We started this new year with a financial “bang” as we’ve collected more money than ever before, from our Annual Treasures Sale -- $356.  There were so many wonderful things to purchase in exchange for a mere $5 ticket, that many people bought multiple tickets to buy more items.  Indeed, some bought so much that they needed shopping bags to carry their goodies home!  We also reached new heights with the sale of 50/50 raffle tickets -- $300.  Two lucky winners Patty Todd and Cathy Sheridan each took home $74.  Thank you to the small army of volunteers and draftees who made it possible for us all to have a good time raising money for a worthy cause.
     We’ve been having fun supporting our community through various local nonprofit organizations this membership year, but once again it is time to determine whether we should continue to make Eight Waves, Inc. the focus of our charitable support or replace it.  That is, it’s time to create a Charity Selection Committee of four members to identify and recommend local nonprofit organizations, whose missions include serving women and children.  If you “want a say” on who will receive your money, there are three things that you can do:

       1.  Volunteer to serve on the Charity Selection Committee. If you’re moved to help, please get in touch with Linda Pintro at WestOrangeWomen@gmail.com as soon as possible (no later than February 4, 2026).   This is perhaps one of the most significant decisions that we must make each year, because these organizations will become the beneficiaries of the bulk of our charitable collections.
       2.  After we select the people to serve on the Charity Selection Committee, tell any of them about your favorite local charity, and the reasons therefor.  This is because the Committee’s job is to investigate nominated charities (by the end of March); and recommend up to three, to the Board, at the April Board meeting.  The Board will vote on the recommendations of the Charity Selection Committee, and thereafter, identify them in the Newsletter. Representatives of the nominated charities will give a brief presentation about their charity’s mission at the April Luncheon.
      3.    Cast your electronic vote for the charity that you would like to support in the upcoming year. 

Matthew’s Hope Dinner January 20th

  120 homeless men, women, and children ate a delicious Italian Dinner which consisted of Meatballs, Sausage, Pasta with red sauce, Pasta with Alfredo sauce, Caesar salad, Tossed salad, Fresh fruit cups,  Italian bread, Cookies, and  Juice.
Food was prelpared/provided by Bev O, Lil G, Debbie E, Jan P, Laura R, Mary S, Holly M, Mary B, Wanda K, Joan R, Jennie R, Gail C, Noel M, and Liz P.         
~~Bev O, her husband Tony, Lil G, Karen T, and Debbie E served.  Matthew's Hope was quite hectic as it was serving as a cold-weather shelter for many of their clients Thank you , Ladies, for your generous efforts to assist the homeless at Matthew’s Hope.  Karen Tiffany