Working Women Enjoy Wine, Company

By Kendra Bobowick

The merlot’s gentle spices and a sparkling chardonnay welcomed members and guests to the Working Women’s Forum year-end social Wednesday evening, June 11. Laughter, the splash of Pinot Noir or Zinfandel filling a glass, and a warming buffet awaited the women who, by turn, introduced themselves to the group and enjoyed the year’s last meeting.

“We meet every month except for July and August, so in June it’s our end-of-year at McLaughlin’s [Vineyard],” said co-president Sherry Sawyer. The evening is for both work and play — a little wine and dinner and a little networking filled the time.

Gathered to socialize and to enjoy and promote the businesses each woman represented, the members and would-be members talked about their work or just admired the wine and the scenery from beneath an awning overlooking shade gardens of hosta and hydrangea waiting to bloom. Considering the last three years since the forum began, Ms Sawyer said, “It’s been nice, women get together, grow businesses together, a lot of friendships have formed.”

Membership is not exclusive to Newtown, and anyone is welcome, she said. Aside from helping one another, the forum members also contribute to the local food pantries through donations.

The Working Women’s Forum Provides a venue for women to meet and grow professionally through education and sharing ideas and experiences. The regional network group meets monthly and often includes a speaker and/or business showcase. Meetings, running from September through June are held on the second Wednesday at 6 pm with locations and additional meeting information available at WorkingWomensForum.net.