TRIPS
7-Night Caribbean Cruise - December 6th to 13th. For more information see CRUISE 2009.
2009 PAST EVENTS -
On Saturday evening, April 25th, 45 members and guests were a part of the Taverna Kyma experience (a restaurant on Federal Highway in Boca), otherwise k/a our "Big Fat Greek Party."
I have to say that not every affair is for everyone. There were those who enjoyed the extremely loud music and an abundance of Greek food served family style, along with the entire wait staff, the belly dancer, and the patrons dancing on the TOPS of all the tables.
Then there were those who were repelled by the thought of having to eat after the dirt, grime and germs from the bottom of the dancers' shoes stomped away at their place setting.
To add to the hoopla, in the Greek tradition of throwing dinner plates into the air, the staff threw white paper napkins which landed in your hair, in your food, etc. For additional atmosphere, they doused the long bar with liquor and set it on fire, flames shooting straight up in this already fire hazardous dwelling.
There were quite a few of our members who did enjoy dancing on the table tops, while others delighted in stuffing dollar bills into the belly dancer's torso, and a great time was had by some.
After all this dancing and the dirt from their shoes flying everywhere, they served dessert WITHOUT FIRST WIPING DOWN THE TABLES, so those more finicky and health conscious people could very well have done without this type of evening.
"Capitol Steps" a Political Satire, consisting primarily of Song Parodies - Saturday, March 7, 2009 - 1:30 PM
at the Kravis Center, West Palm Beach -
KLEZMER CONCERT and BUFFET DINNER - On Sunday, September 25, 2005, Anita Baker (may she rest in peace), discovered the Harry Frank Klezmer Orchestra and arranged for them to perform for us. It was truly a memorable evening. We were so impressed with this talented group who had us clappin' and tappin' and dancing in our seats, that we invited them back to entertain for us in 2007, 2008, and most recently, on Sunday evening, March 1, 2009.
On this date, we had well over 200 members and guests at the Civic Center, who after socializing, enjoyed a full course buffet dinner prepared by Ellie's Catering. Dinner was topped off with strawberry cheesecake and sugar-free chocolate mousse.
At 8 p.m., the Harry Frank Klezmer Orchestra came on stage dressed in black tuxedos. Jan Frank, who MC'd the performance, first explained how Klezmer music originated. Then one by one, she introduced five of the most talented musicians ever to be heard.
First there was Richard on keyboard whose magical fingers flew across the keys so fast it was a blur. The clarinetist was new (didn't get his name) but loaded with talent. Jerry the drummer was extremely versatile, sang rap songs and did a great impersonation of Al Jolson, complete with white gloves. His act also included a lip sinc of the song "Rumania," punctuated by a little dance routine. Another delight was Randy, the token 'goy' (as he calls himself) who sang and played a mean trumpet.
But the most impressive and everyone's favorite was Eddie, the violinist from Russia. Eddie captivated the audience with his incredible talent and of course he received a standing ovation, as did all the others.
Totally overwhelming, these are without a doubt five of the finest musicians ever to be heard. In fact, we have received many accolades and requests to bring them all back for next year.
We would like to express our thanks to all the helping hands who contributed to the success of this evening, but most of all, THE BIGGEST THANK YOU EVER to THELMA SPIEGEL, who chaired this event and took all the reservations. Great job, Thelma!!! This was truly a night that will long be remembered.
"Millions of Miles" - Romantic Comedy - Premiere Opening at The Delray Beach Playhouse - Thursday, February 12, 2009
The first part of the evening was fun. There was a lovely wine and cheese reception, sponsored by Philly Club members, Florence Seidelman and Bob Goldman, which afforded everyone the opportunity to mix and mingle.
In the show, "Millions of Miles," Walter, a successful retired octogenarian, is widowed with one son and daughter-in-law. One night, he stops by a neighborhood bar and picks up a seasoned whore. He brings her home and they "fall in love" after she gives him the best sex he's ever had.
After moving in with him and knowing each other for less than 24 hours, he wants to put her in his will, bequeathing her enough money to retire for life in exchange for 'pulling the plug' when the time comes. The son and daughter-in-law are opposed to this union but acquiesce in the end. What is supposed to be a comedy gets a few chuckles, but strikes a too familiar cord when it is revealed in the second act that Walter has cancer.
There were mixed reviews. Some of our members loved it; others were not quite as lavish in their praise.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Florida Panthers
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Miami Day Tour - Sunday, January 18, 2009
On Sunday morning, January 18, 2009, fifty plus people met the bus at Macy's parking lot in Boynton Beach to enjoy a day trip to Miami.
Our first stop was The Jewish Museum of Florida and the adjoining Beth Jacob Congregation building. We were given two short presentations by three well informed docents, along with a video of the history of the Temple and the surrounding neighborhoods. During our wanderings around the museum, the docents made themselves available for questioning.
Major favorite displays in the museum were the famous Jewish sports figures and the beautiful stained glass window, dedicated to the infamous gangster, Meyer Lansky. A generous contributor to the Beth Jacob Congregation, no one ever questioned where the money came from. On display were his 1978 High Holiday tickets, along with his personal check for $3.15, as payment for a parking violation. One could spend an entire day looking at the numerous and most interesting displays.
Of course, no visit is complete without exploring the museum's gift shop. There was a wonderful selection of merchandise from which to choose, as evidenced by all of the packages that made their way back on the bus.
Another highlight of the trip that we all enjoyed was the elegant buffet lunch at the Marriott Hotel, with a magnificent water view overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Back on the bus, this delightful day continued. Our guide narrated our tour to such places as South Beach, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel, and Venetian Pool where many of the Esther Williams movies were filmed. We also drove through Star Island and Palm Island; our tour guide pointing out the many celebrity homes that we passed.
In Little Havana, we stopped at Domino Park and enjoyed watching people playing, you guessed it, Dominos. We were also treated to samplings of Cuban Coffee while we stretched our legs a bit before the relaxing ride home.
A big thank you goes out to Joanruth Hirshman, Co-Vice President of Event Planning, for putting together this wonderful day, one we will surely remember.
