PARTIES EXTRA!—DECEMBER 29,2007—HELEN’S FAVORITES OF 2007—AND HAPPY 2008!
MY FAVORITES… OF 2007…
…1. The all- about -Oklahoma Centennial Parade…
…2.The Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular Show and After Party…
…3.The fall chrysanthemums at the University of Oklahoma…
…4.Stunning flower arrangements all over the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club for the 2007 Beaux Arts Ball…
…5.My son’s pheasant hunt…
…6.Friends…
…7.Christy Everest’s Governor’s Arts Award…
…8.Family organizers of Altus, Oklahoma, July 4th parade…
…9. A new Oklahoma State University president…
…10.Katie Dudman’s wonderful wedding…
…11.Precious granddaughter’s dance recital…
…12.A Going Wild for the Zoo party…
…13. Pam Smith’s lobster luncheon birthday party…
…14. Christmastime wedding centerpieces of Christmas balls surrounded by tiny silver bells…
…15.NewsOk Video host Angi Bruss interviewing people at the Mercy Gala…
…16. NewsOk cameraman Tanner, filming at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country, for the Mercy Health Center Gala…
…17. A loving husband…
…18. An enjoyable snowy day…
…19. Great birthday party…
…20.A lovely holiday table...
…21. A new Federal Judge…
…22. A parking lot full of people and trucks in Oklahoma City at Britton and N May ready to help during the recent power outage…
…23. Readers and listeners, both for The Oklahoman, and NewsOk’s Parties Extra! Blog, podcasts and vodcasts….my personal thanks for caring! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR 2007 FAVORITES! E-MAIL HELEN @ HFSOK@ AOL.COM
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PARTIES EXTRA!—DECEMBER 28, 2007—WEEK OF PARTIES
IT’S A PARTY….(Photo by David Faytinger) Jeff Thompson, Sarah Schafer and Lauren and Ryan Cole are at the Skirvin Hotel for the rehearsal dinner honoring Thompson and Schafer. Jane and David Thompson were hosts and tables were decorated with holiday colors of gold and cream. Twinkling lights were everywhere. There was a singer during the cocktail hour in the Honors Lounge.
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BEFORE THE WEDDING….(Photo by David Faytinger) Freda Schafer, Patti West, Sarah Schafer and Jane Thompson were at the bridesmaid’s luncheon in the Regency Room of the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Freda Schafer was the hostess. There were 40 people at the party where poinsettias decorated the table and chocolate truffles in Santa hats were party favors.
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CHRISTMAS GATHERING….(Photo by David Faytinger) Hostesses Connie Naifeh, Terry Bradley, Dianne Meacham and Linda Carpenter are decked out in their holiday attire for their “Just The Girls Christmas Gathering.” They entertained in the Hunt Room of the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Their invitation stated ‘ It would tickle us pink, if you’d join us for a drink.”
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WINTER LOBSTER….(Photo by David Faytinger) Gennie Johnson, Brooke Phillips, Connie Givens, Barbara Dahnke and Judy Lehmbeck were at the annual lobster luncheon in Kanela Huff’s home. These women have been meeting for years to celebrate their birthdays. In December, they always celebrate Pam Smith’s birthday and have fresh lobsters. In the group are Smith, Johnson, Marilyn Torbett, Sue Magness, Dahnke, Sue Timberlake, Huff, Phillips, Givens, Rawsie Boyles and Lehmbeck.
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MERRY MERCY…(Photo by David Faytinger) Gary and Mary England and Renee and Kermit Brown arrive at the Mercy Health Center’s Christmas dinner. The party “Celebration of the Season” was hosted by the Sisters of Mercy and the administrative staff of Mercy Health Center to recognize the Board of Trustees, the Mercy Foundation board members, the Mercy Medical Executive Committee and the boards of Ardmore Memorial Hospital and the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Musical entertainment was by the Herd Family singers.
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PARTYING IN NORMAN….(Photo by Helen Ford Wallace) Donna Hughes and Chris Purcell welcome friends to the holiday brunch in Norman. It was in the home of Chris and Gary Purcell. The party invitation invited guests to “enjoy friends and celebrate blessings.”
