The Jacksonville branch has been very active in the past year. Our proudest achievement has been to finally get a web site and catch up with the twenty- first century!
We may now be reached at www.jaxpenwomen.org ...thanks to the guidance of Caroline McKeon. It is accessible now, and just needs a few finishing touches!
It was a sad time last year, because two of our Dear Friends, Rita Heatherington, (music member) and Anna Russell our "angel” passed on, leaving a huge hole in our hearts.
We were fortunate however, in welcoming six new wonderful members to our fold. Two Letters and four Art women, along with two new patrons, whom we hope, will become members shortly.
ART
Inspired by our new Art enthusiasm; many of our artists entered exhibits and shows. Four of us, Pat Setser, Helen, Ashmead, Carol Keller and Phoebe were in the juried exhibition "Mini Collections" at the Art Center. Pat sold a painting there, and Helen won honorable mention!
Phoebe Marner, Mary St., Germain, Helen Ashmead , Carol Keller, and Joanelle Mulrain all had their own art or photography shows.
At this moment, famous member artist, is presenting her new art show Florence Nightingale, a tribute to Nightingale and nurses everywhere at the Manuscript Center in Jacksonville. This exhibition will then travel to many cities in the U.S.
LETTERS
Jan presented her new book entitled, Letters of the Lost Children, Songs to The Emperor. Memories of World War Two, told from the Error!. side. This lovely book will be sold in Japan as well as the United States.
Susan is having her new book published, a biography of United Kingdom artist, Josephine Wall.
Peg Hallam’s  poem Now, was accepted in Flights of Fancy and another one of her poems was printed in the Pen Woman Magazine.
Jackie Hand had a poem and some prose in the recent Lincoln Anthology, Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln, celebrating Lincoln's Bicentennial.
MUSIC
Jackie Hand', Happy Birthday Dear Abe, was also presented by a children' chorus at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor MIA’s and POW’s and to honor Ream. The program was entitled, You Are Not Forgotten. The same children' chorus presented patriotic songs, America's Still Free and Happy Birthday Dear Abe, at the Pen Arts building as part of their program honoring Lincoln.
The Total efforts - Public invited
The branch held a wonderful Lincoln program in February, featuring Mr. Randy Scott the famous Lincolnoligist, doing his interpretation of Lincoln and featuring his extensive collection of Lincoln memorabilia!
We were also part of the Salute to the Troops fair, last November. It was a city- wide Jacksonville event, including the Army and Navy. We rented a tent, displayed our art, our books and music, gave out many informational flyers and re-introduced Jacksonville to the Pen Women!
Respectfully submitted,
Phoebe Marner and Jackie Hand
Co-Presidents Jacksonville