FLORIDA STATE ASSOCIATION/NLAPW

Sarasota Branch Report  2009

            The primary focus of the Sarasota Branch of NLAPW is scholarships.  Annually,  the March meeting is dedicated to our Incentive Awards for outstanding creative composition in Art, Letters, and Music by high school seniors in Sarasota County.  The Branch is fortunate to have a benefactress, Betty Altman, who has helped maintain our fund by contributions from the Altman Foundation.    To this end, also, proceeds from the December Christmas Auction are also dedicated to the scholarship fund.

            Our meetings are a blend of education and entertainment.  The two muic members alternate years to present musicales featuring their own works.  The Director of Write-It-Out, Ronni Miller, has engaged members in their literary fantasies.  Artist Jean Norman Chase introduced us to the technique of embossing.  Branch Awards Winners presented their award-winning works to members.

            Interdisplinary programs have encouraged members to look beyond their own talents.  "Words and Music" presented the poetry of Gainesville poet, Sidney Wade, with the music of Alice Moerk.  Writers describing the art works evoked the talents of both arts and letters members. 

            Guest speakers have included the curator and director of Ca'd'zan, the Ringling home in Sarasota, Julie Ann Howell, founder of The Peppertree Press and members of the Asolo Repertory Theatre.

            The Sarasota Branch has also designated its own poet-laureate, Katherine Sherrin-Zauner, a woman who has won many awards with her delicate and sensitive poetry.  The writers of the Branch have also formed their own group that meets monthly to listen and discuss with each other.

            By and large, we are a working branch.  Many have held individual exhibitions and concerts, and several are published authors. 

Submitted by

Dr. Alice A. Moerk, President