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January Newsletter

Writer's picture: Dana Point Women's ClubDana Point Women's Club

Our January newsletter features the latest updates on Club activities:


  • Crafting the Most Beautiful You!

  • Help for DPWC Families Affected by LA Fires

  • New Section: Rising Stars & Guiding Lights

  • In Memoriam

  • News Bites

  • Upcoming Events

    • Saturday 2/1 10AM - 1PM     NEW YEAR NEW YOU! Health & Wellness Expo

    • Thursday 2/6 11AM - 1PM HEART TO HEART Member Luncheon Meeting

    • Thursday 2/13 2PM - 4 PM MEMBER PLAYDATE - Bunco

  • Save the Dates


Crafting the Most Beautiful YOU!


Over 80 guests attended a lively evening with Dr. Nassif of the E! reality show “Botched” Photo by OC Photography Company
Over 80 guests attended a lively evening with Dr. Nassif of the E! reality show “Botched” Photo by OC Photography Company

A sold out crowd enjoyed an interesting presentation by renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul Nassif of the E! show "Botched" on Friday, January 10th, participating in an informative discussion about skin care, plastic surgery and how to be "your own kind of beautiful". Dr. Nassif provided a gift bag filled with his wonderful skin care products to each delighted attendee. Check out our Facebook page for more photos of the event. After expenses, DPWC netted approximately $1,300 toward our philanthropic projects.


Help for DPWC Families Affected by LA Fires


Two of our DPWC members have sons who lost their homes in the recent Alta Dena fires.


Pearl Zimmerman's son Kyle and his two roommates sadly lost their rental home along with all of their belongings and are looking for end tables, 2 computer desks, lamps, area rugs, a coffee table, tools, and emergency supplies...plus a professional clarinet so that Kyle, an amazing professional musician, can resume teaching his clarinet students. Please email Pearl if you can help, and/or visit Kyle's GoFundMe page.


Just a few of the books that will find a home in St. Mark’s new location in Pasadena.
Just a few of the books that will find a home in St. Mark’s new location in Pasadena.

Toni Nelson's son David, along with his wife Ivana and four year old son, Nathan, lost their beloved vintage home in Alta Dena. Along with their whole community, the wildfires claimed St. Mark's church and the attached school where Nathan attended Pre-Kindergarten, making it difficult for them to return to their demanding full time jobs. The school is working hard to finalize permitting for a temporary location and replace its supplies, books and furniture. If you are able, Toni would appreciate donations of books to aid in this effort. An Amazon Wish List will be published soon, but any books suitable for ages 3 to 11 will be helpful and can be dropped off at the February 6th member meeting. Read more about St. Mark's recovery efforts HERE.

Thank you for your prayers and support as these young men and thousands of other fire victims navigate the difficult journey toward rebuilding their homes.


Rising Stars and Guiding Lights


This month we are adding a new section to our newsletter featuring our talented reporter, new member Pearl Zimmerman. Pearl has joined the Public Relations committee and will be helping with the newsletter, most notably as editor of this new section featuring our new members,"Rising Stars," and our seasoned members, "Guilding Lights". Please read the brief bios below and get to know some of the amazing women in our midst.


Rising Star Joelle Flynn has lived in Dana Point since 2011, after moving from Tiburon for two years prior. She grew up in the Maryland/DC area. She is a former stock broker and serial entrepreneur. Joelle now mentors female inventors and business owners as a business strategist. Joelle has had a very successful career operating a Dana Point business marketing "FunkkOFF!®' a 12x patented, 2-in-1 toothbrush + toothpaste invention (reusable 30x), for which she struck a deal with Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank!

Joelle has two daughters, one working in a Manhattan salon and one in college at Drexel University in Philadelphia, plus a son playing Division 1 Volleyball at Long Island University. She enjoys daily yoga, running, and hiking especially along the beach. Joelle joined DPWC "since Dana Point is such a great, small community; I wanted to find more ways to get involved and help."


Guiding Light Kathy Belanger is our DPWC President. This amazing lady has served as our President for the past 3 years, as well as being DPWC President 7 years ago. Kathy also led the helm as the 2024 Islanders (women's auxiliary) President for the Dana West Yacht Club. She has been married 58 years to Bruce, a handsome fireman (now retired). Their son and 2 grandchildren live nearby in Southern CA, Kathy runs a business with her daughter-in-law providing staff development for teachers throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Kathy's favorite focus is anything philanthropic. Kathy says, "Being part of this Club is exceptional because of the women that belong here. I've had a great time doing this, even through the challenges of taking ownership of the Community House. It thrills me every time I go in there now to see what we're accomplishing."


Rising Star Pearl Zimmerman has lived in San Clemente since 2015, after moving from the Northwest. She has 28 year old identical twin boys: Kyle plays the tenor sax professionally and Keith is a lawyer specializing in Policy Counsel, previously on staff at the White House.

Pearl is married to Jeff Chipman, desktop architect for the Getty Center & Villa plus social sailboat captain for Aventura Sailing Club. Pearl is a retired Functional Medicine MD; her favorite job ever was homeschooling her twins on Whidbey Island. Pearl's favorite focus is making life fun and meaningful for others.Her favorite activities include singing, writing, walking on the beach, and kayaking."I joined DPWC, because I wanted to do more for my community, and I was blessed to meet Monique Wolff. I'm happy to be on the PR committee and work with Toni."


In Memoriam



DPWC's Board voted to revive a longstanding DPWC tradition by planting a hybrid rose bush in memory of our dear Penny Wetton, an active member and a valued volunteer in our gardening group, the Dirt Divas.


Penny passed away on August 26th and is fondly remembered and deeply mourned by her friends and family including her neighbors, her Capistrano Beach book club and many friends in her beloved Dana Point Women's Club.


