Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, along with several state legislators, spoke with 75 CWC members and their guests about the #1 issue facing Connecticut, the looming budget deficit. Lt. Governor Wyman discussed the administration's fiscal priorities and the recently presented budget.  A panel discussion with four legislators followed her remarks and gave CWC members ample time to ask questions and voice their concerns on a variety of isues.

 

CWC Members had the unique opportunity to watch a dress rehearsal of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra for the Masterworks Series production, Valentine's Romance!  Edward Cumming, in his ninth and final season as Musical Director of the HSO, spoke about HSO's artistic growth during his tenure and his fond memories of his work with the orchestra.  Following the program, members enjoyed a reception in the Belding Theater lobby.

 

Using an oil paint medium very much like oversized crayons called Paintstiks,  Connecticut artist Diana Cote has perfected a unique application in which she "scribbles" layer upon layer of erratic lines of color directly on the canvas and creates vibrant and visually breathtaking paintings.  After talking about her work, Diana answered questions from members about her career, the "business" of being an artist and what inspires her.

 

This program is the second in a series of events where CWC will introduce members to local women in the Greater Hartford area who have unique and interesting professions. 

 

As professional women, our members resumes are always updated, but this event was an opportunity to learn about putting together a bio.  Members also listed to some very thoughtful presentations that gave them insight on ways to advance their careers, strengthen their networks or get tapped for a plum board assignment.

 

 

What a perfect way to spend a lovely June evening. Over 100 CWC members and their guests spent a few hours tasting wines, catching up with friends and enjoying the elegant surroundings of the first floor of the Governor's Residence.  It was such a delight to sit on the patio and take in the beautiful grounds that surrond the Residence, which has been the home for Connecticut governors since 1943 .  This is an event I am sure our members will want us to do again!

 

What an event!  CWC members and their guests were given an all access tour of the studios during a live broadcast of the evening news.  It was fascinating to watch how it all comes together - the live feeds, the taped segments, and the guests in the studio.  Our tour took us into the control room and throughout the building.  During the reception, we were thrilled to have anchors Gerry Brooks and Keisha Grant and meteoroligist Brad Field join us.

 

 

The Member Relations Committee put together another fun, relaxing and delicious lunch at Carbone's Ristorante in Hartford.  This "no program" program gave members the opportunity to catch up with each other, meet some of the newer members, and get a little competitive with a brief quiz about our state.

 

 

Our visit to the Connecticut Historical Society began with Executive Director Kate Steinway giving our members and their guests an overview of the mission of CHS and and an idea of the many treasures they hold.  Following her brief talk, they were taken in smaller groups for a behind the scenes tour of the painting, textile, manuscript and storage area that is not open to the public and were shown some of the most treasured articfacts.  They also toured the library and some of the current exhibits.  The evening ended with a reception catered by Cafe Louise.

 

It was another fun evening thanks to the creative programming ideas of the Member Relations Committee.  This was an event with a little bit of everything - the members learned some basic cake decoration techniques, they heard about what effect popular shows like "Ace of Cakes" and "Cake Boss" has had on the food industry and they tried some delicious appetizers and cake.  Now that is the way to end a busy work day!

 

Our first program of the year brought us to the State Capitol for our annual Capitol Happenings program.  This year the focus was on regionalism, and our excellent panel of state legislators and local officials discussed some of the pros (lower costs, shared responsibility) and cons (loss of local control).  This year our featured panelists were State Representative Brendan Sharkey, State Senator Len Fasano and First Selectwoman Mary Glassman.  Many thanks to CWC member Diane Smith who served as moderator. 

 

Over 60 of our members and guests enjoyed the lively debate and peppered the panel with many questions.  Following the program, CWC members enjoyed catching up with each other and tasting some delightful offerings from Chatterley's.

 

 

This year's event was held at The Town & County Club in Hartford, a club founded in 1925 to advance the interests of women.  CWC members and their guests enjoyed the elegant surroundings and hearing more about the club from some of the members.  During the annual meeting portion of the event, three new board members were elected - Sandra Johnson, Gayle Russell, and Barbara Taylor.  On behalf of the entire board, President Sheila Moses thanked those board members whose terms were ending - Anne Elvgren, Anne Noble and Barbara Wagner.

 

 

At this members only event, the creative juices were flowing for the two dozen members who came to The Claypen, a "paint your own" pottery studio in West Hartford Center.  While putting their own special touches on mugs and other ceramic items, members enjoyed catching up with each other.

 

 

This annual event was attended by 175 CWC members and their guests.  This year's speaker was Chris Dailey, Associate Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Connecticut.  Her talk focused on how to develop talent and how to help talent reach their potential and to be a cohesive unit.  Of course, she also delighted the crowd with a few stories about the team and Geno Auriemma! 

 

 

Exceptional Women Tour - Cedar Hill Cemetery - June 4, 2009
Established in 1864 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Cedar Hill Cemetery was one of the first rural cemeteries developed in the United States.  When the cemetery was first built, the Colt Family Plot was located at the highest point of the cemetery, and this is where the tour began.  Among the "Exceptional Women" spoken about was Elizabeth Colt, Virginia Thrall Smith, Isabella Beecher Hooker and Katharine Hepburn.  CWC members also toured the burial sites of a few notable men and viewed some of the more intricate and ornate monuments that can be found in the older sections of this 270 acre cemetery.  Following the tour, the group gathered for a delicious reception and enjoyed our beautiful surroundings.