Talk of the Town
Pensacola quilters show their stuff at 2008 show

The Pensacola Quilters' Guild will be celebrating its 12th biennial quilt show, "The Beauty of Pensacola Quilt Show 2008," on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wright Place in downtown Pensacola at 6 East Wright Street. Admission is $5. Cena Harmon, Chairperson of the 2008 quilt show, issued a challenge to Guild members as well as members of the community to make 20 community service quilts during the two day show.

The two-day event will feature several activities, including: over 200 quilts to be judged a silent auction quilts competition, a vendor's mall, a boutique with hand-made items for sale, an antique quilt display, a professional quilt appraiser and other special exhibits and demonstrations.

For more than 25 years the Pensacola Quilters' Guild, a notfor profit organization of some 200 quilters, have been stitching together quilts for agencies such as Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross, Sacred Heart Hospital's Neo-Natal ICU, and Ronald McDonald House to keep those in need in our community warm as well as "Quilts of Valor," quilts that are sent to injured service men and women in our nation's military and VA hospitals. Every two years the guild gathers together to celebrate their accomplishments and to share their skills with the community and with one another with a two-day juried quilt show. For additional information regarding this event, please contact Dorothy Bare by email: pensacolaquiltshow2008@ cox.net or phone: 850-484-3181 or visit pensacolaquiltersguild.org.

Optimist International

The Optimist International North Florida District Conference held their second Quarter Conference on Feb. 8-10 at the Clarion Hotel in Pensacola. Governor Tom Naile and Lt. Governor, Marguerite Burr, both Gulf Breeze Optimists, organized and presided over a valuable and unique weekend. Optimist Club members from as far away as Cocoa Beach came to Pensacola for this meeting. There were 159 registered attendees, including four Junior Optimist Clubs. Saturday's program featured Paula Reyling, Certified Trainer, who led the group in a leadership development program that included team building and lively group interaction. Everyone shared and learned.

Artist Nina Fritz painted Gulf Breeze Framery owner Cynthia Borik, using the public event to announce that her original artwork will now be available exclusively at Borik's gallery. Fritz closed her gallery in University Mall, which is being remodeled.

Six students competed in the afternoon Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on Feb. 9. During the judging, four University of Florida students, the Signing Gators, performed to music, from the Eagles to Aretha Franklin, using sign language. Swaying and clapping, the audience enjoyed the judges' long deliberation before choosing Amelia Skapora as the winner among winners.

Young people are the focus of Optimist International Clubs' efforts, activities and concern. Two students, Jonathon Macdonald and Kristen Dorsey, who benefited from Optimists efforts, inspired the Conference with testimonies of their success. "Monumental" was Jonathan Macdonald's word for his experience in going to the District Oratory Competition in Ocala last year. He was involved in the Take Stock in Children program, which provides mentors for deserving students. Jonathon praised his mentors, Tom Naile and Charles Gray, Gulf Breeze Optimists and said "Someone believes in you."

Submitted photo The quilt pictured above, called "Opportunity" will be raffled off during the Pensacola Quilters Guild show on March 28.

Kristen Dorsey is the winner of the Optimist International Junior Golf Tournament that had over 800 golfers from 36 countries. Kristen praised the Optimists who volunteered at the tournament, stating that they were helpful, friendly and informed. Her participation gained the attention of a number of university scouts. She has signed to play for Kansas State University next year. Her enthusiasm was contagious as she displayed her picture board of happy moments in her favorite tournament.

Marty Ritter, Chairman of the North Florida District Youth Clubs, from Winter Springs, Fla., won "Kermit" with her silent auction bid. She was applauded but everyone wondered how she would transport the big Greenie home. He is adorable but huge. He will, certainly, be a great big help to her and her Youth Clubs.

Marty Ritter, chairman of the North Florida District Junior Optimist Optimist International (JOOI), from Winter Springs, Fla. kisses Kermit. Submitted photo

All who attended the Optimist International North Florida District Conference in Pensacola look forward to the third Quarter Conference in Orlando in April with joy.

The Eye Ball

Independence for the Blind of West Florida proudly present the 2008 Eye Ball, Saturday, March 1 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front from 6 to10 p.m. The event will be chaired by Bent Lane from the Cat Pack Morning Show on Cat Country 98.7 and Marty Stanovich from News Radio 1620. The occasion will include fine dining, dancing and live and silent auctions which will benefit Independence for the Blind. They are seeking more sponsors and auction items. Tickets are a $65 donation and are available at the Independence for the Blind West office.

For details, contact Lindsay Pieler at 850-477-2663 or lindsay@ ibwest.org.

Submitted photo The Signing Gators are: (pictured from left to right) Laura Jacobson, Jennifer Alva, Emily Zajac and Natalie Spalding.