“downton abbey” comes to the woman's...

The Woman's Club

The Bolling Haxall House 211 East Franklin StreetRichmond, VA 23219

The Woman's Club Voice

First Class U.S. PostageP A I D Permit No. 388Richmond, VA

“Downton Abbey” Comes to The Woman's ClubEvening of Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The Woman's Club is proud to announce a presentation by Lady Carnarvon, 8th Countess of Carnarvon. She will tell the fascinating and remarkable story of Lady Almina, 5th Countess of Carnarvon, who is the subject of her new book, “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey.” Lady Car-narvon will also share stories of her home, Highclere Castle, where “Downton Ab-bey” is filmed.

“Downton Abbey” was recently named in the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest critical review ratings for a TV show during its first series. The show cur-rently can be viewed in over 100 countries.

Do not miss this program on the real Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle.

Event details and reservation information will be released in late summer/early fall.


Transcending trends and times, The Woman's Club has for over 100 years been constant in its commitment to the collegiality of women, a dialogue on contemporary issues, the nourishment of education and the arts, and vitality in the heart of Richmond.

The Bolling Haxall House, 211 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 Spring/Summer 2012

The Spring 2012 Monday programs explored how to build a better foundation for all things in life, from a healthier brain to preserving architectural wonders, from raising healthy children to examining the state of our political and economic systems, and from hon-oring our historical treasures to understanding the traditions of other cultures. Dr. James P. Bennett, Jr., presented his fascinating research on the aging brain and shared how to improve the health of the brain. Architecture was the focus of both Rich-ard Guy Wilson and Steven Semes. Wilson discussed the impact of Thomas Jefferson and England on American architecture, while Semes shed light on the controversies within the preservation community. The health of children worldwide was the main concern of Anne Lynam Goddard, while Isabel Sawhill concentrated on the economic climate and its effect on younger generations. Mike Allen provided a view “backstage at the political circus,” enlightening attendees as to a Washington insider's thoughts on the upcoming November 2012 election. Politics of the past came to the front when Ambassador Joseph Wilson spoke on the CIA

leak controversy that exposed his wife, Valerie Plame Wilson, as a covert CIA officer. Within any culture, the past holds keys to future successes and failures. In studying history, a better foundation can be laid for to-morrow. Gioia Diliberto explored the evolution of fashion and highlighted the symbolic power of clothing. Leslie Keno revealed discoveries of hidden American treasures from his work as an appraiser. TWC member Betsy Bredrup gave a Lenten art presentation that provided deeper understanding of the meaning within religious works. John O. Peters guided attend-ees through a visual tour of Richmond's Holly-wood Cemetery. Marjorie Ransom shared her love and knowledge of Yemeni silver jewelry and explained how the practice of the craft of jewelry-making is indicative of the status of the region. John Henry Rice previewed the Vir-ginia Museum of Fine Arts' exhibition on the maharajas of India and reflected on kingship in India within a broader historical context. A special treat this season was a musical revue by The Bird and Her Consort just in time for Valentine's Day. The 2012-2013 Club season begins on Mon-day, October 1, 2012.

HIGHLIGHTSPresident's Award

Members in the News

Monday Programs 2012-13

Fall 2012 Event Preview

“Downton Abbey” at TWC

Monday Programs - Brains and Building Blocks

A Memorable Season of Speakers

Chair Frances Zehmer (left) and Vice-Chair Lissy Bryan (right) with Marjorie Ransom.

Chair Win Koontz (left) and Vice-Chair Kathryn Gray (right) with Leslie Keno.

