Reminiscing
A review written by Ev Skehan in The Evening Gazzette on Thursday 22nd December, 1983, about the Paul House Restaurant in Holden, reveals a paragraph or two about Angie's musical talent:
'... The William Paul House has a comfortable lounge that features entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. The manager said customers have been impressed by the talent of pianist-vocalist Angie Parks, who began working there last week and will be featured in the lounge every Friday night.'
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October 5th, 2011
Angie plays her part to support those people affected by cancerSusan and Gordon Swanson's story is truly inspirational. Read about event and their story from Florida Today:
The Pink Martini Party is set for Wednesday evening at the Heritage Isle Clubhouse in Viera. It is designed to bring people together in an informal gathering with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. It features guest speaker Dr. Richard M. Levine, president and CEO of Space Coast Cancer Centers.
Just as important, though, she hopes her grassroots event will add yet another opportunity for people to reach out to those affected by cancer.
“It’s really the camaraderie,” she said. “The bonding that we have among us is priceless.”
Too often, Swanson said, friends and family turn their backs on people battling cancer. That’s what happened when Gordon, her husband of 25 years, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma nine years ago. He’s in remission now.
He retired after 40 years of work as an electrician (he worked on the North Tower of the World Trade Center). The Swansons had just moved to Brevard County from New Jersey when they discovered he had cancer.
Not knowing where to turn here, they moved back to their New Jersey home, which they still own, and remained there for a year while he received treatment.
“We never gave up hope,” she said. “He functions now like he never had cancer.”
But when his friends and family learned he was sick, they turned away and have never come back into his life.
“All of them,” she said. “You don’t know why your family or friends desert you. Are they afraid?”
Gordon said it’s a tough pill to swallow.
“When you’ve got cancer, everybody leaves you,” he said. “People get nervous, even when you get cured and go into remission. A lot of people don’t want to be around that. . . . Friends would see you in the store and go the other way. You don’t get (as many) Christmas cards. . . . You never get them back. But would you want them back? That is one of the reasons she started this.”
But it’s also designed to be plenty of fun, Swanson said.
The event honors Heritage Isle resident Penny Ochs, a breast cancer survivor who started an awareness group in the Viera community.
Entertainment includes jazz featuring Angie Parks on piano.
Executive Caterers will be serving sweet and sour meatballs, coconut shrimp, fresh fruit, imported and domestic cheeses, canapes, spring rolls and spinach and artichoke dip.
A two-ounce glass martini tasting is included with the price of admission. There also will be a cash bar available.
Gift baskets will go on silent auction. Swanson said there has been an outpouring of donations from area physicians, health organizations and individual merchants. Those include cosmetic procedures and spa treatments from Dr. Kim Zipper and Dr. Roger Bassin, gift baskets for dinner, weekend getaways and more.
The Space Coast Health Institute will supply three massage chairs and students to give free massages to patrons of The Pink Martini Party.
Ann Solomon, community representative with the American Cancer Society in Melbourne, said Swanson is helping raise money and awareness for programs the American Cancer Society provides for residents of Brevard County.
“My experience shows that sometimes when your family can’t be there because they live in another area, the American Cancer Society provides programs and services to help,” Solomon said.
When patients can’t find a ride to treatments, the ACS’s Road to Recovery Program provides transportation.
Swanson’s commitment to The Pink Martini Party doesn’t surprise Karen Davis, chief operating officer of Viera Realty.
“She is truly passionate,” Davis said. “It’s all the way to the end. She is a very commited person to a cause that’s dear to her.”
Swanson always is ready to help others, Gordon said.
“I’m not sorry any day that I married her. Between faith and the grace of God, she saved my life. I had cancer. She was there every minute of the day. She always tries to help people.”
After it all, Swanson likes to keep her mind on the positive.
“I never look in the rear-view mirror,” she said.
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