermost in our minds. The Blanket Brigade has been meeting throughout the summer, fall and winter. We wear our masks, we socially distance, record our temperatures, crochet, knit and gossip. It’s been fun! The Book Club will be meeting at 10:30 AM the 3rd Friday of each month. And we are thinking of adding a movie afternoon. If all goes well, we plan to add more activities in accordance with New York State guidance. We thank you for your patience and understanding. Hang in there!

Book Club Chair: Mary Ellen Shaughnessy

Mary Ellen Shaughnessy has announced that the Book Club is resuming its sessions. These are the books we are considering. If you have a book that you would like to add to the list, contact Mary Ellen. Kate Morton The Lake House The Secret Keeper Daniel J. Brown The Boys in the Boat (Crew team in 1036 Olympics) Lucy Foley The Hunting Party (crime novel a la Agatha Christie) Amy Tan To Save Fish from Drowning Isabel Wilkerson Caste (nonfiction) Laila Ibrahim The Yellow Crocus (Civil War & plantation life) JoJo Moyes The Giver of Stars (Historical fiction re travelling library in Appalachia in 1930’s) Fannie Flagg The All Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion Robert Heinlein Time Enough for Love (science fiction/his last novel)

Blanket Brigade

The Blanket Brigade has been busy this past year continuing their objective of knitting, crocheting and quilting for the babies serviced by Harvest House. Rain or shine we have been meeting every Thursday either on Carolann’s porch or at the Club. We have made and donated more than 75 blankets to Harvest House since we started this project!

We have also delivered many bags of clothing containing dresses, pants, shirts, underwear, socks, shoes, P.J’s, jackets and sweaters that have been donated. Non-clothing items such as stuffed animals, toys and books have also been given to the children.

We continue to meet every Thursday morning and if you are interested in joining us call Carolann at 883-4482 for time and place. We would love to have you join us. We continue to accept donations or if you would like to make a monetary donation for clothing for the kids, we will be happy to do the shopping for you. We are now asking for donations of hats, scarves and mittens for the cold weather. Money should be sent to Carolann Besch, 180 Linwood Ave. Buffalo, 14209. A receipt for items purchased will be sent to you.

2 Pandemic Memorial Quilt Project

Dear College Club Members,

What symbol/icon has become synonymous with the COVID19 pandemic? With me it is the face mask. Masks in all their myriad colors, patterns, and shapes are the one item that is etched into my brain to represent the pandemic. What will become of these masks when we are able to do without their protection? Women have always been able to use fabric scraps or purpose bought fabric to make works of art. Quilts have been made to memorialize individuals, groups, events, ideas and ideals. Men were not originally members of quilting bees, but I am sure there are many who would consider using their sewing skills. The College Club of Buffalo is sponsoring a project to memorialize those individuals who have had their lives cut short by the COVID19 pandemic by using face masks to express our deep sorrow to all Erie County victims and their families. If you are interested in participating by collecting and sewing masks into a quilt and possibly inspiring others to do the same in other communities, your help will be most appreciated.

Let us know of your interest and skills to help make this endeavor a success.

Interests/skills:

Are you a sewer?

Are you an organizer?

Are you a promotor? There are tasks for everyone – some require a scheduled commitment and meetings, others require a short burst of energy. The first big task is to contact groups that are a part of Eric County. Church groups, school groups, social groups, cultural groups etc. If you belong to multiple groups and/or organizations you can become a contact person for accepting masks to be used in the blocks that will form the quilt. Let us know the group name, how big the group is and if you are willing to be the contact to get a mask from the group.

Once you have the initial information and the mask, other individuals can begin the construction of blocks for the quilt. To be involved in any phase of this project please contact Lillian Gondree, Rosina Alaimo, or Barbara Kuvshinoff by e-mail and we will get back to you with more specifics. Thank you for supporting this project.

Lillian Gondree

3 A quick Linda Franchell health update: “I have had my second CT Scan and I remain cancer free. I am still working to open my mouth so I can speak and eat. It has taken so long for me recover from the radiation (it has been 6 months and I am told I will need another year). I may just forgo any surgery in the future and just speak funny and eat slowly. Only Time will tell. Thank you for all your good wishes , your cards, and your concern. “

Lenten Friday Fish Fry dinner

How about a Friday Night Fish Fry? The College Club ladies (and their husbands, significant others and friends) will be gathering on Friday March 12th . We will meet at The Hamlin House, 432 Franklin St. at 6:00. Fellow College Club member, Lynn Wilson, is manager and is setting up tables in their ballroom so as to guarantee safe social distancing. Ordering will be done from the menu when we arrive and all money will be paid as if you were in a restaurant. Reservations are necessary so that she has a count of patrons. Please call Carolann – 883-4482- to reserve a table by Wednesday, March 10th. It will be wonderful to get together after a year of distancing. If you decide to attend at the last minute call Lynn at the Hamlin House- 885-8084 - to make a reservation. Just tell her you are with the College Club group. Hope to see you there.

