Friendships bloom through Women’s Club activities
By Mary Rea
Publicity chair
February is always a heart-happy month for the Women’s Club, where friendship blooms and fun is always in season. From inspiring art and culture to energizing outdoor adventures, February was filled with moments to love.
Our Social Committee arranged a truly memorable visit to the Fallen Star House, an extraordinary art installation perched atop Jacobs Hall at UCSD. Stepping inside, we explored a small, tilted cottage with breathtaking ocean views and clever details that merge art, architecture and imagination. A heartfelt thanks to Social Committee members Connie Gallagher, Margaret Hardy and Barbara Hanson for planning this special experience.
Not to be outdone, our Arts and Culture Committee planned a Midday Music Concert at the iconic dome at the top of the Downtown San Diego Central Library, offering spectacular views of the city below. We were beautifully entertained by classical violinists Travis Maril and Christian Gonzales. Thank you to Barbara Measelle, Deidre Spruce and Penney Homel of our Arts and Culture Committee for planning this delightful event.
A final February highlight was our annual trek to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with our adventurous walking group, where we enjoyed scenic hikes alongside roaming wildlife, tranquil lagoons and lush gardens. Many thanks to Joni Low and Cathy Denis, our Trail Hikes and Walks coordinators, for thoughtfully planning this annual excursion.
There was even more to love in February with all of our regular activities in full bloom: Book Discussions, Buncos, Bridge, Mahjong, Canasta, Fun and Games, Scrabble, and Pickleball.
Beyond the fun and fellowship, February reminded us of the heart of our mission – coming together to support our scholarships and community partnerships. Guided by our motto “Women United in Community Spirit,” the Scripps Ranch Women’s Club is pleased to continue its annual Community Giving Program, supporting projects that strengthen and enrich our community. Local non-profit organizations serving Scripps Ranch residents are encouraged to apply. Past recipients include Friends of the Scripps Ranch Library, Symphony in the Park, and the Scripps Ranch Theatre.
Scripps Ranch schools are also invited to apply for funding to support core academic areas including Math, Science, Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, the Arts, and STEM. Recent funding has provided classroom resources, STEM materials, science lab supplies and reading programs benefiting local elementary schools, the middle school and Scripps Ranch High School. Eligibility details and the online application for our Community Giving Program are available at srwomensclub.org. Direct any questions regarding community initiatives to club Vice President Christine Kniahynycky at Christine.kniahynycky@gmail.com.
Another important part of the Women’s Club mission is promoting educational opportunities for young women in Scripps Ranch. Each year, the club awards college scholarships to graduating high school seniors, recognizing academic achievement and community involvement. These scholarships underscore our dedication to investing in the future success and promise of these young women. The Scripps Ranch Women’s Club website provides specific eligibility requirements as well as online forms, including an electronic application. The Scripps Ranch High School Counseling Office also provides another source for eligibility information and applications. The deadline for applications for both the Scholarship and Community Giving Program is April 11.
If you are interested in learning more about the Women’s Club social activities as well as our community focus, please contact Membership Chair Lynn Parke at lparke@san.rr.com.
