TV Host Shares American Dream

From left: Ruth Collins, general program chairwoman, with guest speaker Ingrid Lemme, Community Club President Marye Heston and the Rev. Joseph Pae of the Cathedral of the Incarnation

On Wednesday, October 3, members and guests attending the opening program of the club's 2007-08 year at the Garden City Casino listened as Ingrid Lemme shared the story of her American dream and how she made it come true.

Born and raised in Germany and now a proud American citizen, Ingrid is a multi-faceted woman, who in addition to writing and producing her own TV talk show for station WVVH in the Hamptons, holds a degree in architecture, writes a syndicated column called "Mon-Talk," does motivational speaking, is an award-winning publicist and has worked as public relations director for one of Montauk's most famous inns and spas for the past 16 years.

Ingrid came to America 30 years ago when after two failed marriages she decided to listen to a nagging little voice within her that told her she could never reach her full potential until she followed a persistent dream of many years to come to the United States for a new start. Following this dream, she arrived in Montauk speaking only a smattering of textbook English but was able to obtain a job at a Hamptons credit union where most of the customers had English as a second language as well. There she rose quickly to the position of director. After marrying her current husband, a tall Texan, they followed a shared dream of becoming organic farmers and moved to a small town of 330 people in Arizona where Ingrid ran for Mayor. But a replay of "Green Acres" was not meant to be, and facing dire financial conditions they decided to return to Montauk, where Ingrid began working for Gurney's Inn and eventually became its public relations director.

Her idea for "the American Dream" TV show came about in an effort to explore the family heritage of people living on Long Island and to share their dreams and the dreams of their ancestors, many of whom had come here hundreds of years ago in pursuit of a better life. She wished to show that the American dream still offers hope by showcasing the way people have overcome the many obstacles that stood in their way.

After 9/11, many Americans feared traveling overseas and Ingrid decided to compile a list of small, interesting towns, three in each state, where people could feel safe traveling with their families.

Prior to the start of the program a short business meeting was presided over by new President Marye Heston, who after extending a warm welcome to all members and guests in attendance, invited the Rev. Joseph Pae of the Cathedral of the Incarnation to give the traditional invocation for the start of the new club year. Rosemary McCarthy, chairman of the americanism/current events department, left the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, by Recording Secretary Ann Heinzelmann and the treasurer's report was given by 1 st Vice-President Emily Sair in the absence of Treasurer Caroline Kaiser. A round of applause was given to Betty Pupke and Marge Goldsmith for the outstanding job they did on the club's friendship luncheon last month and to Amy Small and Regina Dowling for the excellent work they did on the yearbook. General Program Chairman Ruth Collins then introduced guest speaker, Ingrid Lemme.

Members and guests were treated to delicious homemade cakes and brownies at the tea hour following the program thanks to Hospitality Chairmen Ruth Labosco and Phyllis Dima and their committee of volunteers. Josephine Cotugno and Lee Amrheim greeted members and guests at the door and Marilyn Kerr and her committee took care of the beautiful decorations on the tea table.

The Community club offers a variety of interesting and informative programs, trips and creative art classes from October through May. For further information on the club and how you may become a member call the club office on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at (516) 746-0488.