"Playtime" Luncheon The "Playtime" Luncheon was hosted by The Doll Club of South Florida with Susan Steirn, left; artist Berdine Creedy, center; and Jennifer Murtha, the speaker, on the right. Berdine Creedy's companion doll was "Edi." The souvenir doll was Skylar. Everyone was welcomed at the "At Your Service" Open House Tuesday evening where members could meet and chat with UFDC Officers and Regional Directors over decadent ice cream sundaes. Wednesday was filled with informative programs, roundtable discussions called "Dynamic Doll Dialogues" and several ticketed theme events that attendees had preregistered for. "An Afternoon with Ethel Newcome" was a fund-raising ticketed event presented by Elizabeth Ann Coleman together with Andy Ourant and Susan Foreman. The day concluded with the official opening ceremonies. Awards of Excellence were announced, as well as the winner of The Ralph Griffith Award for dealers. The "Mystery Doll" by Beverly Stoehr was drawn for and presented to Nancy Goldstein from among those registered at the convention hotel. Following these ceremonies the moment that collectors had been waiting for - the Salesroom Grand Opening. This gave everyone a first chance to find that treasured item that would always remind them of this convention. One hundred two dealers offered everything imaginable from antique and vintage to collectible items. There Marcia Friend (left) and Margaret Kincaid (right) of the Fund Raising Committee were at the "At Your Service" Open House with Loretta Nardone, UFDC First Vice President (center) to answer questions and discuss donations. Newcomers to convention joined with other UFDC members to begin the convention with a breakfast Wednesday morning hosted by the Blue Ridge Doll Club. UFDC Secretary Treasurer, Maryll Goldsmith, and Judith Seay enjoyed the breakfast along with other attendees. Everyone received copies of several previous souvenir journals as favors. DOLL NEWS * UFDC.ORG 71http://www.UFDC.ORG