A grateful thank you for sending me your pandemic strategies. I heard from many of you. The next 2 pages are devoted to your responses.

4 I spent a great deal of time during the pandemic sewing and quilting. My quilting studio has always been a place of refuge and relaxation for me. I did quite a bit of quilting for others as part of my business Saybrook Quilting Studio and managed to find a bit of time to work on some personal projects. Two nieces who graduated from high school received dorm quilts for their upcoming freshman year at college, and the daughter of a dear friend received a baby quilt. One project that was a lot of fun was a "quarantine quilt along" led by designer Gudrun Erla. She designed an original quilt pattern that partici- pants downloaded and then led a day long FaceBook live quilt along. Over 10,000 people downloaded the pattern in more than 25 countries! My quarantine quilt top is pieced but not quilted yet, so I'm looking forward to finishing it in the days ahead.

I use music … my two songs that are my go to for comfort are; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0btXhLdAuAc https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ix5_TBUxSJ4&list=RDAMVMix5_TBUxSJ4

Waterfall Filling up and spilling over Song by Cris Williamson It's an endless waterfall Filling up and spilling over Sometimes it takes a rainy day Filling up and spilling over Just to let you know An endless waterfall Everything's gonna be - all right Filling up and spilling over All right Over all Next Meeting: Like the rain, falling on the ground I've been dreaming in the sun Book: Won't you wake me up someone Like the rain falling all around I need a little piece of mind Sometimes it takes a rainy day Wake me from this dream Just to let you know Everything's gonna be - All right Create some structure for each day. That I have dreamed so many times I know, I know, I know all right I need a little piece of mind example: Oh, I need a little piece of mind Filling up and spilling over An endless waterfall loosen the muscles and strengthen the When you open up your life to the living Filling up and spilling over All things come spilling in on you knees. And you're flowing like a river Over all The Changer and the Changed You've got to spill some over Filling up and spilling over Spill some over It's an endless waterfall mitting. Spill some over Filling up and spilling over Over all Over all on New York Times:

Filling up and spilling over Ah ba bah, ba ba ba dum ba ba da bum ba ba ba ba ba ba ba It's an endless waterfall villages and a series of walks in NYC Filling up and spilling over Ah ba bah, ba ba ba dum ba ba da bam ba ba ba ba ba ba ba Over all

Filling up and spilling over It's an endless waterfall Filling up and spilling over Over all

5 Pocketful of Sunshine Take me away (Take me away) Song by Natasha Bedingfield A secret place (A secret place) A sweet escape (A sweet escape) Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah... Take me away (Take me away) I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine I got a love and I know that it's all mine, oh, oh-oh Take me away (Take me away) Do what you want but you're never gonna break me To better days (To better days) Take me away (Take me away) Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me, oh, oh-oh A hiding place (A hiding place) Take me away (Take me away) A secret place (A secret place) Take me away (Take me away) A sweet escape (A sweet escape) A secret place (A secret place) Take me away (Take me away) A sweet escape (A sweet escape) Take me away (Take me away) Take me away (Take me away) To better days (To better days) Take me away (Take me away) Take me away (Take me away) To better days (To better days) A hiding place (A hiding place) Take me away (Take me away) A hiding place (A hiding place) I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine I got a love and I know that it's all mine, oh, oh-oh Take me away (I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine) (Got a love and I know that it's all mine) A secret place (A secret place) Do what you want but you're never gonna break me (Oh) To better days (To better days) Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me, oh, oh-oh Take me away (Take me away) (Never gonna shake me, never gonna shake me) Take me away (Take me away) To better days (To better days) Take me away (Take me away) I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine A hiding place (A hiding place) I got a love and I know that it's all mine, oh (I know) oh-oh (I know that it's all mine) Wish that you could, but you ain't gonna own me The sun is on my side Do anything you can to control me, oh (You can't control me) And takes me for a ride Oh no (You can't control me) I smile up to the sky I know I'll be alright And nobody cries There's only butterflies The sun is on my side And takes me for a ride I smile up to the sky Take me away (Take me away) I know I'll be alright A secret place (A secret place) A sweet escape (A sweet escape), Songwriters: John Shanks / Natasha Bedingfield / Danielle Take me away (Take me away) Brisebois

What strategies helped me survive the pandemic? Well, I created some structure for each day. For example: I use exercise cycle every morning to loosen the muscles and strengthen the knees. I watch "Perry Mason" at 9 a.m. I walk twice a day--weather permitting. I "Tour" various world sites via links on New York Times: Machu Picchu, temple in Southeast Asia, Alpine villages and a series of walks in NYC neighborhoods Read/read/read

