C ommUnitY n eWS

Crestwood Village III Women’s Club News

WHITING – “We are born of love; Love is our mother.”- Rumi. May, the month we honor not only our mothers, but those who have also been like a mother to us. Those who have instilled in us our values and family traditions.

May 5, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This day celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French army in 1862. Time to bring out the sombreros!

Last, and certainly not least, May 29th is Memorial Day. On this day we remember the tenacity of life. We honor Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in order to protect and preserve our liberties and freedom. We owe these courageous men and women, as well as their families, much gratitude and respect!

Being a nurse, I would also like to wish my fellow nurses out there a Happy Nurses’ Week which runs the fi rst full week in May. I retired four years ago from a career I truly loved and still have my nursing license today. It is such a part of who I am that I do not want to let it go!

The women’s club met on April 4 at 1:30 p.m. As usual, our meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of God Bless America. Rose introduced one new member who joined today.

Jeanette, recording secretary, read the minutes from our last meeting. Karen, our treasurer, gave her report next. There were no changes to either. They were motioned for approval and seconded.

Rose then gave her report. Much of her beginning report was centered around the Flea Market. By the time you read this; it will have taken place. We thank all who had donated items for sale, the volunteers who helped setup and sell the day of the sale. Thank you also to those who baked, the vendors who participated and fi nally, the kitchen staff led by Pam. It was a great day!

On May 2 we will be holding our Calendar Party. This is always a fun event as we take the time to celebrate those 90 years and older! We apologize, but because this is subsidized by the Women’s club, only paid members may attend with a ticket. No tickets will be sold at the door, and guests are not allowed.

Diane, our vice president, was unable to attend, but Rose gave her report, again, primarily about the Flea Market. Donna, corresponding secretary read two thank you notes. One was again from the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Food Pantry. They expressed appreciation for our donation of pasta sauce. Thank you to those who made their contribution today by donating peanut butter! At our May meeting we will be collecting the Knorr sides and packaged potatoes. Our continuing donations allow the pantry to use any monetary donations to buy other items they need. Rose had the opportunity to tour the food pantry. Our donations have been so appreciated that there is empty space on their shelf in preparation for our donations, something they truly appreciate!

The second thank you was sent from the Salvation Army, Ocean County Citadel, for our monetary donation at the end of 2022.

Pat gave her report from the Nominating Committee. She announced that all of the current board members have agreed to again serve for the Women’s Club. At the May meeting, a vote will be taken to make it official. Pat then gave her report of the receipts for the Mini Mart for the month of March. We continue to do well. We again ask for donations of items for sale, as well as volunteers to work.

Pam, sunshine lady, gave a us a chuckle or two with stories she told.

Next, we celebrated our April birthday members. Announcements from the Travel Club and Residents’ Club were made. Please see their information enclosed in this paper and join us at the dances and travel opportunities!

Under new business it was announced that a member is starting Women’s Bocce. Please signup if interested. It was also announced that we will be having our Village-wide garage sale on May 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Helen then drew the 50/50. The meeting was then closed.

Those who had signed up to participate in flower arranging were then directed to where to sit. We thank Tracy from the Whiting Flower Shop for giving us the instruction. It was a lot of fun to see everyone’s creativity!

We then all enjoyed refreshments. Thank you to those who signed up and baked for this meeting. We will not be needing anyone to volunteer for May as we will be enjoying birthday cake!

Hope you all have a wonderful month of May and can enjoy the nice weather!

Whiting Garden Club

WHITING – Whiting Garden Club will meet on May 3 at 10 a.m. to meet Ellen Karcher, “The Lavender Lady.” She will have a talk about lavender and bring a variety of lavender products and plants. The group meets at St. Stephen’s Episco- pal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. Call the church office at 732-350-2121, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for directions. All are welcome. No dues. no minutes. Call Stefanie at 732-350-2904 or Fran at 732-350-7415 for information.