What’s Happening … May 2026
| President's Message
“Connecting with members, technology & community.”
We had a fantastic Appreciation Breakfast for all of our volunteers. They do so much for our PPWA members. Please consider volunteering or starting a new group.
Our year officially ends May 31st so membership renewals start June 1st. It is very helpful if you register right away. It helps us plan our budget for the year and many of our groups require deposits during the summer. Many groups continue to meet in the summer so make sure to read our Newsletter to keep up-to-date.
This could be your last Newsletter if someone does not volunteer for this position. We are looking for someone to publish our monthly PPWA Newsletter starting in June 2026. Training will be provided. This job can be done remotely but you are expected to attend Board meetings October-May. Please contact me if you are interested.
Respectfully,
Brenda Hankard
| What a year it has been for PPWA! You are part of a 675 member powerhouse, with hundreds of activities this season from biking and core strength to book clubs and bridge. To keep the momentum going and allow us to book ahead for 2026-27 activities, please renew in June.
Renewal steps are easy from the PPWA web site. When you log in starting June 1, you’ll be prompted to Renew and led through the steps to verify your information and pay by credit card. No mailing or drop off needed!
Members who renew before August 1 will be entered to win Amazon gift cards.
If you need any help renewing once June 1 rolls around, please contact Membership Chair Lisa Murphy.
| Communications Co - Chair Newsletter
PPWA Newsletter Editor Needed
- Position starts June 1, 2026 but training is available now.
- Must be able to add short articles and upload photos from our Activity Leaders into a Club Express template.
- Can be done remotely but you are expected to attend Board Meetings once a month from October to May.
Contact me for more information.
Brenda Hankard
PPWA President
ppwahankard@gmail.com
860-913-3288 |
PPWA offers so much fun for all of us because of our incredible volunteers. As we wrap up this season and begin looking ahead, we urgently need YOU to consider getting involved.
Without Activity Leaders, these beloved groups will sunset (our polite way of saying they will come to an end).
Activities in Need of Volunteers
Art on the Run
Members enjoy a variety of art-themed outings from October through May, including art festivals, museums, galleries, and instructor-led classes.
If you’re interested, please reach out to Deb Parker or Symphony O’Keefe. These ladies have led Art on the Run for the past six years and have graciously offered to mentor and support new leaders—making this an easy and supported transition.
Destination Dinner
Perfect for singles and couples who enjoy a little surprise! Participants gather at a host’s home for appetizers and drinks before heading out to a mystery restaurant revealed that evening.
This monthly event hosts up to 14 participants, with members rotating as hosts.
Contact: Inez Bowes
Lunch Bunch
Meets the third Friday of each month (year-round, except November and December). The group explores local restaurants, often featuring a short presentation and a fun giveaway.
Contacts: Chris Street or Ellen Franzblau
If you’ve enjoyed any of these activities, now is the time to step up and help keep them going. Without volunteers, these groups will not continue next season.
Volunteering is a fun and rewarding way to stay connected and make a meaningful impact in our community.
Please consider saying YES—we need you!
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Congratulations to another class of Website 101 graduates!
L-R: Clara Verosky, ClaraBurns, Jane Collinson,
Kathy Johnston, Mary Jo Shellard, Ginni Clifford,
Lauri Bryck and Elie Ladolcetta.
Brenda Hankard |
Activity Leader Spotlight |  | | My husband David and I purchased our home in Pelican Pointe in 2010. I continued to work as the Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing/Clinical Officer for a multihospital health system in Connecticut until I retired in 2015. We have a daughter who is a pharmacist and lives in nearby Nokomis, so we are fortunate to see her and our grand dog often. Our older daughter is deceased.
After retiring I quickly became involved in many of PPWA’s activity groups and felt so fortunate to be part of an organization that offered such a diverse list of fun and enriching activities in which to participate and make lifelong friends. I am a past-president of PPWA serving during the height of COVID from 2019 – 2021. One of my passions within the organization is the Scholarship Program where I have served as the Chair of the Scholarship Committee and currently as President of The PPWA Foundation.
