December, 2011 President’s Letter

Dear Fellow Members,

The Holidays are upon us and it is time to say thank you to many.

First and foremost to Marty and his management staff, Wendy, Linda, Joel and Susan, and to

all of our staff “Thank You” from all of us.

Marty, you have been understaffed for two years. Wendy and Linda, Sue and Joel have taken it

upon themselves, under your direction, to accept the responsibilities of two and sometimes

three jobs, and yet still offer wonderful food and service. From all the officers and the Board of

Governors, thank you, to each of you, and thank you to all our service and kitchen staff, for

your caring effort and loyalty to the Club

I would also like to thank each of our members who have participated and given so freely of

their time and efforts to make the Club the incredible experience that we all enjoy.

In closing, I wish each of our members and staff a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

President,

C. Robert Foy

Neighborhood Club News

Founded 1917

 

Board of Governors

President C. Robert Foy Vice-President Sean Galvin Secretary Richard Meade

Treasurer James Egan General Counsel Robert Sheffield

Immediate Past President F. Michael McNally

Governors Dorothy DiPesa

Barbara Nestor Gail Bell

Anthony Losordo Barbara Le Bel Arthur Foley

Patricia McKelvey George Dolbec

Jane Howe Stephen Wessling

Paul O’Sullivan Kevin Mantville Francis White

Fred Walsh Greg Seymourian

House Committee

Sean Galvin Chairperson

Reciprocity Committee Vincent Santosuosso, Jr.

Chairperson

Bowling Committee Deanna Seymourian

Chairperson

Centennial Committee Larry Babb, Chairperson

Entertainment Committee Kathy Mitchell, Barbara Le Bel

Co-chairs

Membership Committee Alice Welch, Chairperson

General Information Main Line: 617-773-9300

Member’s Line: 617-773-5025

Fax: 617-773-5817

E-mail: martin@ncquincy.com

Dress Code Ladies

Appropriate dress is necessary for lunch and dinner.

Gentlemen Lunch - Business Casual

Dinner - Jacket and collared dress shirt or jacket and mock turtleneck. Tie is optional.

Dining Room Lunch

Tuesday - Friday 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Closed Mondays

Reservations

Reservations for lunch and dinner are required.

Reservations for lunch must be made by

10:30 AM and for dinner by 3:30 PM. We

do need to have your reservations made before

these times in order to adequately staff the

dining room.

Reciprocal Clubs

For a list of Reciprocal Clubs, please call the office.

 

Newsletter Staff

Co-Editors Larry Babb

Deanna Seymourian

Illustrator, Publisher & Coordinator

Susan Griffin

Contributing Staff Ann Collins Susan Egan Shyla Settles

Eileen McDonnell Barbara Le Bel

Contributors Every member of the Club.

_____________________________________

MERRY CHRISTMAS &

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

_____________________________________

A Message from The General Manager

I would like to open my message this month with sincere thanks for the gen-erosity shown by our members on the night of Thanks & Giving. It was a

very special evening where we honored the Club’s veterans, their guests and our troops who are serving here at

home and abroad for our country. Over $17,000.00 was raised, which does not

include the donations of goods that were given to our troops.

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, we are gearing up for the holiday season.

Some of the members together with our staff spent their time decorating the Club. The Club looks wonderful and I, appreci-

ate all of their hard work.

On Sunday, December 4th the Club will hold Breakfast with Santa. I know that

the children and adults will have a wonderful time at this event.

The Christmas Dance will be held on Saturday, December 10th. A fun eve-ning is planned where Tom Pitman will be entertaining the members and their

guests. I hope that everyone will attend this wonderful and memorable event.

I hope everyone will also attend the New Year’s Eve Candlelight Dinner which is

new to the Club this year.

The holiday season is a very busy and fun time here at the Club. I hope that all of you find the time to enjoy the season along with us. It is also a time for us to give thanks for all that we have. Please

keep in your hearts and prayers, the brave men and women that are in the armed forces

who are unable to celebrate the holidays with their families.

Best Wishes, Marty

Bob and Fran Foy pictured with Hazel Brown at the Duxbury Art Association 40th anniversary exhibit in September.

 

The First One Hundred Years

Part Four

In keeping with the theme of “Night of Thanks”, we are jumping ahead in our narrative

of “The First 100 Years”, to World War II, in order to honor the members of the Club, as of

1967, who served in this great endeavor.

