November, 2011 President’s Letter
Dear Fellow Members:
We are approaching that special time of year, Thanksgiving and Christmas, when each of us
has an opportunity to say “thank you” for our good fortune, our families and for living as we
do, in this great free country.
It is also a time to say “thank you” on Veterans Day, to those who have served to keep us free.
Do you realize that we have current members who served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. We
also have relatives of member currently serving: Tim, son of Jim & Susan Egan, Greg, son of
Don & Brenda Hussey, Patrick, son of Marty & Paula McGovern, and Patrick, son of Paul &
Michelle Tierney.
A wonderful way to say “thank you” to each of these veterans, is to attend our ‘Night of
Thanks and Giving’, Thursday, November 10th. If each of us gives a little, much will be real-
ized.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I look forward to seeing you at the “Night of Thanks and Giving”
C. Robert Foy
President
Neighborhood Club News
Founded 1917
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARCIPATE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
CLUB OF QUINCY NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
See inside the newsletter for more information
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: [email protected]
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.
A Message from The General Manager
Although November has just begun, the Club is in
full swing planning the events for Christmas. This
is always an exciting and busy time at the Club.
The Inaugural Ball was held on Saturday, October
1st. It was one of those evenings where everyone
had a great time, not only the members and their
guests but the staff as well. Everything was perfect
and it was fitting tribute to our new Club President
Bob Foy and his wife Fran.
The House Committee held the first in a series of
three fireside socials. The attendance exceeded our
expectations. Jimmy Richards played acoustical
background music as members enjoyed cocktails by
the fireplace. I would encourage all members to join
us for the fireside social on October 27th and
November 3rd. This event lends itself to be a perfect
venue to bring prospective new members.
I would like to remind our members about, a Night
of Thanks & Giving that will be held on Thursday,
November 10th. Please come and honor our
Veterans. There is a flyer enclosed in the newsletter
with more information. We would appreciate any
donations and raffle items for the event. Please call
the office. Members wishing to attend the event
should make reservations early as this will sell out.
Because of the nature of the event no late
reservations will be accepted.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Club, Marty
Did you know?
Member Anne Collins, during
World War II was a member of the
first graduating class of the
women's Navy Core,
“The Waves”.
Winter Cocktail Parties
Sponsored by the House Committee
Thursday, October 27th
Thursday, November 3rd
8pm in the Living Room
Cocktails and Entertainment
The First One Hundred Years
Part Three
WORLD WAR I
The entry of the United States into World War I in April, 1917, had its effect upon Quincy as upon other cities. Young men, including Club members, were called to the colors. There was a gradual recession in Club activities – a general disposition of everyone to retrench while the Nation was engaged in warfare – a slow, but sure decline in patronage of the Club. This tendency was not immediately apparent and during the first year of the Club’s existence, its adult membership actually increased from 317 on January 27, 1917 to 352 on January 28, 1918.
In July, 1917, the Board of Governors voted that dues should be remitted for all mem-bers of the Club who had entered the service of the Government in connection with the war.
HONOR ROLL – WORLD WAR I
Civilian Members of the Neighborhood Club who were in the Service of Our Country during World War I. Angier, Otis C. Hall, Henry I. *Atwood, Frederick M. Hill, Edward H. Bailey, David W. Johnson, Howard D. Baker, Herbert S., Jr. Jones, Frederick E., M.D. Bigelow, Homer L., Jr. Miller, Allen P. Blackmur, Maurice A. Nolan, William J. Blackmur, Pal Parker, Albert D. Bumpus, Morris E. Pattee, Richard S. Burgin, C. Rodgers *Pfaffmann, John S. Burke, Francis R., M.D. Prouty, Reed Dasha, Joseph A. Reardon, Daniel B., M.D. Doble, Enoch H. Rice, William B. Doble, Kendall D. Schenkelberger, Frederick Doble, Ralph N. Sears, Samuel P. Dolan, William F., M.D. Sheahan, George M., M.D. Edwards, Louis K. Sheppard, Carl R. Edwards, William C. Simpson, Frederick *Eldridge, Seth A. Smith, Frederick M. Ellsworth, Samuel W., M.D. Whittemore, Edmund I. Faxon, Henry H. Wright, Livingstone Hardwick, Sidney C., M.D. Young, George S. * Died in Service
The First One Hundred Years Continued
DECADE FOLLOWING WORLD WAR I
As shown by the Honor Roll which appears elsewhere in this publication, there were forty-two civilian members of the Club in the service of our Country during World War I. Re-ferring to their effort, the President’s report for the Governors at the Annual Meeting on Janu-ary 27, 1919, contains the following tribute:
“Theirs was the noblest action, theirs the highest sacrifice, theirs shall be our everlasting gratitude! Our service flag is adorned with thirty-nine blue stars – by three golden stars
Frederick Mitchell Atwood Seth Arnold Eldridge John Shaw Pfaffmann Each in the prime of youth, ambitious and eager for a useful life, of sound moral princi-
ples and character – all patriotically yielding ‘the last full measure of devotion’ – may the glory in which they died and the honor which was brought to their families and the community in which they lived – be shared by the members of this Club of which they were so fond.”
