Plans are being finalized for the 44thAnnual Woman of the Year Banquet sponsored by the Zonta Club of Alpena. The banquet, which is themed "Bloom Where You Are Planted," will be held April 21, at the Holiday Inn of Alpena, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
This annual award is presented to a woman whose involvement and contributions in the community supports Zonta's mission to enhance the status of women. The recipient of the award is unaware of the honor that is to be bestowed, and her name is kept confidential until the night of the banquet.
Joyce McCoy will serve as the emcee for the evening and the Woman of the Year presentation will take place at 6:15 p.m.
Dinner will follow and includes Caesar salad, buttered broccoli, a chicken breast topped with sliced mushrooms, onions and provolone cheese served with a twice baked potato. A dessert table featuring double chocolate cake, carrot cake and bread pudding with a caramel bourbon sauce will top off the dinner.
The keynote speaker is Mary Ellen Jones, a Los Angeles television producer, writer and director who relocated to Harrisville in August 2008. She is a founding member of Women on Fire, a national membership organization of dynamic, authentic women providing inspiration, strategies and support through tea parties.
She is a co-author of the book, "Women on Fire: 20 Inspiring Women Share Their Life Secrets (And Save You Years of Struggle!)" Her inspiring presentation will be titled "Blooming in Northeast Michigan" and in it is a message of hope to all women.
A drawing will take place for a $1,000 shopping spree at Bolenz Jewelry at 7:30 p.m. Raffle tickets are available at Bolenz Jewelry or from any Zonta Club of Alpena member. Jewelry raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 each or 6 for $5.
While April 21 is Administrative Professionals Day, Zontians encourage employers to purchase tickets as a way to recognize and to show appreciation for administrative professionals' contributions in the workplace.
In addition, with Mother's Day just around the corner this would also be an excellent opportunity to honor a special woman or women, and treat them to a wonderful evening.
Members of the Woman of the Year Planning Committee include Chair Luciana King, Julie Dietz, Kim LaBrecque, Grace Marshall, Denise Tobias, Cheri Broderson, Theresa Stoppa, Joyce Brilinski, Karen Kamyszek, Joyce McCoy, Jami Patterson, Colleen Clark and Penny Boldrey.
Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available at the Alpena Senior Citizen's Center, Bank of Alpena, Alpena Chamber of Commerce, Neiman's Family Market and Zolnierek Agency. For more information, call Luciana King at 354-3131.
