VINCE KASPAR AWARDS UPDATE

This year's submittals for the Vince Kaspar Awards for Excellence in the Arts may set a new record. The committee is currently reviewing over 80 poems and art works. The program recognizes local student poetry and art talent with a $200 award each. The program started with a single award for poetry, but an art award was started three years ago.

Vince Kaspar is a deceased chapter member and Vietnam veteran. He was an avid poet and photographer. The program started when his mother made a donation in her son's memory to the chapter.

Members of the chapter and the Memorial Day Writer's Project review the entries and select the winners. The art judges are Marj Watson and Terry Parmalee, while the poetry judges are Bruce Waxman, Mike McDonnell, Cathie Solomonson, Ed Henry, and Ellen Felman. Bruce is the chairperson.

The winners will be announced at the May membership meeting along with the presentation of the annual $1000 scholarship to the Arlington County Summer School Program.

The chapter is co-sponsoring "A Nite at the Theater for Vince!" as a fundraiser for the Vince Kaspar Prizes for Excellence in the Arts to expand the program. The theater night is May 12, 2001, for the Keegan Theater's production of "The Man of La Mancha" at the Washington-Lee High School in Arlington County. The Keegan Theater is a highly regarded company. Their website is at www.keegantheater.org. The ticket price is $22. Hit link below for an order form!

The chapter and members are supporting the event with cash advances to purchase 100 tickets. If you can provide fund raising advice, contact Bruce at BIWAXMAN@aol.com or 703- 323-0269.

The event offers an excellent opportunity to expand our community involvement, while providing an enjoyable time at a reasonable price. Also, it can be a great Mother's Day gift. Order your tickets now.