6 My daughter blasted me that I was not serious at onset of this. I agreed that I was going out every day. Hah! Suddenly, there’s nowhere to go, friends were reluctant, no lunches or dinners, no bridge or music. So I called my first cousin Bobby in CT only to find he was in the hospital with covid and on ventilator. His wife called me with a daily report. He passed in August. That scared the life out of me and I was scared to death. He was my age. So I started watching Cuomo daily. I read books I had since the 70s, Taylor Caldwell and received about ten more from a friend. At Christmas I watched 10 Scrooge’s or Christmas Carol. I love the old versions. I contact friends from “long ago and far away.” I found Downton Abbey on BBC every afternoon and watched it with a cup of tea and a crumpet, but no gloves or hat. I’ve seen it many times but still enjoy it. I’ve been into The Crown. Also the UB Tuesday sem- inar movies with Bruce and Diane as commentators. I socialize with a few residents for a weekly dinner. I entered a decorate your door at Christmas time. I didn’t win. The door with a toilet paper theme won. I had trouble that the toilet paper won over my Man- ger scene and hidden Carols to locate on my door. I love to write, journal and letters. I listen and read lots of inspirational themes and take notes to give to a few sad people here. I don’t see my families a lot due to covid. I don’t go out of town. I walk around a bit. I really missed Christmas Eve at St Mikes with the St. Joes choir and the Christmas Pops. I now love staying home. Going downtown is like a journey. .

Surviving the Pandemic

Before Christmas, I was getting lonely without the Club or company. I decided to adopt a cat from the SPCA. When I asked for a declawed cat, the lady at the SPCA asked me if I would take an older cat. I’m an old arthritic lady; so I could get along with an old arthritic lady cat. I said yes. She was so

excited that she ran out to the other caretakers and yelled, “We found a home for Lilly!” My favorite type of flower. Lilly is 15 years old and is a pretty calico cat with a very soft and smooth fur coat. She is too old to jump up on the furniture so no cat hair)!) She likes to sit in my lap. When you pet her, she purrs very loudly. It’s nice to come home to a cat that is so meowing “Where have you been? Now feed and pet me!”

I spent a great deal of time during the pandemic sewing and quilting. My quilting studio has always been a place of refuge and relaxation for me. I did quite a bit of quilting for others as part of my business, Saybrook Quilting Studio, and managed to find a bit of time to work on some personal projects. Two niec- es who graduated from high school received dorm quilts for their upcoming freshman year at college, and the daughter of a dear friend received a baby quilt. One project that was a lot of fun was a "quarantine quilt along" led by designer Gudrun Erla. She designed an original quilt pattern that participants downloaded and then led a day long FaceBook live quilt along. Over 10,000 people down- loaded the pattern in more than 25 countries! My quarantine quilt top is pieced but not quilted yet, so I'm looking forward to finishing it in the days ahead.

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I'm writing this to help you out because, basically, all I have done is, as much as possible, continue doing all the things I've always done: TV watching, newspaper reading, food shopping, drug store pickups, dental visits, paying bills, post office trips, wine store purchases, substitute teaching, league bowling, casino gambling and annoying my husband. All of this is made easier by a teacher pension and Social Security.

When I think about it, I did buy a Samsung Tablet for zooming which I have yet to figure out how to access; however, I can watch Spectrum TV on it and check email. I consider that progress. I have attempted a little more cooking than usual for me, but I have noticed that laundry and house cleaning still await my attention, a very normal situation for me.

Mask wearing has been an addition to my wardrobe. First, I visited 3 local places with offerings and purchased some pretty ones. I also have bee gifted some. Then, too, I bought a 50 package supply of the surgical-looking ones from a catalog. I keep them in my car, my pockets and in my purse. When wearing one for an extended period, soreness develops behind my ears. This has probably kept me Covid-10 free so far; even though it is a pain and definitely looks silly.

I miss going out to eat regularly. When there have been intermittent limited capacity restaurant openings, Bill and I have enjoyed both Mexican and Chinese cuisine. I also miss card playing. I was part of a small group who used to play Canasta once a week. That and College Club bridge-stopping have made me a very rusty player. I used to take a class in bridge playing; that, too is on hiatus. However, one of the things I have started to do more of is “coloring.” Using colored pencils to complete adult coloring books’ pages while watching TV has had my attention on quite a few days.

