On the Town: Early American Glass Club unites fine glass, fine friends

Members of the Early American Glass Club brought their finest place settings and most creative ideas and invited their friends to the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club last week for the annual guest day luncheon.

The hosts decorated each table in their own creative ways. I got to celebrate the OKC Thunder in the playoffs with Thunder-inspired dcor set by my friend and etiquette expert, Carey Sue Vega, who invited me. She used Talavera Mexican art pottery for the centerpieces and set the table with McKenzie-Childs florals and her silverware. Blue and orange pompons helped complete the Thunder color theme.

The Rev. Katie Churchwell, dean of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, explained poignantly why details in the place settings mattered. Before the invocation, she noted that she walked by one of the tables set in the Franciscan Desert Rose pattern and remembered meals and gatherings at her grandparents’ house on table set with the same China.

She talked about how shared meals foster genuine connections between people and create communities. A beautifully decorated table like the one that reminded her of growing up underscored that experience.

It was a lovely reminder for all of us about how meaningful it is to gather with friends. People brought out their favorite China, silver and glass or crystal drinkware to celebrate together. Kristen Ferate, for example, used an American theme to set her table with a special U.S. Historical Society-issued replica of Abraham Lincoln’s White House China from Haviland. The recent Barbie mania inspired another table in a fun and colorful table that used both boas and silver candlesticks along with the dolls.

The table themes were diverse, and the fellowship and friendship were real. I am glad I got to attend this year’s Early American Glass Club luncheon. Co-chairs were Catherine Armitage and Franci Hart. Samonia Byford is outgoing president, with Rita Ward succeeding her.

Shine a Light Gala

The 10 ^th annual Shine a Light Gala raised more than $250,000 for Sunbeam Family Services recently, a news release noted. Chairman for the gala was Jessica Gilmore with Express Employment International.

In addition to “shining a light” on growing needs in Oklahoma, the gala recognized Bob Harison as its 2024 Sunbeam’s Aspire Award recipient for his work in support of Sunbeam’s mission.

News 9’s Amanda Taylor emceed, with other speakers including Sunbeam Board Member Alex Towler-Bliss, Shine Chair Jessica Gilmore, United Way of Central Oklahoma President and CEO Rachel Holt, Sunbeam Board Member Michelle Kelly, Sunbeam CEO Sarah Rahhal and Past Aspire Award Recipient Robert J. Ross, the release noted.

Shine a Light sponsors included Inasmuch Foundation, James D. Bennett, The Chickasaw Nation, E.L. & Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Express Employment International, The Funk Companies, Griffin Media, Heartland, McLaughlin Family Foundation, Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City, MidFirst Bank, Ric and Jennie Penner and Total Environment, Inc.

A nonprofit since 1907, Sunbeam's mission includes supporting Oklahoman's mental health and well-being; provides safe, loving homes for children in foster care and connect families with resources.

To learn more about Sunbeam, visit sfsok.org .

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