President’s Corner

Dear WWHP friends,

Many wonderful things are happening in the realm of Abby! You’ll read about much of that in this newsletter … and rejoice!! Included among good things celebrated was Annette Rafferty’s 80th Birthday!! She was honored at a reception at the Hanover Theater on February 14th with many friends and ad-mirers, who afterwards enjoyed “100 Years of Broadway” as a benefit for Abby’s House! Happy Birthday, Annette!

In October this year, WWHP will be celebrating its 15th year as well as the 160th anniversary of the first National Woman’s Rights Convention. Some wonderful ideas are in the works, but perhaps you have a suggestion on how WWHP should mark these momentous occasions. Send them to wwhp.office@gmail.com or call and leave a message at 508-767-1852.

We anticipate a very special celebration in 2011 as we mark the anniversary of Abby Kelley Foster’s 200th birthday! One event will be a collaborative with Abby’s House, for which there was an organizational meeting with Annette Rafferty and Julie Komenos of Abby’s House. Want to get involved? Contact Nancy Avila at wwhp.office@gmail.com.

Many thanks and congratulations to the WWOHP for their nomination for the T&G Vision Award … a significant recognition of our contribution to the Worcester commu-nity. “Kudos” to Lynne McKenney Lydick for bringing Yours for Humanity —Abby to the Women’s Legislative Caucus at the State House on January 27th and very special thanks to Senator Harriette L. Chandler who helped make that a reality. What GREAT ways to start a remarkable year. …And the beat goes on.…

A new membership year starts March 1. As you renew your membership (or consider joining WWHP for the first time), I invite you to think generously. By your support, you are part of making a difference in the Central Massachusetts commu-nity by raising awareness of the rich history of women in the Worcester area, both past and present.

Please open your hearts (and your pocketbooks), my dear friends, and help celebrate Abby with the best birthday gift EVER!!

Heartfelt thanks,

Fran