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Cool evenings great for charity 'Housewarming'
The home of Drs. Michael and Maria Del Rio Hoover served as the venue for the first of several planned "Housewarmings" on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley. The garden/cocktail party hosted by the Hoovers was an appreciation event for early major corporate donors and individuals who will become Charter Members of Evansville's Ronald McDonald House to be located at 3540 Washington Ave. Among those in attendance were capital campaign chairman Bob Jones, Dan and Nancy Mitchell, Rich Forbes, Will Koch, Jeff Justice, Tim and Kay Flesch, Paul and Lori Snider, David White, Steve and Cathie Bugg, Tom Lilly, Jill Tullar and Kathy Scheller, executive director of the house. The Evansville Ronald McDonald House will serve Tri-State families of critically ill children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals and medical facilities. Neal Franklin always is able to think of something fun and clever to draw a crowd to her house to support the Evansville Philharmonic Guild, an organization she has presided over for the past three years. The last time I went there, she had the Signature School singers performing in her living room. Last weekend, she had the Boom Squad perform in Sunset Park, in front of her house, for the entertainment of the 80 or so guests who paid $50 each to help the guild meet its annual pledge to the orchestra. This is a perfect marriage of these organizations, as the guild's mission is not only to support the orchestra, but also to educate young people in the appreciation of music. The Boom Squad, under the direction of Verdelsky Miller, encourages students from 35 area schools in the art of percussion performance. After the performance, guests enjoyed cocktails and a buffet prepared by guild members in the Franklins' 1926 home. My favorite feature of the home is the iron main staircase. Jo Phelps wandered the house playing accordion, while guests filled the first floor and spilled into the back yard. Drew Gintert and Sarah Redman, the Franklins' grandchildren, worked the door, greeting guests such as Phyllis Wallace, Darla Olberding, Jim Sanders, Barbara Blevins, Walt and Lynn Lowe, Bridget McDaniel, Mary and David Bower and Helen Siegel. The Evansville Museum Contemporaries hosted the first in a series of parties the group has planned at the Evansville Museum's Begley Art Source, which is located on the top floor of the Curtis Building in Downtown Evansville. The party was a fun atmosphere with cocktails and food, music and conversation. The Contemporaries tapped into the memberships of several organizations that encouraged their members to stop by after work to network and enjoy the art. Those represented included the Young Evansville Professionals, Rotoract, Univerity of Southern Indiana Alumni Association and the Junior League of Evansville, as well as members of the public. Some of those attending the party were Gail Reicken, Evelyn Walker, Stephanie Morris, Dennis and Patty Avery, Laura Brumfield, Alex Clayton, Mary Ann Brumfield and Barb Ensner. Also at the gallery were Patricia and Patrick Jackson, Marilyn Sadler, Lana Abel, Barbara and Steve Cochran, Barbara Carper, Amy Musia, J.D. Opel and Caitlyn Poe. The Contemporaries hope to spread the word about these informal gatherings to show off the new gallery and the artists they represent. Wildflower enthusiasts convened at Oaklyn Branch Library last week to explore the meadow of native plants covering the library's green roof. Their efforts were assisted by Master Gardener Debbie Goedde and branch manager Pam Locker. Oaklyn Branch Library is built into the hillside surrounding it, and the roof is partially covered by the native mesic prairie habitat. About 20 people turned out to walk through the meadow as Goedde identified plants, answered questions and gave tips on cultivating native plants and wildflowers. The USI Alumni Association organized a trip to Churchill Downs last Saturday afternoon that included a lunch buffet on Millionaires Row and reserved seating overlooking the finish line. Nancy Johnson, alumni association director, said about 130 alums and friends of the University attended, including some from the Louisville, Ky., area. A group traveled on a motorcoach from Evansville, including Nancy Koehler, Angie Hofman, Jean Blanton, Doris and Elmer Halwes, Pat and Bill Wilson, Darla and Stephen Woodall, Sherrianne and Barry Standley, Vic Schriefer and Wilder, Janel and Jessica Allen. The 2008 Multiple Sclerosis Society Luncheon chairwomen Heather Todd, Stephanie Morris, Stephanie Mosbacher and Lisa Vaughan staged a successful event at Bonefish Grill last week. Bonefish Grill managing owner Scott West graciously opened his restaurant for the luncheon of about 80 guests who contributed to the society. Opening remarks by Todd, who is the community development manager for the National MS Society, were followed by speakers Tony Maslan and Sally Becker. Attending the luncheon were Stan Levco, Frank McDonald, Erika Taylor, Crunchy Wells, Sarah Herdes, Kirsten Wagmeister, Kelly Gates, Jamie Wicks, Jackie Overstreet, Kathy Briscoe, Gretchen Muchnick, Melissa Wagner, Cheryl Voight, Janet Keller, Jody Honnigford and Elizabeth Lyon. |
Lots of people have been taking advantage of the cool evenings we've been having to entertain outdoors.