2007- PAST EVENTS
MYSTERY BOOK AND AUTHOR LUNCHEON - "Murder on the Beach" - Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - Luncheon at Noon - Book and Author Presentation with Complimentary Book -
Some 50 Philadelphia Social Club members experienced a double treat while attending the “MYSTERY BOOK AND AUTHOR LUNCHEON” on Wednesday, December 19, 2007.
First, a lovely lunch was served at the Dolce Amore Café on Pineapple Grove in Delray Beach. The book and author presentation immediately followed at the “Murder on the Beach Bookstore" - just a few shops away from the restaurant.
What a treat for transplanted Philadelphians now in South Florida! Author Jonathon King started his writing career as a crime reporter for the now defunct Philadelphia Bulletin. He migrated to South Florida where he continued his newspaper career at the Palm Beach Post. He has now placed crime reporting behind him in order to solely write novels. His success is evidenced by his capture of the Edgar Award, the “Oscar” for first novel mystery writers.
King spoke about writing mystery fiction based upon his crime writing experiences and his close association with reporters who covered the police in Philadelphia and Florida. His characters are loosely based upon individuals he has known throughout his career.
It is extremely rare to find an author who so skillfully and literally intertwines Philadelphia and South Florida seamlessly into his writing. Temple University and downtown Philadelphia are prominent strains in his works.
Fortunately, the afternoon included a complimentary autographed copy of King’s first novel, The Blue Edge of Midnight. He is a powerful storyteller who utilizes the locations familiar to members of the Philadelphia Social Club.
EVENING OF DANCING - Saturday, October 27th "Dancing with the Stars " had nothing on the Goldcoast Ballroom's annual Halloween Bash.
What made this evening even more spectacular was its transformation into a magical wonderland, enhanced by elegant Halloween lighting and orange and black decor. In addition to all the regulars, it was attended by 40 members of The Philadelphia Social Club AND did we have a BLAST!
All of our inhibitions were left at home as we danced alongside some of the best professional dancers. When we weren't tripping the light fantastic, we were mesmerized by the many talented regulars. The entertainment was non-stop, starting with the parade of costumed patrons. A master of ceremonies conducted the contest with the audience choosing the three best costumes.
To top off this special evening of fun, we were amazed at the talent displayed by a professional dance duo who were showcased in a trio of dances. This couple performed the Tango, Jitterbug and Paso Doble to perfection.
Everyone enjoyed the food, drinks, munchies, good company, music and dancing and are ready to do it again soon. With or without costumes, it's an incredible evening of fun!
Nighttime Harness Racing - Saturday, May 19, 2007
A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty "Hi-Yo Philadelphians". The Lone Ranger and Silver didn't make an appearance, but forty-two Philadelphians invaded the Pompano Race Track for an evening of buffeting and betting.
The second race was named in honor of The Philadelphia Social Club. A photo was taken in the Winner's Circle with the winning horse and seven members of the club.
A great time was had by all who attended our Second Annual Night at the Races. Our thanks goes out to Fuzzy and Thelma Spiegel for once again chairing this very successful social event.
DooWop Dinner Dance - Thursday, April 19, 2007 - Massimo's Italian Restaurant, Boynton Beach
At 7 p.m., over 80 Philly Club members and guests congregated for an evening of DooWop with Vinnie and Paulie, the DooWop Kids. The atmosphere was charged; happiness and exuberance pervaded the air. It was like Mardi Gras time in a Philadelphia setting!
While Vinnie and Paulie regaled our large group with songs from the 50's and 60's, we were served a delicious dinner. First, there were garlic rolls with brushetta, house salad, 8 wonderful entrees from which to choose, pasta, wine, coffee and a yummy dessert. After dinner, our group mingled and it was reminiscent of a fraylicha Bar Mitzvah party.
Of course we all related to the 50's and 60's - feet came alive with jive - and everyone was singing. These were "our" songs from the past. There was no stage or floor on which to dance, but that did not stop our Philadelphians. They made room - in the aisles - all over the restaurant - in the bathroom - people were jitterbugging and singing the night away to tunes like "At the Hop", "Blueberry Hill", etc.
By ten o'clock, there was a scaled down version of the party and those remaining did not want to see the evening end. It was obvious everyone had the BEST time! These DooWop "Kids" made such an impression and were so well received that we made arrangements for them to entertain at our July 8th general meeting.
A great big thank you goes out to Helene Oshatz for arranging the event and taking reservations.
Klezmer Concert & Dessert Evening - Sunday evening, 3/25 Our second annual Klezmer Concert proved to be unlike any performance in our Club's history. What an affair!! Unprecedented and completely overwhelming!!!!!
