The Villagers still going strong after 43 years

Correspondent

By jane meggitt


JERRY WOLKOWITZ  Dolls and bears outfitted in costumes created by members of the Villagers of Allentown for distribution to needy children are displayed at the home of Valerie Ferro, Upper Freehold.JERRY WOLKOWITZ Dolls and bears outfitted in costumes created by members of the Villagers of Allentown for distribution to needy children are displayed at the home of Valerie Ferro, Upper Freehold.

ALLENTOWN — The Villagers, a civic and social women’s club based in Allentown, held its annual Christmas tea on Dec. 12. Valerie Ferro, a new member of the club, hosted the well-attended event at her Allentown home.

The group is noted for the dolls members sew clothing for and the bears they create. These are donated to hospitals, hospices and less fortunate children to spread cheer during the holiday season. The Turtle Creek Quilters of Groveville donated 102 quilts this year so that every doll and bear gets a quilt.

Elizabeth Dey, Upper Freehold, founded the group in 1968. Originally it was affiliated with the Board of Home Economics Extension Service of Monmouth County. Later "we went in a different direction," said Dey, "and decided to start our own club."

Their handbook describes the club as "a nonprofit organization with strong community involvement and with a charitable focus." And their mission statement encourages members to "enjoy both old and new friendships and to learn and to develop new interests during the bimonthly meetings." It also stresses that "every member is valued for her special qualities and talents."

Membership in the Villagers is limited to 100 women, and there are now approximately 70 paid members, about 40 of whom regularly attend meetings. It is run by a board of directors, and each member chooses committees to serve on.

"At one time we had a waiting list [for membership]. We have had an influx of new members in the past four or five years," according to Dey. She added that when the group started, "it was more young mothers — now it’s a somewhat older group. There’s no longer a baby sitter at meetings."

Sandra Domboski, Whitehorse section of Hamilton, wanted to do charity work after retiring from her job last February. Her friend Irene Hancock told her about the Villagers, and Domboski joined in March. "I enjoy the charity work and the social end [of the Villagers]," said Domboski. "It’s a good combination and a nice group of ladies."

The Villagers have a variety of programs at their meetings including speakers, craft demonstrations and workshops. Day trips are also scheduled, and past excursions have included the Tuckerton Seaport Museum, the Sculpture Garden in Trenton, Barnegat, and shopping expeditions to Reading, Pa.

In November they hold a holiday emporium featuring antiques, collectibles, and arts and crafts, many of the latter are made by members. Other fund-raisers include a sale of cookbooks featuring members’ favorite recipes, notecards and wooden miniatures of local historical buildings.

Every year the Villagers awards a $500 home economics scholarship to an outstanding student at Allentown High School. At the spring luncheon, other donations are given to various local organizations. Past recipients have included the Allentown Library, the Crossroads after-school program, the fire company and the first aid squad.

The Villagers meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, September to May, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Allentown Presbyterian Church on High Street.

Annual dues are $15, and new members are welcome. For further information, call (609) 259-3581.