2026-2027 MONTHLY PROGRAMS

 

 

October 1, 2026

Scarf Expo

We are proud to present the opening of the 2026-27 season with an expo of our members’ prized scarves. This curated collection of scarves was assembled by the Expo Team of Helene Schutz and Mary Taylor. An array of classic, ethnic, avant-garde scarves made of various fabrics will be displayed. Our program also features two former Hermes employees who will explore the potential of accessorizing with scarves. We are requesting that all attending members wear scarves to expand on the theme.

 

Our presenters, Maryam Satrap-Guinta and Raissa Mulholland Petracca, former sales associates of the global, luxury French fashion house Hermes with over 25 years of combined experience, are experts in scarf-tying techniques that transform silk rectangles into wearable art. They will demonstrate ways scarves elevate and enhance a basic outfit into a polished and elegant look. 

 

November 5, 2026

A Woman’s Work That Informs Her Perspective

Today’s program will focus on Joan Swirsky’s life’s work and the book she wrote on a serial murder case on Long Island. The culmination will tie together various elements of Lindsay Clancy’s filicide murder of her three children. 

 

Joan wrote health and science articles for The New York Times Long Island for over 20 years, as well as regional and national publications. A former delivery and operating room nurse, Lamaze teacher, psychotherapist, and book-and-lyric writer of four musicals. Writing extensively about breast cancer on Long Island, she redesigned the New York State Study about it and became the first journalist in America to put the breast cancer-environment relationship “on the map” of public consciousness. She was given the Nurse of Distinction Award by the New York State Legislature. She is author/co-author of 12 books. Currently, she writes globally for numerous conservative newspapers and websites. Her work can be found at www.joanswirsky.com.

 

 

December 3, 2026

Vocal & Instrumental Music for the Winter Holidays - A Fresh Interpretation

Douglastonian Emelie Latzer will perform with colleague Joey Herr and keyboardist. Emelie is a graduate of the renowned LaGuardia High School for the performing arts and NYU’s Steinhardt School, earning magna cum laude. She toured nationally in “Fiddler on the Roof” and internationally in “The Little Mermaid.” 

 

Joey Herr performed on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruises, traveling to 45+ countries. He starred as Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast Live!” at Walt Disney World Orlando. 

​

February 11, 2027

Crime and Punishment – True Life Cases of American Women

Megan Rha, founding partner at the law firm of Rha Kim Grossman & McIlwain, LLP, and our own WCD member, with her professional partner Jenny Kim, will recount stories from the actual cases they prosecuted as assistant district attorneys in Nassau County in the years prior to starting private practice. Their discussion will include current crime patterns of women.

​

March 4, 2027

Shall We Chat? A Lovefest for the WCD

Your wish is granted! You can speak with your BFFs for almost two hours non-stop for this program. Those who wish to share with the whole group can tell favorite stories about the WCD. A list of volunteer members will be compiled.

​

April 1, 2027

A Doyle Duet of Art and Silver 

1. “The Mystery of Vermeer” – Thoughts on the painting of a visionary master focusing on: intense realism, profound calm and rich color, supported with a slide program. 

 

Back by popular demand, Elaine Stainton studied both classical archeology and Renaissance Art. She completed her doctoral work in Renaissance painting at Princeton, receiving her Ph.D. there. She worked at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Sotheby’s and was a faculty member at various universities. Currently Senior Appraiser of Paintings at Doyle in New York, where she specializes in Old Masters Paintings.​​

​

2. “Entertaining with Style: Silver in the Gilded Age” – Todd Sell will focus on the world of Newport Mansions and Edith Wharton with a slide presentation. Members are welcome to bring in their favorite silver piece to stump the expert, Mr. Sell. 

 

Todd Sell is a silver specialist, general appraiser as well as a vice president of Doyle New York. As Director of Silver, he works extensively with Doyle’s trusts and estates. Mr. Sell started his career at Christie’s Toronto and later headed the Silver Department at Christie’s East in Manhattan. Mr. Sell appraises collections for private individuals and has worked with clients across the United States. He is a founding member of the Canadian Silver Society and New York Silver Society. He holds a degree in History from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada.​

​

May 6, 2027

Annual Meeting and Luncheon.  The South Beach "Hat Luncheon". Join us for a vibrant afternoon inspired by the beauty and glamour of Miami! Don your favorite statement sun hat or fascinator. 

​North Hills Country Club, North Hills.