Chair Edie Cabaniss (left) and Vice-Chair Suzanne Hall (right) with John Henry Rice.

explored how to build a better foundation for all things in life, from a healthier brain to preserving architectural wonders, from raising healthy children to examining the state of our political and economic systems, and from hon-oring our historical treasures to understanding the traditions of other cultures. Dr. James P. Bennett, Jr., presented his fascinating research on the aging brain and shared how to improve the health of the brain. Architecture was the focus of both Rich-ard Guy Wilson and Steven Semes. Wilson discussed the impact of Thomas Jefferson and England on American architecture, while Semes shed light on the controversies within the preservation community. The health of children worldwide was the main concern of Anne Lynam Goddard, while Isabel Sawhill concentrated on the economic climate and its effect on younger generations. Mike Allen provided a view “backstage at the political circus,” enlightening attendees as to a Washington insider's thoughts on the

Politics of the past came to the front when

Plame Wilson, as a covert CIA officer. Within any culture, the past holds keys to future successes and failures. In studying history, a better foundation can be laid for to-morrow. Gioia Diliberto explored the evolution of fashion and highlighted the symbolic power of clothing. Leslie Keno revealed discoveries of hidden American treasures from his work as an appraiser. TWC member Betsy Bredrup gave a Lenten art presentation that provided deeper understanding of the meaning within religious works. John O. Peters guided attend-ees through a visual tour of Richmond's Holly-wood Cemetery. Marjorie Ransom shared her love and knowledge of Yemeni silver jewelry and explained how the practice of the craft of jewelry-making is indicative of the status of the region. John Henry Rice previewed the Vir-ginia Museum of Fine Arts' exhibition on the maharajas of India and reflected on kingship in India within a broader historical context. A special treat this season was a musical revue by The Bird and Her Consort just in time for Valentine's Day. The 2012-2013 Club season begins on Mon-

Vice-Chair Patti Loughridge (left) and Chair Vickie Blanchard (right) with Ambassador Joseph Wilson.

Vice-Chair Patti Harris (left) and Chair Mary Hor-ton (right) with Gioia Diliberto.

Vice-Chair Bev Reynolds (left) and Chair Margaret Bemiss (right) with Dr. James P. Bennett, Jr.

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We Would Love to Hear from You!Executive Director Diane M. Beirne 804.643.2847, ext. 15 [email protected]

Communications and Membership Manager Lauren M. Henry 804.643.2847, ext. 10 [email protected]

Rental and Property Manager Rebecca L. Thomas 804.643.2847, ext. 13 [email protected]

House Manager Charles Hargrove 804.643.2847, ext. 14

Housekeeper Evelyn Nix 804.643.2847, ext. 14

BHHF Director of Development and Marketing Cindy Archer Wray 804.643.2847, ext. 12 [email protected]


NEWS from The Woman's Club

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A Message from The Woman's Club President

Catherine C. WhithamPresident, The Woman’s Club

Dear Members,

Each Monday during the Club season I have the privilege of taking the speaker on a tour of the Bolling Haxall House and telling the remarkable story of The Woman's Club. Without fail, each is astonished at the courage of the founding members AND their vision to buy the House and turn it into their headquarters. Indeed, in their opening remarks, many compliment us on the extraordinary surroundings and congratulate the Club on its commitment to maintaining such a beautiful home. I just beam when I hear this! This past year the number of programs in our beautiful home nearly doubled. Two evening speakers, several workshops, book signings, and a special Tea with the Ambassador's Wife, plus our superb Monday Speaker Programs all took place in our sparkling auditorium. Members have told me there was so much happening at the BHH, they could hardly attend everything. What a wonderful predicament in which to find oneself! With all that will be going on at TWC beginning this fall, I urge you to propose a friend this summer by Monday, August 13, 2012 so that she too can enjoy what you and I do each week... an extraordinarily beautiful place to stretch your mind among friends.

Warmly,

Catherine C. WhithamPresident, The Woman's Club

The Woman’s Club Voice is pub-lished twice a year and is designed to keep you informed about news and events at The Woman's Club, The Bolling Haxall House Founda-tion, and The Education Endowment Fund. If you have any comments or questions about this newslet-ter, please contact us by phone at 804.643.2847, ext. 10, or via email at [email protected].

