September 2025 Chatterbox

Welcome Fall

The Woman’s Club 2024-2025 year ended May 31 st. Sue Roche has quietly ensured that our Clubhouse has been decorated for the last several years. The breakfront cabinet in the
parlor is always full of beautiful items. Thank you, Sue! Pam Parker, with the assistance of Phyllis Kelly, has produced and purchased our printed Yearbooks. They are always  exemplary. Thank you, Pam, Phyllis, and others who collected information for the Yearbook. 

The Woman’s Club Tea was an elegant and fun experience. Thank you to all the members who came and brought guests. We also owe our thanks to co-chairs Karen Swogger and ZoAnn Torrrey, those who set up for the tea, and most assuredly, we extend our gratitude to the Tea Committee members who provided the food for the tea: Susan Turner, Carla Warren, Sara Marsh, ZoAnn Torrey, Elaine DeCoursey, Karen Swogger, and Tristan Powers.

We had a successful garage sale! Carrie Riordan was a masterful coordinator for the sale. We saw Claire Moore and Mary Adkins all week, and several others also helped. Most
Chatterbox Newsletter of the Woman’s Club of Topeka August 2025 2 graciously, we recognize the importance of everyone who brought sale items. Thank you, EVERYONE!

Did you notice that when food was involved, you always found these people in the kitchen before, during, and after events—Karen Swogger, Janet Williams, Rae Boyd, June Parre,  Carolyn Burns, Mary Adkins, and at various times Carol Talley, Sue Roche, and Sandy Hastings? We saw you, and we say, “Thank you for all you did!” 

Team captains made sure teams were enjoyable and welcoming to everyone. It takes all of us for this Woman’s Club to be successful; many more than mentioned here. To all of our members, we say, “Thank you for your contributions and support of our Woman’s Club, our activities, and our teams!”

FIND IT IN THE YEARBOOK

• Members’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails

• General Meeting programs and meeting dates for the year; special activities also

• Teams, captains, beginning members of teams (join!), date and time of play

• Woman’s Club address, phone number, email, and website

• Policies, including the rental policies

• Officers & Committees

• Constitution & Bylaws

Use the Yearbook to stay connected to others and the Woman’s Club!

It’s a birthday card!

Around your birthday, you may receive an email that shows it is from, “the woman’s club the woman’s club sent you an ecard using CardSnacks” Thank you, Kathleen Wilson.

Ready, Set, GO

It’s time to gear up for the Woman’s Club 2025-2026 year. Great General Meeting programs and several activities are already being planned for our enjoyment. Some of them are 
fundraisers, but they are all planned with the goal of our having fun! Remember to put these dates on your calendar!

GENERAL MEETING PROGRAMS

The Fall Coffee and Style Show by Dillard’s will be on Thursday, September 4th, 10:00-12:00. For those who have reservations, we’ll see 12-13 outfits! The deadline for reservations is Tuesday, September 2nd.

Washburn University President Dr. Juliann Mazachek will present “What’s Exciting at Washburn – Everything” at our October 2nd General Meeting, 10 a.m. Please plan to attend this interesting program, so we will have a good turnout of members and guests to hear the University President speak. Luncheon afterwards, $15.

At our November General Meeting, November 6, 10 a.m, Ruth Maus, Author, will speak on her first novel, Lunacy and Acts of God, which is set in 1950s Topeka. Those who have heard her speak say the program is very interesting! Lunch $15.

Our Holiday Brunch is on December 4, 10 a.m. The Washburn Rural Choir will serenade with holiday and Christmas songs.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Sept 4 – Fall Coffee & Style Show
Oct 10&11–Duplicate Bridge Tournament
Oct 31- 5th Friday Game Day, Halloween
Dec 4 – Holiday Brunch
Jan 30, 2026 – 5th Friday Game Day
March 5 – Community Service Day
April 2 – Scholarship Day
April 11 – Bunco Game Event
May 7 – Election of Executive Board
May 29 – 5th Friday Game Day
June 4 – Recognitions & Memorials
June 12 & 13 – Garage Sale
July 31 – 5th Friday Game Day

ARE YOU INTERESTED…

In Belonging to a Foodie Team? Do you enjoy discussing food, recipes, and occasionally eating out? This team may be for you! The team will determine the content. Let Phyllis Kelly know of your interest, 785-221-0285.

In a fun, Singing with Friends Team? Do you like to sing along with the radio? If so, this team may be for you. We’ll probably sing along with cds. Call Joyce Kaul. 785-307-8069, to find out more information or to share your interest!


In Mah Jongg Lessons? Phyllis Kelly, Teacher, is considering four, 2-hour lessons in November. Call her, 785-221-0285, if you are interested.

In Crocheting? You can learn to crochet, improve your skills, or have fun crocheting with others. Call Sara Marsh, 785-383-7840, to get more information or to start a crocheting adventure!

In Beginner Bridge Lessons? Call ZoAnn Torrey, 785-806-2308, if you are interested. We are also looking for a teacher for these lessons. Interested? 

In exploring Duplicate Bridge? Bridge players who have a passion for bridge may be interested in talking with Jan Tillery, 785-633-3682 about duplicate bridge. Even if you don’t wish to play duplicate bridge yourself, you may know someone who has an interest but doesn’t get the regular Woman’s Club notices. Tell them about our duplicate bridge opportunity and encourage them to get in touch with us! Many bridge players enjoy the fact that our scores are posted online and you can see all the boards and how we played them. We are having a tournament in October at the Woman’s Club for players within the 200 mile radius.

SHARE INFORMATION WITH OTHERS

We encourage you to share team information and personal information (illness/accident and milestone birthdays and anniversaries) with other members. Contact information is in the Yearbook.

To share on Facebook – Mel Stewart

Chatterbox Newsletter – Zo Torrey

Website – Sara Marsh

Email – Mel Stewart or Zo Torrey

Cares & Concerns – Zo Torrey

Cards – Kathleen Wilson

Please share!

Membership

Currently, we have seventy-eight (78) Woman’s Club Members. Help us increase our membership by inviting friends and people you know who may be interested in some of our activities. Encourage other ladies to join the Woman’s Club of Topeka! It’s a great place to be—after all, you are here!

COMMUNITY GIVING AND SERVICES

This year, our Community Service Committee has selected donations for veterans and Blessing Boxes as our two main services to the community. We are collecting items for 
veterans between now and November 10 th . Our donations will be delivered to the VA hospital by Veterans Day, November 11 th . We were generous last year, and it was greatly appreciated. Help fill the donation box at least twice this year! We can donate items such as snacks, hairbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, shampoo & conditioner, socks, shaving cream, and hand lotion. We always identify a charity to support during the Christmas season. DoorStep is often selected. Do you have another idea? Contact Carol Talley, 785-224-3057.

Beginning in January, we will help stock Blessing Boxes. The purpose of Blessing Boxes is to provide items that can offer immediate relief and support to individuals and families. Nonperishable food items, canned fruit, snacks, cake mixes, frosting, oil, and personal care items, including menstrual products. We will receive more information in January. The March General Meeting will provide more information about Blessing Boxes and VA Topeka.

For over 112 years, the Woman’s Club has provided nursing scholarships. We continue to provide scholarships to the nursing programs at Washburn and Baker Universities. We also offer a scholarship at Washburn Tech to a female student pursuing a nontraditional field of study. 

QUEEN OF DIAMONDS RUBBER BRIDGE MARATHON

Our first day of play will be October 6. We will play on the first Monday for nine months – October through June. September is out because of Labor Day. We have 12 teams, and each participant will soon receive general information about the Marathon as well as who their opponents are for October. Rosters and complete play schedules will be handed out at the first game day. We are happy to have the addition of two Ever Young bridge players who have not played in the Marathon before: Judy Marks and Loretta Carman.
–Susan Turner

BOOK CLUB

We meet once a month on the second Thursday at 1 pm. We have been meeting at various coffee and food stores around town in addition to meeting at the Woman’s Club. The book club helps introduce the members to books we might not have tried. A lot of the books we get are available from the library book-in-a-bag program, so we don’t have to buy the books. It is nice to hear other members’ perspectives. I have read a lot of new books I might not have selected on my own. Join us! Call me, so I can tell you where we are meeting. Kathy Davis, 785-221-8451. These are the books we have chosen for the next few months.


September 11         All the Colors of the Dark                           by Chris Whitaker
October 9                North Woods                                                by Daniel Mason
November 13          Frozen River                                                 by Ariel Lawhon
December 11          Remarkably Bright Creatures                    by Shelby Van Pelt

GAD ABOUT ACTIVITIES, FALL 2025

Gad About is a Woman’s Club team that is open to every member all year. Sign up for activities that interest you and go with the group. Gad Abouts is a great way to meet new friends and share experiences with others. Save the dates of activities you want to attend, then make your reservations!  Have fun! Summer is going by quickly, and it is time to start planning some fun fall activities.  Listed below are five activities that we have planned for the next few months.  Please note the deadlines for joining the fun.  I hope that we see everyone at some or all of our outings.

To reserve a spot, contact Kathy Diehl at 785-969-7755.

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1. Sunday, September 21, 2025 – Helen Hocker Theater, 700 SW Zoo Parkway, Topeka, KS 66606 (Gage Park) at 2:00 p.m.  Cost – $19.00

Chicken and Biscuits, a comedy by Douglas Lyons

Can rivaling sisters Baneatta and Beverly bury their father without killing each other?  This proves difficult when Beverly shows up to the chapel with her “’blessings” on display.  Baneatta’s pastor husband tries to mediate the family drama, but when a shocking family secret reveals itself at the pulpit, the two sisters are faced with a truth that could either heal or break them. 

