The Westfield Woman’s Club 2019 Miriam Reed honorees are Harry and Anne Rock. (Photo courtesy of the Westfield Womans Club)
WESTFIELD – Steeped in tradition while relevant and engaged in current community affairs, the Westfield Woman’s Club will host their 22nd annual Garden Tea at the Stanley Park pavilion on Wednesday, June 26th. A light lunch, raffle, and hat parade are just a few of the activities scheduled for this event.
The Westfield Woman’s Club is pleased to announce this year’s Miriam Reed honorees and longtime friends Harry and Anne Rock. For the first time, the honorees are a couple and each most deserving of this recognition. Anne Rock is a member of the Westfield Woman’s Club, the WWC Foundation and leads the WWC Book Club Committee. Anne taught elementary school for 37 years, 20 years in Westfield Public Schools. She contributes outstanding service and leadership in many organizations, boards and committees. Harry Rock is a 36-year YMCA professional, and longtime athlete with awards and publications in both canoeing and skiing. The WSKB radio host of “Rock on Westfield”, Harry is perhaps best known today as the president of the Friends of the Westfield 350 Committee which is spearheading Westfield’s 350th birthday events and parade.
Founded in 1914, the Westfield Woman’s Club and its members have a history of community service. They provide financial support and volunteer for numerous non-profit organizations in the Greater Westfield area. This year’s Garden Tea Committee chair is Agma Sweeney with co-chairs Joyce L’Esperance and Ann Mello. Their largest annual event, the garden tea began as a fundraiser to meet a donation commitment for a local preschool. WWC member Miriam Reed offered her home for a Garden Tea, and the financial goal was achieved. Every year since, the tea is held to raise funds for worthy causes and for the upkeep of the Westfield Woman’s Club House at 28 Court Street.
Funds raised this year will be applied towards the cost for accessibility. An iconic building in downtown Westfield, the elegant WWC clubhouse is close to 100 years old and is used year-round for theater performances, community events and private parties. Club members and the Westfield Woman’s Club Foundation are working towards the goal of making the building accessible to all.