This past February, Jean LeBaron, wife of Ambassador Richard LeB-aron, hosted an afternoon tea at The Woman’s Club during which she shared her memories of her years as the wife of a diplomat. Members of The Woman’s Club listened to stories of LeBaron’s experiences in Kuwait, India, and Great Britain and were treated to photographs that showcased elegant events and fascinating architecture in the foreign locales. Left: Member Catherine Ben-nett (left) with Jean LeBaron (right) following her presentation.

At the Annual Meeting and Lun-cheon on April 30, 2012, Catherine Whitham presented the first Woman’s Club President’s Award to member Fran Kay for her extraor-dinary leadership and hard work during the Restore a Living Land-mark Campaign and her continuing efforts in improving The Woman’s Club and its traditional home. We have truly benefitted from her involvement and experience.Right: Fran Kay (center) with past President Antoinette Whittet (left) and Sarah Dicks (right) at the Annual Luncheon just prior to receiving the award.


NEWS from The Woman's Club

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The membership committee has thus far welcomed 57 new members and 11 reinstated members to the Class of 2012. In addition to our annual New Member Luncheon and Ori-entation, we offered three mini-orientations throughout the season to assist new members to become acquainted with the Club and take advantage of all it has to offer. This past April, the Class of 2011 attended a Dutch treat luncheon at the Commonwealth Club in order to provide feedback on their first year of membership and to mingle with friends old and new. Their suggestions have proven very insightful on how we can better welcome new members and facilitate their integration into the Club. At Monday programs, a member of the Membership Committee is available to answer questions and provide applications at the guest book podium. Members are reminded that our updated membership policy allows for applications to be submitted all year long on a rolling admissions basis. Also, members may propose and/or sponsor more than one pro-spective member. If you have someone in mind you would like to propose or sponsor for the next Club season, aim to do so by Monday, August 13, 2012 so she can be included in the Class of 2012 and invited to this September's New Member Luncheon and Orientation. Be on the lookout next Club season for special “bring a friend” days noted on page 6, in the yearbook, and on the website. These days will be excellent opportunities to introduce a prospective member to our wonderful programs and to the Bolling Haxall House. We have a truly special Club that offers a wide range of educational and social opportunities through-out the week, not just on our traditional Mondays. Think about friends and colleagues who would enjoy the Club as much as you do and ask them to join us. We have room to grow and so much to offer.

Sue C. TaylorChair, Membership Committee

News from the Membership Committee

The Woman's Club Members in the News

The January 2, 2012 Metro Business section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch listed Nancy Cheely as the recipient of the Adrian L. Bendheim, Jr. Sales Associate of the Year Award for professional knowledge, sales activity, association participation, and civic ac-complishments.

If you are a member who was recently in the news, please let us know so we can recognize you! Also, when you are interviewed, please share with the reporter that you are a mem-ber of The Woman’s Club.

Cathy Saunders was named a 2011 Richmond Five Star Real Estate Agent in Richmond magazine. Five Star Real Estate Agents are rated according to criteria such as integrity, communication, and customer service.

Marjorie Grier was honored as the winner of the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award of Excellence at the 65th Virginia Public Relations Awards Ceremony on May 16, 2012.

The March 29, 2012 issue of the Richmond Times-Dispatch published an article by Kath-erine Waddell on the founding of the Women's Strike Force, formed by Republicans, Dem-ocrats, and Independents who are “dedicated to defeating legislators who voted in favor of HB 462, the mandated trans-vaginal ultrasound bill, and HB 1, the Personhood Bill.”

Talented Women Create Exhibition: Spring Art Show

and Reception

Carol Lynn Forman's home, Whimsey Meadow, was featured in the February 2012 issue of Virginia Living. Whimsey Meadow, built using two tranformed historic barns from Ver-mont, is showcased as a succesful blend of sophisticated style and rustic settings.

Above, from left: Tina Millner, Betsy Bredrup, and Jaymie Upton at the exhibiton opening reception with ballots in hand.

Above, from left: James Belk, Ann Belk, Michael Smith, and Gloria Prevatt.

Helga Gottwald's home, a Georgian-style brick residence designed by Bunny Williams, was featured in the January 2012 issue of Architectural Digest.

