Each man and woman who participated in The Philadelphia Social Club Mystery Book and Author event enjoyed an elegant, gourmet meal that is best described as a dinner rather than a lunch.

The meal setting at the Fifth Avenue Grill was lovely and the service was excellent. It was a grand beginning. Once dessert was enjoyed, it was on to the mystery book store, Murder on the Beach. Each participant received an autographed copy of the author’s newly published novel following a presentation and discussion with questions from the audience.

Those assembled were treated to an interesting and literate presentation from James O. Borne, a charming, well-spoken, cultured speaker with a quick wit. The group learned about the personal life of the writer, the methods he uses in his writings and his professional life in law enforcement.

Author James O. Borne, a/k/a James O’Neal, is a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement who lives in Lake Worth, Florida. He is involved with a wide variety of criminal investigations, from police corruption and economic crimes to drug cartels, antiterrorism, and homicides. He is also a former member of the FDLE [Florida Department of Law Enforcement] Special Operations Team that has handled unusual situations such as hurricanes and the Miami riots. Before joining the FDLE, he was a Deputy Marshal with the U.S. Marshals Service and an agent with the DEA.

Fort Lauderdale Culinary Institute demo and lunch and IMAX Theatre -
On Wednesday morning, September 2nd, Philly Club members eagerly boarded our motorcoach anticipating a full and interesting day.

We first disembarked at the Fort Lauderdale Culinary Institute for a cooking lesson/demonstration and lunch. The instructor explained the differences between the student and professional chef toques (head gear), as well as the curriculum, tools, and experiences of those attending the Institute. We learned that students are able to earn two year associate certificates and also four year bachelor degrees.

The lesson demonstrated sanitary conditions for cooking with chicken, appropriate slicing methods and the creation of a delectable tomato based sauce, tomato provencial. Our instructor was charming and precise in his explanations and patient in answering our many questions.

Each lunch was delicious. Salad and rolls were served with a choice of beverage. As a main course, we had our choice of salmon, chicken or pasta. Dessert was either cheesecake from the Culinary Institute Pastry Kitchen or delectable freshly made fresh fruit cup with mint. Both were yummy!

After a short bus ride, we arrived at The Fort Lauderdale Science Museum. For a brief time, we explored the museum before entering the IMaX 3-D presentation of Harry Potter. The movie had great reviews from critics; however, we found that the hyped 3-D was only a small portion of the approximately three hour film. Technically, the film was well done, but did not measure up to the hype associated with the production. However, it was an enjoyable day with lovely and congenial participants.

Note: The Fort Lauderdale Culinary Institute is open for lunch and dinner, with a Friday lunch buffet. Students are also the serving staff learning that phase of the restaurant business. Reservations are strongly recommended (954-760-7957). Call for menu of the day.

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.