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SOUP’S ON…(Photo by Helen Ford Wallace) Inda Burchfiel, Ashleigh Burchfiel, Addi Axton and Janie Axton are ready for soup at the Axton home. Janie Axton and Inda Burchfiel invited friends to arrive in “Christmas shopping attire” for a bowl of soup. Guests included Martha Bradshaw, Gennie Johnson, Susan Parker, Barbara Beeler, Susan Sigmon, Lela Sullivan, Sally Royse, Carol Taylor, Joy Richardson and Carleen Burger.
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ALL GOOD CHEER…(Photo by David Faytinger) Jana Reynolds, Ann Flesher and Leslie Regans were at the holiday party where Jean Head invited friends to come by while they were out shopping for Christmas gifts. Her invitation noted “No need to wear pearls. This one is laid back and just for us girls.”
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BEST OF THE BEST….(Photo by David Faytinger) Jeff and Dalinda Penner, Michael and Cindy Farney and David Yamada arrive at the Hotel Christmas Gala at the Meridan Convention Center. The event was for hotel business people. Speaker was Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Hotel Association Jeff Penner and Eric Jennings was master of ceremonies and he presented 12 awards to the Best of the Best of the hospitality industry in Oklahoma City.
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PARTIES EXTRA!—DECEMBER 26, 2007—SARAH AND JEFF THOMPSON
Sarah and Jeff Thompson take to the dance floor during their wedding reception. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Sarah and Jeff Thompson were married December 22 at Crossings Community Church. Their wedding reception was at Quail Creek Golf and Country Club immediately following the ceremony. She is the former Sarah Schafer.
Silver, gold and red Christmas balls in large hurricane lamps decorated the tables at the reception and the four tiered wedding cake was topped with a capital “T.”
The couple was honored at a rehearsal dinner Friday before the wedding at the Skirvin Hotel. Jane and David Thompson were hosts. Freda Schafer was hostess for the bridesmaid’s luncheon at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
Their parents are Jane and David Thompson, Patty and Jim West and Klare and Hank Schafer III.
Jeff, Jane and Sarah Thompson were at Quail Creek Golf and Country Club for Jeff’s and Sarah’s wedding reception. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Burns Hargis and David Thompson talk at the wedding reception. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
The four-tiered wedding cake topped with a “T” at the Schafer-Thompson wedding reception. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Jim and Patti West, Robyn Thompson, and Jane and David Thompson enjoy the rehearsal dinner at the Skirvin Hotel. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Freda Schafer, Patti West, Sarah Schafer and Jane Thompson were at the bridesmaid’s luncheon in the Regency Room of the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Photo by David Faytinger.)
At the wedding reception were Lana and Dave Lopez. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
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PARTIES EXTRA—DECEMBER 23, 2007—IT’S CHRISTMASTIME IN THE CITY
Johnson and Millie Hightower and Carole and Boots Hall celebrate the season at the Lotus Club Dance at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace.)
BLIZZARD OF A BASH…Beautiful red flower centerpieces matched the red satin chairs at the Christmas Lotus Club dinner and dance. The party was at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
The low bouquets of flowers gave partygoers a chance to visit at the dinner table before hitting the dance floor. Party talk was about the winter ice storm and which neighbor’s electricity was still off due to the blizzard. The OCG&CC was aglow with their bright lights and big Christmas tree.
Johnson Hightower is president of the social club and on the arrangements committee are Susan Hoffman, Lisa Pierce and Lela Sullivan.
Henry Browne and Linda Lambert were at the Lotus Club party. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Carl and Anita Milam and John and Seyan Hefner arrive at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country CLub for the Lotus Club Dance. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
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CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION….Leadership Oklahoma City class members got together for a festive party in the home of Judy and Malcolm Hall.
It is the 26th year for the group of 45 members which spends nine months studying community issues such as government and education.
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NEW SEASON, NEW HOME….Carey Sue and Ricardo Vega entertained at a Christmas party in their new home.. Their traditional holiday invitation stated: ” Twas just before Christmas…and all through our new house, everything is in its place (kind of) even Jake’s doghouse.
The curtains are (mostly) hung by the windows with care, and we’re having a party. We hope you’ll be there.”
Ricardo and Carey Sue Vega, Laura Irizarry and Doris Vega were at the holiday event. (Photo by David Faytinger.)
