Click here to view Madam X Awards
To enlarge photos in each event, click on the first photo and then scroll to view additional photos.
October Coffee
Hostess: Janet
Co-Hostesses: Elaine, Nadine, Becky, Sue
October Luncheon
Moscow on the Hill
October 8, 2025
Harvest BINGO
October 6, 2025
Mystery Bus Tour
September 26, 2025
The day’s itinerary included visits to Consignment Clothing Shops (Elite Repeat and Encore), Como Zoo, lunch at the St. Paul Hotel Grill, “The Calling” Loon Sculpture, The Game Show Studio at Rosedale Mall, and an assortment of treats, games, and prizes during the bus ride.
September Coffee
Hostess: Peggy
Co-Hostesses: Marjorie, Katie, Donna, Douglass
September Event
Craft Open House
September 11, 2025
September Luncheon
MatchStick Restaurant & Spirits - Stillwater
September 10, 2025
Widows Group High Tea
Lowell Inn, Stillwater
August 10, 2025
9-Hole Golf & Lunch Event
Oak Marsh Golf Club
July 28, 2025
Book Club
July 14, 2025
Wine & Cheese Party
Hostess: June
Co-Hostesses: Claudia, Jennifer, Sandy, Douglass, Mary Lou, Wendy, and Jaimie
June, 25, 2025
June Luncheon
Green Mill Restaurant - Woodbury
June 11, 2025
May Coffee
Hostess: Nancy
Co-Hostesses: Donna, Arlene, Patricia, Douglass, Sandy, Donna
May Luncheon
Tattersall Craft Cocktail Bar & Eatery - River Falls, WI
May 14, 2025
May Event
Eagle Eye Farm in River Falls, Wisconsin
May 9, 2025
April Event
State Capital Tour / Lunch at Café Astoria
April 25, 2025
April Coffee
Hostess: Jennifer
Co-Hostesses: Cindy, Claudia, Karin, Arlene
April Luncheon
Stockyards Tavern and Chophouse - South St. Paul
April 9, 2025
Dining Out Fish Fry
The Bungalow Inn
April 4, 2025
Cruisin’ Canasta
April 2, 2025
March Event
AR Workshop Craft Bar - Stillwater, MN
March 27, 2025
March Coffee
Hostess: Peg Layer
Co-Hostesses: Jaimie, Katie, Lori, and Donna
St. Patrick’s Day BUNCO
March 17, 2025
March Luncheon
Pier 500 - Hudson, Wisconsin
March 12, 2025
February Coffee
Hostess: Pat
Co-Hostesses: Katie, Donna, Joanne, Patricia
Widows Galentine’s Party
February 14, 2025
February Luncheon
Andiamo Italian Ristorante - Woodbury
February 12, 2025
Ponytail Canasta
February 5, 2025
January Coffee
Hostess: June
Co-Hostesses: Susan, Colleen, Karen
January Luncheon
Crave - Woodbury
January 8, 2025
MADAM X - 2025
Madam X, an honor bestowed monthly, recognizes a club member who has dedicated significant time and talent to promoting club activities. The recipient of this honor is nominated by club members, and receives a complimentary lunch.
January - Lori Hutchins
Madam X for the month of January is Lori Hutchins. Lori is a Super Star. She organized and implemented the most successful auction ever! She does everything with a big heart, kindness and creativity. The auction is our only fundraiser, and it provides the extra monies for all the fun things we get to do. Congratulations, Lori, on being this month's Madame X. We appreciate you.
February - Carol McCradden and Ann Roth
For the month of February, we would like to recognize our Luncheon VPs, Carol McCradden and Ann Roth. In these challenging times with price increases, they have always been able to find great locations with good food and places that will accommodate our group. In addition to being our "Lunch Ladies", Ann and Carol have both served as Coordinator for Book Club, always offering great book suggestions and guidance. They do everything to perfection! They are both a vital part of our club. We are so grateful for them to continue this year finding the ideal spots for us to lunch. Congratulations Carol and Ann for being this month's Madam X.
March - Janet Campbell
Our Madam X for the month of March is Janet Campbell. She had an idea for a fun game that she wanted to share with our group. She bought the supplies, got organized, invited others to join her and established a monthly Ponytail Canasta group. She has taught many how to play with patience and grace. Thank you, Janet for continuing to lead this game that so many enjoy. You are a true friend to many. Congratulations to Janet for being this month's Madame X.
April - Claudia Falska and Douglass Forbes
For the month of April, we would like to recognize Claudia Flaska and Douglass Forbes. Together they organize all the Coffees in such a marvelous fashion. They are very efficient and always keep everything running smoothly. What a team! Not only are they the Coffee Coordinators, but they also help in so many other ways. They are always the first to volunteer for whatever needs to be done whether it be hosting, planning, serving, or making phone calls. They love this club, and we love them. Congratulations Claudia and Douglass for being this month's Madame X.
