📚 So many recipes! Our Book Club had a lively discussion last night after reading The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. We loved exploring the different lives and challenges of women in the 1950s, such difficult and trying perspectives! A big thank you to Fran for hosting and treating us to a delicious spread inspired by the Briar women’s favorite dishes! 🍷📖✨
Next month’s read: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore — join us on November 18th! 🌲
We had a fun time testing our trivia knowledge at the Shannon Rose! Plenty of laughs and great company!
This St. Patrick’s Day and Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate an incredible life from history! Meet Margaret Ann Bulkley—an extraordinary trailblazer who defied expectations and broke barriers. Margaret Ann Bulkley: A Woman Ahead of Her Time 
Born in the early 19th century, Margaret Ann Bulkley knew that society would never allow a woman to become a doctor. So, she defied the rules—reinventing herself as Dr. James Barry.
Disguised as a man, she attended medical school, became a skilled surgeon, and even rose to the rank of Inspector General in the British Army. Along the way, she performed one of the first successful C-sections where both mother and baby survived—a groundbreaking achievement!
For decades, Barry lived in secrecy, dedicating a lifetime to medicine and saving countless lives. It was only after death that the truth was revealed: Dr. James Barry had been Margaret Ann Bulkley all along.
Her story is one of courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to breaking barriers. Imagine what she could have accomplished in a world where women were allowed to follow their dreams.
Let’s keep pushing for a future where no girl has to hide who she is to achieve her dreams! #CosmicGirlsFoundation
The Woman’s Club had a wonderful day exploring the beautifully decorated Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor! A big shoutout to the talented members of the Woman’s Club of West Milford, who dedicated countless hours designing, planning, and bringing this stunning vision to life. It was truly a magical and festive experience!
For October’s spooky season, the Women’s Club had a fantastic day diving into the eerie world of Edgar Allan Poe! Members explored Poe Cottage in the Bronx, where the legendary author spent his final days seeking fresh air and inspiration in what was then the countryside. 
After an insightful tour of his home, no Bronx visit would be complete without a trip to Arthur Avenue! Members wrapped up the day with a delicious meal, enjoying great food and even better company. 
Here’s to more unique adventures and celebrating literary legends together!
Did you know that the Women’s Clubs of New Jersey helped to save the Palisades?
Members enjoyed scenic views and beautiful weather as they hiked along the Women’s Heritage trail atop the Palisades. The area is important in the New Jersey Women’s Club Federation’s history. In the 19th Century the New Jersey Woman’s Clubs banded together to legislate the end of quarrying on the cliffs and the preservation of the Palisades. The Women’s Clubs assisted with the funding to preserve the cliffs, parkland, and shore that we now know as a 12-mile-long swath of nature with over 30 miles of trails along the shore of the Hudson River.
Members hiked to the Women’s Federation Monument that was dedicated on April 30, 1929 which commemorates the efforts of the New Jersey Women’s Clubs to preserve this valuable resource for the future.
Club members celebrated Women’s History Month by attending a screening of the newly released movie, Cabrini, in mid-March. It was the incredible story of the tenacity and strength of a woman who traveled from Italy to New York by ship in 1889, and began a mission to help poor Italian immigrants in lower Manhattan. A champion, not only of Italians but of all orphaned immigrant children, Francesca Cabrini stood up to the strong and powerful men she encountered in her quest to help the poor––the Pope, the Mayor and Archbishop of New York and other city officials. Undaunted by the work “NO”, nothing stood in her way as she founded orphanages and hospitals and taught the illiterate so they could make a new life for themselves in their new country. Known as Mother Cabrini, and now St. Frances Cabrini, she was the embodiment of a strong woman with a vision that we celebrate this month!
Members commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day at the end of January. Our Book Club members read The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart and, together with other members and friends, made a trip to the Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education on the nearby campus of Rockland Community College. We participated in a Moral Courage Workshop and toured the museum. It was sobering afternoon and a reminder to fight to end hatred of any kind, anywhere. Many thanks to Phyllis Schmaus who led our tour.
Members read The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and then toured the Morgan Library in New York City. Our tour guide was excellent. It was trip to remember and recommend!
THE WOMAN'S CLUB OF UPPER SADDLE RIVER 