Upcoming events and activities of the Women’s Association of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (WACSO):

If you are not a member of WACSO but would like to attend one of the events listed below, or if you have questions about any of the activities listed below, please contact WACSO President Jan Wade at (614) 488-9401 or email: granjan19@columbus.rr.com

2009-2010 General Membership Meetings
Each quarterly meeting, scheduled on Saturdays (to encourage working women to more easily participate), provides an interesting venue, an informative but 'brief' business meeting, an announcement of the current volunteer and support opportunities, a luncheon appropriate to the venue or theme, and a Symphony-related performance or program.


Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009
Venue: Franklin Park Conservatory - 11:30 a.m.
Speaker: Roland Valliere, President & CEO, Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Sale of custom jewelry by Freshwater, Inc. (20% of profits donated to CSO)
$25 - includes lunch and admission to the Chihuly Reimagined exhibit

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009
Venue: Columbus Country Club - 11:30 a.m.
A program of seasonal music, provided by the Upper Arlington High School String Quintet, will entertain guests.
$25 includes lunch. House wines by the glass at $6 each.

Saturday, March 13, 2010
Venue: Cameron's American Bistro - 11:30 a.m.
2185 West Dublin-Granville Rd. (Route 161), Linworth
A musical program will be provided by the QUBE String Quartet, featuring David Edge (violin), Erin Gilliland (violin), Steven Wedell (viola) and Cora Kuyvenhoven (cello)
$25 - includes lunch, choice of chicken or salmon.
A raffle will also be held.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Annual Business Meeting of WACSO
Venue: Brookside Country Club - 11:30 a.m.
Details to be announced.

2009-2010 Fundraising
Proceeds benefit the Columbus Symphony

Monday, April 26
Worthington Mall
Annual Caprice-Encore Luncheon and
Style Show by Talbot's
10:00 a.m.
In addition to the lunch and style show this year by Talbot's, a silent auction and raffle will also be a part of the day's activities. The cost to attend is $30 - reservations required. For more information, please call Darlene Jones at 614-486-3154.

Save the Date - Saturday, June 19
"Passport to France"
Home of Charles and Debra Penzone
5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Our major fundraiser this season, the fifth in a series of "Passport" events, will be held at the home of Charles and Debra Penzone on June 19. Enjoy an evening of comfortable elegance featuring food from The Refectory, wine, a silent auction, raffle and entertainment. Tickets are $125 each.

We are seeking auction items primarily with a French or musical theme for the silent auction at this event. If you or a person / business you know would like to donate to the auction, please contact the Auction Coordinator, Kelly Friar, at 740-965-8212.

For further information about Passport to France, please contact Event Co-Chair Donna Gerhold at 614-471-4550. Over 1500 invitations will be mailed for this event.

Kroger Community Rewards Program
If you carry a Kroger Plus card, we need you to join this fundraising effort. Kroger will donate a portion of its proceeds to your specified charitable organization. Anyone who carries a Kroger Plus card can specify the Women's Association as their designated charity. Since Spring of 2009, the Women's Association has received approximately $1,600 from this program! This is an easy way to further raise funds for the Symphony, but you must renew every year. To sign up online or for further information, contact member Helen Hall at (614) 486-8971.

Donor Table
If you are interested in working at the Donor Table during this season's Symphony concerts, please contact member Louise Swanson or staff employee Betz Steele at the Symphony office. You and a guest can receive free tickets to the concert for volunteering your time.

Pecan Sale
These large, high-quality pecan halves are sold in full-pound bags that freeze beautifully. They are shipped directly from Georgia and arrive in time for holiday baking and gift giving. The sale ended in November and was a great success! Thanks for your support! 

Pansy Sale - Now through March 22
Thank you for your orders! The flowers are lovely!

2009-2010 Hospitality Events

Musicians' Appreciation Luncheon
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Women's Association will host its annual Musicians' Appreciation Luncheon for the musicians of the Columbus Symphony. Set-up will be the prior day, April 14. There are many ways you can assist this event - donating food, money, or working in set-up, serving and/or clean-up. For more information, contact member Marty Worth at 488-2169 or email marthaworth@att.net by the first week of March.

Prelude to Joy
Friday, October 9, 2009

Co-sponsored by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra League and the Women's Association, this dinner celebrated the opening night of the Columbus Symphony's Classical season. A lovely reception preceded the dinner in the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse, and dinner was served in the Atrium. The event was $50/person. Afterwards, the Symphony's concert opened at the Ohio Theatre featuring Bethoven's Symphony No. 9 and the Columbus Symphony Chorus.

CSO Chorus Appreciation Reception
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009

During an evening rehearsal break, the Women's Association showed its appreciation to Director Ronald Jenkins and the all-volunteer members of the Columbus Symphony Chorus for the thrilling performances they have given us over the years. A reception of light refreshments was provided on the lower level of the Galbreath Pavilion during their rehearsal break, and President Jan Wade personally thanked the Chorus for their contribution to the Columbus Symphony on behalf of WACSO. New members of the Women's Association (2008-09 season) assumed responsibility for the planning and preparation of this event. The Chorus then in turn thanked the Women's Association by singing a "sneak preview" of one of the pieces performed at the Holiday Pops Concert in December!

2009-2010 Youth and Education Enrichment

Backstage with the Symphony
Lois Allen is seeking docent trainees for the "Backstage with the Symphony" program which introduces elementary school-aged children to Orchestra activities behind the scenes. Interested members can contact her at 451-6902 for more information.

Concerts for Kids
Sundays, Jan. 17 and Feb. 28, 2010
Capitol Theatre at the Riffe Center
The Women's Association is asking for volunteers to help with the pre-concert, hands-on activities from 2-3 p.m. These are geared mainly for ages 3-7 and precede the 3 p.m. Concerts for Kids on Jan. 17 ("I Like Instruments") and Feb. 28 ("We Can Dance"). Contact member volunteer coordinator Louise Swanson if interested.

2010 Young Musician's Competition
Congratulations to 2008-09 Young Musicians' Competition Winner Lay Kodama who plays violin. President Jan Wade presented her with a prize of $500 donated by WACSO on April 5th, 2009. Lay was then invited to perform at the Annual meeting of the Women's Association in June. This season's competition will be held March 5 & 7, 2010. Click here for more information. If you are willing to volunteer at this event in 2010, please contact Katie Potter at 457-2211 or Lois Allen at 451-6902.