STAMFORD, Conn. The 13-member Bloka Literary Society, a local book group, celebrated a major milestone this summer: eight years of friendship and 100 books. During a celebratory trip to Newport, R.I., club member Sue Duarte selected the group's next book, "The Yellow House" by Patricia Falvey and arranged for the author to attend the October book club meeting.
This was the first time that the group members have hosted the author of a book they had just read. The Irish-born author shared her experiences in writing the novel. She was really awesome to listen to," said Duarte. "I really learned a lot about how much goes into writing a book, how characters are created and how they can take on a life of their own! I also think she enjoyed listening to our viewpoints and ideas."
The name of this all-female group is a creative twist on the British word bloke, which is slang for man, along with an homage to one of the groups favorite reads, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society."
What makes a successful book group? Secretary Robin Story keeps a comprehensive binder with every book the group has read, along with the collectively assigned rating. Laura McCafferty says, We respect each others opinions, even if we dont agree. And one of the great things about the club, aside from the camaraderie, is the fact that I read things I would never have picked for myself. The accomplishment of 100 books is something these women do not take lightly. One hundred books in just under eight years is an amazing accomplishment, but I can easily imagine 200, 250 or more, says Gail Grosso Hofmann, de facto president of the group. These women are a part of my life I wouldnt want to live without.
Hats off to the ladies of the Bloka Literary Society: Cecilia Aita, Linda Callahan, Sue Duarte, Maureen Grosso, Gail Hofmann, Laura McCafferty, Jan Newman, Barbara Remondino, Robin Story, Anne Sullivan, Kathy Tofano, Eileen Westfahl, and Barbara Wilkov!
The Stamford Junior Woman's Club, an all-volunteer nonprofit service association, held a shopping fundraiser Wednesday evening at Agabhumi, the best of Bali. Those attending enjoyed wine and treats while exploring the shops eclectic mix of jewelry, fashion and crafts.
The Magee Avenue store donated 20 percent of the evening's proceeds toward the clubs initiatives: camperships, academic scholarships, clothing for families in need, food for the food bank, and support for a variety of other local services. For the last two years, the club has also been a sponsor of Stone Soup, a community expo showcasing area resources.
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