Dauphin County Edition
March 2014
Vol. 16 No. 3
Dedication and Dance through the Ages Women’s Club Benefits from Program Director’s Arts Pedigree By Megan Joyce Our 21st-century dance styles would likely leave the ragtime-dancing, Edwardian-era female founders of The Iris Club confused at best. But those progressive-for-their-time ladies would be pleased by their modern club’s continuing dedication to community service, women’s empowerment, and artistic and enlightened entertainment—spearheaded by its current program director, Priscilla Kaufhold. “She is always full of great ideas,” said Carol Szutowicz, The Iris Club’s first vice president. “While many people have that talent, the difference is Priscilla works to make those ideas happen and sees projects through to the end.” The Iris Club formed in 1895 when Alice Nevin, daughter of Franklin & Marshall College President John Williamson Nevin, invited 70 women to her home to initiate a club to encourage women’s socialization and community involvement. The club’s downtown building was purchased in 1898 and still hosts the club’s twice-monthly meetings, where members enjoy lunch, entertainment, friendship, and high tea. In October 2013, the club celebrated its 115th please see DANCE page 14 Priscilla Kaufhold, program director for The Iris Club, on the club’s grand staircase. Over her shoulder is a portrait of Alice Nevin, who founded the women’s club in 1895.
Inside:
Special Section: Living for the Long Term page 7
Traveltizers: Agritourism and Adventure page 8