Set on the second story of the Victorian mansion known as The Woodlands, The Delano Restaurant's two private dining rooms and bar provided a touch of elegance and classic refinement for chapter board of directors and members to warmly welcome new members and sponsors at the 2008 New Member & Sponsor Appreciation Spring Social on Thursday evening, April 3^rd.

It was a great time for 70 attendees to mix and mingle over cocktails and hors d'oeurves, to meet some of our sponsors, and to have the opportunity to find out about all that our chapter has to offer and how to get involved through volunteering in a brief program that rounded out the evening.

Chapter President Janet Mallon and board members shared informational highlights of events and activities that are upcoming in the months ahead. Audience questions were encouraged and addressed by Liz Tobin, League Chair; Chris Sedlacek, Education Chair; Suzanne Garcia, Rules and Handicap Chair, Susan Pickering, Membership Chair; and Janet Mallon fielded questions on golf outings for Janet Knipfing, Golf Events Chair who not in attendance.  Sponsorship Chair Jane Gallagher welcomed and introduced each attending sponsor, detailing their varied products and services of which members were encouraged to take advantage of the many offers they provide us. 

Social Chair Lynne Nordone announced the next two social events: "Get Your Head Out of the Sand Trap" a women's health program featuring Dr. Nancy Dintenfass, D.O., Director of Women's Imaging Services at The Women's Center of St. Francis Hospital and comedian and stage/screen actress Darlene Violette on May 29^th at the DeMatteis Center; and the Spring 9 & Dine on June 10^th at Olde Vine Golf Club. Last, but certainly not least, Leadership Chair Patrice Franco, talked about the importance of volunteering and current opportunities on various committees.  Also in attendance were chapter Vice President Jackie Meli-Rizzo, Secretary Bobbie Turner and Treasurer Carolee Mancuso.

The lively Q&A was welcomed by directors and members were reminded that they can contact the appropriate committee chairs with questions at anytime. Contact information is available on the chapter website, www.ewgali.org under the Committees link.

Two chapter sponsors donated drawing prizes at the event.  The first was a gift certificate worth $100 of printing at Mimeo.com given by Trade Show Solution Center and won by Ellie Albert.  A gift certificate for a 2-night stay at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Golf & Spa Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a round of golf for 2 at the Whirlwind Course was provided courtesy of Helms Briscoe and won by Sharon Hamilton.  Thanks to both of our sponsors and congratulations to the winners!

Many thanks to social event committee members who dedicated countless hours pre-event to ensure a enjoyable evening for all - Gloria Bauer and Penny Bernstein, and also to Ellen Meyerson and Fran Zaslow who assisted Gloria, Penny and Lynne checking in and greeting attendees onsite.