Word War I ended militarily in November 1918. On January 1, 1919, the adult mem-bership of the Club stood at 373 and the Membership Committee’s report of January 15, 1919, states that including children “there must be in the neighborhood of 450 members using the Club at the present time.”
Class A membership (man and wife), was limited to 175 couples. The Membership Committee considered the question of cutting this limit in order to establish a waiting list. There were, at that time, 149 Class A memberships. While the Committee was not unanimous, the majority opinion was that the membership limit should not be reduced.
The optimistic atmosphere of the Club during the season of 1919 – 1920 is reflected in the following passages from the President’s Report:
“We have a strong, splendid membership. We have for the present an adequate, comfortable and beautiful house. The men and women comprising the Club are the leaders of thought and action in our city and other places; they need no spur to hasten them to action for the benefit of the community. Here have been held meetings, confer-ences and entertainments concerning matters important to the nation and to our commu-nity, and yet we have still maintained our original plan of being a social organization – a place for rest or recreation. And this seems to be the status in which the Club can be most helpful to the individual and city, and to adhere carefully to this policy – being briefly a useful social Club – is the intention of the Governors and the desire of the members as the Governors construe it.”
As shown by the Treasurer’s report, during 1918 the Club operated at a loss of about $1,100. Holders of certificates waived all interest for the year. Dues were increased to $35 a year for Class A members, $25 for Class B and $15 for Class C members.
The First One Hundred Years Continued
INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC
On September 12, 1918, the first death in Quincy from “Spanish Influenza” occurred.
By September 17, more than 500 cases of this disease were reported in the City. The City Hos-
pital was crowded with patients suffering from this epidemic. By September 19, six deaths in
the City had been reported to the Board of Health.
In view of the crowded condition at the Hospital and because of lack of facilities in the
City to care for the increasing number of patients, the Board of Governors voted to turn over
the Neighborhood Club to the Board of Health as a temporary hospital for the reception of pa-
tients. Fifty beds were set up in the clubhouse, the Assembly Room becoming a men’s ward
and the Lounge being converted into a women’s ward. Regular Club furnishings were either
removed or packed in the basement. Many courageous women members of the Club volun-
teered throughout the period of the epidemic to assist in preparing laundry, in cooking for the
regular nurses, or in preparing special diets for the convalescing. Three trained nurses were
assigned by the Board of Health to make the necessary preparations. The Quincy Preparedness
League supplied much of the necessary equipment.
The following contemporary account appeared in The Quincy Patriot Ledger, Friday
evening, September 20, 1918:
“If there were ever a time in the history of the City of Quincy when officials and
citizens rose to an occasion it was yesterday, when a few hours the well appointed home
of the Neighborhood Club was transformed into a hospital, fully equipped with beds
and necessary facilities to take care of fifty or more patients who have been, or may be
stricken with Spanish Influenza.
“The spread of the epidemic has been phenomenal. There seems to be no de-
crease in the number of cases in Quincy. In fact the disease appears to be on the in-
crease here. Several deaths were reported yesterday. The physicians, who have been
working day and night, are unable to attend to all the calls.
The First One Hundred Years Continued
“The City Hospital has become overcrowded. Most of the patients there are suffering from
pneumonia. Many would like to have gone to the hospital for treatment, but this is im-
possible. Nurses are also out of the question, for all the local nurses are busy.
“It became apparent early in the week that heroic and emergency measures were
necessary to cope with the epidemic. The need of hospital accommodations was
brought to the attention of the Board of Governors of the Neighborhood Club with the
result that at a meeting held Wednesday evening they voted to grant the use of the club-
rooms as a temporary hospital.
“Bright and early Thursday morning the Board of Health sent three nurses to the
clubhouse. Mayor Joseph L. Whiton also spent the greater part of the day there, and
with a corps of men and women volunteers the work was pushed forward.
“Beds were sent to the clubhouse from the Fore River Hospital and others were
purchased in Boston. Vans began to arrive early in the morning and the work of remov-
ing the Club furnishings and installing the hospital equipment went on a pace so that by
night fifty beds had been set up and the club-hospital was ready to receive patients.”
It is to be regretted that the entire report of this community emergency – and the part
played by the Neighborhood Club cannot be re-printed due to lack of space. Suffice it to say,
however, the Club’s ready response for emergency assistance during this critical period re-
ceived the commendation of a grateful citizenry.
