Groton Auxiliary Newsletter........Summer 2008

Summer is upon us.  Have a lovely one filled with family, friends, cookouts - and relaxation, if possible!  This newsletter is meant to recap for you all that the Groton Auxiliary has accomplished so far this year and to give you a ‘heads up’ on coming events.

Spring Luncheon a Success – Our luncheon held on March 14 at the Groton Town House and attended by over 30 of our members featured a lively talk by Cheryl Poirier, Assistant to Judy Lovelace our much admired  Director of Resource Development and Community Relations.

CFA Annual Sale a Resounding Success – Many kudos to Lois Geary, Jan Kepner and all of those who worked on the Groton Sale Intake at the Municipal Building  April 7, 8 & 9.  It was particularly challenging this year but the committee was able to rise to the occasion under sometimes difficult circumstances. The bottom line, however, is that the Sale netted over $41,000 which is up from last year. And as usual many Groton Auxiliary members were actively involved during the sale at Grasso Tech.

Spring Bus Trip – Thanks to Claire McCarter’s meticulous planning our bus trip to Val-Kill, the Vanderbilt Estate and the Culinary Institute on May 15 was a wonderful excursion enjoyed by 32 members and their guests.  The gourmet luncheon was outstanding, and the visits to the two very different sites were not only informative but provided real insight into the lives of the past owners.  AND even tho’ the bus was not filled, we still made a profit of $500 for Child and Family!

A Tribute to the Allinghams – On the first of June a lovely early afternoon ceremony was held at the Charity Bookstore to dedicate a plaque to Bob and Mary Allingham who were so instrumental in establishing this successful Groton Auxiliary enterprise.  Claire McCarter was also recognized for her vital role in setting up the bookstore. Tom Gullotta, Child and Family’s CEO, Judy Lovelace and several agency board members joined Auxiliary members for the party which featured food, drink and a logo-iced cake produced by our talented Auxiliary Chair, Pat Joseph.  (If you want to know what a ‘logo-iced’ cake is, ask me or Pat.)

Bookstore News – Charity Bookstore Chair, Linda Hardie reports that sales are up from last year and that we have attracted at least one ‘collector’ who appears regularly and buys a lot of books each time.  Mary Ann Renehan continues to schedule workers for the store and is always looking for more volunteers to fill the Wednesday and Saturday slots.  If you have never worked at the bookstore, give it a try.  Mary Ann can be reached at 443-3524.  The Bookstore is now on summer hours and will be open on Wednesday’s from 10-4 and Saturday’s from 10-1pm through Labor Day.

Upcoming Events – Our Fall Luncheon will be a catered affair on Thursday, September 25 at Mystic Run on Allyn Street in Mystic.  Auxiliary member, Barbara Hoops, has arranged for us to use the very attractive community room at Mystic Run. You will be getting a notice later this summer.  Be thinking who you might like to invite as a guest and potential member for our auxiliary.  New officers and board members will be elected at this luncheon meeting.  Be there!

And, finally, our annual Holiday Party is scheduled for Sunday, December 7 at Shennecossett Yacht Club in Groton.  What will you donate for the Silent Auction?

Newsletter Editor, Julie Stone 536-0866