December 15, 2006

‘Tis the season

Local Pen Women celebrate the season in style

By Jeanne Carbone
Staff Writer

The Santa Clara County Branch of the National League of American Pen Women celebrated the holiday season in style at the Villages home of Dori Phifer.

There’s no shortage of talent at the local branch of the NLAPW. Entertainment for their annual Holiday party was provided by ventriloquist Carol Greene and singer Susan Zerweck. Photos by Jeanne Carbone

“The Pen Women work hard all year to raise funds for high school female artists, musicians and writers, so it’s not surprising that we party with gusto at our annual holiday celebration,” said branch president Christine Dargahi, ready to play in a Santa hat. “We gather in a beautiful setting to be entertained by our own talented members, to enjoy a potluck lunch, to have a festive gift exchange and to enjoy each other’s company.”

Hundreds of colorful nutcrackers decorated The Villages home of Phifer, who has been a member of the National League of American Pen Women [NLAPW] in art since 1984 as well as president for the 1992-94 term. Phifer has hosted the event for more years than she can remember, saying “It’s so much fun to have everyone here. I look forward to this every year.”

Several dozen Pen Women attended the annual potluck carrying a delicious array of goodies such as dolmades [Greek stuffed grape leaves], guacamole, stuffed mushrooms, an assortment of salads and of course, desserts.

“It’s always wonderful to get together at this time of year with so many talented women,” said Pen Woman historian and Evergreen resident ShaRon Haugen. “The food is so good and the gift exchange is so much fun. And then we’re ready to get back to work to celebrate achievements of local women in the arts and raise donations for high school students.”

The NLAPW was founded in 1897 and promotes the development of the creative talents of professional women in the arts. The League consists of local branches, state associations and members-at-large and boasts a membership of over 4,000 women in the United States.

The Santa Clara County branch was founded in 1922 and celebrates the achievements of nine local women each year at their annual Celebrity Luncheon and Auction in February. This year the theme is “Everything’s Coming up Roses,” held at Willow Glen’s First Congregational Church and catered by Elegant Events Catering. The gala will feature a silent auction and raffle as well as entertainment. There will be a prize for the best hat with roses. But best of all, the event raises monetary awards for graduating high school students who excel in letters, music and visual arts.

As for the Pen Women’s holiday celebration, not only is the food divine, but the gift exchange permits stealing a desired gift up to three times. In addition, the entertainment is provided by the branches’ own talented members.

Artist and Almaden resident Anna King Leong shared memories of her recent visit to Hong Kong where she held an art show in November. Internation-al ventriloquist Carol Greene recently returned from a tour of Japan but had plenty of energy to entertain her fellow Pen Women at the holiday celebration. Songstress Susan Zerweck took time out from performing at St. James Square from 12 to 1 p.m. weekly to entertain with songs of the season.

“It’s always fun to come to the Pen Women’s holiday party,” said Local Branch secretary Mary Chiao. “The potluck buffet is delicious and the program and gift exchange are so entertaining. All the women are so talented and interesting.”

To attend the Pen Women’s Celebrity Luncheon on February 3, 2007 or make donations for the event contact ShaRon Haugen at (408) 238-2340 or email at haugends@sbcglobal.net