The Neighborhood Club of Quincy as constructed in 1917
Past President’s Notes
There is little left for me to add to the vibrant reflections of Past Presidents Bob Dwyer and Matt McDonnell. They have done the unimaginable - left me with nothing to say……………….Almost! But I will be brief.
Since Bob and Matt have brought the past 45 years of Club History to life, I would like to ad-dress the future, specifically, the new members.
Thirty one years have gone by in what truly seems to be the blink of an eye. And yet, Claire and I have enjoyed the Club more and more each year.
The future of the Neighborhood Club lies in the hands of the Membership and most especially the Newer Members. Your participation determines what the Club will look like as we ap-proach the end of our first hundred years.
Claire and I initially used the club as a dinner club. Then we began sponsoring our friends as members after sharing social events like New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. The more friends you have at the club, the more you use the Club.
Then came Matt McDonnell’s trip to Bermuda. At the end of one of the most fun-filled weeks, Claire and I found that we made 18 new and wonderful friends.
I have always heard that if you want to meet people at the Club, you have to bowl. Ralph and Lucy Talanian drafted us to Team #1 and we are still there. And, yes, it is true you do meet more people in one night of bowling then you would in a month in the dining room.
Participation in committees and on the Board of Governors brings a member full circle. Now you are taking an active and important role in maintaining and preserving the Club, as well as adjusting to the changes required to keep the Club relevant.
Claire and I would like to thank you all for the opportunity to serve on the Board, House Com-mittee and in my case the honor of serving as your President.
I can assure you all that the Neighborhood Club‘s future is bright. President Bob Foy, Vice President, Sean Galvin and Secretary, Richard Meade will maintain the Club’s high standards along with Marty, Wendy, Linda and Joel.
All they need is your continued participation. I hope that you enjoy the Neighborhood Club as much as we have.
Thanks Again,
Mike McNally
A Night of
Thanks & Giving
As we enter the holiday season this year the Club will remember our troops by celebrating our annual night of Thanks & Giving. We will take this op-portunity to ask Club members and their guests to celebrate all that we have and all
that we and others have given.
Join us:
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Cocktails at 6:00 pm
Dinner at 7:30 pm
Master of Ceremonies: Daniel J. Flynn
Dinner will be a traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner.
There will be a large selection of raffle and silent auction items. Payments are due immediately at the auction, via mastercard / visa or personal check.
A Live auction that includes a dinner for six at your home by the Clubs Execu-tive Staff.
$35.00 per person all inclusive.
RSVP by November 3rd.
Please bring the following items for us to help fill care packages for our troops;
Travel size toiletries, hand soap, deodorant, lip balm, toothpaste/brush, razors, shaving gel foot powder, antibacterial wipes, nail clippers, files, etc.
Leisure clothing ( no logos ) , sweat pants, sweat shirts, T-shirts, white athletic socks.
Paperback books * Pre-paid phone cards * Special request: Cigars.
Inaugural Ball The very successful inauguration was held on Saturday, October 1st with over 140 members
and their guests in attendance. Bob Foy was Inaugurated as the first father and son President of
the Club. The celebration lasted well into the morning hours and many of the members said
that it was reminiscent of the good old days, similar to the old dinner dances.
Membership
IT IS NOVEMBER AND THE TIME TO RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARCIPATE
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD CLUB OF QUINCY
NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIPSHIP DRIVE
The membership initiation fee will be waived for all new members who join The Neighbor-
hood Club of Quincy during the month of November, 2011. The financial requirements of
monthly dues and quarterly food minimum will remain in effect. The new members will be
able to join just in time to enjoy winter holiday celebrations (including a children’s party with
Santa) in our festive atmosphere.
This is a special time for all members to encourage family, friends, co-workers and
neighbors to join our 95-year-old premier Club and to share in social activities, fine dining and
camaraderie. Invite them to lunch or dinner. Invite them to a Club function. Let them experi-
ence service by our pleasant and efficient staff. Take them to a Mystery Movie night. Arrange
for a tour of our elegant Club. Inform them about priority access to function rooms for private
parties. Tell them about the reasonable dining room and cocktail lounge prices. Remind them
that The Neighborhood Club, as Past President Bob Dwyer reminisces, is a place where “fast
friendships” can be made…”some lasting for a lifetime.” Become their sponsors. Welcome
them.
Please accept President Bob Foy’s challenge to “Introduce your friends to the
‘Neighborhood Club Experience.’ They won’t be disappointed.”
Remember: You do not belong to the Club; the Club belongs to you!
