Questers Monique Salviejo, Harriet Shemer, and Andrea Holland (photo by Mary Gates)
Harriet Shemer, Chapter President, and Andrea Holland, Vice President
Members of SaddleBrooke’s Questers Chapter, the Catalina Timewalkers, celebrated the holiday season at their December meeting with a festive tea party. Members gathered at the beautiful home of their hostess Monique Salviejo to enjoy two very special presentations on cultural and religious holiday celebrations. Chapter President Harriet Shemer explained the historical and revered tradition of Chanukah and shared her amazing collection of menorahs. Ms. Shemer detailed the meaning behind the symbolic lighting of the menorah candles and the events that inspired the Chanukah holiday. Chapter Vice President Andrea Holland introduced members to the Italian tradition of honoring the legend of La Befana whose miracle vision guided the three Magi to follow the guiding star to Epiphany. Members enjoyed learning how the holiday symbolic lights have been celebrated by both cultures for thousands of years.
Following the presentations, members enjoyed a lovely tea service of cultural treats, courtesy of the co-hostesses. Ms. Shemer provided latkes, Ms. Holland offered La Befana apple spice muffins, and a charcuterie board of assorted meats and cheese was arranged by Raina Saffan. Ms. Salviejo also provided her guests with assorted teas and a cranberry Bundt cake. Ms. Holland gave all members a handmade La Befana kitchen witch as a take-home favor.
Members were also given invitations to present to guests interested in attending a very special event on March 17 when we will host a Vintage Fashion Show and Tea showcasing 72 years of women’s fashion history from the late 1800s to early 1900s. The program will be held at the SaddleBrooke Two clubhouse with guest speaker Betty Hartnett from the Arizona State Questers Speaker’s Bureau. For more information and to reserve your seat, please contact Andrea Holland at 517-304-2643 or via email at [email protected].
The purpose of Questers is to encourage and educate an appreciation of antiques and collectibles and to enhance their value through study and support. Questers are also committed to the preservation and restoration of historic artifacts and landmarks throughout our state. The Catalina Timewalkers welcome new members. We meet once a month every third Friday from October through May with exceptions in December and May when we meet the second Friday of the month. If you are interested in learning more about Questers and would like to attend a meeting, please contact our chapter’s treasurer Sandi Newberry by calling 520-818-0199.