Military Appreciation Luncheon

Featured Speaker: Willow Clauson, USN (Ret.)

The Southeastern Connecticut Women's Network is proud to welcome Patricia Ann "Willow" Clauson, USN (Ret.) as the featured speaker for our Military Appreciation Luncheon on November 18th at Little Neck Waterford, CT

Willow Clauson has dedicated her life to serving others, first through her distinguished military career, and now through her unwavering commitment to the veteran community. A retired Hospital Corpsman First Class in the United States Navy, Willow honorably served our nation for more than 23 years, providing compassionate care, leadership, and support to service members during her military career.

Willow continued her mission of service by founding PinUps For Warriors, Inc. in 2015. As Founder and CEO, she has devoted the past 11 years to supporting veterans, active-duty military members, and their families through outreach, advocacy, education, and programs designed to combat the growing crisis of military suicide. Her organization has become a source of hope, connection, and encouragement for countless individuals who have sacrificed in service to our country.

Willow's passion for helping others extends far beyond her nonprofit work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and has earned certification as a DBSA Professional Veteran Peer-to-Peer Outreach Specialist and an ASIST Certified Suicide Prevention Specialist, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to provide meaningful support to veterans facing mental health challenges. She currently serves as the Municipal Veteran Service Officer for the Town of Canterbury, where she assists local veterans in accessing the benefits, resources, and services they have earned through their military service.

In addition, Willow has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for more than 16 years, bringing another dimension of healing and wellness to those she serves. Throughout every chapter of her career, she has remained committed to improving the lives of others through compassion, advocacy, education, and action.

With decades of military service, years of dedicated community leadership, and an unwavering commitment to preventing military suicide, Willow embodies the values of courage, resilience, and selfless service. Her story is one of strength, purpose, and a deep belief that no veteran should ever feel alone.

Join us as we recognize and celebrate the men and women who have served our nation and hear Willow's powerful message of hope, resilience, and the importance of supporting those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. We are honored to welcome this remarkable veteran, advocate, and community leader as our featured speaker for this special Military Appreciation Luncheon.

When: November 18th, 2026 11:30am- 1:15pm

Where:Little Neck Restaurant & Events at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385

Note: If registering early, this price will be reflected in your cart at checkout!

• Late Registration - or at the door – $40.00

• Member Registration – $30.00

• Non-member Registration – $35.00

Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon. Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.

Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.  

Military Appreciation Luncheon

Featured Speaker: Willow Clauson, USN (Ret.)

The Southeastern Connecticut Women's Network is proud to welcome Patricia Ann "Willow" Clauson, USN (Ret.) as the featured speaker for our Military Appreciation Luncheon on November 18th at Little Neck Waterford, CT

Willow Clauson has dedicated her life to serving others, first through her distinguished military career, and now through her unwavering commitment to the veteran community. A retired Hospital Corpsman First Class in the United States Navy, Willow honorably served our nation for more than 23 years, providing compassionate care, leadership, and support to service members during her military career.

Willow continued her mission of service by founding PinUps For Warriors, Inc. in 2015. As Founder and CEO, she has devoted the past 11 years to supporting veterans, active-duty military members, and their families through outreach, advocacy, education, and programs designed to combat the growing crisis of military suicide. Her organization has become a source of hope, connection, and encouragement for countless individuals who have sacrificed in service to our country.

Willow's passion for helping others extends far beyond her nonprofit work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and has earned certification as a DBSA Professional Veteran Peer-to-Peer Outreach Specialist and an ASIST Certified Suicide Prevention Specialist, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to provide meaningful support to veterans facing mental health challenges. She currently serves as the Municipal Veteran Service Officer for the Town of Canterbury, where she assists local veterans in accessing the benefits, resources, and services they have earned through their military service.

In addition, Willow has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for more than 16 years, bringing another dimension of healing and wellness to those she serves. Throughout every chapter of her career, she has remained committed to improving the lives of others through compassion, advocacy, education, and action.

With decades of military service, years of dedicated community leadership, and an unwavering commitment to preventing military suicide, Willow embodies the values of courage, resilience, and selfless service. Her story is one of strength, purpose, and a deep belief that no veteran should ever feel alone.

Join us as we recognize and celebrate the men and women who have served our nation and hear Willow's powerful message of hope, resilience, and the importance of supporting those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. We are honored to welcome this remarkable veteran, advocate, and community leader as our featured speaker for this special Military Appreciation Luncheon.

When: November 18th, 2026 11:30am- 1:15pm

Where:Little Neck Restaurant & Events at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385

Note: If registering early, this price will be reflected in your cart at checkout!

• Late Registration - or at the door – $40.00

• Member Registration – $30.00

• Non-member Registration – $35.00

Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon. Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.

Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.  

Kathy Greene - Stronger Together - PREREGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED - PLEASE PAY AT THE DOOR

Kathy will present on life experience of how working, sharing, creating and implementing together does work. We are stronger together. We say these almost as cliches but how and why are we? She will give different insights in coming together and collaborating.

 About Kathy:

Kathy Greene is a leading advocate for inclusivity in Southeastern Connecticut and has spent her life creating opportunities and advocating for individuals regardless of their perceived ability. Her work has undoubtedly changed countless lives for the better, and has made our community a better place to live and work in. She founded the Light House Voc-Ed Center and directed it from 1992-2017.

Since leaving The Light House, Kathy has continued her mission of creating a more diverse community and collaborative one. In 2018, she co- founded the Girl Power Collaborative with Susan Corrice from Girl Scouts, Kate McDonald from Girls on the Run, Beatrice Jennette from S.T.E.P.S. and Kathy representing the Soroptimist CT Shoreline Club. This Collaborative received the 1st Annual Collaboration of the Year from the Eastern Chamber in 2019 and GIRL POWER still thrives!