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Parties Extra! Podcast —Merry Christmas from Helen Ford Wallace and Chris Verity – OKC Party Hostess 
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PARTIES EXTRA!—DECEMBER 17TH, 2007—WINTER LOBSTERS
On the menu at the lobster luncheon. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace)
WINTER LOBSTERS…Kanela Huff was hostess for the annual lobster lunch. A group of women have been meeting for years to celebrate their birthdays. In December, it is Pam Smith’s turn and they always fly in lobsters for the party. In the group are Smith, Gennie Johnson, Marilyn Torbett, Sue Magness, Bev Dahnke, Sue Timberlake, Huff, Brooke Phillips, Connie Givens, Rawsie Boyles and Judy Lehmbeck.
Shari Buxton, Pam Smith and Judy Lehmbeck celebrate the season. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
The Chef…Rawsie Boyles . (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
The Birthday Club. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
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Parties Extra Podcast
Parties Extra! Podcast with Lynda Haller and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
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PARTIES EXTRA!–DECEMBER 14,2007–CHRISTMAS AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES
In Oklahoma City for the recent Hannah Montana concert to celebrate twins Kinsey and Darbie Wilmes’ 9th birthdays were Ramey Brinkman, Claire Hagedorn, Ella Brinkman and Bennett Brinkman, front; Macy Farr, Chloe Cox, Madison Cook, Abby Tucker, Emilie James and Chauncey Beckner, second row, and Kinsey Wilmes, Morgan Hagedorn, Peyton Sirmons and Darbie Wilmes, back. (Photo provided)
Kinsey Wilmes, Emilie James and Darbie Wilmes check out Hannah Montana’s bus before the concert. (Photo provided).
TWINS CELEBRATE…Twins Kinsey and Darbie Wilmes of Altus celebrated their 9th birthdays with their friends and thousands of other screaming fans at the recent Hannah Montana concert in Oklahoma City.The twins’ mother Lynna Wilmes was hostess.
A group of 11 girls from Altus met for lunch and birthday cake at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Bricktown. Many of the concert -goers wore Hannah Montana tee shirts. One of the girls, Morgan Hagedorn, sported a wig to look like the popular singer. The girls then went to the Ford Center with fans who screamed and cheered and sang along with the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus.
Guests included Claire Hagedorn, Macy Farr, Chloe Cox, Madison Cook, Abby Tucker, Emilie James, Chauncey Beckner, Morgan Hagedorn, Peyton Sirmons. Friends Bennett, Ella and Ramey Brinkman, new Oklahoma City residents, joined the group for lunch.
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THETAS CELEBRATE SEASON….Angela and Jim Timberlake were hosts for the annual Kappa Alpha Theta alumni sorority’s Christmas party. Michelle Ellis was co-hostess.
Holiday decorations of boxwood and fresh pale green orchids and ribbons were on the mantles, stairway and dining room entrance. Large crystal vases were filled with apples and grapes, orchids and hydrangeas. Pale green hydrangeas and green berries were gathered in vases for the table centerpiece. There were Christmas trees in every room.
At the party was alumni club president and her husband Amy and David Cottrell. Others were Michelle and Mike Ellis, Ashley and Tom Parrish, Beth and Leo Portman, Kay and Gates Oliver, Sally and Randy Royse, Amy and Bruce Bockus, Marilyn Roth, Julee and John Coyle, Betsy and Bud White, Martha and Don Swift, Adelaide and Bill Liedtke, Lisa Elder, Susan and Pat Sigmon, Millie and Johnson Hightower and Penny and John McCaleb.
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FOR THE GIRLS….The beautiful home of Joan Maguire was the scene for the “Calories, Conversation and Christmas Cheer” party given by Maguire and Ann Johnstone. 175 women gathered for socializing. Frosted and glittering flowers, roses and poppies, hydrangeas were in a large urn on the buffet table.
Party foods included Christmas cookies, chicken on skewers, spring rolls and hot crab dip. Guests included Linda Rodgers, Pam Shdeed, Susan Parker, Martha Williams, Joan Kirkpatrick, Gladys Tucker, Anne Vose, Meg Salyer, Berta Faye Rex, Polly Nichols, Betsy O’Hara, Janie Axton, Anne Gray, Phyllis Stough, Barbara Simons and Jeanne Hoffman Smith.
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LOVELY PARTY…Three hostesses, Judy Love, Barbara Brou and Susan Johnston, invited friends to the Love home for some “Christmas Celebrating.” 500 Santa Claus figures were among the Christmas decorations, as well as red poinsettias, candles, hydrangeas and holiday ornaments. The buffet table was filled with holiday foods.
