Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

February 24, 2010, Page  9

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Tea at Tufts’ enjoys fifth year

The fifth annual Tea at Tufts’ was held Feb. 7 at the Tufts’ Mansion in Neillsville.  Due to the over-whelming response in past years, this year’s elegant and fun affair had two seating’s – 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. – with approximately 40 guests at each. Attendees sampled three different teas and an array of petite sandwiches, scones and desserts.  Guests were also able to tour Tufts’ Mansion and participate in a silent auction and raffle.  Roni Kaczor-Smith served as mistress of tea ceremonies.

 Mistress of Tea Ceremony Roni Kaczor-Smith 

The Tea at Tufts’ is the major fundraiser for “Parenting the First, Second and Third Year Newsletter” sent out to new parents in Clark County.  The newsletters, distributed through the UW-Extension Family Living Program, offer practical hands-on information to help guide parents through each month of their child’s early years.  Since printing and distribution costs are not subsidized by county dollars, all the funding must be raised in order for this publication to reach Clark County residents.

This year, all of the tables were decorated by incorporating the French theme, “For the Love of Tea.”  Table decorators included Ruth Clark, Kay Weirauch, Pat Linder, Marge Becker, Dean Steinke, Mary Kirchner, Renee Lepak, Brenda Larson, Sally Jo Pokorny, Cindy Strangfeld and Sue Bergemann.  Prizes for the table decorators were provided by this year’s sponsor, The Neillsville Country Club.  Pat Linder received “Most Adorable,” Cindy Strangfeld and Sue Bergemann received “Best Theme” and Marge Becker and Dean Steinke received “Most Formal.”

 “Best Theme” table decorated by Cindy Strangfeld and Sue Bergemann.

The Tea at Tufts’ is made possible through the help of many participants. The planning committee consisted of Julie Simek, Roni Kaczor-Smith, Susan Feist, Denise Clough, JoAnn Blum and Arlene Stark, Chris Wachtendonk, Craig Blum, Jim Mills and Peggy Buchda helped committee members in planning the event.

Cooks and kitchen helpers included Arlene Stark, Denise Clough, Merrill Brunette, Susan Feist, JoAnn Blum, Tammy Yaeger and Lauralee Carlson.  Waiters included Dan Clark, Roger Roehl, Butch Karl, Jim Mills and Craig Blum.

Numerous Optimist Club members, area businesses and community members donated items for the silent auction. They also provided items for the “Luxury Basket” raffle, which contained gift certificates and pampering items such as lotions, hair products and wine. Theresa Hediger and Lori Hendrickson of UW-Extension; also helped by taking reservations, answering calls and donating items to the silent auction. 

Lastly, the use of the Tufts’ Mansion, provided by James and Dawn Voss, again offered the perfect setting for this special event, which continues to be an elegant and very enjoyable fundraiser.

Mary Shlagenhaft pours tea at her table. 

 Penny Wilke wearing a French beret provide at her table, samples one of the special teas that were served.

 Waiter Roger Roehl serves petite sandwiches to Janean Morrow.

(Photos by Nancy Halterman/Clark County Press)