February 17, 2012

Woman of the Year Celebration Luncheon

Wink Blair (Founder), Janie Ellis (2011 Woman of the Year Honoree), Linda M. Herold (Founder)

By: Sandy Doubleday

Women of Scottsdale honored Arizona arts pioneer Janie Ellis as its 2011 Woman of the Year. She was recognized at the February meeting held at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Ellis is an Arizona native who grew up in an early arts colony established 70 years ago by her parents George and Rachel Ellis. Today Cattle Track Arts Compound is a unique arts colony which includes art exhibits, artist studios and work spaces, a colonial antique gallery, women’s theater performances, and a vintage letter press. The arts compound provides working space for local architects and artisans and through the years has hosted an eclectic parade of artists, photographers, potters, woodworkers, quilters, playwrights, philosophers and others, many of national and international renown. More than 170 guests attended the celebration luncheon sponsored by Kelly Zitlow and Cherry Creek Mortgage with guest gifts provided by bliss spa. Stacey Bailey-Gitt, Women of Scottsdale’s 2012 director, gave an overview of the organization, founded in 1998, and invited women who live and work in Scottsdale to attend future meetings. Women of Scottsdale meets the third Friday of every month at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

Link: www.womenofscottsdale.org

March 10 – April 30: Cattle Track Couture: Fashion by Rachel Ellis will feature clothing made by Janie’s mother. www.cattletrackcouture.com.

Photos by: Ron Nachtwey

Founders with Woman of the Year honorees and special guest Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Linda M. Herold (Founder), Hon. Carolyn Allen, Janie Ellis, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (seated), Paula Cullison, Hon. Mary Manross, Donna Reagan, Wink Blair (Founder), Ellen Andres-Schneider, Standing: Hon. Sam Campana, Debbie Gaby, Lois McFarland, Vicki Collins Edwards, Hon. Linda Milhaven

Publication Partner Rick McCartney (In Business Magazine), Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (seated), Meeting Sponsor Kelly Zitlow (Cherry Creek Mortgage), Janie Ellis (Woman of the Year Honoree), 2012 Director Stacey Bailey-Gitt (North Valley Plastic Surgery), Favor Partner Stephanie Peterson (bliss spa), Dessert Sponsor Frank Shelton (Central Arizona Bank)

Sally Hilow, Joyce Dell, Billie Jo Herberger, Terri Rundle

Darlene Keller Price, Gay Wray, Karen Shapiro

Lois McFarland, Paula Cullison

Gerda Ray, Dennita Sewell

Stacey Bailey-Gitt, Kelly Zitlow, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Marsha Petrie Sue