Guests included Janie, Addison and Averi Axton, Jane Thompson, Susan Edwards, Betty Crow, Gennie Johnson, Suzy Merritt, Kathy Loggie, Malia Love, Sharon Bozalis, Linda Rodgers, Harolyn Enis and Cathy Leichter.
CLICK HERE for Parties Extra! Podcast : Judy Love’s holiday parties
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PARTIES EXTRA!—DECEMBER 9, 2007—LET’S DANCE!
A ROOM OF SUPPORTERS… Seventy Five Club members’ were at the holiday dinner and dance at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club on December 1. The first part of the evening was spent watching television.
That was the night of the Big 12 conference championship football game and a roomful of the members and their wives, all in formal attire, were in front of the big screen television set which had been brought in by Steve Garrett, club president, for University of Oklahoma fans.
The gourmet dinner of Beef Wellington was served at halftime. The tables for partygoers were empty again until after the game. Then the dance floor livened up with the holiday celebrants.
Among the people at the party were Carol and Mac Troy, Linda and Ron James, Mary and Mike Mahaffey, Barbara and Bud Beeler, Suzanne and Stan Cunningham, Susan and Mike McPherson, Kelsey and Roland Walters, Linda and Steve Garrett, Janie and Jon Axton, DeDe and Bob Benham, Martha and Ron Bradshaw, Becky and Jim Buchanan, Susan and John Dobson, Chris and Paul Houk, Lynette and Clark Hyde, Gennie and Bob Johnson, Kay and Gates Oliver, Barbara and Ralph Thompson and Judy and Nick Wilson.
Ron James, Mac and Carol Troy view the televised Big 12 Championship footgame from the stairs at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club where they were attending a party. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
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ROSY LUNCHEON….Joan Gilmore was honored with a luncheon at The Coach House. Hostesses Annie Bohanon, Gene Barth and Ann Hoover invited friends to celebrate Gilmore’s award which she received at the State Capitol that same day.
She was the recipient of one of the Governors’ Arts Awards, the Bill Crawford Memorial Media in the Arts Award.
Roses decorated the table for the luncheon and Gilmore brought a rose for each guest.
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SANTA’S FANS….The children’s Christmas party at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club is always special and this year everyone enjoyed photos with Santa Claus and making gingerbread houses. Members brought their children and grandchildren.
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NEW YEAR-NEW BOARD…Members of the Junior League were hosts for the new board of director’s celebration at JL Headquarters. Karla Wallace is the current president.
Guests were the current board, sustaining advisors, past presidents and the newly announced board. Party planners used a holiday theme and sustaining member Carol Sue Taylor catered the event.
2008-09 League officers are Laura Ogle, president; Ann Cameron, president-elect; Whitney Tero, administrative vice-president; Connie Nowell, by-laws chairman; Christina Nihira, communications vice-president; Carolyn Hansing, community vice-president; Gina Ritter Burchfiel, financial vice-president; Christi Woodworth, fund-raising vice-president; Christi Coyle, membership vice-president; Sarah Frank, nominating chairman; Pam Newby, sustaining advisor, and Janet Daugherty, conference delegate.
This was the first year that the officer appointments have been made in November rather than January. The change was made to be consistent with nominating procedures throughout the League’s area.
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LIGHT UP THE CAMPUS…Tables were set up everywhere at Oklahoma City University’s Student Center and they were filled with foods including a 6 foot long cake. It was the annual Light the Campus party to kick off the Christmas season.
Neighborhood children, faculty and staff children and OCU students decorated sugar cookies and enjoyed cranberry cobbler and hot-spiced apple cider. Ham and turkey were served in the cafeteria and Great Hall.
Guests had pictures taken with Santa Claus and there were carolers, crafts for the children, prizes and a holiday ornament for each guest. The evening ended with a Hanging of the Greens ceremony in the Chapel.
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PARTIES EXTRA!-DECEMBER 2, 2007- MERCY HEALTH CENTER’S HOLIDAY EVENING
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A table centerpiece at the Mercy Health Center Gala. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace)
The holiday season got into full swing on November 30 with the Mercy Gala!
Mercy Health Center’s event at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club featured beautiful decorations, a gourmet dinner, dancing and a silent auction of 68 wonderful items. It is held every other year.
Red satin tablecloths and chairbacks set the room scene and then bowls of red amaryllis, white orchids, red roses, white hydrangeas, red Christmas balls were everywhere. Color scheme was red, white and lime green. Whimsical Christmas ornaments were set in the flower bowls.
