President's Message

Hello Ladies,

Wow, I can’t believe that I am writing my very last President’s letter. The past two years have really flown by in a blink of an eye!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead the Women’s Club of Great Falls. Being your President has truly been one of the highlights of my life. I know it sounds so dramatic however as President I got to know so many of you and your families and our “town” that it truly solidified Great Falls as “home”. So, I leave you all a bit misty eyed, but my heart is full of gratitude and love for all of you and the “Club”. FYI, I will still be on the Board as Parliamentarian so I will still be around. 

Leadership Changes

There are a number of board members who are retiring, and I would be remiss if I didn’t call them out individually.

Lisette Kvortek

Lisette has served as our secretary for the past two years while managing a demanding career, kids and Brian. Lisette is one of the kindest people I know. I once texted her instead of the dog sitter (also named Lisette) requesting some dog sitting. She agreed to watch the dogs…It took a minute, but I realized my mistake. When I asked her why she agreed to do it -instead of telling me she wasn’t the dog sitter, she stated you needed help and I could do it. Wow, the world needs more people like her.

Ruth Smyers

Ruth has a long history of service to the club. She most recently served as the Parliamentarian but also held the roles of President, Vice President and Interest Group VP. Her contributions were considerable despite a demanding career and a home full of kids, pets and Steve. I know the board will miss her well timed witty comments and tales of pup and kitty mishaps!.

Dynne Sung

After a number of years of service on the Board of the Scholarship Fund, Dynne served as the Community Outreach VP for the past two years. Dynne is the consummate multi-tasker. She is involved in so many activities in Great Falls it’s hard to keep track. She is also my tennis team captain (very good) but makes fun of my use of non-Apple Technology (bold!)

Kanchan Balraj

Kanchan has been our Communication VP for four years. She like many of our board members has a demanding career and manages a home with two beautiful young girls and her husband, Mohan. You will often hear me say at board meetings, “Poor Kanchan” because it seems like everything we do ends up with an action item or twenty for Kanchan. She definitely earned this retirement and will never want to hear the words “Wild Apricot” again.

Jennifer Jo

Jen has been on the board for over four years serving as our Hospitality VP and she only moved to Great Falls in 2020. Jen has brought the club so many beautiful experiences through the kickoff and closing luncheons. Her décor and signature cookies have become the baseline for events in the future. She is always willing to help at other events despite a demanding real estate career and managing her son and husband, Jae. Jennifer has kindly agreed to assume the role of “Newsletter Coordinator” until a successor can be found. Any volunteers?

Bambi Landew

Aside from being a frequent and consummate hostess for many of the club’s hottest events, Bambi has served on the board for four years as the Membership VP, the Vice President and most recently the All-Club Events VP. Bambi has repeatedly been so very generous with her home and hostess skills for Wine 101, Wine Enthusiasts, the Lilly Lunch and the Christmas Party to name a few. While she and Barry split time, I know that her events will always be a hot ticket.

Shout Outs

Special Thanks to Magda and Peter Clynne for hosting what I heard was a fabulous White Party. There was a huge crowd whom I heard kept the party going at the Brogue afterwards!

May Activities

On May 12th, the Women’s Health Interest Group will hold Looking Good-Feeling Good- a night of chatter about the latest in non-invasive beauty, plastic surgery wizardry, and women's sexual health! I will be interviewing our three speakers, Dr Morgana Colombo of Integrated Dermatology of Reston, Dr. Navin Singh, the practice lead of Washingtonian Plastic Surgery, and Dr Rachel S. Rubin, a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions We will serve light refreshments and guests are welcome!

On May 15th, we will host our closing “Garden Party” luncheon at Trump National Golf Club in Lowes Island. Find that perfectly flowered dress and don a wonderful hat to enjoy our last meeting of the season. Hopefully, we will be blessed with beautiful spring weather so we can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Potomac. Ticket sales are open and tickets are going fast. Guests are welcome.

2026-2027 Slate

Thanks to all that voted, our slate has been approved by membership. The club leaders for the next year are as follows:

• President: Grace McDaniel
• Vice President: Meghan Rhatigan
• Treasurer: Jane Murchison
• Secretary: Katie Kachel
• Parliamentarian: Cory Clark
• All Club VP: Sara Overman
• Program VP: Lauryn Nashi
• Hospitality VP: Shannon Burwell
• Interest Group VP: Colleen Shea
• Community Outreach VP: Salima Singletary
• Communications VP: Christy Lynn
• Membership VP: Cindy Smith
• Marketing VP: Meaghan Landew

Thank you again for a wonderous two years and look forward to seeing you at the events in May. Remember, this club is what you make it and how you get involved.

With Much Gratitude,

Cory