The 2012 Talented Women Create Exhib-tion was held April 11-13, 2012. Congratu-lations to the following ribbon winners, chosen by popular vote:

Fine Arts1st Place: Vienna Cobb-Anderson2nd Place: Karen Blair3rd Place: Carolyn StreetHonorable Mention: Emma Lou Martin

Photography1st Place: Margaret Woodson Nea2nd Place: Nancy Rice3rd Place (Tie): Vienna Cobb-Anderson3rd Place (Tie): Susan EstesHonorable Mention: Dee Capocelli Hyers

Creative Arts1st Place: Genya Glass2nd Place: Genya Glass3rd Place: Caroline Garrett HardyHonorable Mention: Ann McRee

Needlework1st Place: Muff Nolde2nd Place: Vienna Cobb-Anderson3rd Place: Win KoontzHonorable Mention: Lyons Burke


NEWS from The Education Endowment Fund

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Marlene D. JonesPresident, The Education Endowment Fund

The Education Endowment Fund: Reflections on 2011-2012 The Education Endowment Fund Board, working closely with The Community Foundation, has again identified deserving recipients for our scholarships; women who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and commitment to serving their community. For the 2012-2013 academic year, we awarded five scholarships totaling $9,000 to students who will be attending the University of Virginia, the College of William and Mary, Shenandoah University Conservatory, James Madison University, and North Carolina A &T University. The Education Endowment Fund Board has always relied on the generosity of members of The Woman's Club for financial support. This past season, the TEAM 25 campaign was once again suc-cessful and, along with the Monday program book sales and member's direct donations, raised over $7,500. As I look back on over 90 years of giving to the Education Endowment Fund, I imagine the conversations had by so many members of The Woman's Club regarding the collegiality of women, and I am sure we can be proud at how well we have done in fulfilling their, and our, mission. The following excerpt was taken from a letter written in 1951 which highlights the history and the value of the Education Endowment Fund:

“From the first young woman who became a secretary to a dean inspite(sic) of real physical handi-caps […] the fund has merited and received sincere thanks for invaluable assistance rendered.”

In 1921, a courageous group of women recognized that “this investment, made in the name of us all, yields a dividend we can never measure.” More than 90 years and hundreds of scholarships later, this investment continues to yield a dividend that will never be measured. My fellow Board members Sally Brown, Barbara Kling, Lou Anne Nabhan, Mary Ann Ready, and Catherine Whitham and I extend our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks for your generous and loyal support. It is truly an honor and a great pleasure to serve with such a wonderful group of women and to have the opportunity to continue changing lives through scholarship, one woman at a time.

Thank you,

Marlene D. JonesPresident, The Education Endowment Fund

Mary Munford Scholar Highlight: Dianna Leigh RobisonA two-time recipient of The Woman's Club Educational Endowment Fund Scholarship, Dianna Leigh Robison is currently pursuing a degree in Special Education at James Madison University.

In her own words:“I am proud to be a Mary Munford Scholar and will strive to be a good representative of Mrs. Munford's passion for education. My freshman year at James Madison University was a wonderful experience and I'm looking forward to returning to my studies again in the fall. I feel very fortunate to be a part of one of the finest Special Education Master's programs available today. Thanks to Mrs. Munford, The Woman's Club of Richmond, and The Community Foundation, I am able to continue to pursue my goal to become a special education teacher. [...] Receipt of this scholarship has lightened my financial burden and that of my family allowing me to focus on pursing my education. Your gener-osity inspires me to help others and give back to the community. Perhaps one day I will be able to help other students pursue their goals just as you have helped me.”

Congratulations to Dianna and all the 2012 Mary Munford Scholars.


