The Spotlight

WCOEP New President Message, June 2026

36 years ago, on May 6^th, my mother was installed as President of the Woman’s Club of El Paso. Skip Favor – the portrait with the pretty pink bow. She would have liked that as much as I do. Thank you, Frieda, for doing that for me and my family. I’m so pleased my pastor, Jonathan Rutkowske, Senior pastor at Bethany Christian Church, my sons, Andrew and David Howell, my sister WCOEP member Bodine Porter, and my oldest friend in the Woman’s Club, Waynene Spradlin joined us. We have traveled the 7 seas and the Santa Fe Trail together with our families. We were also in the Young Matrons Auxiliary back in the day.

I’m looking forward to this coming year. I have been in training for the past year with Jody. She has included me in so many decisions that I feel ready to take on this Challenge. I will be forever indebted to her for her guidance and support. I hope to follow in her footsteps in caring for our building and promoting it as cherished venue for El Paso.

I have been president of several club and organizations in El Paso, but never one with a 110-year-old building! This building has been under the care of many women over the years; you can see their photos on the walls of our ballroom. They all did a great job, over 110 years, of taking care of this beautiful house, and here we are today.

The ladies who make up our membership are what keeps us going. My theme this year is “Hand in Hand with Class and Grace”. That phrase is a lyric from the song, “Women of the Pass”, written by Sara Long. Grace being the key word for my term of office. The definition of Grace is behaving in a pleasant, polite, and dignified way, with a disposition toward kindness and compassion. That is the strength of the membership of the Woman’s Club of El Paso. Let’s move together with class and grace this year by supporting each other and working hard to move forward. And remember, if you have any questions about anything at all – just ask. I am here for you. I have some new running shoes, and I am ready to take on the mission as your president.

My preferred font is always Comic Sans  LOL!

With class and grace,

Jennifer Favor Howell

New Executive Board Installed

President- Jennifer Favor Howell, President-Elect- Pema Garcia,  1^st Vice President- TBA, 2^nd Vice President- J’me Phelps, 3^rd Vice President- Lynn Cordova, Recording Secretary- Denise Daniel, Corresponding Secretary- Milly Nabhan, Treasurer- Jeri Vines, Assistant Treasurer- Frieda Voeks, Parliamentarian- Lillan Crouch. Congratulations to all the Executive Board!

New Board of Directors Installed

3 Year Term: 

Marta Artiga, Letty Moreno Brown, Ivette Champion, Jennie Larder, Sonnie Gavin

2 Year Term: 

Mary Prezioso, Jackie Morgan-Tomko, Laura Watzling, Maria Gonzalez, Elma Schwartz

1 Year Term: 

Kim Lavelle, Roxanne Varela, Jane Berrier, Carolyn Breck, Jean Adams

Congratulations and thank you for serving ladies!

Exciting things for the upcoming year!

Arts & Crafts Axillary Installation

The members of the Art & Crafts Auxiliary met at The Podium to enjoy some great food, to honor 2025-26 officers and install a new slate. Congratulations to the new Co-Chairs- Rhoda Tillman, and Sara  Long, Vice Chair- Carolyn Breck, Secretary- Kim LaVelle, and Treasurer- Joan Forestal! Any member can join in the fun and dues are just $10- see Joan Forestal for details. 

Be sure to join for the coming year as there are exciting field trips as well as making special crafts scheduled!

Book Club Auxiliary is on a roll!

Pam Round continues to chair this lively group! New officers for the 2026-27 season are: Co-Chairs- Pam Round and Bodine Porter, Secretary- Kellie Harris, Treasurer, Jackie Morgan Tomko. The next meeting will be on Monday, June 22 at 10am at the Barnes & Nobel Bookstore at The Fountains. They will discuss Dark Corners by Megan Goldin. Please feel free to come by to check it out!

Advisory Committee Changes

The Advisory Committee,  comprised of the Past Presidents, voted on a few changes for the coming year. Beginning this year, dues are now $20 . The time and place have also been changed. The committee will meet at 9am at The Podium, 1400 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901 in the Library Room on October 30^th, January 22^nd, and May 14^th.  All Past Presidents are invited. If you have any questions, please text or call Jody at (915) 590-5762. The Podium website: https://podiumfinishsportcafe.com/

Help Celebrate Bobby Long’s 100^thBirthday!

