A medley of patriotic music and a tribute to Women veterans of WWII will be presented at the Nov. 4th luncheon meeting of the Woman’s Club of South Pasadena. The public is invited to attend this informative and inspiring program to be held at the historic Clubhouse, 1424 Fremont Avenue.
Singer Dianne Chavarria will perform a variety of songs from the World War II era and memorable patriotic music from different decades. Chavarria, who is from a musical family, began singing in school and church programs when she was 12 years old. For the past 15 years, she has entertained audiences at numerous night clubs and casinos throughout the Southland. She was lead singer for a country band for over four years and most recently was part of a duo, Mainstream, that specialized in ‘50s music and rock and roll.
Guests will also hear from World War II Veterans, Peggy Moody and Joan Moffet. The two women veterans will share some of their recollections of World War II. Mrs. Moody spent three years in the Marine Corps during World War II. She was stationed at El Toro, California, and, as First Sergeant, was in charge of 423 young women. She recalls that while her troops said she was very strict, they appreciated her fairness and discipline. Moody, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday, resides in Alhambra, and enjoys playing the piano, the organ, and participating in the Alhambra Woman’s Club.
Joan Moffet graduated from nursing school in 1945 and signed up to serve as an Army nurse. She reported to Fort Sheridan, Illinois the day after V-E Day (Victory in Europe for the Allies in World War II) on May 8, 1945. Although the war was officially over by the time she reported for duty, her first nursing job brought her in contact with many injured soldiers. She served on a hospital ship, The USS Thistle, which took them to Pearl Harbor, then onto Clark Field in Luzon Philippines where they waited for assignment to field hospital. Joan served for year and a half. Joan is a longtime resident of South Pasadena and an active member of the South Pasadena Woman’s Club.
Valerie Gast, Program Chairman for the Woman’s Club, said, “We are delighted to have this timely program just before our country observes Veteran’s Day. These two women are truly part of America’s ‘Greatest Generation,’ and each has interesting stories to tell.” Gast points out that several of the Club’s philanthropy and service projects support veterans including “Operation Cookie” for hospitalized and homeless veterans, preparing and donating items to VA hospitals, and serving coffee and cookies monthly to vets at the VA Clinic in downtown Los Angeles
Don’t miss this interesting and inspiring program. The Club meeting begins at 10:30 a.m., and the program at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and the Women Vets. Cost is $12. Reservations should be made by Sunday, Nov. 1st by calling Lynn Cathcart (323) 255-5739 or email spwc1899@aol.com. For more information on Club activities, visit www.thewcsp.org or “Like” us on Facebook.