After enjoying a wonderful array of scrumptious desserts and coffee, brought to us by Helene Oshatz, Ways and Means Vice President and Carol Weiss, Co-President, members and guests were totally amazed by the phenomenal talent of The Harry Frank Klezmer Band.
Consisting of five of the finest musicians ever to be heard, each individual performance was an incredible show in itself, as evidenced by the standing ovations each one received. "We never saw such talent!" summed up the comments heard at the end of the evening. There were many requests to "bring them back".
With 250 people in attendance, the room was packed, but some found space to dance the Hora when sounds of Hava Nagila was played.
An enormous thank you goes out to the helping hands of Jack Singer, Seymour Oshatz, Thelma and Fuzzy Spiegel, Barbara and Richie Cerota, Edie Taber, Harriet Gershman, Roberta Bordman and Arlene Feinman.
Most of all, our thanks to Helene Oshatz, who chaired this event and took all the reservations. It was truly a night that will long be remembered
3rd ANNUAL BARBEQUE PICNIC - Sunday, February 25th
Over one hundred members and guests congregated under two pavilions at the South Palm Beach County Civic Center for our 3rd annual Barbeque Picnic. This year, the weather cooperated and was delightful, despite a perpetual wind that made many of us look like the old Phyllis Diller on a bad hair day.
While everyone was either socializing, meeting people from their past, or scarfing down a yummy selection of BBQ'd ribs, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs (with all the trimmings), we were entertained by two wonderful musicians who said they were called "The Hit Men". Whether they were dancing to the music, talking to friends, or sunning themselves on the grass, a great time was had by all!
Many thanks to Helene Oshatz for organizing and taking reservations for this fun event.
Bus Trip to Clewiston -At 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning, February 13th, forty-five bleary-eyed Philadelphia Club members were off on an adventure.
Smack in the middle of the sugar cane fields in the historic town of Clewiston, in far West Palm Beach County, diabetics and non-diabetics alike gathered with curiosity to learn about sugar production. With machete in hand, Hunter Latham, our well informed docent, cut bamboo-like pieces of sugar cane for us to sample and take home. We were told that these cuttings could easily be planted and flourish.
Also on our itinerary was a visit to the shores of Lake Okeechobee. Our bus drove onto the dike so that we could view this massive lake, the only waterway in Florida that connects the East coast to the West coast. Most interesting was an extensive history lesson and tour of the area as well.
Of course what all-day trip would be complete without food? In the morning prior to our tour, we were taken to the historic Clewiston Inn for a coffee break. A few hours later, we returned to the Inn for an excellent hot buffet lunch.
Thanks to our competent driver, we were safely transported home in a very comfortable bus. Another thank you goes out to our host, Herb Epstein, who met us at the beginning of the trip. Clewiston was a most enjoyable day and a wonderful learning experience for all.
Mummers Luncheon - Sunday, January 28, 2007 -
140 members and guests were "back on Broad Street" where they enjoyed a very festive afternoon. After a delicious lunch (catered by 3 G's Deli, with a yummy assortment of TastyKakes for dessert), the beautifully costumed Broward County Mummers String Band delighted us with their fantastic musical presentation.
In high spirits, clutching miniature frilly umbrellas, we burned off our TastyKake calories performing the traditional Mummer's strut. We danced, clapped, and mummed throughout the afternoon hours, truly reminiscent of New Year's day. At the conclusion of the Mummers' performance, we marched around with flags singing a patriotic song.
Special thanks to chairperson HELENE OSHATZ for arranging this outstanding event, and THELMA SPIEGEL who has worked diligently for many months taking the reservations and keeping perfect records.
We would also like to thank the many members who arrived very early to set the tables and attend to all of the details that went into making the day's festivities a smashing success.
Another thank you goes out to Iris Schwartz for delivering all of the remaining food, which was donated to the Caridad Shelter in Boynton Beach.
Philly Bowling Bash
On Sunday evening, January 14th, thirty members of The Philadelphia Social Club broke out their bottles of Ibuprophen, put on their complimentary Philly Club T-shirts, and donned colorful shoes at the Don Carter Bowling Lanes in Greenacres.
Arthritic joints were ignored and muscles were used that have not been used since who knows when.
Fortified by pizza and fresh fruit, our members went forward to play all three games. A few lasted for all three. Two trophies were given for the highest score for a man and a woman. Lorna Goldstein and Al Peckler were the high score winners. Even though some of the scores were in the single digits, a great time was had by all!
Our appreciation goes out to Fuzzy Spiegel for organizing this very enjoyable evening.
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