It Was An Elegant Event

The “Afternoon Tea” held Saturday, March 20th was an elegant event.  The tables were graced with beautiful china and silver and decorated with fresh roses, little tea sayings and a wonderful gift of a lovely gem studded tea spoon crafted by Marilyn Kelemen. 

There were 94 ladies in attendance who were escorted to their tables and then served by 9 gracious gentlemen. Chuck Faust organized the men: Woodie Chartier, Larry Eichert, Ron Kelemen, John Larranaga, Ken Lively, Dave O’Connor, Bob Rahn and Ira Tropp. 

The delicious menu was prepared by Jennifer Taylor of The Londoner Bed and Breakfast in Bradenton.  Among the many treats were Coronation Chicken, Lavender Scones with lemon curd and Devonshire cream, Red Velvet cake, shortbread fingers and Bakewell tarts.  Lilla Clough and Linda Siggia dipped fresh strawberries with chocolate, another tasty treat for each lady present.  The assorted teas, too numerous to mention, were enjoyed by all in attendance. 

The special feature of the afternoon was our guest, Michelle Rahn, crowned Ms. Senior America in 2004.  She is an acclaimed motivational speaker with contagious energy who is also our neighbor and friend in Stoneybrook.  We thank her for helping us to leap through the challenges of our life by “Defying Gravity.”  Her presentation was meaningful for all of us.  We are grateful that she shared with us today.  The standing ovation she received said it all. 

The generous gifts given by Patty Palotas delighted the ladies who received the hand made pendant and the hand painted bag.  Patty also made the posters for the event.  Five other ladies were recipients of smaller gifts. 

Co-chairs of the Tea were Cathy Faust and Carol Eichert.  Tickets were printed by Rose Vinopal and sold by Rosalie Celio and Carol Eichert. Harrietta Martinetti provided the programs along with Chuck Faust.  Jean Ott and Cathy Faust set up the display tables of tea pots and tea cups.  Linda Buntjer arranged the fresh flowers. 

The table settings were coordinated by Harriett Torpie, Nancy Lively and Sue Sutherland.  Cindy Bellacosa and Marilyn Tropp were the Dining Room Co-Chairs and the Kitchen Coordinator was Barb Aulenbach.  Thanks also go to the many who helped with set-up and clean-up. 

Without the many “Helping Hands” of this community we would not have been able to present a check of $700 to Hope Family Services, the chosen charity to benefit from this Afternoon Tea.  Thank you all who made this possible!