May - Katie Shaw
Madam X for the month of May is Katie Shaw. She had the idea to keep us engaged in the summer months by organizing a summer speaker series in 2024. She arranged for the speakers and the venues. We learned how to avoid fraudulent scams by a Police Detective. We also heard from an estate attorney on legacy planning and getting our ducks in a row. While one of the speakers was a no-show, Katie kept the crowd engaged as she led a lively discussion among friends. I applaud her initiative and community spirit for bringing something new to SPANRC. Congratulations Katie for being this month's Madame X.
June - Karin Erickson
This month the members of SPANRC selected our Madam X. One of the nominators stated that “She is small, but mighty”. This is a great description of Karin Erickson! Congratulations Karin for being Madam X in June.
Karin had been a Board member until her term ended in December 2024. SPANRC needed a new Webmaster and Karin volunteered to take the position and be back on the Board. This is the reason she received a nomination from a second club member. Karin’s commitment to the club, her kindness and can-do attitude are admired and appreciated by all of us!
July - Liz Axtman
Liz Axtman was selected as our July Madam X. Liz participates in many activities with SPANRC. At the Eagle Eye Farm in River Falls she demonstrated real bravery when an alpaca attacked her from behind. The farm describes their alpacas as being a cross between a giraffe and a poodle. They weigh between 120 and 150 pounds. Can you imagine being pushed from behind by one of these creatures? Let’s hope her bravery continues and that she will continue trying new things with SPANRC, despite potential danger.
Congratulations Liz for being chosen, and for your strong spirit in the face of danger.
August - Marilyn Riley
Marilyn Riley is our August Madam X. Marilyn has been a member of SPANRC since 2004 and is currently serving her second year as Chairperson of the Knotty Ladies Group. In this role, Marilyn ensures that the meeting room is scheduled for each gathering, enlists members to volunteer to bring treats, submits articles for the monthly newsletter, and consistently follows up with the group to RSVP.
She is very creative and talented in many crafts and is always happy to share her expertise with other group members. It might be providing a “how-to” explanation when someone needs help, offering advice on yarns, colors, and patterns, or donating her project to charity. Marilyn is also a quilter and a member of the SPANRC Quilting Buddies. She has crafted numerous beautiful quilts, each demonstrating her meticulous attention to detail and inspiring others in the group.
Thank you, Marilyn, for your contributions to SPANRC. Congratulations on being this month’s Madam X!
September - Nancy Dietze
Our September Madame X is Nancy Dietze. Congratulations Nancy! She received her nomination because of all her contributions to SPANRC. When she was considering a Board position, she proactively attended a Board meeting to learn more about what it would entail. She adds a lot of fun to each luncheon with her creative table decorations. She has offered her home for Coffees and other events.
Last summer, during our inaugural Summer Speaker series, when the guest speaker failed to appear, Nancy began sharing some local day trips with us. She sent the Events Coordinators the list she compiled, and they got ideas for events for our group. Nancy also asks for members to donate unused toiletries from hotel stays, which she donates to women's shelters.
Nancy and Lori Hutchins are coordinating a fun craft sale event for the fall. Nancy is a wealth of knowledge, suggesting events and ideas for our group. Thank you, Nancy, for all you do. I would also like to thank the members for their nominations.
October - Marjorie Gross and Joyce Roddy
Marjorie Gross and Joyce Roddy have been nominated for the Madam X award for October. These ladies, once again, planned and organized the Annual SPANRC Golf Scramble and Luncheon. Held on another scorching and humid day at Oak Marsh Golf Course, five teams of enthusiastic golfers participated. After a round of golfing, a delicious lunch was served, and all SPANRC members were invited to attend. Many beautiful prizes were awarded not only to the golfers, but also to luncheon guests, making everyone feel like a winner. Thanks to Marjorie and Joyce’s thoughtful coordination, the event ran smoothly and was a huge success. Their hard work, attention to detail, and commitment made it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Congratulations on being this month’s Madam X.
November - Cathy Ostrowski and Carolyn Borchardt
Cathy Ostrowski was nominated for her warm and caring service as SPANRC Sunshine for the past two years. With her inspiring cards and poems, she has provided cheer, warm wishes, and comfort to many club members over the years she served. Cathy’s talent is evident in each card that she prepares, and her joyful, pleasant attitude has been a wonderful presence on the SPANRC Board. She has not only sent cards but also visited members to provide warmth and cheer. Thank you for serving for two years. It is greatly appreciated.
Carolyn Borchardt, has chaired the Mah Jong activity for over ten years. She is devoted to playing and teaching new players the game. Carolyn organizes two Mah Jong activities every month and has agreed to continue in her role in 2026. Her long dedication to this group has earned her the Madame X award. Thank you for your service and commitment.