Wichita

By Linda Cooper: The Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement in downtown St. Petersburg is the newest of the many museums in the area. “In America, the Arts and Crafts movement spread across the country from approximately 1890-1930. The tenets of the movement – simplicity in design, honesty in materials, hand craftsmanship, and depicting the natural world – are still widely valued today.” This is a quote from their website. We saw everything from pottery, to furniture, to period tiles and glassware. Our group was divided into 3 with each group having it’s own volunteer docent. Our guide commented that she had also been our guide when we toured the Raymond James Western museum at another MBCA event several years ago. There were pieces and architectural elements from famous designer like Frank Lloyd Wright, Tiffany glassware and Paul & I recognized several pieces of Rookwood pottery made in the factory in the Mt. Adams area of Cincinnati where we both grew up. After touring all 5 levels, we hopped in our cars for our short 2 mile drive up 4th street to Harveys 4th Street Grill where we enjoyed a terrific meal and got caught with most of our thirty one members 

from the tour.

By Lynn Hutchinson: Our annual Holiday Brunch was held on December 5 at the Safety Harbor Spa. As always, it did not disappoint. We had 61 members and guests in attendance. Everyone received one free mimosa. The buffet offered a huge selection of hot and cold items from breakfast items, hot entrees, salads, cold shrimp, made to order omelets and carved prime rib. One of my personal favorites is the lobster bisque. And the dessert table was wonderful and everything was delicious. Each table had a centerpiece dish in the shape of a shell, One lucky person at each table took it home. 

Following lunch, Connie Dolin prepared a Mercedes trivia game that was fun and very informative. Gift cards for Bonefish 

Restaurant were given away for the most correct answers. First place went to Ben Berman who received a card for $50; 2nd place was a $30 card for Bob Martino; and 3rd place went to Carmine Pluchino who received a $20 card. Dave awarded our Member of the Year to Steven Rae who unfortunately was not able to attend. We held a vote as to whether or not to go back to doing our gift exchange and it was almost unanimous that we have it again. So next year, bring gifts for the gift exchange. By the way, it was suggested that the gifts be placed in gift bags so they can be unwrapped easier. Mark your calendar, the Holiday Brunch will be on Dec. 4, 2022, at the Safety Harbor Spa.