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Not Just Another Blue-Rinse Knitting Circle
By Tina Maggiorotto, Torrington
They are some of the oldest organizations in America, with themes ranging from afternoon socials and card parties to quilting and knitting circles, from garden clubs to rotary clubs. They promote leisure time activities that support area businesses and community programs. They provide a reason for women to meet and socialize while sharing and supporting a common interest. They are America's women's clubs. But before you conjure up an image of a circle of blue-haired old ladies on rocking chairs clutching knitting needles and discussing the weather and the town’s obituary column, think again. Today's women's clubs also take on leadership roles in the shaping of their communities and their country.
Since 1890, the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) has been actively supporting legislation on child labor, women's suffrage, domestic violence programs, gun control, and guaranteed rights for the disabled. The GFWC is fueled by fiery and determined women who are outspoken, vivacious, and politically and socially alive. The Torrington Woman's Club, a member of the GFWC, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit club consisting of women who underscore this fiery determination. This is a very lively, fun-loving and friendly group of career and family women and spry elderly activists who love to socialize, but who also are serious in their desire to improve the community in which they live and to make a visible difference.
The activities chosen by the Torrington Woman's Club are geared toward improving life in Torrington and the surrounding areas in a variety of ways. In the past year, the club sponsored donations for two scholarships, one to a female senior at Torrington High School and one to the training choir of Chorus Angelicus; for over 200 storybooks, used but in excellent condition, which were given to children who did not have any of their own; and for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for needy families.
Donations were also made to Connecticut Radio Information System (CRIS) for the visually impaired (our state project); the Litchfield County Conservation District; and towards building a walk and bike path between Torrington and Winsted. Other donations made were to the Susan B. Anthony Project, F.I.S.H., Community Soup Kitchen, the Girl Scouts, Friendly Hands Food Bank, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Warm the Children, Torrington Area Council of Churches' Emergency Fund, and the Warner Theatre Restoration Fund.
Volunteer programs have included tutoring and mentoring in two of our grammar schools; making shawls, lap robes and scrapbooks for nursing home patients; reading for CRIS; driving cancer patients to and from their doctors' appointments; beautifying our town with flower planters in the North End of Torrington and at two homes for the elderly; volunteering at the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and at Red Cross blood drives; visiting patients in nursing homes; and making and filling "placement bags" for children taken out of abusive homes.
Fundraising activities for charity included a pasta dinner and various raffles. Guest speakers included State Senator Andrew Roraback, who discussed the important issues facing Torrington; "Muff" Maskowsky, President of the Executive Committee of the Warner Theatre, who reported on the progress and success of the renovation of the Warner; and Mark McEachern from the Torrington Historical Society, who gave the early history of Torrington.
The club is growing with 70 active members and one honorary member. Last year club members contributed 6,000 volunteer hours and received ten awards from the GFWC. The club meets twice a month on Mondays at Center Congregational Church, 155 Main St. in Torrington, ending each business meeting with a guest speaker or program and a social hour. Each season begins and ends with a luncheon for club members and their guests.
Membership is open to all women age 18 and over. New activities are planned each year, so boredom is just not an option and there is sure to be an event to please everyone. So, consider being part of a positive and fun group of vivacious women while being proactive in your community. For more info on the Torrington Woman's Club, call 860-489-6189.
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