WORLD WAR II

Our Club figured prominently in the early days of World War II for it was from within

this Club that orders were issued for the first real emergency mobilization of Quincy’s Civilian

Defense Organization of 5,500 volunteer members.

On Tuesday, December 9, 1941 (two days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor), an

important military meeting was being held in the office of Mayor Thomas S. Burgin with high

ranking Army officers to arrange for billeting 1,700 troops ordered to Quincy that day from

Camp Edwards for the purpose of setting up military defenses against the possibility of air at-

tacks from the enemy. During the noon recess of the meeting, Mayor Burgin invited the group

(of about 20) to the Neighborhood Club for a hurried luncheon before resuming its

deliberations at City Hall.

During the luncheon official word was received that the East Coast cities were being

alerted as unidentified planes had been sighted “heading for this vicinity.” Instantly the Club

was alive with action. What a few minutes before had been a pleasant luncheon group now bea-

came official “nerve center” from which orders were issued to call out the entire Civilian De-

fense Organization of Quincy in preparation of an air attack. Army officers left on emergency

orders to meet the slowly moving convoy of men, guns and equipment then about in Plymouth

on its way to Quincy. Air raid signals sounded; schools were closed; the Fore River Shipyard

dismissed its employees, and Quincy prepared for eventuality.

Fortunately, official word soon came the “All Clear” signal would be sounded. The

unidentified planes had been positively identified as not those of the enemy and the tension of a

short time before was soon greatly eased. Thus it can be said that our first actual war “scare”

was directed by the city’s chief executive from the Neighborhood Club of Quincy.

 

The First One Hundred Years Continued

HONOR ROLL—WORLD WAR II

Civilian Members of the Neighborhood Club who were in the Service of Our Country during World War II.

Alves, Charles S Mulhall, James A. Bonsall, George H., Jr. Murphy, Walter G. Brewer, John H. Nash, George A. Burgin, Thomas S. Neal, Willis A. Clapp, Charles E., Jr. Palmer, William H. Collins, George H., Jr. Pearson, Gray W. Collins, William H., Jr. Pennock, Earle Cutis, Theron S., Jr. Post, Frank R. Cutler, William R. Pratt, Lyndon E. Daley, George A., Jr. Remick, Frank E. Doyle, Emery J. Robie, Richard F. Dugan, James J. Sargent, Morgan, M.D. Faxon, Robert M. Simpson, Philip N. Gardella, Edward J. Spang, William F. Hales, James A. Spreadbury, W. Carleton Hart, Robert F. TenBroeck, C. Walter, Jr. Hurley, Paul E. Tremaine, Edward G., Jr. Jarvis Samuel G. Ward, Parker V. Larkin, Paul E. Weeden, Melvin E. Lindholm, Arthur W., Jr. White, F. Gilbert Mackay, Donald K. Wilkins, Charles H. Martin, John K. Wiseman, John T., Jr. McCausland, William A. Young, George C. Mead, Langdon W. Harpen, Holmer A. (Club Manager)

Unfortunately, after 1967, club records are unavailable as to Club members who have

served in the armed forces. Therefore, all members who have served, or know of those

who have served in the armed services since 1967, please provide this

information to larrybabb1@yahoo.com or dseymourian@comcast.net.

 

Our Pride Continues Once again, the Neighborhood Club of Quincy has answered its call, this time with the sons of

Members and Staff, who are currently serving in the armed forces.

 

E5 Patrick McGovern, son of Marty & Paula (Pictured fourth from the left)

Sgt. Patrick Tierney, son of Paul & Michelle Capt. Gregory Hayes, son of Don & Brenda Hussey

Capt. Tim Egan, son of Jim & Susan

“Many people refer to the World War II generation as the greatest one, but we’ve had greatness in every single generation of Americans who have served. I know of

none greater than the generation of GIs now fighting for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan and serving around the world. Someday soon, they’ll need us to fight

for them. “ General Colin Powell

 

Past President’s Notes

THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF QUINCY I REMEMBER  

Just recently on a warm Friday afternoon while sitting outside watching the afternoon sun begin

to set, with a fire in the fire pit and a jack black in my hand I began to reflect back on the things

I remember about why the Neighborhood Club of Quincy is so special.

