Members of the Boca Raton Branch of the National League of American Pen Women enjoyed a season of lively luncheons and inspirational programs. Enthusiastic guests joined us to meet our member artists, writers, music composers and patrons at our new luncheon venue – Indian Spring Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Our opening luncheon on October 12, 2022 featured film producer and author Angela Page, who showed a video from her award-winning film, Sylvia, based on her novel, Suddenly Single Sylvia.
Dr. Catherine Hughes, Palm Beach Opera Director of Education, presented a fascinating audio-visual program on beloved operas and the rumours and stories that haunted them through decades.
Eliot Kleinberg & Sheila Firestone
Palm Beach Post journalist, author and historian Eliot Kleinberg discussed his book, Weird Florida, in January 2023, and surprised us with pictures and facts and about the weirdest things that happened in the sunshine state.
Catherine Hughes & Carol White
Art historian Helen Yentis narrated a slide show in February that presented fascinating new forms of art.
Elaine Hutt & Gloria Waldman
In March 2023, Dr. Gloria Waldman, a Spanish language scholar, professor and writer, motivated us to leave procrastination behind and renew our creative spirits.
The final luncheon of the season, on April 12, 2023, showcased an original comedic play written and directed by award-winning Pen author Marlene Klotz. Three talented actors performed Marlene’s play, It’s All About Friendship.
Marlene Klotz & Acting Troupe
A raffle table at every luncheon displayed one-of-a-kind donated items, including jewelry and gift cards. Members and guests purchased raffle tickets and bid on the items. The popular monthly raffles raised funds for the Boca Raton Branch’s student awards program. Monetary awards support art, music and writing programs in local high schools.
Raffles: Barbara Bixon (C) & Elisa Eisenman
The success of this past season’s fund-raising for our student awards program was made possible through generous gifts from many individual contributors who donated items, and from sponsors: Publix Super Markets, Inc., Rapoport’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (Max’s Grille and Deck 84), Miami City Ballet, Palm Beach Opera, Boca Raton Museum of Art, and Eau Palm Beach Spa.
In addition to monthly luncheon programs, Pen women authors led two instructional fiction-writing workshops at the West Boynton Beach Public Library and the Delray Beach Public Library for beginning and intermediate writers.
Authors Elaine Bossik & Marlene Pasch
Writing Workshop, Delray Beach
The free workshops were open to the local community and were well attended. And a Valentine’s Day poetry workshop, hosted by author Marlene Klotz, produced original poems that were printed and circulated at a luncheon.
This past season was a productive and creative one for the Boca Raton Pen Women. Members look forward to a new season filled with opportunities for expression in art, music and letters.
Blog photographs by Carol White.