Coterie members gather for club's 128th anniversary

Special to The Alliance Review
·2 min read
Chair of the Anniversary Committee Margie Peterson, left, led the recent Coterie meeting , and Marlene Admonius baked delicate cookies that were served up to those on hand in Tiffany blue boxes.
Chair of the Anniversary Committee Margie Peterson, left, led the recent Coterie meeting , and Marlene Admonius baked delicate cookies that were served up to those on hand in Tiffany blue boxes.

Alliance's oldest social and literary club has come roaring back after a long break during the pandemic.

Coterie was founded Feb. 22, 1894, which was the anniversary of George Washington's birth. Group members gathered May 5 to mark the club's 128th anniversary.

It was the first gathering in two years. Coterie has a history of varied philanthropic efforts.

During the event, tables were decorated in spring colors, and centerpieces featured the club's signature flower, a single yellow rose. Surrounding were Tiffany blue boxes stop a crystal cake plate. The boxes contained delicate cookies made by Coterie member Marlene Admonius.

Anniversary Chair Marjorie Peterson welcomed club members and shared the group's pleasure over being able to gather again.

“We all are aware of the many troubles in our world these days, but just for today, we invite you to focus solely on enjoying one another’s company and feeling the happiness and friendship filling this room right now,” Peterson said.

Other members of the Anniversary Committee were Joan Krohe, Leigh Mainwaring, Lynne Rhodes and Marjo Sangree.

“These talented and dedicated women handled all the ups and downs involved in planning a party of this magnitude with such style and grace,” she said.

Following lunch, Mainwaring introduced Kevin Kern, associate professor of theater at the University of Mount Union, who directed six students in a selection of show tunes.

Accompanied by keyboardist Ben Wykoff, Ashley Burtscher sang “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from "Grease"; Sam Darrin performed “Out There” from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"; Olan Domer sang “Part of a Painting” from "Edges"; Clay Yoder performed “Streets of Dublin” from "A Man of No Importance"; and Amy Ali sang the jazz classic “Cry Me a River.”

Gretchen Wearstler will host the final Coterie meeting at noon May 19 at Alliance Country Club.

University of Mount Union associate professor Kevin Kern, far right, led a group of student performers who performed show tunes during the recent Coterie meeting. Performers were, from left, Ashley Burtscher, Ben Wykoff, Sam Darrin, Amy Ali, Clay Yoder and Olan Domer.
University of Mount Union associate professor Kevin Kern, far right, led a group of student performers who performed show tunes during the recent Coterie meeting. Performers were, from left, Ashley Burtscher, Ben Wykoff, Sam Darrin, Amy Ali, Clay Yoder and Olan Domer.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Alliance's Coterie members gather for club's 128th anniversary