10 Feb The Pawling Shakespeare Club Celebrates Yuletide for the 127th Time!

The fun-loving members of the Pawling Shakespeare Club, one of the oldest Shakespeare clubs in America, celebrating the club’s 127th year of uninterrupted operation, held their annual holiday luncheon at noon on December 8 th at the JCC in Sherman, Connecticut. A most enjoyable time was had by all. The holiday luncheon committee included Marie DiLorenzo, Carol-Lee and Joe Kantor, Margaret Hubert, Judith deToth, Sheila and Bernie Kaplan, and Amy Z. Kornfeld. The event was beautifully catered by Lori Handrick-Bechtold, with club members also contributing favorite holiday fare.

Club president Bernie Kaplan welcomed all. Secret Santas were revealed and gifts were exchanged. Luncheon was served and was quickly followed by the entertainment portion of the get-together, which was introduced by Marie DiLorenzo and Carol-Lee Kantor, who also performed the original poem, “Saturnalia,” written by Dr. Shura Saul, a much-admired and dearly-missed club member. (In a program note, Saturnalia was described as an ancient Roman holiday thought to be the origin of merrymaking and gift-giving at this time of year.) Mr. Kaplan ably performed his original song, “Romeo &  Juliet,” accompanying himself on guitar; “A Funny Hanukkah Story” was read by Susan Stone; and Ms. Kantor and Cynthia O’Connor, together, sang a Rodgers and Hammerstein hit from Oklahoma. Additionally, Stephanie Rogers and Diana Knapp Bristol performed “You’re Quoting Shakespeare,” a comedic reminder of the many phrases that appear in Shakespeare’s plays that have worked their way into our everyday lexicon. Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 130,” which explores the nature of love and beauty, was read for all by Ingrid Gherson, and a video of a monologue from As You Like It was presented by Judith de Toth and Sophie Roberts.

The program was followed by an amazing array of desserts.

Members of the Pawling Shakespeare Club also include Terry Ariano, Reed Asher, Veronica Caruso, Maria D’Amore, Sandra Duffy, Sherrill Doer, Irma Harkins, Margot Jacobs, Medina Khalil, Dale Kolenko, Kathy Peck Marks, Barbara Quick, David Samuels, Vince Sottile, and Jeff Stock.

The Pawling Shakespeare Club meets twice monthly on Mondays at noon during the autumn and spring months, where a chosen play by the Bard is read aloud and discussed. This spring the club will be exploring Shakespeare’s play of summer madness and frivolity, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Inquiries about membership may be directed to Carol-Lee Kantor, at Jc******@*****st.net.

–by Susan Stone
Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Asher