For the last five years it has been my honor and privilege to lead the Art on the Run Activity Group with my dear friend Symphony O’Keefe. We introduced instructor led artistic activities where we painted a seascape, created many mosaic projects and an ocean wave resin board. Our other activities have included yearly docent led visits to multiple museums, annual treks to highly acclaimed outdoor Art Festivals and several art-related trolley tours of Sarasota and Venice. This is our last year as leaders of this wonderful and supportive group. We know there are talented and creative women within PPWA who can lead this terrific group of women and create new artistic memories. Won’t you please give back to PPWA in this leadership role? Like Symphony and me, you will find it a very fun and rewarding experience.
|  | I am a registered nurse with a varied practice: Army nurse ,VA in Massachusetts , Head Start, then Plymouth County Schools, until moving to FL with my husband Bill (now deceased) 30 years ago. I have a son and 3 teen grandchildren.
When I retired from the Florida Department of Health, Sarasota County, I joined the Medical Reserve Corps of Sarasota and Manatee County. I also am involved with SPARCC, as well as PPWA. Tom Leahy and I moved to Pelican Pointe almost 16 years ago, after falling in love with the community and the wonderful people and activities here.
I have been the co chair of Art on the Run with Deb Parker for 5 fun filled years. We have travelled to museums and art festivals from Tampa to Naples, and introduced our members to local artists as they help us to produce art projects using all kinds of mediums. But we are asking for other ladies to step up and lead the group. Art is all around you, and everyone’s perspective can be different. Anything you think of for an event will result in a fun day for our members. Please consider helping lead this wonderful group of women.
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To order a name tag click on link below
Name Tag Form rev 2/3/26
| Kitchen Divas Evolves to Food Explorers |
KITCHEN DIVAS – END OF SEASON & EXCITING NEWS!
As our 2025–2026 Kitchen Divas season comes to a close, we want to thank all of you for being part of another fun (and delicious!) year!
We’ll admit—this year came with a few challenges as we searched for hands-on experiences and demonstrations—but we hope you were still able to join us and enjoy some of the great events we shared together.
We kicked things off with a wonderful family-style meal at L’Olive, where 60 ladies gathered to dine and connect. In February, we tried something new and brought in a crepe food truck—serving up both sweet and savory favorites that were a big hit! March took us to Sarasota for not one, but two walking food tours, and we wrapped up in April with a hands-on Garden Focaccia class at Venice Oil Company.
And now… something new is cooking! 🍴
Next season, we’re evolving into FOOD EXPLORERS!
Food Explorers is for fun-loving ladies on a mission to discover the best of the local food scene—sampling restaurants, food trucks, and hidden gems wherever great food is found. We’ll embrace adventure, enjoy creative twists on favorites, indulge in street food classics, and savor comfort dishes done right.
Our mission?
To discover amazing flavors, share plenty of laughs, and tackle life’s most important questions—like:
“Should we order one more appetizer?” (The answer is almost always yes!)
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, be sure to sign up for next year’s FOOD EXPLORERS—we can’t wait to explore with you!
Bon Appétit
Maureen Fairlie
Karen Proctor |  |  | New Activity - Scrabble for Couples
Scrabble for Couples – New Activity Group
Scrabble for Couples will debut in February 2027 to gauge interest in this evening couple’s activity. Similar to daytime Scrabble, three to six couples will gather to play two 45 minute games of Scrabble. Winners will rotate to the next table after each game. To enhance the game, play is with eight tiles instead of the standard seven, and words can be looked up in the Scrabble dictionary before a play (time limits apply.)
Meetings will be the second Tuesday evening February and March.
Lisa Murphy
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In March, Joanne McCree brought elegance to the Pelican Pointe stage with an engaging retelling of Grace Kelly’s life—celebrated American actress, Princess of Monaco, and philanthropist. The event drew another packed audience, many dressed in elegant 1950s-inspired outfits. To conclude, attendees raised a champagne toast to Princess Grace. Our thanks go to Joanne for generously sharing her thorough research with everyone.
Our final event for the season will take place on April 29 just prior to the publication of this newsletter.
As a reminder, the theme of Current Topics is: The legacy of Women: Role Models and Rogues. This activity group is fueled by volunteers. We depend on the ideas and talents of our members, and we’re currently planning next season’s schedule. If you’re interested in giving a presentation or participating in a group program, we’d love to hear from you—our contact information is available on the PPWA website.
Thank you for your interest in Current Topics. We look forward to seeing you next season.
Diane Celie
Martha Blandford
Becky Senter
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We are already working with the theaters for the 2026-27 season.