Reserve a seat with Kathy no later than September 1, 2025

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2. Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Topeka Shawnee County Library, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.  FREE

Son Venezuela – Music For A Sunday Afternoon

Sunday, October 12: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library – Marvin Auditorium 101ABC

Groove to Caribbean tunes. Salsa from Puerto Rico, Merengue from Dominican Republic, Cumbia from Colombia, Tambora from Venezuela, Afro-Cuban Rhythms, Murga from Panama and Calypso from Antilles.

Reservations are not required for this event.  We will meet at the library at 2:45.

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3. Monday, October 13, 2025 – Topeka Festival Singers at White Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m.  Cost – $25.

Soar with us through a program of music that celebrates courage, transformation, and reaching for new heights. From the iconic Beatles’ Blackbird to the uplifting hymn I’ll Fly Away, this concert invites you to dream big and embrace the winds of change. Let the music lift your spirit and carry you forward. Come fly with us!

RESERVE A SEAT NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 1, 2025 

CARPOOLING FROM THE WOMEN'S CLUB WILL BE ARRANGED BASED ON ATTENDANCE.

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4. Sunday, November 30, 2025 – Topeka Civic Theatre, 3028 SW 8 th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606      Cost $35.00

Anastasia the Musical

From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once on This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat.  Together they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

RESERVE A SEAT NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 15, 2025.  This early reservation time is necessary

since musicals fill up quickly and we want to be sure to get seating all together.

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5. Monday, December 15, 2025 – Topeka Festival Singers, White Concert Hall, Holiday Joy   7:30 p.m.   Cost $25.00

Celebrate the season with the warmth and sparkle of familiar holiday favorites, made even more festive with the brilliance of brass. This joyful concert has become a cherished  tradition in Topeka, uniting friends and family in song and spirit. Come share in the magic, memories, and music of the holidays.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY DECEMBER 2, 2025.

CARPOOLING FROM THE WOMEN’S CLUB WILL BE ARRANGED BASED ON ATTENDANCE.

MEXICAN TRAIN

We play Mexican Train every Wednesday and Friday, 1-3. Come play! It’s an easy domino game to learn — you’ll catch on the first time you play. No reservation is necessary, just come and play the game with us!      –Gayle Hassler

Pictures from the 5th Friday Game Day, August 29th

Rental of the Woman’s Club by Members

Clubhouse Rental Policies: Members Only. Changes in policy are in red.

Members of the Club may rent the building/room at reduced rates:
Events planned to last four (4) or fewer hours for
0 to 50 persons Rental $60 
51 or more persons Rental $120

Security Deposit $100

                (refundable if no damage)

Custodial services for set-up, if used $75

Events planned to last more than four (4) hours for
0 to 50 persons Rental $120

51 or more persons Rental $240

Security Deposit   $100

                (refundable if no damage)

Custodial services for set-up, if used $75

MEMBER RENTAL RULES

1.     Members may rent the Clubhouse for groups of which they are an active member.

2.     Members renting the Clubhouse must be present during the entire event.

3.     The time and date of the event is “reserved” only when the total fee is paid and the contract is signed, at least one (1) week prior to the event.  

4.     A member’s contract includes the Tenant Agreement.

5.     Members may check out a key from the Woman’s Club Secretary during the week before the event. Members must ensure that all doors to the building are locked at the conclusion of the event.

6.     A security deposit will be required; a member’s signature on the rental agreement constitutes a promise to pay for any damages that may occur during the rental period.

7.     The entire rental fee received will be refunded if cancellation is made at least one (1) workday prior to the event.

8.     If the event is cancelled the day of the event, the deposit will be forfeited. If the renter needs to cancel the event on a day that is not a workday for the Club’s Secretary, the member should call the Rental Committee Chair/Vice President.

9.     If the member chooses not to hire the Woman’s Club Custodian, the member renting the building is responsible for setting up tables and chairs; clean-up of tables, chairs, and counters and floors; taking down tables and chairs and putting them back in the closets; and taking out the trash.

10.  If the member’s group uses the kitchen, they will also be responsible for cleaning the kitchen, including cleanup of spills on top or in the ovens of the stoves; providing their own cleaning materials, including kitchen towels, paper towels, sponges, and dish soap. They should also make sure items that are brought and stored in the refrigerator have been removed and the refrigerator is clean.

11.  The custodian’s check is to be made to the Woman’s Club Custodian and received at least one (1) week prior to the contracted event. The check will be  returned if the event is cancelled within one (1) working day prior the event. If the event is cancelled within one (1) workday and set-up and/or opening has occurred, fifty dollars ($50) of the custodial fee will be retained for the Custodian and the remainder will be refunded.

Woman's Club officers and appointments