Reprinted by permission from The Bernardsville News Article by KIM SULLIVAN HARWANKO Contributing Writer Photos by Gwynne Wade
The buzz in the beehive of the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) was its Honey Brunch spring fundraiser held Friday, May 1, at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster Township. The money raised at the event will be used for the purchase of an Affirm Breast Biopsy Guidance System for the Carol W. and Julius A. Rippel Breast Center at Morristown Medical Center.
The brunch kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with attendees shopping in the Busy Bee Boutique and sipping the event’s signature drink, “The Bee Cup.” The drink was created by the country club staff and included toasted apricot and fig honey syrup, lemon juice and Angostura bitters. Honey was a featured ingredient in every course of the brunch.
WAMMC members and their guests enjoyed sipping the event’s signature drink, “The Bee Cup” which was created by Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club staff for the event.
Attendees also viewed a short video about honey bees from the New Jersey Beekeepers Association.
“It’s a beautiful day to support Honey Brunch and WAMMC’s purchase of the breast biopsy equipment for the center,” said event co-chair Mary Courtemanche of the New Vernon section of Harding Township.
June Meehan of Convent Station created the concept for the brunch. “The idea came to me while I was thinking about WAMMC as a beehive of activity with very dedicated, productive and energetic people,” she explained. "Our motto is contributing with passion. We buzz on.”
Brunch was served in the large, windowed dining room alive with spring hues of violet and periwinkle and women engaged in helping their community.
Brunch was served in the Ballroom at Fiddler’s Elbow
Dannette Merchant, the president of WAMMC, thanked the audience for their support and reminded them about how important it is to keep the medical center on the cutting edge of technology. “We are extremely proud to provide ongoing support to benefit the Carol W. and Julius A. Rippel Breast Center at Morristown Medical Center. Once again, our volunteers have contributed their time and expertise to make our Honey Brunch event a success – all in support of women’s health,” Merchant said.
The guest speaker was Dr. Paul Friedman, medical director of the hospital's breast center and a board certified radiologist. “The biopsy device will be attached to one of the newly installed 3D mammography units and will allow women with early and small cancers to have them biopsied rather than having to go to surgery for diagnosis,” Friedman said.
From l to r; Event Co-Chairs Mary Courtemanche and Katie Nolle, Dr. Paul Friedman, and WAMMC President, Dannette Merchant
Friedman also spoke about the breast center expansion and the new satellite office at 435 South Street in Morristown.“ The community wanted an easier access site with free parking,” he said. “The facility offers mammography, ultrasound and bone density scans.” About 27,000 patients visited the breast center last year.As the guests enjoyed their honey-infused meal, Amy Seuberth, managing partner from Back to Nature Home and Garden in Bernards Township discussed the importance of organic honey in people's diets and as a medicinal treatment for numerous afflictions, ranging from leg cramps and allergies to scalp and skin conditions. It even helps flush parasites from the liver and colon, she said.“One tablespoon of honey a day will build up your immune system and help relieve your allergies,” Seuberth told the audience.
Event co-chair Katie Nolle of Murray Hill said she was happy with the turnout and the success of the event.
“We are so happy to 'bee' celebrating the beauty, brains and blooms of WAMMC with the Honey Brunch,” she said. “When the flower blooms, the bee will come and today we gather to support the Rippel Breast Center.”
WAMMC members and their guests enjoyed a day of shopping in the Busy Bee Boutique
“I enjoyed the brunch and the shopping and am thrilled to support WAMMC in their ongoing efforts to bring high-quality healthcare to our community,” said attendee Nancy Alfano of Bernardsville. WAMMC has been a driving force and supporting presence at the medical center since 1893. The Association has over 600 members and raises more than $700,000 annually for the hospital.
WAMMC Membership Committee Chair, Patty Mullens (l) and WAMMC Membership Committee Member, Lynne Sprague (r)
Committee Members, Lisa Preziosi (l) and Chris Parker (r)
Committee Members, Sue Kennedy, Helen Caulfield and Debbie Carroll
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