Please inform staff when you are making dining reservations if you are bringing prospec-
tive members as your guests. We would like them to be warmly welcomed. Applications may
be picked up at the office or mailed to you or the applicant. If you have questions, comments
or suggestions for the Membership Committee, please e-mail [email protected]
Alice Welch, Chair
Carolyn Burke, Larry DeCelle, Bob Martell, Peg O’Sullivan, Maryalice Yafrate
Committee Reports
Entertainment
Upcoming Events
Thursday, November 3rd
Winter Cocktail Party
Thursday, November 10th
Night of Thanks
Monday, November 28th
Christmas Decorating
Sunday, December 4th
Children’s Christmas Party
Saturday, December 10th
Christmas Dance
Bowling
Bowling has a brought out the best in some
members with some fabulous scores, except
for Larry Babb. His claim to fame is that he is
consistent. Not particularly consistently good,
however, there is still a chance for him. A
relatively new member, Maureen Collins,
scored her all time high and now must live up
to that standard. All club members are wel-
come to come down to the alleys for a cock-
tail on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and
have a few laughs.
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 in the process of
compiling the names of all members of the
Club who have served in the armed services so
that a proper commemorative plaque can be
dedicated on the Club’s 100 year anniversary
and will be included in the 100th anniversary
commemorative publication.
Kitchen Committee
We would like to thank the entire Kitchen
Committee for a wonderful job during the
Inauguration Dinner.
For inclusions in future newsletters please
send in all materials by the 20th of the
month.
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 or under child 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.
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________________
News From A Broad
On my way to Florida, will report all next
month.
Shyla Settles
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 November Birthday to
George & Diane Caledonia, Dede Martell,
Gregory Seymourian, Fran Foy, Ruth
Caruso, Patricia Reggiannini, Steve Bartlett,
Linda Beck, Phyllis Chapman, Kathleen
Connor, Barry Hannon, Janis Hansen, Jeffrey
Kunz, Daniel Myers, and Harry McDermott
Happy 45th Anniversary
Jack and Rosemary MacKinnon celebrated
their 45th Anniversary with their family at
the Club in October.
Happy November Anniversary to
George and Diane Caledonia
Paul and Bobbi Leary
Gregory and Deanna Seymourian
Congratulations
Get Well
We would like to extend speedy recovery
wishes to Marie Barrett and Carol Jameson
for their recent illnesses.
Please send your Birthday and Anniversary information to be included in our column to
Eileen. [email protected]
Brides Room
The new brides room has been wildly
popular with prospective brides. If you
have not had a chance to see the room,
stop by the office and we will be happy to
take you on a tour.
Wendy
In Memoriam
It is with great sorrow that we announce the
passing of former member
Mrs. Edna Logan
The members of the Club and staff wish to
extend our deepest sympathy.
The Club also wishes to extend our deepest
sympathy to Kathy Mitchell on the passing
of her mother.
Mystery Movie Night Thursday, November 17th
Cocktails ~ 5:30 p.m. Dinner ~ 6:30 p.m. Movie ~ 7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss our holiday mystery movie on a
special night Thursday November 17.!!
Our. Movie is a comedy starring " C.C." and
"M.S.! Filmed in new England in 1988 and
released on June 3, 1988.
The film was directed by the man who
directed Butch Cassidy and the Sundance
Kid and the Sting… George Roy Hill.
The music was composed by Elmer
Bernstein who didn’t write West Side Story!
If we give you any more clues we may as
well name the movie-----but we won’t
Great food, good fun, popcorn, and best of
all good friends to share the laughs.
Ps there will be no movie night in December.
The next movie will be on January 12, 2012.
$22.00 all inclusive
Reservations by Saturday, November 12th
Save The Date
Christmas Dinner Dance
Saturday, December 10, 2011
at 6:30 pm
Did you attend the Inaugural or know
someone who did? Then you know
what a great time was had by all. Please join
us once again for a fabulous
evening with music from
Tom Pittman and Lynda.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
M Bowlers
8 - 5 9 - 3
2
M Bowlers
2 - 7 6 - 1
3
L Bowlers
1 - 3 2 - 4
4 5
6 7 8
M Bowlers
4 - 5 2 - 3
9
M Bowlers
7 - 1 6 - 8
10 Night of
Thanks & Giving
L Bowlers
4 - 3 2 - 1
11 12
13 14 15 House
Committee
M Bowlers
1 - 2 3 - 9
16
M Bowlers
4 - 6 8 - 5
17
Movie Night
L Bowlers
1 - 4 3 - 2
18 19
20 21 22
Board of
Governors
23
24
Happy Thanks- giving
25 26
27 28
Christmas Decorating
29
M Bowlers
9 - 3 6 - 2
30
M Bowlers
8 - 4 5 - 7