The Buzz: Elder Care Services’ 18th annual Oktoberfest

Welcome to The Buzz, Tallahassee Magazine’s column created to share who’s where and what they’re doing. While we try to flit around with all of Tallahassee’s social butterflies, the Buzz can’t be everywhere. Send the skinny on your next soiree to buzz@tallahasseemagazine.com.

On the last day of September, the temperature miraculously turned cooler, making Friday evening’s weather perfect for all who came out in support of Elder Care Services (ECS) at the 18th annual Oktoberfest. The event was hosted by former Board member Errol Powell and his wife, Patricia. The crowd was lively and festive as they filled their steins and enjoyed a German feast while listening to the Bavarian sounds of Tallahassee’s only oompah band, “Gesundheit.” Harry Arnold of Apalachicola and WTXL anchor Christine Souder, with help from the FSU Beach Volleyball team, auctioned off Sheriff Mike Wood’s hat along with a number of Meals on Wheels sponsorships and three very unique and exciting trips highlighted by a once-in-a-lifetime trip to England for the 2017 OPEN Championship at The Royal Birkdale Golf Club. That trip was won by Melanie Lee’s father, Monroe. Among the 850 guests were ECS board members Keith and Valerie Bowers, Janet Ferris and Phil Padovano, Ken and Maureen Hemmerly, Tom Kirwin, Scott and Sha Maddox, Dr. John and Barbara Mahoney, Abbey and Chuck Maurer, Tommy and Kim Mills, Bill and Pat Phelan,
Dr. Andrew Scanameo, Ines Suber, Jackie Watson, Sue Weeks and Jim and Sandra Wylie. Also attending were Advisory Board members, Marjorie Turnbull, Glenda Thornton, Steve and Linda Evans, Mark O’Bryant and Dr. Garrison and Katrina Rolle and Emeritus Board members Randy and Martha Guemple, Randy and Barbara Pople, Sharon Weeden and Stephen and Fay Grimes. Commissioners Richardson and Lindley were on hand, along with Alan Williams, Julie Montanaro, Anna Johnson, Matt and Bev Brown, Mark and Amy Hinson, John and Amy Toman, Jim and Sara Murdaugh, Cherie and Brian Rowland, Tom and Elva Brady, Lisa and Keith Foran, Bart and Jennifer Gunter, Sam and Laura Rogers, Rick and Michelle Shapley, Emily and Pete Millett, Shirley Krishef, Dick and Pat Stephens, Mikey and Wilson Baker, Bill and Kim Oliver, Richard and Jo Law, Pete and Susan Dunbar, Doug and Dottie Roberts, Sammie and Kim Dixon, Skip and Dina Foster, Mark and Marie Webb, Bobby and Sue Dick, Dennis and Laura Jersey, Mike and Donna Joyce, Mark and Manda Robinson, Steve and Amy Gordon, doctors Muniyappa, Rassam and Sheel, Dr. Wayne and Zaneta Batchelor, Chucha Barber, Sheila Costigan and Dennis Tribble, and Sharon and Tom Rolfes. All in all, a great evening for a great cause!

It was a beautiful fall evening at Goodwood as a large and enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the fifth annual Goodwood Jams with entertainment provided by headliners the Honey Island Swamp Band. Other bands included Tishamingo and The Good Little Chickens.

Goodwood Jams is an annual fundraiser for Goodwood, and revenues are used to preserve the museum and historical grounds. A dedicated committee of volunteers that includes Matt Parker, Sibley Richerson, Caroline Conway, Beth Lewis, Jordan Matheson, Kim Smiley, Wade Benton, Anna Dooner, Shannon Moore, and Stewart and Cissy Proctor work tirelessly to put the event together. Additionally, it would not be possible without committed sponsors, including Capital City Bank and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

The Blu Halo Restaurant on Bannerman Road was transformed into an art gallery on a Sunday evening in early December when it hosted a fundraising event, Art By the Homeless. Participants in art therapy sessions at the Kearney Center created the artwork that was displayed and sold, benefiting the center and the artists, themselves. Center founder Rick Kearney welcomed guests including Brian Webb, Stephanie and Tom Derzypolski, Laurie Dozier, Kelly Dozier and Kearney Center Board of Directors members Caryn L. Beck-Dudley, Claude Walker and Dr. Russell Rainey. The Kearney Center provides a safe, respectful environment for people who are experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness.