The Foundation highlights the great work of Altrusans. This spotlight is on Barbara Waterman Arafeh, the 2023 recipient of the Anna H. Settle Community Leadership Award.
The purpose of the Anna H. Settle Community Leadership Award is to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities as volunteer leaders.
Altrusa International Foundation, Inc. awarded the 2023 Anna H. Settle Community Leadership Award to Barbara Waterman Arafeh, member of the Altrusa International of Central CT, Inc. since 1975. Barbara was presented with an award check, made payable to the Greater Middletown Concert Association, and crystal trophy statue at the Foundation Luncheon during the 2023 International Convention.
Barbara Waterman Arafeh has been a force for good in the greater Middletown community for over 60 years. Her involvement with and leadership of the Greater Middletown Concert Association has continued for the 55 years of the organization’s existence, bringing world class musical events to the community. She served as President of the Association board for over 30 years, and she was intimately involved with all aspects, including artist and program selection.
 In addition to the Greater Middletown Concert Association, Barbara has devoted her life to community service, including the League of Women Voters (for over 50 years), revived Greater Middletown branch of American Association of University Women, City of Middletown Commission on the Arts, Connecticut State Medical Society Auxillary, Director of Cromwell Senior Chorus (The Heartwarmers), and Founded the Middletown Senior Chorus (The Middletuners).
Barbara was trained as an opera singer and has a bachelor of music and voice from the New England Conservatory of Music and a master of arts in music and music education from Columbia University. She studied with opera legends Boris Goldovsky and Sarah Caldwell.
Barbara has been married for over 60 years to Dr. Mehadin Arafeh. They share three children and three grandchildren.
Barbara has participated in and led many organizations that work to improve the lot of women at home and abroad and those that promote better understanding among the peoples of the world. Her efforts have been honored many times with state and local recognition. She has always combined her love of music with her desire to build a better community.
Spotlight an Altrusan
Barbara Waterman Arafeh
The Foundation highlights the great work of Altrusans. This spotlight is on Barbara Waterman Arafeh, the 2023 recipient of the Anna H. Settle Community Leadership Award.
The purpose of the Anna H. Settle Community Leadership Award is to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities as volunteer leaders.
Altrusa International Foundation, Inc. awarded the 2023 Anna H. Settle Community Leadership Award to Barbara Waterman Arafeh, member of the Altrusa International of Central CT, Inc. since 1975. Barbara was presented with an award check, made payable to the Greater Middletown Concert Association, and crystal trophy statue at the Foundation Luncheon during the 2023 International Convention.
Barbara Waterman Arafeh has been a force for good in the greater Middletown community for over 60 years. Her involvement with and leadership of the Greater Middletown Concert Association has continued for the 55 years of the organization’s existence, bringing world class musical events to the community. She served as President of the Association board for over 30 years, and she was intimately involved with all aspects, including artist and program selection.
 In addition to the Greater Middletown Concert Association, Barbara has devoted her life to community service, including the League of Women Voters (for over 50 years), revived Greater Middletown branch of American Association of University Women, City of Middletown Commission on the Arts, Connecticut State Medical Society Auxillary, Director of Cromwell Senior Chorus (The Heartwarmers), and Founded the Middletown Senior Chorus (The Middletuners).
Barbara was trained as an opera singer and has a bachelor of music and voice from the New England Conservatory of Music and a master of arts in music and music education from Columbia University. She studied with opera legends Boris Goldovsky and Sarah Caldwell.
Barbara has been married for over 60 years to Dr. Mehadin Arafeh. They share three children and three grandchildren.
Barbara has participated in and led many organizations that work to improve the lot of women at home and abroad and those that promote better understanding among the peoples of the world. Her efforts have been honored many times with state and local recognition. She has always combined her love of music with her desire to build a better community.