Did you know that 2027 is the 100th anniversary of John Ringling moving his Barnum Bailey Ringling Brothers Circus to Sarasota? To commemorate the anniversary of our circus history, we will be going to Water for Elephants at Van Wezel and to the World Premier of The Day the Circus Came to Town at Asolo Theater.
Did you know that after Hurricane Ian ripped a hole in The Venice Theater in September of 2022, it is finally receiving its certificate of occupancy this upcoming January? The theater club will be among the first to be able to tour the renovated and updated theater.
We are excited for the next season and wanted to share a very tentative schedule as we are not able to secure group tickets until the end of the summer. It’s a large selection of shows, but they are all so good! Theater club members will receive notification when dates and tickets are finalized—until then…… here is an idea of what to look forward to.
Wednesday, December 16, matinee. Singing in the Rain at Asolo Theater preceded by lunch at the Ringling Grill. Set in 1927, this beloved musical comedy is about Hollywood’s tumultuous transition from silent films to “talkies”. The story follows the dashing silent film star Don Lockwood as he falls for an aspiring actress while struggling with his screech-voiced co-star, Lina Lamont, who stands poised to sabotage both his love and his career. A hilarious send-up to Hollywood’s foibles, this beloved musical has it all: sweeping romance, show stopping choreography and some of the greatest tunes ever written.
Thursday Morning, January 21. A walking tour of both buildings of the renovated Venice theater. The outside netting is down, the beams will be up and they will be busy building and painting the sets for their first show, Kinky Boots. Tour lasts about two hours so we will be able to see and learn a lot about the damage and the rebuilding process. For those around this summer that would like a hard hat tour of the theater, they offer tours the third Thursday of the month. You must call the box office ahead 941-488-1115 to make sure the construction process allows a tour and to reserve a spot.
Sunday, January 31 matinee. Travel by bus from Pelican Point to MAMA MIA! at Van Wezel theater. This is the 25th Anniversary Tour of the Smash Hit based on the songs of ABBA. Set on a Greek Island Paradise where the sun always shines, it’s a tale of love and friendship. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they visited decades ago. We will be singing along with the music that makes MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.
Monday Evening, February 8. The corny musical comedy Shucked is at Van Wezel. Maizy and Beau are getting hitched, when the corn that protects their small community starts to die. The town needs answers. But who will dare to venture beyond the borders of Cobb County? Maizy begins her journey to Tampa (yes our very own Tampa) looking for solutions. This Broadway hit is about an unlikely hero, an unscrupulous con artist and the battle for the heart and soil of a small town.
Sunday, February 14 matinee. Travel by bus from Pelican Point for Water for Elephants at Van Wezel. The best-selling novel comes to thrilling, dazzling life in a spectacular filled production hailed as stunning, emotional, heart-filled and unforgettable. After a devastating loss, a young man leaps onto a moving train and discovers a new home with a traveling circus, along with unexpected love. Seen through his older self’s eyes, the story reminds us that if you choose the ride, life can begin at any age.
Wednesday, March17 Matinee. SIX the Musical is at Van Wezel. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!
Wednesday, April 14 matinee of The Day the Circus Came to Town at Asolo theater preceded by lunch at the Ringling Grill. This world premier musical was inspired by dozens of interviews with legends in Sarasota’s Circus Community. Through story and song, you get to peek behind the curtain at the back lot, clown alley, life on the road, and being center ring of the Greatest Show on Earth. Featuring a cast of actors, acrobats, aerialists and of course, a singing Ringmaster accompanied by the Circus Band, this love letter to Sarasota and its first industry will have you feeling like a kid again.
Have a great summer, your theater leaders Holly and Diane.
Diane Fischer
Holly (Frost) Bryan |
So good! So Good!
PPWA Theater Club enjoyed the last performance of the season
“A Beautiful Noise”
at Van Wezel in Sarasota.
| Venice Airport Trolley Tour #2
March 26th
We learned about Agape Flights to Haiti for charity missions, airport terminal services & Suncoast Café, Discovery flights and the Sheriff’s helicopter (search & rescue & medical evacuation) and Lunch Bunch which is a group of Venice pilots who meet weekly for a $100 burger (the cost of gas to fly to a local airport for lunch).
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THANKSGIVING CRUISE 2026
Come join your Pelican Pointe family for Thanksgiving dinner!
