Civic Club Celebrates Member's 99th Birthday

The almost 100-year-old Women's Civic Club of Katonah celebrated an almost-100-year-old member of the club Thursday morning.

During its monthly luncheon, Elena Caruso, club president, bestowed upon Gracie Reale, a club member for more than 40 years, a corsage in recognition of Reale's service and contributions. Reale has been the piano player of the club—she plays by ear—since joining in the 1970s.

The club is also close to celebrating its 100-year milestone; it was founded in 1918 as a continuation of the Katonah Suffrage Club, which was started 1913 to help women obtain the right to vote, said Jean Youtz, program chair of the club.

"Having won the right to vote, and discovering what girl power really was, they wanted to continue giving back to the community," said Youtz, a North Salem resident.

It now serves a philanthropic purpose, and supports several charitable causes around town. "We raise money for charitable causes around town through sales at the Katonah Thrift Shop," said Caruso.

It's also a social outlet for members. There's a book club, a scrabble club and monthly nights out, said Youtz.

Members are required to work at the thrift shop once or twice per month.

That requirement may cause younger women to shy away from joining, said some members at the luncheon. "You don't have time for meetings and working at the thrift shop when you're a working mom," said Tracy McCourtney, a member for 40 years. "Your priorities are different."

But they are actively recruiting members and offer an array of activities, said Youtz. Club meetings are held at the Katonah Memorial House at 11:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month.

Click on the video to hear more about the club, about Reale's birthday, and how the club has changed over the years.

For club contact information,