Past President Sara Long invites everyone to come celebrate her father-in-law’s 100^th birthday on his actual birthday, Father’s Day, June 21^st from 3pm – 6pm at the clubhouse.  We would love to surprise him with cards from friends, family, fellow veterans, and anyone who would like to help us celebrate an incredible life and legacy. DO NOT TELL HIM! THE CARDS ARE A SURPRISE!!! He knows about his party. 

Bobby served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Lavaca, helping lay ship-to-shore communication lines in the Pacific Theater. He was present in Tokyo Bay during the historic Japanese surrender that ended WWII. After returning home, he dedicated 45 years to Southern Pacific Railroad, continuing a life defined by service, hard work, and commitment to others.

But beyond his service and career, Bobby’s greatest pride has always been his family.

If you’d like to send a birthday card and message, please address it to:

Sara Long
c/o Bobby Long’s 100th Birthday
288 Jackrabbit Dr
El Paso, TX 79928

We’re asking that cards remain unopened until his birthday so he can experience the surprise all at once.   Thank you for helping us celebrate an American hero, devoted husband, faithful servant, and one of the greatest blessings in our lives. Please feel free to share this with the public.

Thank you, Amber!

We were so honored and lucky when member Amber Wightman stepped up to help us fill the gap as Interim Facility Coordinator this spring. She has brought even more joy to the club by greeting guests, arranging rentals, answering millions of questions and tackling endless mounds of tablecloth laundry from events. Amber will be winding up her tenure as we prepare to go on light duty for the summer. Our new Facility Coordinator will be joining us when the club reopens in August. Please thank Amber for her service to the club when you see her! 

What the heck is Game/Activity Day?

Veteran members already know, but many new members wonder…what the heck is Game/Activity Day? During June, July and August the club slows down a bit. Instead of Guest Day luncheons on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month, we open the club up to members, their friends, and guests to relax, socialize, and enjoy each other’s company. These are casual days from 10am – 1pm. No need for reservations, stop by to unwind in gentle surroundings. Stay tuned for announcements for specifics, but please mark your calendars to join us to have fun, play games, or learn a new skill.

Important dates to remember:

Wednesday, May 27th, 9:30 AM – 

All new board members and current board members should be there.

Please bring your yearbooks to review and make sure you have the most up-to-date information.

Laura Watzling will be providing refreshments. The Executive Board will meet immediately afterward. Attendance is mandatory unless excused. Remember to notify Pema Garcia, President-Elect, if you are unable to attend. Call or text (915) 892-4507.

Wednesday, June 3rd, Noon – 

Please join us for our last Members Only Meeting  before going on reduced hours for the summer. Jody Kotys will be preparing individual Chicken Pesto Pizzas, Leafy Green Salad, Iced Tea, and a yummy dessert for $20. Get your reservations in by Monday, June1st at noon. Call and leave a message at (915) 532-6131 or reply to the email invitation that will be going out the week before.

If you would be willing to help prepare and/or serve it would be very much appreciated. Please text or call (915) 590-5762 to volunteer.

Wednesday, June 17th 10:00 – 1:00 – 

Our first GAME DAY / ACTIVITY DAY – TBA- stay tuned for activity updates. 

We are currently looking for members who would like to share a skill or activity. Please contact Jennifer Favor-Howell at (915) 253-8662 with your ideas.

Wednesday, June 24^th, 9:30 AM 

June board meeting at the clubhouse. Please come early to enjoy refreshments and chat with friends so we can start the meeting at 9:30. 

Wednesday July 15th, 10:00 – 1:00 – 

GAME DAY / ACTIVITY DAY- TBA- stay tuned for activity updates

Clubhouse closed: Thursday, July 16^th – Sunday, August 9^th  Clubhouse reopens Monday, August 10^th.

Wednesday, July 29^th, 9:30am – 

Board Meeting, location to be determined. NOT AT THE CLUBHOUSE

Wednesday, August 19^th, 10:00  – 1:00

Game Day / Activity Day – TBA

Wednesday, August 26^th, 9:30am-

Board Meeting at the clubhouse.