I REMEMBER the many member dinner dances the cocktails before and after dinner along

with the elegant food and great music. The dance I remember most was our first one for that

was the night Marie and I were introduced by our sponsor as new members. During the course

of the night many members came up to us an introduced themselves and welcomed us to the

club. It was a special evening.

I REMEMBER the member sing along night when Marie Roach led our table in the sing

along, I didn’t know Dick Roach could sing. Or the night John McDermott entertained us with

some great old Irish songs.

I REMEMBER the elegant Christmas Ball where formal attire was not an option. The club

had been decorated by several of our members and staff both inside and out. All tables were set

and very festive looking not only in the main ballroom but also in the living room and Sears

room, talk about a full house. I recall you had about two weeks to make a reservation from the

time the function was announced otherwise you were on a waiting list.

I REMEMBER the bowling, thirty to thirty six teams, in all. We were told that the best way to

meet members was to join the bowling teams, how right was that. For many years the Bowling

Committee chairman was Bill Best, and there was never a more dedicated person for the task.

The next chair was Bill Edwards who not only was the committee chairman but also took a per-

sonal interest in the care and maintenance of the aging pinsetters, treating them like they were

his.

I REMEMBER the member functions where the members were the entertainment. They pre-

formed various skits, from plays to murder mysteries. I recall one particular event where a cur-

rent member rode back and forth on a three-wheel bicycle dressed as the every ready rabbit.

Anyone recall who that was?

I REMEMBER the “senior” members who new the rules of the club the so-called “unwritten

customs” and they would gladly pass them along to us newcomers as necessary. These were

members such as Dr. and Mrs. Dan Shea, Mr. and Mrs. Al Warmington, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie

 

Past President’s Notes Continued

I REMEMBER the yearly trips to New York City, which were always elegantly organized and coordinated by Henry and Millie Parker. These were the best, the Broadway shows, the dinners, the stop at the Stage Deli on the way home and of course Al our guide.

I REMEMBER the first Escofier dinner, 16-18 courses. We didn’t finish until around mid-night. Of course the dinners were always elegant but then there were those special dinners, which were prepared from members family recipes if requested. And of course there were those dinners, prepared tableside, which added a nice touch to the evening.

I REMEMBER the member sponsored cocktail hour, which happened when a group of mem-bers, not committees, got together and sponsored the cocktails before the member function. Those sponsoring members wore carnations that night, and as such, it was the custom to thank them sometime during the evening.

I could go on with many more memories, but, the sun is almost set, the fire is almost out and my Jack Black is just about gone. In the years to come when members are at home or far away I believe we will still remember with fondness and respect the club and all its moods. And then, suddenly, there will be a faint whiff of a dinner being prepared, a distant echo of greeting of long time friends, and a refrain of laughter from somewhere nearby. With these memories and many more we will stand taller and say I am a member of THE NEIGHBORHOOD CLUB OF QUINCY.

PAUL ROONEY, PRESIDENT 1999-2000

I

I would like to especially thank two members in this newsletter, Steven Wessling and Fran White who are

pictured with their wives, Mary Wessling and Joanne White. Each has donated much to the Club recently.

Steve and his architectural firm have been in the forefront of design for the roof and many other projects

here at the Club. Fran and his electrical firm have been actively keeping our electrical systems working,

many times without charge. Bob Foy

 

Christmas Dinner Dance Saturday December 10, 2011

6:30 PM

Cocktail Entertainment by Cappy

Passed Hors d'oeuvres Signature Ice Sculpture

Music for Your Dancing Pleasure by

Tom Pittman and Linda

~ MENU ~

Appetizer Butternut Squash Ravioli

Roast Sirloin or Shrimp &

Chicken Dijonnaise

Twice-Baked Potatoes

Green and White Asparagus

Dessert ~ A Joel Surprise!

Coffee

$55.00 Inclusive of Tax and Gratuity

RSVP By December 2nd

 

Night of Thanks

 

Night of Thanks

 

The following children and adults will be attending the Children’s Christmas Party at the Neighborhood Club.

Number of 13 yrs - Adults attending: _______

Number of 10 yrs - 12 yrs attending: _______

Please state whether the 9 year old or under is a child or grandchild

Name M F Age Relationship

__________________________ ____ ____ ___________________

__________________________ ____ ____ ___________________

__________________________ ____ ____ ___________________

Breakfast with Santa Santa will be coming to the Neighborhood Club for a wonderful afternoon full of fun. Join us

for a scrumptious breakfast, gifts from Santa, face painting, bowling for the older siblings, and

activities for all of the children.

