‘Anything is possible’

Members of Women Who Wine of Texas, seated, from left, Marcy Fryday, Julie Jones Johnson, Bonnie Lem, Anita Fogtman; standing, Shelley Rogers, Julie Osburn, Helen Seitz, Robyn Weigelt, Mary Ellen Arledge and Sandra Sellers. Photo by Kelsey Walling

Good things happen when strong Texas women get together over wine

In 2004, about a dozen strong women who liked good wine and good times decided to organize.

The friends from Kemah, League City and Seabrook formed Women Who Wine of Texas with the belief that a small group of goal-oriented women could have a positive influence on the community.

“All of us in this group are community-minded,” Shelley Rogers said. “That’s the glue that keeps us together.”

The group became a nonprofit organization in 2007, Mary Ellen Arledge said.

“We are committed to community involvement, camaraderie among members, continued education on wines and supporting other organizations in our area,” Arledge said.

Helen Seitz, left, and Marcy Fryday catch up during a meeting at Haak Vineyards & Winery in Santa Fe. The group meets at members’ houses and various restaurants for birthdays and holidays. Photo by Kelsey Walling

Using the group’s dues, Women Who Wine buys school supplies for local schools and gifts for children and families at Christmas, all with guidance from Clear Creek Independent School District officials. The group also supports the Bay Area Museum Guild and participates in the guild’s Just a Pretty Table fundraiser each October.

“We have a wonderful time at our birthday luncheons and wine tastings,” Arledge said. “We are a delightful group of ladies that enjoy having a good time and laughing.”

Whiners aren’t allowed and neither are men, although the women do make an exception at Christmas when they invite their husbands to a December gathering.

Each month, the women have a different wine theme for their get-togethers. Every year, the women spend a long weekend touring a Texas winery.

The group is about more than community service and fun times, however. When members experience the loss of a loved one, they can call any one of the others for help.

“Before we serve the community, we serve each other,” Rogers said.

Julie Osburn slices cheese to go with the wine. Photo by Kelsey Walling

The women push and lift each other, Johnette Norman said.

They recognize that a dozen women with Type A personalities can’t be in the same group and not have a conflict, Arledge said. They resolve whatever issues come up and move along in Texas style.

They hold meetings with agendas, notebooks and financial reports. The sessions are better run than some municipal boards. They don’t waste time, they don’t frown and they don’t tolerate rude waitresses. They aren’t recruiting for new members.

The group also has a mission statement:

“The Women Who Wine of Texas believe when you surround yourself with like-minded women, anything is possible. It’s about finding a passionate purpose and taking steps to make contributions through community service.”

Overall, Arledge describes the group as joyous.

“We love and admire each other,” she said.