By CATHERINE LEGG / Community Columnist

The promise of spring and that of beautiful new fashions brought more than 130 lovely Montevallo ladies out to the March 24 style show, luncheon and silent auction sponsored by the local branch of the American Association of University Women.

This year’s show provided the inspiration they were looking for. Guests came a bit early to view and bid on the unusual treasures available through the silent auction: original oil and water color paintings; handmade jewelry, needlework, ceramics and woodcrafts; books; garden art; plants; metal work; hand-painted china; Easter items; CDs; specialty foods; and gift certificates. The delicious box lunches, furnished by Southern Sweets, preceded the parade of fashions.

An especially exciting feature of these annual style shows is that community friends and acquaintances are the models. This year, they gracefully strolled down the walkway clothed and fitted by Belk. Ed Robertson accompanied them with soft piano music.

The lovely models were Barbara Belisle, Misty Bennett, Zara Bennett, Pat Bird, Glenda Cairns, Gale Carson, Phyllis Chase, Eleanor Davis, along with Pat Elder, Brenda Hines, Elaine Hughes, Phoebe Hurst, Erin Jolley and Judy Morgan. Others were Carrie Parrott, Inez Sawyer, Nita Terrell, Taylor Welch, Mary Lou Williams and Lea Ann Webb.

There’s no doubt that 2-year-old Zara, cute little daughter of Misty and Joe Bennett, was the twinkling star of the show. She was as entertained by the audience as they were by her, and every time she walked past Joe, who was sitting at a table close to the walkway, she laughed, waved to him and cried, “Hey, hey, Daddy.”

“The style show was extremely successful this year,” said Faye Roberts, “and that happened through real community effort and cooperation. The proceeds totally supported our scholarship and enabled us to contribute significantly to ‘Reading is Fundamental’ and our national education programs.” Roberts, along with Barbara Broadhead, coordinated the event.

Co-presidents of the local AAUW chapter are Sandra Lott and Mary Jo Buff. Lott explained that the style shows and luncheons began in the early 1990s as a major fundraising activity. The silent auction of arts and crafts was added in 1996.

The national organization of AAUW has, for more than 100 years, promoted equity for all women and girls, lifelong education and positive societal change.

The local chapter was chartered in 1927, has always had a positive influence on the community and is well-known for the annual fashion show, its book group and other initiatives. Membership is open to anyone with an Associate’s or higher degree.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net.