It was a festive atmosphere at the Clubhouse on Feb 4th as 154 members set sail on the SS PPWA for the “Cruise to Paradise” party. Kudos to the planning committee, headed by Brenda Hankard, that put on this fantastic board-sponsored event. Members had great time and I hope everyone will enjoy the beautiful Cruise To Paradise Party 2/4/25 photo album viewable when logged in to our website, compiled by Risa Fogel. 

March kicks off with a fabulous event that is open to all members plus friends and guests. The PPWA Foundation Card & Games Party on March 10th will offer lots of fun as we raise funds for the Scholarship Program. Click here for Card and Game Party  details on how to register right away.

April brings with it two important annual events in PPWA. On the 8th the Board will thank all ladies who serve in volunteer leadership positions at the Activity Leader Appreciation Breakfast. This year we are so pleased to include the group leaders of our recipe swap and book groups as well. On April 21st all members are invited and encouraged to attend the PPWA Annual Meeting where elections will be held for new Board Officers. Please mark your calendars and plan to join fellow PPWA members as we wrap-up our current season and usher in new officers for next year. Registration is recommended but not required on the "Web Calendar" PPWA Annual Meeting - 4/21/2025.

We always need new volunteers so please consider a leadership role next year. We have some Activity Leaders finishing up their service, and without replacements some of our fun groups may go on hold next season. Volunteering in PPWA is fun and rewarding so please consider a new role to help keep our organization going strong!

Add your Photo to Website Profile - One feature of our website is the ability to show a photo of each member.  This is helpful when connecting with new groups, and so easy to do.  We see member photos when we list who’s coming to an event, and when scrolling through the member directory.  To add yours:

1. Sign on to the PPWA website
2. At the upper right, click the DOWN ARROW next to your name.  Choose Profile.
3. Click the 3^rd box from left “Standard Member Directory”. 
4. Scroll down to Photo and choose Add Photo.   Browse to the folder on your computer where the photo is stored.  Click Save.

Renewals – Membership renewals will begin June 1.  We encourage all to renew as early as possible, as this helps immensely with budget planning for the coming year.  All will receive a reminder email prior to June about renewals, which will be done via the PPWA website.

Happy Birthday Wishes – Check out who’s having a birthday soon to send her good wishes.  On our website, click Members > Membership Info.  Birthdays for the next few weeks will list.

The PPWA Foundation 2^nd Annual Card and Game Party to Benefit the Scholarship Fund

The Card and Game Party in support of our Scholarship Fund will be held, Monday, March 10^th at the Pelican Pointe Clubhouse from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.  This event is open to all PPWA members and guests, all residents of Pelican Pointe and to the general public.  The capacity for the party is 142 participants and there still are some tables available.  All games are welcome, as well as partial tables and singles.  The registration can be found below and on the PPWA Bulletin Board outside the clubhouse, and we encourage you to share it with your game playing friends and family. The cost is $35 per person and includes  refreshments of Petit Fours and small desserts, fresh fruit and berry cups, table side snacks and complimentary coffee, tea and iced tea. A cash bar will be available with Happy Hour beginning at 2:00 pm.  There will also be a split the pot auction, beautiful baskets for silent auction and other fun prizes.  A portion of your registration is tax deductible.  At this event we will be spotlighting the winners or our Newest Scholarship awarded to three of our Past Recipients. If you have any questions or need any assistance in completing the registration, do not hesitate to contact Luisa Goldman or Deb Parker via email.  We thank you in advance for your support of this fun event and meaningful program.

Deb Parker

Luisa Goldman

Fifty members and guests spent a delightful day at Cambier Park in beautiful Old Naples for the 2025 Naples National Art Fair.  This event has been recognized as one of the nation’s Top 10 Fine Art Fairs for 2025.  The weather fully cooperated, and our ladies enjoyed the exhibits of fine art and crafts showcasing artists works in 17 different categories including painting, jewelry, watercolor, ceramic, metal, sculpture and wood.  So many came home with treasures for themselves, friends and family members.  The bus rides to and from the event were full of fun and laughter.  We can’t wait to begin planning for another Art Festival adventure for next year!  We are hoping to squeeze in one more art event before the end of the season. Enjoy photos below!

Symphony O’Keefe

Deb Parker

Theater Club agreed with the rave reviews written about Lady Molly of Scotland Yard at Asolo Theater.  After enjoying the balmy weather, seafood and conversation at Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant & Oyster Bar, all found themselves entertained, laughing at the slapstick humor and remembering the important history of Bletchley Park.   The second event in February was a bus trip to see Crazy for You at the Broadway Palm Dinner theater.

Registration is already closed for our last two Van Wezel events of the season—Moulin Rouge on Wednesday evening March 19 and Les Misérables at a Sunday Matinee on April 13.  Inevitably, there may be some last-minute cancellations—Put your name on the waiting list on the PPWA website and you will be contacted if a ticket becomes available.

AUTHOR SPEAKING EVENT 

One of the more popular books being read by our groups over the last year is Shelby Van Pelt’s novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures about a woman’s unique friendship with a giant aquarium octopus.  This best-selling novel has been selected by Sarasota County Libraries for their 2025 One Book One Community Program to encourage reading and book discussions throughout our communities.  

 As part of the program, Van Pelt will be speaking on Friday, March 14 at the following times and locations:

10:30 AM – North Port Performing Arts Center (6400 W Price Blvd) 

7:00 PM – Selby Library in Sarasota (1331 First Street)

No registration is required for these free events.  For more information, visit www.sarasotacountylibraries.org.  (Thanks to Mary McKay and Brenda Hankard for the heads-up about this event!)

DID YOU KNOW..

The National Library Service (NLS) offers a service for American citizens who are unable to read or use regular print materials because of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations.  This includes those who are blind or have a visual, physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from reading or holding print materials.  Through a network of libraries, NLS offers books and magazines in braille or audio formats that can be downloaded or mailed for “free” (in other words, funded with your tax dollars.)   To request an application or for more information go to www.loc.gov/nls or call 800-424-8567. (Thanks to Ruth Farrington for making me aware of this service!)