If desired, please provide a wrapped $10. gift for siblings older than 9 years.

It is essential when returning the Children’s Christmas Party Cards that the office knows the

number of children who will be receiving a gift from Santa,

siblings 10-12 years, and the number of adults that are attending.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

All are welcome, with or without children!

Sunday, December 4th

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Adults ~ $16.

Children 6 – 12 ~ $10.

Children 5 & under ~ no charge

Plus tax and gratuity

 

Historical and Neighborhood Club Ornaments

For the past few years, the Neighborhood Club has offered

Christmas ornaments with hand painted depictions of the

Club as well as Quincy and Milton historic sites. Deanna

Seymourian organized this project with the understanding

that the profit from sales will go to the Centennial

Committee. This year we

commissioned additional

Neighborhood Club

ornaments as well as famous H.H. Richardson designed

Thomas Crane Library, the Adams Mansion, the Birth-

places of John and John Quincy Adams, and the Baker

Chocolate Factory. If you have an interest in purchasing

one or more of these ornaments please fill in the form below

and send it to the Club. The cost of each ornament is just

$20.00.

Name______________________________________________________

Ornament:

□ Neighborhood Club Cream □ Neighborhood Club Gold

□ Adams Mansion Cream □ Adams Birthplaces Gold

□ Thomas Crane Library Gold

Cost $20.00 each Total________________

 

Decorating

the Club

 

Santa’s Little Decorators

 

 

Birthdays and

Anniversaries

Remember to come to the Club and celebrate

with family and friends during your birthday

month and receive a complimentary meal

(up to $20) Don’t forget to let the staff know!

Also do not forget to check your driver

licenses to see if they have expired!

Happy December Birthday to

Joan Booras, Barbara Callahan, Shyla

Settles, Michael Buonsanto, Peter Donadio,

Kathleen Garvey, Carmella Hammerle, Joyce

Loeb, Francis McCauley, Frank Trainor,

Caryn Smith, William Sweeney, and

Francis Yafrate.

Happy Anniversary to:

Richard and Marie Roche who recently

celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Congratulations to:

Paul and Karen Ponichtera

who welcomed a grandson

Griffin Woody Burke

Please send your Birthday and Anniversary information to be included in our column to

Eileen. McDonnell.bsn@gmail.com

In Memoriam

It is with great sorrow that we announce the

passing of past President

Mr. William J. Dignan

and former past member

Mrs. Babi Ritter

The members of the Club and staff wish to

extend our deepest sympathy.

The Club also wishes to extend our deepest

sympathy to Joseph Reggiannini

on the passing of his father.

Christmas Gifts

It is the Club’s policy to give the staff a

Christmas gift from the members for all of

their hard work and dedication.

This year the members will be billed for

these gifts at $13.00 per B member and

$25.00 per A member. These charges will be

reflected in the November 30th and

December 15th billing statements.

If this gift presents a hardship for any

members please let the office know.

Thank you for your continued support and

dedication to the Club.

 

 

Mystery Movie Night Thursday, January 12,

2012

Cocktails ~ 5:30 p.m. Dinner ~ 6:30 p.m. Movie ~ 7:30 p.m.

There will be no Mystery Movie Night in

December.

On Thursday, January 12, 2012 our Mystery

Movie will be_____________!

All we can tell you, it is the perfect movie for

a cold January night. It is from MGM and

stars HK and KG and has to do with the deep

south.

A perfect night in every way:

Perfect movie.

Perfect friends.

Perfect food.

and of course Perfect popcorn.

All for only $22 all inclusive.

Reservations by January 7th please.

New Year’s Eve Candlelight Dinner

Saturday, December 31st

A special, one-of-a-kind dinner

served from

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

The “New Year’s Menu” features a

complimentary Champagne cocktail

and your choice of one of the Joel’s

special entrees.

Cappy will serenade you and your

guests with soft, dinner music.

Enjoy after dinner drinks in the

Living Room with music until . . .

As we will set tables for two to eight

guests, please make your

reservations no later than

December 27th.

 

New Members

We would like to welcome our newest

members to the Club, who were voted in at the

Board Meeting in November. We hope you

enjoy using the Club.

