Women’s Club welcomes NBC news anchor, Deborah Ferguson

A sample of the donated backpacks and school supplies for Friends of the Family

A sample of the donated backpacks and school supplies for Friends of the Family

Deborah Ferguson with Women’s Club friends

Deborah Ferguson with Women’s Club friends

Happiness is catching up with friends at the Women’s Club luncheon.

Happiness is catching up with friends at the Women’s Club luncheon.

Gayle Coe

The Women’s Club August luncheon was held Monday, August 7. Members and guests located their seats in anticipation of hearing the guest speaker, NBC news anchor Deborah Ferguson.

Greeters escorted new members to the “New Members” tables, and Sharon Foy, president, welcomed the first-time attendees and guests. She announced the club’s membership has now reached 487 members. Following the announcement Sharon recognized the August birthdays and shared “fun facts” about people born in August.

Sharon also provided the treasurer’s report and service donation totals. Judy Ondina, service, wishes to express her sincere gratitude for the generous backpack and school supply donations for Friends of the Family. These donations truly make a positive difference for children going back to school while being assisted through the Friends of the Family children’s programs. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sharon reminded everyone the next Community Relations Charity Projects will roll out in the fall. Look for details about the clothing drive for Women Returning to the Workplace, Nanci Odem, coordinator, and a book drive for the Refuge for Women shelter, Jan Utzman, coordinator.

Peggy Crandell provided details about the Ladies Afternoon Tea, August 29, 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse. This was an opportunity for Women’s Club members to enjoy an afternoon tea together with specialty teas, scones, a variety of finger sandwiches and fall fashions provided by Soft Surroundings.

The New Member Coffee will be Wednesday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. in Peggy Crandell’s home. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other new members in a welcoming atmosphere. You also have a chance to learn about Women’s Club activities and opportunities to get involved.

Sharon also reminded everyone the Holiday Market will be Saturday, October 7. Mark your calendar, invite your family and friends and “shop till you drop!” There will be many one-of-a-kind items for your early holiday shopping!

A call for Holiday Market volunteers went out. Anyone who wishes to assist with the Holiday Market, call Bobbi Hardt at [email protected] or 925-698-3576.

Joyce Frey, programs, kicked off the program by introducing Deborah Ferguson, co-anchor of NBC 5 Today for the past 16 years. She describes herself as news anchor, community leader, a girl’s friend and a partner to her husband.

She joined the Channel 5 news station in 1991 after starting her journalism career as a reporter/anchor for WBAP Radio. She has earned widespread professional recognition including the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Gracie Award for Outstanding Anchor-News presented by American Women in Radio and Television, as well as other honors.

Deborah spends her time away from the newsroom working with her community and charitable events especially focusing on empowering girls through education. Her pet project is the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth.

The October program will be Calloway’s Nursery. An annual popular program featuring fall plants and arrangements for your home. Get your check in early!