RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

The close of Chautauqua’s 2010 season will bring change to the Chautauqua Women’s Club with the retirement of President Barbara Vackar.

President Barbara Vackar will conclude her 6th season in the leadership position of the Chautauqua Women’s Club at the end of the 2010 season. Her tenure as CWC President has taken an already vital and productive organization and increased the Club’s membership and its contributions to the Chautauqua Institution through donations, programming and services.

In addition to following the established CWC mission to support the Chautauqua Institution, President Vackar has inspired the Club’s membership to some wonderful accomplishments. Under her leadership the CWC has established the Contemporary Issues Brown/Giffin Lectureship allowing the Club to bring to Chautauqua esteemed speakers such as Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Jane Pauley and Gail Sheehy.

President Vackar was instrumental in establishing the CWC Professional Women’s Group at the CWC in 2009.

Her many improvements to the CWC Clubhouse include installation of a professional sound system throughout the first floor and exterior porch and a laundry facility. President Vackar has actively pursued fundraising for the 2010 major renovation/remodel of the downstairs public areas of the CWC Clubhouse.

Through her love of gardening, a Master Gardener herself, President Vackar encouraged the CWC Membership to replace the tired landscaping of the CWC Club House in 2008. She also shepherded the Walk of Friends Brick Project that grace the front lawn.

President Vackar was the Meuse behind the monumental task of providing the CWC with a new history book of the organization on its 120 year anniversary. This 3 year undertaking was accomplished by President Vackar finding and persuading author Janet Northrup to write this fascinating book.

Love of Community, friendship, enthusiasm and service has been the hallmark of President Vackar’s six years of service at the CWC. This native Texan, true daughter of the South, has brought charm and warmth, fun and whimsy along with a work ethic that kept a constant eye on accomplishment in leading the Chautauqua Women’s Club.

The good order of the Chautauqua Women’s Club has been maintained and enhanced under the guidance of President Barbara Vackar. Now it is time for her to turn her warmth and love to her family.