Gazette, The (Colorado Springs): Nun honored for 38 years of serving local hospitals

About 300 people gathered in The Broadmoor's Rocky Mountain Ballroom on Jan. 13 for a reception honoring Sister Ruth Anne Panning, who is retiring after 38 years with Penrose-St. Francis hospitals.

Sister Ruth Anne has worked as chief financial officer, as customer service director and, most recently, as vice president of the Penrose-St. Francis Foundation.

She plans to relocate to her home of Cincinnati, and may work with Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation there.

"In her public role in our foundation, Sister was and continues to be a living symbol of the caring ministry of every Christian," said Rick O'Connell, president/CEO of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. "She is indeed a model to our staff of how to live a life of faith."

O'Connell presented her with a plaque and a Yamaha Disklavier piano "so that you can continue your music career."

Jerry Bagg, master of ceremonies and president of the Penrose-St. Francis Foundation, told the group that "Sister has been serving the people of Colorado Springs for one-half of her life." He introduced two of her five sisters, Sister Rosina Panning and Dorothy Metzger, and her niece Linda Osbourne.

Others giving tributes to Sister Ruth Anne were Dr. P. Terrence O'Rourke, chairman of Centura Health Board of Directors; Sister Michele Fischer, member of the Western Leadership team, Sisters of Charity; and Harry Hoth, chairman of the board of Pikes Peak Broadcasting (KRDO), who showed a video tribute to Sister Ruth Anne.

There to give their good wishes were Flo Carris, Dorothy Chandler, Dr. Patrick and Kris Faricy, Art and Joan Klein, Gary Loo, Kathy Loo, Ron and Suzy Marold, Norm and Wynne Palermo, Bruce and Anne Shepard, Steve and Susan Suggs, Jim and Ann Young, Dr. Morgan and Sharon Berthrong, Owen and Veronica Faricy, Harry and Joan Hoth, Terence and Elizabeth Lilly, Dr. Michael and Mary Ellen McNally, Mary O'Rourke, Bud and Kay Deen Patterson, Lea Roads, Marion Sondermann, Dr. Raymond and Patricia Wahl, Dr. Richard and Mary Wall, Craig and Penny Whitney, Dr. Clyde and Susan Williams, Don and Sally LaMora, Judy Gunson and Dr. John and Cathleen Marta.

CARNIVAL COLORADO SPRINGS: Guests will be transported to New Orleans at the Junior League of Colorado Springs' Carnival Colorado Springs from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Red Lion Hotel, Bijou Street and Interstate 25.

A jester will provide the beads and masks as guests enter the Bourbon Street atmosphere with gaming tables for blackjack, roulette and craps, magicians, and palm and tarot card readers.

Mimes, jugglers and magicians will entertain, and guests can feast on Cajun food and escape to the Garden District for dancing to live music. The crowning of the king and queen will honor community leaders for their contributions to Colorado Springs.

The semi-formal party will benefit the Junior League's Community Service Corps, Public Action and Court Care. Tickets are $70 a person and may be reserved by calling the league office, 632-3855.

APPRECIATION LUNCHEON: Red Noland, honorary chairman of the American Heart Association Red Heart Ball, was host for an Appreciation Luncheon Jan. 9 for corporate sponsors of the 19th annual ball, which will be Feb. 9 at the Broadmoor International Center.

The luncheon of red snapper at the Garden of the Gods Club was enjoyed by Joan Klein, volunteer chairwoman of the ball, and her husband, Art; Joe and Jan Largey of premier sponsor Spectranetics; Rick O'Connell of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services; Michael Schrader of Memorial Hospital; Bryan and Emily Kelln of Rock Shox; Julie Armstrong; Cathie Kuchenberg; Brenda Goodrich; Bill Hurt; Bill Johanson; Craig Whitney; Thom Buckley; Jenny Knellinger; and Rita Burns.

For tickets to the ball, call the American Heart Association, 635- 7688.

EVENING OF MYSTERY: The Children's Advocacy Center will hold a 1950s-style reunion for their seventh annual Mystery Evening on Feb. 2 at the Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a cash bar and silent auction followed at 7:15 by dinner and Mystery Theater, the live auction and presentations. The auctions will feature works by local artists and gift baskets.

Tickets are $65 a person - through Wednesday - and may be reserved by calling 636-2460.

GLISSANDO: World Ladies Figure Skating champion and Olympian Jill Trenary will play co-host, with opera singer Herb Beattie, for "Glissando! - The Sights and Sounds of Olympic Gold" from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 1 at the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame, 20 First St.

The event is to kick off the 2002 Winter Olympics and celebrate Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble's 10th anniversary season.

The evening will begin with wine and hors d'oeuvres and the opportunity to tour the museum's new exhibit, "Olympic Gold," on the history of the USA Olympic gold medal-winning figure skaters.

A choral performance by the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble will include selections from music in the museum's archives.

There will be a silent auction featuring autographed photographs of Olympic figure skating gold medalists and other skating memorabilia and collectibles.

Tickets are $30 a person and may be reserved by calling Joan Bliss- Pollock, 635-9463, or Patricia Gordon Michael, 228-3427.

SHORT TAKES

Alumnae and active members of Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity will gather for brunch at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 2 at the Garden of the Gods Club to celebrate their Founders' Day. For reservations or more information, call Janet, 633-2393.

Family and friends of Ruthie Lohrig-Kline gathered at the Shriner Hall dressed as their favorite 1952 star to celebrate her 50th birthday. On stage were friends presenting their interpretations of the Blues Brothers, the Village People, Robert Palmer, Elvis and Nancy Sinatra.

- Diane Wengler is The Gazette's society columnist.