Cabins are almost sold out! Hold your spot with a $250.00 deposit. Final payment is not due until August 23, 2026.
We will sail on the Celebrity Apex (sister ship to Beyond & Ascent) which will depart from Port Canaveral on November 21st for 7 days visiting Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Nevis & St. Kitts. Contact Keidrie Savelle (AAA Sarasota) #941-536-0441 ksavelle@acg.aaa.com Also register on the PPWA calendar so that I know who’s coming.
Brenda Hankard
| Tulip Season River Cruise
Six of us enjoyed a 2 day pre-cruise stay in Amsterdam and then a 7 day river cruise on Amawaterways Serena. We experienced windmills, canal cruises, Belgian chocolates, waffles, Delta Works and finally the famous Keukenhof Gardens. Fifty gardeners plant 7 million bulbs every year and it is only open 8 weeks a year.
(Hankards---Brenda & Bill, Gaffneys---Kelly & Jodie, Grimes—Shawn & Perry)
| Bridge - Duplicate Intermediate Evening | Our final evening of duplicate bridge was a celebration of the season.
We were so fortunate to have over 25 players who would play as their schedule permitted.
Pauline Newman and I are very grateful to Susan Legee for her continuous support and attendance each game.
Duplicate bridge is a challenging game for each partner pair.
Come play next season.
Donna Sweet
Pauline Newman
| In April, we paddled through the calm bays—and a few more adventurous stretches near Midnight Pass—taking in the stunning shoreline and natural beauty of Sarasota Bay. We wrapped up the day with a relaxing lunch on the water at Turtles, making it a truly memorable outing.
For May, we’re moving the kayak tour up to May 6th so more of you can join before summer travel begins!
Come explore the captivating mangrove tunnels of Sarasota Bay on a guided kayak tour. Along the way, you may encounter playful manatees and dolphins, along with a variety of birds, fish, starfish, and shells. It’s an incredible way to experience Sarasota’s coastal ecosystem up close.
Check out all the details and register on the PPWA site.
We’d love to have you paddle with us!
See you on the water,
Belinda Stovall
Lisa Gorski
| Our final genealogy meeting will take place on May 6th from 10-12 in the small dining room in the clubhouse. Please note the date change. This meeting will be a bit different from our others because as long as technology cooperates we will tune into the zoom meeting at my Long Island Library. The last hour will be research only. You can also research while listening to the Zoom meeting. Join us even if you have never come before!
Janet Cozza | On Friday, April 17th we dined at the Yard House. It was a beautiful day for a ride up to UTC area. We had 26 ladies and the gift certificate was won by Sheila Lutiger.
Chris Street
Ellen Franzblau | All Recipe Swap groups had their last gatherings for the season in April. We had a fantastic season with many different and delicious monthly themes. Included here are pictures of some of our groups where they enjoyed creative food preparations, swapped recipes and socialized with a fun group of ladies! We look forward to meeting again in the fall!
Barb Whelan | | “The Original Creative Cookers” enjoyed their theme of “Springtime Colors and Flavors” where they feasted on Salads, Casseroles, Strawberry Shortcake and Peach Cake! Members from left to right: Host Maureen Houde, Vicki Schaefer, Maureen’s friend Cheryl, Joan Henck, Cathy Edwards, Susan Hartter, Jane Gilligan, Donna Forbes. | | “The Original Creative Cookers”. Members from left to right: Host Maureen Houde, Vicki Schaefer, Maureen’s friend Cheryl, Joan Henck, Cathy Edwards, Susan Hartter, Jane Gilligan, Donna Forbes. | |
The “Spice Girls” enjoyed a “Proper English Tea” complete with hats and pearls! Host Anne Wolcott set a beautiful table with her Mother’s collection of antique tea pots, cups and saucers. Members around the table from left: Carole Taylor, Connie Foster, Janet Monahan, Anne Wolcott, Daureen Gutterman, Carol Clements, Marlys Meyer.
| The “Shakers & Bakers” had a “Kentucky Derby “ party where host Michele Ginieczki set the table for the run of the roses along with scratch off cards to find a few lucky winners! The menu included Mint Julep Mocktails, Canapés, Pulled Pork Sliders, Kentucky inspired Salads and Deviled Eggs and finished with Bourbon Bundt Cake and Homemade Bourbon Balls!
| Pelican Pointe Women's Association
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