NEWS from The Bolling Haxall House Foundation

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Thank you for your generous gifts to the Annual Fund this year. Because of you, we will be able to complete two essential projects over the summer months: •Replacing the flooring and painting the kitchen. This involves removing all of the equipment from the kitchen. •Replacing the flooring in the hallway along the West entrance and at the entrance to the Fleet Foyer. I hope you have noticed how the Auditorium sparkles now that we have painted the ceiling and completed some much needed painting around the stage. We want you to be proud of your home and the Annual Fund is our only source of funding for keeping “our jewel” in pristine condition. Our annual event, Jazz for the Jewel II Forever in Bloom, is scheduled for Thursday, October 4, 2012 so mark your calendars and save the date! Under the leadership of Marlene Jones and Isabel Witt, this year's party is sure to be an evening to remember. Finally, thanks to all the donors to the “Restore a Living Landmark” Capital Campaign. This campaign raised $2.25M for the restoration of the auditorium and House. Our treasured House is a vital part of everything that goes on at The Woman's Club; we are so fortunate that our Club has such a remarkable venue to meet every Monday. The achievements of the Bolling Haxall House Foundation this year are directly related to the cooperative efforts of the Boards of The Woman's Club and The Bolling Haxall House Foundation, our staff, and YOU.

Thank you!

Jane U. HamiltonChair, The Bolling Haxall House Foundation

Greetings from the Chair of The Bolling Haxall House Foundation

Jane U. Hamilton Chair, The Bolling Haxall House Foundation

Jazz for the Jewel II: Forever in BloomDate and Time: Thursday, October 4, 2012, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.Location: The Bolling Haxall House Car Garden 211 East Franklin Street

Enjoy: Jazz entertainment provided by the Skip Gailes Trio Catering by A Sharper Palate Full Bar Valet Parking

Co-Chairs: Marlene Jones and Isabel Witt

Proceeds will benefit the Bolling Haxall House Annual Fund

We offer a special thank you to the Jazz for the Jewel Diamond Sponsor, Charles Schwarzschild, Inc.

For sponsorship or ticket information, please contact Cindy Wray by phone at 804.643.2847, ext.12, or via email at [email protected].

As the home of The Woman's Club, the Bolling Haxall House continues to be a place of development, creativity, insight and imagination… Forever in Bloom! Join your friends for a lovely fall evening of jazz music, delicious food, and lively conversation all in a beautiful tented venue designed by Robert Watkins, deVeaux Riddick, and Scott Boyer.


2012-2013 Monday Program Preview from The Woman's Club

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Fall 2012

October 1, 2012 Lord Alan Watson

October 8, 2012 Larry Sabato, Ph.D.

October 15, 2012 Zayde Antrim, Ph.D.

October 22, 2012 Meg Nolan van Reesema

October 29, 2012 Joe Seipel

November 5, 2012 Miles Redd

November 12, 2012 A. E. Dick Howard

November 19, 2012 John Camp, Ph.D.

Spring 2013

January 7, 2013 Ron Brownstein

January 14, 2013 Christy Coleman

January 21, 2013 Bahman Zenhari

January 28, 2013 Kathy Thornton, Ph.D.

February 4, 2013 Calder Loth

February 11, 2013 Tony Garcia

February 18, 2013 Pauline Metcalf

February 25, 2013 Irene Carney, Ph.D.

March 4, 2013 Todd Kliman

March 11, 2013 Better Housing Coalition

March 18, 2013 Dean King

March 25, 2013 Carolyne Roehm

April 15, 2013 Peter Sutton

The Woman's Club 2012-2013 Monday Program PreviewMark Your Calendars!

Miles Redd

Christy Coleman

Carolyne Roehm

(Members Only)

(Members Only)

(Members Only)

(Bring a Friend Day)

(Bring a Friend Day)

Lord Alan Watson

Ron Brownstein

Kathy Thornton, Ph.D.


Fall 2012 Event Preview from The Woman's Club

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The Woman's Club Fall 2012 Event PreviewMark Your Calendars!

Digital Photography is a Snap!Wednesday, September 12, 2012

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Mac Users Class1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - PC Users Class

Instructor: Lisa BurleeMembers and Nonmember Guests, Limit 8 persons per session

Cost: $25 per person, per session Reservation Deadline: Monday, September 10, 2012, by 4:00 p.m.

