The mood was festive at the Circle-Lets Inc., Philadelphia Chapter’s annual holiday party. The entertainment committee, chaired by president Wilhelmina Jackson and Dr. Wilfreta Baugh with committee members Willadine Bain, JoAnn Bradley, Leslie Cousins, Regina Meacham-Devero and Gloria Williams did a great job making everyone feel warm and welcomed.

The Circle-Lets’ end of the year holiday party is a tradition that has thrived since the early 1960s. The late Vida Carson, a Circle-let, and Judge Curtis Carson hosted many fabulous holiday parties and were joined by members such as the late Patricia J. Clifford and Dr. Maurice C. Clifford. Carol Carson is a current member.

Circle-lets Inc., Philadelphia Chapter officers are: Wilhelmina Jackson, president; Leslie Cousins, recording secretary; Coralie Barksdale, vice president and national recording secretary; Maxine Coker, corresponding secretary and Candyce Wilson, treasurer.

Husbands, known as “Circle-mates,” of current officers and their guests were: Jarrett Jackson, Jerome Mond, Dr. Gregory Barksdale, Paul Coker, Marvin Devero and Melvin Wilson.

Charter members of the Circlet-lets Inc., Philadelphia Chapter are Jean Sewell and Willidine Bain. Sewell’s son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Maureen Sewell from N.J., and sister-in-law, Mary Sewell-Smith joined the pleasant affair.

Bain’s daughter, Coralie Barksdale, enjoyed the event with her husband Dr. Gregory Barksdale and guests Orien Reid Nix and Charles Nix, Dr. Leslie Hayling of Trenton, N.J., and Dr. Warren and Hitomi Matthews.

Nearly 100 guests mixed and mingled and enjoyed cocktails and a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres and most of all, friendship and laughter.

I was delighted to see my former physician, Dr. Edward S. Cooper at the affair. He was the special guests of the club. Dr. Cooper’s late wife, Dr. Jean Cooper, was a member of the club for many years. He was the first African-American president of the American Heart Association. The Edward S. Cooper Internal Medical Practice at Penn Medicine was named in his honor when he retired. The brilliant, energetic and humble Dr. Cooper looks fantastic.

Our amazingly talented member and photographer, Gloria Williams, invited her son, Robert Williams III, and Susan Gilmore Brown.

Kristine Doroks, engaged to Dr. Ramsey H. Chew on Christmas Day 2012, was absolutely beaming. Of course, I have asked my nephew and his fiancé to be featured in The Philadelphia Tribune’s Wedding and Milestone feature story. The couple was guest of member and sister of Dr. Chew, Deborah M. Chew James. Their mother, Marjorie Chew and sister Diane Chew Boswer and Page Bowser were there as well.

Lewis Tanner Moore, brother of member Leslie Tanner Moore and his wife Judy Heggestad, and her sister-in law, Norma Reeves Moore, were also in attendance. Leslie was escorted by Jerome Culmer.

Kittura Dior and Dr. Albert Mitchell were guests of Circle-Let Nancy Jean Sewell. Nancy’s sister Vivian Sewell is also an active member. Nathaniel “Trey” Williams, son of member JoAnn Bradley, and Latrese Joseph travelled from the Fort Washington, Md., area for the occasion. Guests of member Joylette Hylick were Joan Carroll and Betty Ricks.

Percenia Johnson, escorted by her son Reginald Johnson, had fun chatting with Elaine Evans DeVaughn and Shawn Alexandra Graham who are fellow members of the Carats Inc., Philadelphia Chapter. Louis DeVaughn and Roger Graham were among the men escorting their lovely wives. The DeVaughns and Grahams were guests of yours truly.

I also spotted Jenette Mallory, Irma Brooks, Scheryl Glanton, Linda Stephens and former Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Harold Hairston and his wife Anne Eugene and Marie Golson, Judy Tillman, Paula Milbourne and Melvin Wilson Shirley and John Willis, and Dr. Leslie and Adrienne Hayling Sr. from N.J.

Other Circle-Lets and Circle-Mates “Out & About” enjoying the occasion were Renee and Wesley Allen, Henri and Anthony Moore, Sharon Parks and Dr. Donald Parks, Carol Carson, Joylette Hylick, Dr. Linda Nunes and Dr. Frederick Nunes.

It was just last year when we had the pleasure of having member Mary “Bunny’ Hughes at the holiday party with her daughter Fatima Ali. Fatima is missed and her memory is treasured.

It was another wonderful celebration of friends in the circle.

Have a fantastic week “Out & About,” everyone!