Junior Women's League plans 'Downton Abbey' tea

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

For some TV viewers, this Sunday will be a sad time as the season finale of the popular “Downton Abbey” airs on PBS.

Technology provides an avenue through various means to repeat episodes of the British drama series with its ensemble cast led by Maggie Smith as the lives of the Crawley family and its servants unfold in the Georgian country house.

But Boardman-Poland Junior Women’s League is planning a more pleasurable activity in the form of a Downton Abbey tea. The March 19 event at Poland Presbyterian Church will be both a proper send-off and time to share with other fans of the show. Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit of the 1912-24 drama by dressing in clothing reminiscent of that era.

A bonus will be a presentation by Kathy Richter, government documents librarian at Youngstown-Mahoning County Public Library, titled, “Downton Abbey visits Biltmore Estate.” Richter said she recently toured “the South’s Downton Abbey” when it featured a display of costumes from the show. The estate in Asheville, N.C., is a mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895.

This week, a few league members met at Glenellen, 9661 Market St., to discuss the upcoming fundraiser. Funds will benefit the Dorothy Day House in Youngstown, and a portion also will go to PBS, which broadcasts the show.

League members said the idea of a tea surfaced because some faithfully watch the show.

Members agreed it will give participants the chance to “pretend” they’re at Downton Abbey.

“I love the clothing and the houses. That whole period is fascinating,” said Yvonne Ford, first vice president and director of junior clubs of Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs. The league is a federated club in OFWC.

Debbie Weaver, Juniorettes chairwoman, added, “I like to see how the other half lives. It’s interesting to watch the wealthy family and the servants, too. They’re both living through changing times. Because of that, the servants are figuring out new places in society.”

Nina Lowery, league president, said, “The aura of it is intriguing.”

The members said their own interest in the show and the disappointment that it’s ending led to the idea of a Downton Abbey tea. They noted ideas for fundraisers are put to a vote.

League members said such fundraisers help them to achieve their goals. “We advocate for children and sponsor projects for children,” Ford said.

Since it was founded Oct. 25, 1979, the league has donated some $750,000 to community organizations. For children, donations have gone to recipients including Boardman and Poland schools and Mahoning County Children Services. The league also has sponsored scholarships and projects for Mill Creek Child Care Center, Ronald McDonald House, Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley and Tod’s Telethons.

Linda Crish, first vice president and membership chairwoman, emphasized that the money resulting from fundraisers “stays local.” Crish, who also is second vice president of OFWC, said this a priority with members.

“We want to give back to the community,” said Ford.

For some 30 years, the league was known for its sponsorship of “A Williamsburg Christmas” craft show at Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown. The league also has sponsored such activities as quarter auction, a previous Downton Abbey tea, St. Patrick’s Day parties, reverse raffles, rummage sales, golf outings and clothing and food drives.

The league’s mission “is to provide a creative outlet for women interested in providing community service in areas of arts, conservation, education, home life, international affairs and public affairs.”

Members noted that the league also has yielded another benefit on a personal level – women have developed life-long friendships.

And if the league’s Downton Abbey tea leaves you wanting more, there’s still “A Farewell to Downton Abbey” event set from 6 to 8 p.m. March 23 at Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave. Clips of episodes will be shown. Adults and teens may dress in Downton Abbey-era apparel and compete for prizes. Registration is required; call 330-744-8636.