I realizing more than ever that one of the most important things in life is human communication. My husband and I chat a lot; we also have relatives who telephone us to see how we are doing. I think that if I were riding out this virus alone, I would be very tired of talking to myself and be a bit berserk. The TV news keeps bringing dire statis- tics of too many people dying and much lack of medical supplies and overwrought hospital employees. Then with the unemployment and political upheaval in the background, it is not hard to see why suicides are up. Nevertheless, I feel lucky and am hanging in there; thanks for asking.

As per your request Rosina, I am writing to talk about things of great importance that I have learned since NY State locked down in March of 2020. In retrospect, I know that “Be still and know that I am God” is so meaningful. I have had time to calm my daily trotting around attending to less meaningful tasks. Instead of fruitless endeavors, I invested time reading scripture daily from the Book of Mormon with a young woman to bolster her spark of faith in the gospel. Over the days and months that ensued, we developed a friendship. But more importantly we both enjoyed an enhanced relationship with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost maintaining us daily with peace and love during these tumultuous times. During the whole month of October I battled the COVID virus. Several of my sisters from the college club bolstered me during this very difficult time including Beverly bringing over a delicious meal and Barbara making me a scrumptious apple pie. I found solace in worshipping from home and being able to sing hymns accompanied by a Philharmonic musician. It’s a joy to be your sister.

8 To: College Club of Buffalo Members

From: College Club Board of Directors

Re: Reopening Protocol • The Board of Directors of the College Club of Buffalo has decided to reopen the Club with two activities on a trial basis and monitor how the process and procedures implemented allow a safe and healthy environment for all members and residents. This trial period would allow for any adjustments to procedures before a larger scale opening is considered. All CDC requirements will be followed as part of any procedures already in place.

• A sign-in book to keep records on informed consent and health factors of individuals participating in the activity will be provided at the front entrance (along with hand sanitizer and extra face masks). Signage will be in place as reminders of the CDC Guidelines. All these procedures are necessary for liability protection to the Club and for tracing efforts of local health authorities and for everyone’s safety.

• Activity leaders/chairs will have the responsibility to insure that the Club record book is maintained for their activity. The leader/chair should expect that all their participants are adhering to safe distancing, hand sanitizing, and mask use. Sanitizing sprays and/or disinfectant wipes will be provided by the Club.

• The leader/chair should always contact the House manager to apprise her of the number of participants and room configurations needed for the activity at least 24 hours before the event. Club members should not expect the House Manager to carry out sanitizing procedures before an event or once the event group has left the building. The House Manager has indicated she would be available for sanitizing before and after an event for a fee of $15 for before the event and $15 for after the event. Cash is suggested. The Club will not reimburse for this expense (it is not within our budget).

• The Group leader/chair will be expected to sanitize the chairs, surfaces used (remember door knobs, switches, flat surfaces etc.), and lavatory use by participants before and after the event. This can be accomplished by:

1. Rotating a small volunteer cleaning crew before and after the meeting/activity. 2. A single volunteer from the group to be responsible for that day. 3. By employing someone to do the job of sanitizing for the group. 4. Asking the entire group to sanitize their own space will not be the best approach as there is poor control of efficiency and efficacy in this method.

• Based on the limitations of the facility and CDC distancing requirements and other health concerns it will be impossible to sanction the use of the kitchen and/or Butler’s Pantry for food preparation and service. Certainly each member bringing their own coffee/tea/soda, snack in take home containers or disposable containers could be possible. The Club cannot be liable for handling or sharing food.

We will be following closely the National and State guidelines to determine when it will be safe to resume our luncheons, Bridge and Scrabble events, movie nights, and our monthly program dinner events. We thank you for your patience as we navigate these troubled times. In the meantime let’s continue to be cautious in order to stay safe!

9 Membership Form It’s time to talk about annual fees which are due by April 1st. We thank you again for your continued support of the College Club. And we need you to continue that support by renewing your membership. Please remit as listed below. Thank you for your continued support. And here’s to the beginning of a more normal College Club year.

College Club of Buffalo, Inc.

Annual Fee Payment due April 1st Annual Fees are assessed yearly. According to our Bylaws, annual fees may be paid in full by April 1st or semi – annually by April 1st and July 1st. If paying in full, the amount due is $386.00. If paying 1/2, the amount due is $193.00.

Name______Amount______

Make checks payable to: College Club of Buffalo and remit by April 1st to

Carolann Besch (at Club or) 180 Linwood Ave.

Buffalo, N.Y., 14209

10 March 2021 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 10:30 AM Blanket Brigade

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Zoom 10:30 AM Board Blanket Meeting Brigade

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

St. Patrick’s 10:30 AM St Joseph’s

Day Blanket Day

Brigade

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 10:30 AM Passover Blanket Brigade

28 29 30 31 Palm Sunday

Happy Birthday to all our March Birthdays!

March 5 Elaine Kurasiewicz March 25 Gloria Fenston

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