Paula Scott and Janet Wood were co-chairmen. Committee members were Charlotte Andrezik, Janice Bisson, Debi Bocar, Roslyn Cooke, Sally Cox, Cathy Fovargue, Lori Fuller, Paulette Gordon, Kathleen Grizzle, Eileen Hargis, Lily Hummel, Lynette Hyde, Lea Johnsen, Lauri Johnston, Susan Johnston, Janie Kinsinger, Paula Kowalski and Joan Larson.
Also Jackie Marron, Roxanne Marshall, Cindy McWilliams, Suzy Merritt, Veronica Montero, Nancy Mueller, Mary True Neumann, Kathy Prough, Nancy Pruett, Chelin Satherlie, Paula Scott, Rona Simmons, Jan Smith, Bonnie Thomas, Laurie Totoro, Lynn White, Anne Winzenread and Janet Wood.
Among the guests were Terry and Hank Bradley, Kay and Gates Oliver, Renee and Kermit Brown, Sally and Greg Cox, Joan Gilmore, Lynette and Clark Hyde, Susan and Jay Johnston, Elyse Hull, Molly and Greg Slavonic, Janie and Bob Shea, Suzy and Paul Merritt, Jackie and Ed Marron, Kay and Bobby Murcer, Peggy Gandy, David Tarpenning, Joy and Jerry Richardson, Chelin and Gregg Satherlie, Vicki and Leland Gourley, Sheralyn and Harry Selph and Billye and Jimmie Austin.
Ed and Jackie Marron were at the party. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Jimmie Austin talks with Bobby Murcer at the party. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
David Proctor and Hollie and Jeremy Carter enjoy the evening. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Lynette and Clark Hyde have dinner at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace.)
Sheralyn and Harry Selph were at the Mercy Gala. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace.)
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PARTIES EXTRA!–DECEMBER 1,2007–KELLYS ENTERTAIN
CLICK HERE for Parties Extra! Podcast : Judy Love’s holiday parties
CLICK HERE to tell us about your Party!
LORI AND CHRIS (Staff photo by David Faytinger) Eric and Heidi Fisher and Lori and Chris Kelly celebrate at a party given by Lynn and Dr. Mike Kelly. Lori and Chris Kelly were married in September in Las Cassas, Tenn. and the Kellys invited Chris Kelly’s friends over to meet his bride.
KIRA’S PARTY (Staff photo by David Faytinger) Bruce and Joyce Chelberg, Kira Chelberg, Jaime Hampton and Dr. Jim Hampton were at the party honoring Kira Chelberg who was one of the 2007 debutantes presented at the Beaux Arts Ball. Hosts were Carol and Dr. Jim Hampton, Joyce and Bruce Chelberg and Jaime Hampton. Theme for the party was “La Belle Epoque.”
DROP BY (Staff photo by Helen Ford Wallace) Debby Dudman, left, and Paul Dudman, right, welcome Tom and Mary Walbert to their home. The Dudmans entertained neighbors at a pre-Thanksgiving Day party. The centerpiece was a silver urn, holding tulips, lilies, roses, hydrangeas, roses and chrysanthemums, surrounded by turkey-shaped candles.
TURKEY BOWL (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace) Kathy Walker, Russ Walker, Beverly Ellis, Helen Sullivan and Scot Sullivan got up early Thanksgiving morning for the annual Turkey Bowl. Friends and relatives played soccer and kickball at Kite Park while the turkeys were cooking at home. The Walkers and Helen and Bobby Sullivan were hosts for the annual party. The invitation stated, “Do not RSVP and stay home if floods occur.”
TURKEY BOWL Connell Branan, Dr. Mark Sullivan, Cory Baze and State Sen. Cliff Branan were at the Park for the breakfast and soccer game.
FOUNDER’S DAY (Photo provided) Lauren McIver, Judy Bodenhamer and Vanessa Wind celebrate Delta Delta Delta sorority Founder’s Day at a luncheon at Quail Creek Golf and Country Club. The group was founded at Boston University in 1888 and there are 450 collegiate chapters.
RIBBONS AND ROSES (Photo provided)Leonard and Erma Tampkins and Jacque Bass were at Jacque’s 50th birthday party held at The Museum Café. Theme was Ribbon and Roses and Dr. Shaun Walton made a huge cake which was decorated with ribbons and roses. Bruce Benson and Studio B. was the band.
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