She works throughout the tri state area to share resources, networks and support for nonprofits and women’s businesses. Collaboration and working together is the only way to help each other and our communities thrive!

When:August 19, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM

Where: Little Neck Restaurant & Events at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385

Registration - Please Note Price Change

Note: If registering early, this price will be reflected in your cart at checkout!

• Late Registration - or at the door – $40.00

• Member Registration – $30.00

• Non-member Registration – $35.00

Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon. Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.

Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.                                   

From the Beginning... Still Going Strong With Network Founder, Mildred Devine

Join us for a truly special luncheon as we welcome Network founder, Mildred Devine, along with several longtime members whose dedication helped shape the Southeastern Connecticut’s Network during its early years.

Together, they will participate in a heartfelt panel discussion titled: “From the Beginning... Still Going Strong”

This inspiring conversation will reflect on the Network’s origins, the challenges and triumphs experienced by professional women over the past five decades, and the enduring power of connection, mentorship, and community. Millie and our distinguished panelists will share personal stories, lessons learned, and their perspectives on how opportunities for women have evolved—and where there is still work to be done.

The discussion will also explore an important question: “What would Millie want today’s women to know?”

Following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive Question & Answer session before enjoying extended open networking, giving members and guests the chance to connect across generations of Network leadership.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the women whose vision, courage, and determination laid the foundation for nearly fifty years of empowering professionals throughout Southeastern Connecticut.

When: September 16th, 2026 11:30am- 1:15pm

Where:Little Neck Restaurant & Events at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385

Note: If registering early, this price will be reflected in your cart at checkout!

• Late Registration - or at the door – $40.00

• Member Registration – $30.00

• Non-member Registration – $35.00

Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon. Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.

Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.  

From the Beginning... Still Going Strong With Network Founder, Mildred Devine

Join us for a truly special luncheon as we welcome Network founder Mildred Devine,

along with several longtime members whose dedication helped shape the Southeastern Connecticut’s Network during its early years.

Together, they will participate in a heartfelt panel discussion titled: “From the Beginning... Still Going Strong”

This inspiring conversation will reflect on the Network’s origins, the challenges and triumphs experienced by professional women over the past five decades, and the enduring power of connection, mentorship, and community. Millie and our distinguished panelists will share personal stories, lessons learned, and their perspectives on how opportunities for women have evolved—and where there is still work to be done.

The discussion will also explore an important question: “What would Millie want today’s women to know?”

Following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive Question & Answer session before enjoying extended open networking, giving members and guests the chance to connect across generations of Network leadership.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the women whose vision, courage, and determination laid the foundation for nearly fifty years of empowering professionals throughout Southeastern Connecticut.

When: September 16th, 2026 11:30am- 1:15pm

Where:Little Neck Restaurant & Events at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385

Note: If registering early, this price will be reflected in your cart at checkout!

• Late Registration - or at the door – $40.00

• Member Registration – $30.00

• Non-member Registration – $35.00

Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon. Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.

Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.  

October Luncheon: Time Capsule – Bring a Piece of Your History

As we celebrate 50 years of our Women's Network, we're creating a special time capsule filled with memories, stories, and pieces of the women who have shaped our community. The time capsule will be sealed after our 50th Anniversary Gala. We'll add a few final mementos from this milestone celebration, and it will be opened in 2051 as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary.

When: October 21, 2016 11:30am-1:15pm

Where: Little Neck Restaurant & Events at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385

We invite you to bring one small item from your past that tells a story about who you are, where you've been, or what has inspired you. Your item can represent a memory, milestone, accomplishment, hobby, family tradition, or simply a moment that makes you smile.

Some ideas include:

• A photograph

• A favorite recipe

• A handwritten note or letter

• A ticket stub or event program

• A newspaper clipping

• A small keepsake or trinket

• A business card from your first business or career

• A favorite quote

• A piece of jewelry with a story

• A postcard or travel memento

• A club pin, badge, or ribbon

These are just ideas—feel free to bring anything meaningful to you that will help tell your story to the women who open our time capsule 50 years from now.

Together, let's leave a little piece of ourselves for the next generation.

See you there!

Your 50th Anniversary Committee

Registration

Note: If registering early, this price will be reflected in your cart at checkout!

• Late Registration - or at the door – $40.00

• Member Registration – $30.00

• Non-member Registration – $35.00

Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon. Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.
Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.

October Luncheon: Time Capsule – Bring a Piece of Your History

As we celebrate 50 years of our Women's Network, we're creating a special time capsule filled with memories, stories, and pieces of the women who have shaped our community. The time capsule will be sealed after our 50th Anniversary Gala. We'll add a few final mementos from this milestone celebration, and it will be opened in 2051 as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary.

When: October 21, 2016 11:30am-1:15pm

Where: Little Neck Restaurant & Events at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385

We invite you to bring one small item from your past that tells a story about who you are, where you've been, or what has inspired you. Your item can represent a memory, milestone, accomplishment, hobby, family tradition, or simply a moment that makes you smile.

Some ideas include:

• A photograph

• A favorite recipe

• A handwritten note or letter

• A ticket stub or event program

• A newspaper clipping

• A small keepsake or trinket

• A business card from your first business or career

• A favorite quote

• A piece of jewelry with a story

• A postcard or travel memento

• A club pin, badge, or ribbon

These are just ideas—feel free to bring anything meaningful to you that will help tell your story to the women who open our time capsule 50 years from now.

Together, let's leave a little piece of ourselves for the next generation.

See you there!

Your 50th Anniversary Committee

Registration

Note: If registering early, this price will be reflected in your cart at checkout!

• Late Registration - or at the door – $40.00

• Member Registration – $30.00

• Non-member Registration – $35.00

Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon. Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.
Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.