George & Lee Cary, Milton Deanna Seymourian and Richard Roche, sponsors

John & Ellen Gallagher, Milton

Richard & Jane Howe and Robert & Mary Sheffield, sponsors

John & Denise Leonard, Milton Matthew McDonnell and Dennis Mahoney, sponsors

Michael & Martha McFarland, Quincy Sean Galvin and Richard Meade, sponsors

John & Celeste McGlone, Quincy Sean Galvin and Francis White, sponsors

Ronald & Karen McKim, Quincy Arthur Sharp and David Smith, sponsors

Dr. Thomas Fitzgerald, Braintree Dr. John Dalton and C.Robert Foy, sponsors

Thomas Zukauskas, Quincy Richard Meade and Donald Uvanitte, sponsors

“Words from Wendy”

Please remember to make dinner reservations as early as possible, especially during the

Holiday Season. Thanks Wendy

Did you Know?

America's official national Christmas tree is not located at the White House, but rather in King's Canyon National Park near Sanger,

California. The tree, a giant sequoia known as the General Grant Tree, was designated the

"Nation's Christmas Tree" in 1925.

It is 267 feet high, 40 feet across its base, and is estimated to be between 1,500 and 2,000

years old. In 1956, the tree was declared a na-tional shrine to honor the men and women of

the U.S. military. As a memorial, park rangers place a wreath at the base of the tree during the

Christmas ceremony, which has been held every year since 1925.

Fran Foy pictured with Helen Sullivan. Both celebrated their birthdays at the

Club in November. It was Helen’s 100th Birthday.

 

Committee Reports

Entertainment

The Entertainment Committee has done its

usual beautiful job decorating the Club for the

holiday season. Darlene Babb, Barbara Walsh,

Kathy Galvin, Mary Wessling, Barbara LeBel,

Peggy O’Sullivan, Marie Roche, Mary Alice

Yafrate, Lucy Talanian, Deanna Seymourian,

Kelly Draicchio, Fran Foy, Bobbi Leary,

Diane Caledonia, and Bob and Kathy Mitchell

worked tirelessly on this project. We could

not have done this without the able assistance

of staff members including Linda, Margaret,

Carlos, Rob, Kim and Irene who performed

yeoman’s work decorating the members sec-

tion of the Club.

Our busy December season begins on Decem-

ber 4th at 11:00 AM featuring the ever popular,

Breakfast with Santa. Deanna Seymourian

and her committee are busy wrapping gifts to

help Santa out during this busy season. The

committee is also creating projects for children

and grandchildren to do the day of the event.

Saturday, December 10th we will host our An-

nual Christmas Social featuring dinner and

dancing to the music of Tom Pittman and

Linda. An elegant evening is planned with

passed hors d’ oeuvres, a choice of Roast Sir-

loin or Shrimp & Chicken Dijonnaise and a

surprise dessert prepared by Joel. We encour-

age you all to attend and perhaps bring guests.

Our New Year’s Eve Candlelight Dinner

features a complimentary Champagne cocktail

and your choice of one of the Joel’s special

entrees. Dinner is served from 6:30-9:00 and

prices vary based on your entrée choice.

Cappy will entertain you and your guests with

soft, dinner music. Enjoy an after dinner drink

or two with music until . . . We will set tables

for two to eight guests, please make your res-

ervations no later than December 27th.

 

Bowling

It has been reported there is a ball poacher in

the bowling alleys, which is in strict violation

of the ball rules. Mike McNally has posted a

reward to prevent further violation. Deanna

Seymourian, states that the offender if caught,

will be sanctioned to the full extent of the

bowling rules. 

Membership

The present membership totals are Class A

165, Class B 102, Class F 15 and Class H 15

for a grand total of 463 members.

Centennial

The Centennial Committee is working closely

with the newsletter staff is compiling informa-

tion to be included in the segment “The First

100 Years”.

Information on the Club’s first 50 years has

been easily available from a variety of sources.

The 50 years from 1967 to the present time is

proving to be a more difficult task.

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

DECEMBER 2011 

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

L Bowlers

4 - 2 1 - 3

2 3

4

Breakfast with Santa

5 6

M Bowlers

2 - 4 5 - 6

7

M Bowlers

3 - 1 9 - 7

8

L Bowlers

2 - 3 1 - 4

9 10

Christmas Dance

11 12 13 14

15

16 17

18 19 20

House Committee

21

22

23 24

25 26 27

28

Board of Governors

29 30 31

New Year’s Eve

Dinner