Please read more about this wonderful woman HERE.





A beautiful new rose bush will also be planted in memory of Francisca "Sica" Feddersen, a former DPWC President. Community House President, and a long time member of our philanthropic club.


Sica passed peacefully at her home in Dana Point, CA on December 19th, where she had been under the care of her daughters, sons and other family members. She was an amazing 97 years old and "lived her life to the fullest to the end."





We were very saddened to hear of the November 6th passing of Ty Torres, 55, beloved husband of our DPWC member and former Second Vice President and Membership Chair, Robin Torres. Ty was a passionate man who excelled in multiple areas and selflessly contributed to the community in his roles as a respected Professor, an iconic Dana Point youth baseball coach and an avid surfer who loved hitting local beaches with his son, Coltrane.


According to a Dana Point Times article, "As an honor, the Dana Point City Council closed its Nov. 19 meeting in remembrance of Torres. Councilmember Michael Villar, who knew Torres personally, spoke on the loss this is for the community.“Ty was just a fantastic guy, and he was the kind of guy in our community that just sets us apart,” Villar said. “He was always available to volunteer even long after Coltrane had aged out of Dana Point Youth Baseball, and he would still come back. ... It is truly with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Ty.”"


Please  join us in extending our deepest sympathy to Robin and her family along with the huge group of friends and colleagues saddened by Ty's untimely death. DPWC made a donation in Ty's memory to Surfrider Foundation, one of three charities designated by the family.


News Bites


Orange District Council Meeting  


From left, DPWC President Kathy Belanger, member Diane Levy, Secretary Carol Kelly, CFWC Coordinator Joan Kerr and Treasurer, Donna Childress
From left, DPWC President Kathy Belanger, member Diane Levy, Secretary Carol Kelly, CFWC Coordinator Joan Kerr and Treasurer, Donna Childress

Several DPWC Board members, along with our CFWC Coordinator, member Joan Kerr, attended the Orange District's January 10th meeting at El Adobe in San Juan Capistrano. The featured speaker was Christopher Berry from the Orange County Fire Authority who spoke on the timely issue of disaster preparedness.


Several attendees donated gently used handbags for our upcoming Handbags for Hearts effort which will be featured at our February 6th meeting.




Board nominations for FY 24/25



It's time to consider if you'd like to join DPWC's Board for a rewarding chance to become more involved in day to day Club planning, administration and policies. This year, the positions of Secretary, President, Treasurer, Ways & Means Director, 2nd Vice President Membership and Community House Rentals Chair will be open. Members (including incumbents) may nominate themselves or others at our March meeting. A nominating committee has been appointed by the Board in accordance with our By-Laws and will include Chair Monique Wolff, and Board member Judy Amiano along with one member at large (to be appointed soon,). They will be actively recruiting and will present a nomination slate to the membership at our April meeting in advance of our May voting meeting. Should you be interested in any of these positions, please contact Monique Wolff for more information.


Help Wanted: Do you love gardening?


The "Dirt Diva's" need your help in pruning, weeding, fertilizing, watering and beautifying our gardens to supplement the work of our gardener.


If you would like to "get dirty" and help out once or twice a month for a couple of hours, contact Maryellen Marsh and join the fun!



Upcoming Events


Register for upcoming events on our website HERE or use the specific links in the headings below:


  • Saturday February 1st 10 AM - 1 PM - NEW YEAR - NEW YOU - Health & Wellness Expo - DPWC and Lightforce Alchemy are collaborating to present an event celebrating a holistic approach to our health. Expert speakers will provide a series of brief talks throughout the morning on the following topics:

    • Learn how to Detoxify Your Body

    • Explore the Amazing Benefits of Acupuncture

    • Insights from a Nutritionist

    • Learn about Thermography - a valuable non-invasive tool to detect & visualize heat patterns and blood flow in the body



    Experience first-hand the feel and impact of Sound Healing during our final session (bring a yoga mat). A variety of vendors specializing in organic and natural products will be on-site to support your journey to ultimate wellness in the New Year!

    Don't miss this fun event. Register HERE.

  • Thursday February 6th, 11 AM HEART to HEART

    Join us at our February meeting featuring renowned cardiac and thoracic surgeon, Dr. Timothy Lee speaking on the important topic of women's cardiovascular health. In addition, please start gathering new toiletry items and gently used handbags from your own closets and those of your friends and neighbors for our annual drive on behalf of Handbags for Hearts headed by DPWC member Lucinda Llambros.




  • Thursday 2/13 2PM - 4 PM   MEMBER PLAYDATE - Bunco


    Please join us for a fun afternoon playdate for members and friends. Watch for your punchbowl invitation and please RSVP so we can plan the event. $5 donation at the door. Snacks, iced tea, bunco, and a LOT of chatting with DPWC friends!

    Watch for your Punchbowl invitation coming soon!
    Watch for your Punchbowl invitation coming soon!


Save the Dates


  • March 13th, 5 PM to 7 PM Wine & Olive Oil Night Out

  • Friday April 25th, 12 PM to 5PM Cozzena Spring Boutique

  • Wednesday May 7th, 5 PM to 8 PM Cocktails for a Cause

Don't miss our major annual fundraiser benefiting Project SparkPoint. Contact Marla Freeman if you'd like to help solicit or wrap auction gifts and/or help plan this fun event.



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Instagram @communityhousedp



Dana Point Women's Club

Strengthening Community since 1951, Dana Point Women's Club is an integral part of the South Orange County community. 

Mail: PO Box 205

Dana Point, CA 92629

Location: 24642 San Juan Avenue

Dana Point, CA 92629

Registered Charity: #33-0212059

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