Based on member responses to a technology survey given this past spring, Lisa Burlee, owner of Step By Step Computer Training, will teach a class on digital photography. The topics covered will include importing photos from phones and cameras to computers, organiz-ing photos in files and folders, editing photos, emailing/uploading to a shared website, ordering prints online, and printing your own photos. Students are required to bring a fully-charged laptop. Mac users will be taught in the morning session; PC users will be taught in the afternoon.

A Day of Presidents Who Shared a FriendshipBus Trip: Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Members and Nonmember Guests, Minimum 30 personsCost: $104 per person, Including lunch

Reservation Deadline: Monday, October 8, 2012, by 4:00 p.m.

Amid the colorful glory of autumn we will explore the homes of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, Montpelier and Monticel-lo, respectively. Madison and Jefferson were colleagues, colluders, competitors, and lifelong friends. Expanded and changed through the years, a $25 million architectural restoration completed in 2008 returned Montpelier to its original form. Stand in the small Garden Temple where Madison often meditated the needs and future of his country. Jefferson contemplated the same subjects on the top of his “Little Mountain,” where he built Monticello. Living less than a day's ride from each other, Jefferson and Madison visited each other frequently to discuss these weighty matters. The recently completed visitors center explores all these topics in ways that reveal the intelligence and humanity of the third President. The visit to each site will include a short introductory film and material, a guided tour of the house, and access to the gardens and outbuildings. Lunch will be delicious (as always!) and included in the day's price, along with a morning snack and homebound refreshments. For additonal information, please call Deanna Brinkman at 804.673.0187.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: ChihulyThursday, November 1, 2012, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Tours: 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.Chair: Mary K. McDonaldGuide: Robin Nicholson

Members and Nonmember GuestsCost: $18 for non-VMFA members, Free for VMFA members

Reservation Deadline: Monday, October 29, 2012, by 4:00 p.m.

Join Robin Nicholson, deputy director for Art and Education at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, for a tour of the extraordinary special exhibition of the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibition encompasses all 12,000 square feet of the VMFA's special exhibi-tion galleries and features site specific installation pieces inside and outside the new McGlothlin Wing. The exhibition includes many of the iconic and dazzling sculptural glass creations which have made Chihuly one of the most popular artists working in any medium.

Selecting Books for ChildrenWednesday, November 7, 2012, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Chair: Kay RemickSpeaker: Lucinda Whitehurst

Members and Nonmember GuestsCost: Free

RSVP: Monday, November 5, 2012, by 4:00 p.m.

Sharing books with your children or grandchildren creates a last-ing bond and the potential for many happy memories. Learn more about making that connection when Lucinda Whitehurst, Lower School librarian at St. Christopher's School, brings new books and explains the ways to choose books you and your young ones will love. Focus will be on preschool to grade 6. Whitehurst and her mother co-write a children's literature blog at www.openbook-kidlit.blogspot.com.

Holiday ReceptionMonday, December 3, 2012, 2:00 p.m.

Chair: Deborah GibbsMembers Only

RSVP: Wednesday, November 28, 2012, by 4:00 p.m.

Come celebrate the holiday season at the Bolling Haxall House. En-joy our beautifully decorated historic home, a wonderful selection of holiday treats, and, especially, your Woman's Club friends.

A Taste of the Nutcracker An Intimate Performance by the Concert Ballet of Virginia

Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.Members, Nonmember Guests, and Young Guests

Maximum 30 Young Guests with TWC Member ChaperonesCost: Free

Reservation Deadline: Monday, December 10, 2012, by 4:00 p.m.

Do you remember your excitement upon seeing a ballet dancer up close for the very first time? The Woman's Club is delighted to offer an intimate “taste” of the Concert Ballet of Virginia's interpretation of “The Nutcracker” in a multigenerational holiday program for members and their grandchildren (ages 4-9). After the costumed dancers present several short scenes, they will mingle with our young guests. All children are to be chaperoned by a Club member in attendance. Refreshments will be served and photographs with the dancers may be taken after the performance.

“downton abbey” comes to the woman's...

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