New and old members of Colony Club meet at annual tea
Written by Cathy Finnegan Thursday, 17 November 2011 13:16
On a beautiful sunny afternoon Sunday, Nov. 6, the Ocean City Colony Club hosted their annual new member tea at Union Chapel. President Linda Gronert looked stunning in a purple short-sleeve sheath dress as she greeted the ladies upon arrival. Pat Smith, Diane Mozzo, Barbara Weber and Nadine Otto were busy setting out tea sandwiches, cakes, tarts, cookies and other goodies while Denise Potter and Dottie Young made sure the silver and ceramic tea sets were filled with hot water. Membership chair Elaine Novello rushed back in after going home to get the hat she was to wear later in a skit. Lavender tablecloths were on the tables accented with long-stemmed lavender roses in crystal vases as the ladies took their places.
Jean Robinson was looking for a ride to the Stainton Society kickoff, but she and I had to go in opposite directions after the gathering. Sandy Stango spends her summers in Ocean City and winters in Blackwood, but returns for Colony Club activities. Although Connie Smedley only lives a few blocks away, she admitted she drove to the tea. I enjoyed chatting with new member Gail Harper who is a secretary at Allegretto Plumbing, has two children and helps raise their cats and dogs including Ulysses, a chocolate lab. Cathy Guinosso is delighted with her new granddaughter, Ellie Michelle, who lives in California and brings Cathy’s total grandchildren to five. Gerry Kerns enjoyed a cruise to the Bahamas with her grandchildren this summer.
Elaine Novello introduced and welcomed new members and presented each with membership packets. Linda Gronert shared a press book belonging to Anne Cornwell, charter member and second president of Colony in 1951, which she recently received from Anne’s daughter, Susan Kiefner. In the press book was a letter written by Anne reminiscing about her over 51 years as a member of Colony. Fashion shows were always big fundraisers from the beginning with fashions from Lillian Albus and furs from Gittleman’s of Philadelphia held at the Flanders with two of Grace Kelly’s sisters as models. Later, fashion shows featured fashions from the K. Averil Doloway shops as all the Doloway sisters were members of the club. Colony Capers, Christmas bazaars, a glee club and a talented drama group were just a few of fun times highlighted by Anne. Colony Club has given scholarships to graduating Ocean City High School seniors since its inception in 1950. While the ladies enjoyed tea sandwiches and desserts, I caught up with Eva Kearney who looked lovely in a rose knit suit and admitted she’s 90 years old, plus five weeks. Barbara Riggione was looking forward to son Jason’s wedding in Cape May on Saturday, while Toni Costanza’s daughter, Lindsay, is getting married July 20 in Cancun.
Nicollette Mirra was a vision in a royal blue knit ensemble and recently attended her 65th reunion at West Catholic Girls High, which was next door to the studio where Bandstand was televised. Mary Rodgers attended her 45th reunion at Gwynedd Mercy Academy. Julia Tassone became a first-time grandmother when Gianna Marie arrived Oct. 13. I enjoyed reminiscing with Jeri Getson who graduated Atlantic City High School in 1957, two years ahead of this columnist and still lives in Margate. Jeri married her high school sweetheart and was a Spanish teacher and an immigration and criminal lawyer. Jeri is retired now and enjoys spending time with her four children and six grandchildren. Kathleen Federico has the best of both worlds as she spends half her week in Philadelphia, where she works in real estate with her daughter, then returns to Ocean City to relax the remainder of her week. Kathleen has two daughters and one grandson. The highlight of the tea was the presentation of a comedy skit by members of Colony Club’s performing arts group. Elaine Novello was the wronged wife who confronts the Hollywood floozy, played by Joanne Staniac, who is having an affair with her husband. Dorothy Young and Diane Rossi portrayed their alter egos. Appearing at the end of the skit was husband, Alfred, played by Nadine Otto. Prompter Mary Rodgers looked cute as Harpo Marx. Denise Potter and Evelyn Hanly were soliciting recipes for Colony Club’s new cookbook to be ready for sale next September. Kathy Allegretto helped Pat Smith clean up while waiting for this columnist, as Kathy drove me to the tea.
With 8 p.m. fast approaching and the polls about to close family and friends of Tony Wilson gathered at John Flood’s office to await election results on Nov. 8. On our way in, Jim and I passed Carol Heenan as she headed out to pick up totals at several wards. While Tony and wife Melissa chatted with friends, John Flood and Ed Price crunched numbers on their computers as the results came in. Ken Cooper traded in his shorts for long pants as he worked at the polls. Judy Kolea, Sallie Eachus, Marie and Lloyd Hayes and David Powell were first to arrive with results from their wards and Susan Sheppard posted totals on the large tote board while her husband, Frank Faverzani called them out to her. Joanne Budnick was one of the last to arrive with totals. It wasn’t long before everyone was cheering and congratulating Tony on winning his first election. When asked what he was going to do now that he won’t be out knocking on doors, Tony said, “I’m going to Disney World,” which was true as he and Melissa were taking their children on vacation during their long weekend off from school. It was just a few short months ago when Tony stopped by our home and told us he wanted to represent us as our 3rd Ward councilman and we immediately threw our support to this fine young native son who was a playmate of our son, John, when they were growing up. Tony’s in-laws, Cathy and Joe Rebl, arrived home from a cruise just hours earlier, but assured me they voted absentee. Joe was still sporting shorts while Cathy chose slacks for warmth. Al Eachus looked none the worse for wear having been at the civic center since 7 a.m. Frank McCall stopped by before heading down the county to watch the final election results. The celebration continued as Melissa and Tony Wilson hosted a victory party at their home on 15th Street. Denise and Gary Jessel stopped by for a short time as they had an early flight to Florida in the morning. Jamie Herrington enjoyed the party with his daughter while his wife stayed home with their son and new baby daughter. Michele and Jay Gillian along with Keith Hartzell and Michael Allegretto were on hand to congratulate Tony who wanted to know if he could get a seat on the far end of the council table. And could a run from council be in the future for local barrister and president of exchange club, Jon Batastini? Leigh Batastini doesn’t think so. Cathy Flood was looking forward to flying to their vacation home in Florida with her husband after he attended his last council meeting. I caught up with Sally Huff when she arrived to celebrate her nephew’s victory after watching the vote count with her sister, Donna Wilson, at her home while Tony’s father, Leo, and Sally’s son, Eddie Huff, drove around the 3rd Ward picking up Tony’s signs he may have to use again in the May election.
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