July 2, 2019
THE PALM AIRE WOMEN’S CLUB IS SIXTY YEARS YOUNG AND STILL GOING STRONG. PAWC Club members went back to school for a special Ringling College Art and Design tour.
The 60th anniversary year was a special one for the PAWC. The season started with Manatee County Commissioner’s Office proclaiming that April 24th would forever be known as Palm Aire Women’s Club Day. This award recognized the 60 years of service that the club has always devoted to the advancement of the Manatee Community. This year the PAWC funded 7 charities and 5 new scholarships.
But that was not the only highlight of the season. Susan Romine, the past Vice President, did a magnificent job arranging luncheons that featured the best entertainment Sarasota had to offer. She started off with an original one act comedy, "Lou Bitterman: Attorney at Law" presented by Leona Collesano and Tom Aposporos from Sarasota's Theatre Odyssey.
The following month, red noses were the order of the day. Clowns Karen Bell and Robin Eurich from Circus Arts Conservatory entertained and charmed the entire audience. Their act was a true delight, bringing good moods, high spirits, and laughter to the audience.
The dance luncheon featured choreographer, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, the founder of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Ms. Wilmott performed a series of dance vignettes that demonstrated and demystified the elements that make contemporary dance powerful on so many levels.
The March luncheon featured Nate Jacobs and Mike Mendez from the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. They recounted the trials and tribulations their troupe endured before finding its Sarasota home. They also performed numbers from their latest production. Sylvia Agachinsky was ecstatic to win the door prize of two tickets to the WBTT’s latest production.
But the highlight of the year had to be The PAWC "Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend" Gala Fashion Show. Co-chairs Kim Lege and Ivonne Cardona worked tirelessly to ensure that all went smoothly. More than 200 men and women filled the room, coming together to raise funds in support of scholarships and local charities.
Emcee Jim Shirley announced glamorous models showing off Dillard’s latest styles. The fashions were expertly modeled by Melodie Dickerson, Andrea Knies, Sarasota Chief of Police Bernadette DiPino, Kathleen Allen, Dodie Shuert and Katherine Pike. The outfits were highlighted with sparkling bling and the sound of chiming champagne glasses. It was a day where everyone channeled their inner Marilyn Monroe. Chief DiPino even brought her own special accessory, a pair of sparkling handcuffs!
Even though the PAWC season doesn’t officially start until October, PAWC Vice President, Carmen McAllister and Carol Darling arranged for a special tour of Ringling College of Art and Design for 20 PAWC members and their guests. Lucky participants were able to tour art galleries, check out the 24-hour library and even try out spinning chairs that seemed to have been created in Alice’s Wonderland. All were happy to be included and wanted to thank Carley Massing, Tim Jaeger, Kristina Keogh and especially Peter McAllister for the fabulous visit.
Our "Mix and Mingle" gatherings are growing more popular every month. Don’t miss the fun. Everyone is guaranteed a wonderful time. It’s also a great time for new and old members to get acquainted. Don’t miss the next one. Please check emails for dates and times.
Remember, the PAWC usually meets on the second Friday of the month at 11 AM (registration at 10:45) from October to May. Membership is open year-round and is not limited to Palm Aire Country Club members. For information, contact membership chair, Cecelia Massey at Ceceliamassey@aol.com. Dues are now $40 yearly.
President Peg McKinley receives the Palm Aire Women’s Club Day Proclamation from Commissioner Vanessa Bough as Allison Nash, Patti Hernandez and Susan Romine look on.
The PAWC is 60 years old and still going strong.
Models Katherine Pike, Dodie Shuert, Kathleen Allen, Andrea Knies, Chief of Police Bernadette DiPino and Melodie Dickerson gather together after the "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" fashion show.
Scholarship winners take the stage with the PAWC Scholarship Committee.
Front row: Allison Nash, Beverley Allen,
Michelle Vavra, Lisa Pollack, Cara Ruhnke, Morna Brady, Chelsea Cox, Bailey Parker Pearce, Annette Franco
Back Row: Susan Romine, Barbara Dennis, Cathy Whelan, Patti Hernandez, Peg Beck and Doris McCowen.
PAWC members go back to school for a tour of Ringling College of Art and Design.
Carmen McAllister tries out the “spun” chair during the Ringling tour.