National League of American Pen Women to Exhibit at Upcoming 1st Thursday

Poets, Composers, and Visual Artists
Headline OMA's January Event

ORLANDO, Fla. - The National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) from the

Orlando/Winter Park branch will showcase their diverse and award winning talents during the Orlando Museum of Art's (OMA's) 1st Thursdays event on January 7 from 6 to 9pm.

In addition to a display of visual art, published poets and music composers will showcase an eclectic line-up of performances including readings by Carol Leff, Carolyn Scully and Scottie McDaniell and musical selections by Christine Arens and Maveh Barker. Representatives from the Orlando/Winter Park branch will also be on hand to provide guests with information about the NLAPW, which was established in 1897.

Throughout the evening attendees will have the opportunity to dine on the extraordinary flavors of Vital Flair's cuisine and listen to the acoustic Americana sounds of Rick Birkbeck & Friends. Handcrafted beers from Shipyard and Seadog Brewing Co. and wine poured by Premier Beverage Co. will be available for purchase.

Admission to 1st Thursdays is $10, always free for OMA members, and includes access to the OMA's American, African and Art of the Ancient Americas collections. Parking is free at Orlando Loch Haven Park; overflow parking is available at the Orlando Science Center parking garage. For more information, call 407 896 4231 x260, or visit www.OMArt.org.

Congratulations to the Cape Canaveral Branch of the National League of American Pen Women

The Cape Canaveral Branch of the National League of American Pen Women swept the awards at the Florida State Association 2009 Conference in Sarasota last weekend. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Cape Canaveral Branch, and this is a great way to celebrate.

Art:

Carmen Beecher - Award of Excellence for "The Graduate"

Music:

Melany Duquin Smith - First Place Music (Vocal) "Keep on Growing" AND she also won a Special Award: American Pen Women Scholarship for Continuing Education.

Letters:

Annette Clifford

- First Place (Short story) "The Children's Lesson"

- First Place (Unpublished Adult Fiction) "Menopause Rocks"

Elizabeth Fay Picardi - First Place Free Form Poetry "Stretching Curtains"

Mary Dall - First Place (Unpublished Young Adult) "Bob!"

Diana Etheridge - Second Place "Cook-n-Rhyme with Kids"

Anna Flowers - Second Place "Wanton Woman"

Newsletter - Only one award was given. It went to the Cape Canaveral Branch for an overall superior newsletter and the one that served its members best (Other branches asked for copies in hopes of improving theirs!). The judges especially liked the lively colorful format, Focus-On pieces and electronic delivery.

For membership information, contact Bev Huttinger at bevhutt@cfl.rr.com.