Women's Season Luncheon 2014 honors nine local Women of Distinction

WARWICK — On Saturday, March 8, approximately 100 guests attended the annual Women's Season Luncheon held to honor nine local women of distinction for exemplary community service and accomplishments.

The luncheon, sponsored by the Warwick Women's Season Committee of Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, was held at the Palacio Catering and Conference Center in Goshen. Co-chairs for the event were Channabel Latham-Morris and Rev. Dr. Raquel Lettsome.

This year's Honorees at the Women's Season Luncheon were Sherry Bukovcan, Claire Gabelmann, Kerry Malone-Demetroules, Barbara J. Moore, Jennifer O'Connor, Johanna Pennings, Marie Pennings, Denise Smith and Christine Foy Stage.

"Your exemplary work has not gone unnoticed," said Rev. Kevin T. Taylor, pastor of Union AME Church. "We pray that this moment of tribute will be a source of encouragement as you continue to commit yourself to your great work. Accept the well-deserved accolades with pride. You have certainly laid a solid foundation of goodness."

In addition to the luncheon, speeches and introduction of honorees, the event also included a silent auction, musical entertainment by saxophonist Tony Smith, a liturgical dance performed by Keica Holmes and African drumming and dance performed by Jerome Hunter and the LaRocque Bey School of Dance

"To all our Women's Season participants and supporters, including our community businesses and our elected leaders, we thank you," said co-chair Channabel Latham-Morris. "Thanks again honorees for the work that you do in our community and beyond. May the God of our faith give us new vision and expand our territory as Women of Faith, servicing the church, the community and the world."

- Roger Gavan