The Boca Raton Pen Women are proud of the many events and programs we organized this past season that brought cultural enrichment, education and enjoyment to members, guests and the local community.
A bagel brunch in October, hosted by president Brenda Dressler, was a tasty and fun opening event. From November to April, members gathered once a month at Mariposa restaurant at Neiman Marcus in Boca Raton for a delicious lunch, lively discussions, and educational programs.
In December, Evan Bennett, PhD presented a fascinating audio visual program about two Black women artists – Mary Ann Carroll and Zora Neal Hurston – who influenced life in Florida. In January, Terryl Lawrence, Palm Beach State College professor, educated us about the colorful life and work of Art Deco artist Tamara de Lempica.
The local police department volunteer team joined us in February to provide valuable tips on avoiding scams and staying safe. In March Dr. Ellen Kamhi, a holistic health nurse, educator and author presented an audio-visual program about foods and natural botanicals that promote health.
Our closing luncheon in April featured Jennifer Wilson, Palm Beach Opera Education Manager and Studio Director, who shared clips from famous operas where card games played a dramatic role. Following her program, the Boca Pen Women presented Mallory Goddard, a student at the Palm Beach Opera Studio Program, with a Music Achievement Award for her outstanding accomplishments, and to assist her in continuing her music studies. Jennifer and Mallory, both talented sopranos, sang an aria for us.
The branch’s student achievement awards are funded by monthly luncheon raffles. Members bid on donated one-of-a-kind items, including jewelry, accessories, decorative items and gift cards. Achievement awards support exceptional students pursuing careers in art, music and letters.
In April branch artists showcased their art work at the Delray Beach Public Library art gallery. The show’s theme – Reflections – was discussed at an opening art reception where authors read poetry and prose, and artists discussed how their work reflected their interpretations of the world.
Boca Pen Women gathered in May for a final fundraising event of the season at Alice’s Teapot Café in Delray Beach, where everyone enjoyed tasty sandwiches, pastries, tea, and camaraderie in an Alice-in-wonderland setting.
Free community enrichment programs were an important part of the branch’s yearly activities. Boca Pen Women presented a flash fiction writing workshop in September and a publishing workshop in February at the Delray Beach Public Library in collaboration with the South Florida Women’s National Book Association.
The success of the season’s fundraising was made possible through donations from local friends and branch members; from generous contributions from Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Siperstein Dermatology, and branch member Phyllis Elrich.
Giving back to the local community that supports us is a vital part of the Boca Raton branch’s agenda. We were pleased to offer monetary donations to the Delray Beach Public Library’s cultural programs and to the Boca Raton Helping Hand Foodbank.