GARY H. DITTO
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The following are presentations from the Woman's Community Club of Kensington Anniversary Celebration. These articles were from the same event, published over a number of newsletters

Spring, 1999

Some of Kensington’s beautiful landscaping, a children’s reading program, and a free employment counseling service are among the many lasting contributions of the members of the Woman’s Community Club of Kensington. Club members came together last spring to celebrate the club’s more than seventy years of service. Here are some more of their reminiscences.

Hats—and Reading Is Fundamental
Orabelle Tamm, Member since 1966
When Lee asked me to join, I asked her, “Do they wear hats?” She said, “Yes.” We wore hats and gloves to meetings. So some people are wearing their hats today.

I was asked eleven years ago to look into starting Reading Is Fundamental (the program to encourage reading). We have given out 2,100 books. People who started this are still doing this. And they’re all here.

The Clum-Kennedy Garden
Ellie Malone, Member since 1980, President, 1983-86

I served as president for three years, when we were undertaking the project of the Clum-Kennedy Park. It was hard to stop in the middle. From 1947 to 1983, that piece of property was owned by the Clum family. The three sisters had maintained it. In 1983, Bertha had gotten up in age and was not able to keep it up. She couldn’t maintain it. Frank Kennedy took care of it. He was there constantly to try to keep it going.

The town got it with a grant. The club adopted it in 1984. Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission helped with the design of the park. The town hired a great tree service. We were able to have bark mulch paths. The club financed the wood steps to Frederick Avenue. Other organizations all contributed money, a bench, and a sundial. WCCK contributed a picnic table and another bench.

Our garden section planted 137 bulbs. They’re still enjoyed each spring. The garden section also planted marigolds. They provided continual color that summer. When it was completed, we had a lovely garden party. Of all the projects we’ve done, that is one of the ones of which I’m proudest.

Luncheons on a Budget
Ann Snyder, Member since 1973

In 1972, Dorothy Richardson asked me to co-chair a luncheon. We had a hundred and some dollars for 130 people. We went to the ten cent store for ham. Ethel made a sauce. Next day I went to Magruders. I filled my boxes.

The same day the vice president called and said she was having a wild Canadian goose dinner and didn’t have enough geese. Would I give her some geese? I gave her four geese and have never yet heard how that dinner party turned out.

I also remember our current president, Daphene Couper, going to several stores to try to get asparagus for 140 people.

You also heard Elizabeth Vance telling about the luncheons. I want to add — Hooray for caterers!

Special Projects
Dorothy Sharman, joined in 1947, rejoined in 1981, President, 1988-90

When the Kensington Park Library had its Grand Opening in 1994 after two years of renovations, it needed plants but had a limited budget. The Garden Club took on this project. We provided beautiful plants and delivered them. The plants certainly did enhance the library.

I learned when and how the Boutique at the meetings got started. Dotty Lucey had some plastic umbrellas. So they decided to sell them and give the money to charities and later to Over Sixty.*

Our club supports a high school student each year to go to a four-day Maryland leadership seminar. They interact with leaders in business, education, science, government, and the community. At the end of the meeting they are encouraged to set new goals for their future.

Another project is a scholarship through the Montgomery College Foundation. The scholarship goes to a deserving student, usually from the Kensington area. They are most appreciative of the club’s support.

*Over Sixty Counseling & Employment is a nonprofit community service that provides screening and job placement for men and women over 55, at no charge to the job seeker or the employer.

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