Susan Magafan and Joanna Simeone advertise the Metropolitan Community Club Craft Fair.
Potomac — Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for a birthday or anniversary? Already making a list for the holidays and beginning the annual hunt for the perfect present? The Metropolitan Community Club Craft Show is the place to head for all those holiday shopping needs. The preview of the show will be Friday, Oct. 26 from 5 – 8 p.m., and the show will run on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Road in Potomac (next to Potomac Elementary School.) Arrive early for the best selection.
Twenty-five vendors will be on hand. Hand-made quilts from Stricker Quilts, Kor of the Earth bracelets, natural bath and body lotions from “Scented,” pottery from Silverwood Pottery, Gigi Hill Handbags and women’s clothing from Ibhana Creations are just a few of the available selections.
Susan Magafan and Joanna Simeone, co-chairs of the Craft Show explain the reason Metropolitan Community Club has held this show for the past seven years: “Our goal is to raise funds for charities in our community. This year we have 12 charities that we are supporting and each organization directly provides services to people within Montgomery County. The charities are Women’s Micro-Finance, Team River Runner, Montgomery County Coalition for Adult Literacy, Manna Food Center, A Wider Circle, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Dorothy Day Place, Tree-Mendous Maryland, the Rock Creek Conservancy, Mobile Med, The Fistula Foundation and Transformations of Montgomery County.
Gourmet cook and author Katie Moose will be performing cooking demonstrations as well as signing her latest cookbook, “Chesapeake Bounty II.” Moose, an Easton resident was born in Baltimore and is a descendent of the Clagett family who were early Maryland settlers. She has resided in many seaside towns including Annapolis; Newport, R.I. and San Francisco. Moose is the author of numerous cookbooks about regional cuisine.
Barbara Glickman, author of “Capital Splendor: The Gardens and Parks of Washington D.C.” will also be on hand to autograph her new book. Glickman is an active member of the Washington, D.C., gardening community and has traveled to gardens around the world. Her book features photos and essays on more than 30 of Washington D.C.’s gardens and garden celebrations.
Home-made Greek cookies and fig jam will also be featured at the fair. Diane Pappas will be offering “Manoli Canoli” Olive Oil as well as honey for sale. There will also be a “New-to-You” sale of gently used home accessories.
The Metropolitan Community Club of Montgomery County was founded as the Junior Suburban Women’s Club in 1974 under the umbrella of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the largest and oldest volunteer organization of women in the world. When most of the members became 40 years old, they knew it was time to move on as members of a General Club. However, the members wanted to remain together and thus, in 1988, they reincorporated their club as Metropolitan Community Club. Today the club is still involved in contributing to the community in many ways.
Membership Chairman and Co-Chair Joanna Simeone have been affiliated with Metropolitan Community Club for five years: “Our Metropolitan Community Club membership consists of dynamic women who want to give back to their community. In addition to fundraising, the club focuses on six program areas — the arts, conservation, education, home life, international outreach and public issues. We also have a book club, a sunshine committee and several social activities a year. The club meets in member’s homes on the third Wednesday evening of each month from September through May.”
Vicki Dorman joined Metropolitan Community Club in 1975. She explains why the organization is an important part of her life: “It’s a good feeling that even though we are a small group we made a difference by protecting children’s lives or by filling ‘first night bags’ for women starting their new lives as they enter shelters to escape abusive relationships. I’ve learned so much through our charities. From the needs of many in Montgomery County — to what we need to do to restore the Bay — to what a difference surgery or loans can make for women in Africa.
“The friendships and the support members provide one another during the ups and downs of life may just be the most important answer to what it means to be a member of MCC. I don’t think anyone would stay with an organization for 37 years if there wasn’t a special bond with the people in it and the feeling we share when we work together to make a difference for others.”