Upcoming Meeting
Saturday, January 18, 2025
11:30 AM
Historic Hurricanes of Fort Myers: How Three 19th Century Hurricanes Influenced the Town’s Development
with Guest Speaker, Author Thomas P. Hall
Long before Ian, Helene, and Milton, three historic hurricanes in the 1800s shaped where and how Fort Myers developed. Hurricanes are continuing to shape our present-day Fort Myers.
Our Guest Speaker for January is Thomas P. Hall, author of Historic Hurricanes of Fort Myers. Thomas is an art journalist, arts advocate, and local historian. He has authored three books including Epic Fires of Fort Myers and Female Pioneers of Fort Myers. As the public art consultant for the City of Fort Myers, Tom advises the City regarding the administration, expansion and promotion of its art collection. He is also responsible for placing the narrative and audio recordings on Otocast – a free phone app that lets users listen to the stories of the City’s public art works, early history and cultural heritage. As the voice of WGCU’s Spotlight on the Arts, Tom highlights plays, musicals, art exhibitions and other cultural events taking place in Southwest Florida.
Please email: aauwleecounty@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, 14 January.
Location: Lexington Country Club
16257 Willowcrest Way
Fort Myers, FL
(Near the Intersection of Bass Road & Summerlin; follow the entrance road to the turn-in for the Country Club.)
Due to changes at the Landings, we are moving to Lexington Country Club as a trial. We
will order from the Club Favorites menu rather than needing to order in advance. This
will allow more control over costs and not require that we collect funds in advance.
We do still ask that you make a reservation to allow us to have the proper size room
assigned and for Lexington to allot the proper staffing.
Upcoming Branch Activities
Coming in January
Member Survey – please participate to help our planning
Monthly Meeting – our speaker from our canceled October Meeting will be speaking on historic storms that shaped the area
Call for Volunteers and Nominations
We need you and your expertise. We have several positions currently available and are recruiting for next year. If you are interested, please see the Torch for additional details.
Membership Directory
The new directories are available and being distributed. If you have not yet received yours, please reach out to Jemetta Hunt.
News from National
Economic Empowerment
AAUW National is closing the year strong with a number of Economic Empowerment seminars including seminars on retirement and budget & credit management. Register online now.
CEO Webinar
Gloria Blackwell joins AAUW Community Action Grant recipient Dr. Tiya Miles to discuss her book Wild Girls: How the Outdoors Shaped the Women Who Challenged a Nation that discusses the impact of the outdoors on women’s independence, resourcefulness and vision.
Gloria Blackwell Honored
AAUW CEO Gloria Blackwell was honored with the 2024 TIAW (The International Alliance for Women) World of Difference Award which recognizes those who have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally, or globally This award is a testament to her dedication and the transformative impact AAUW is making for women across the United States.
Public Policy
Stay up to date on the public policy priorities and how the legislative landscape has changed after the election.
Sign up to take action with AAUW’s Two Minute Activist.
News from State
Public Policy
Register for an upcoming Florida Public Policy Issue Forum. Upcoming topics include a legislative session preview, caregiving and economic security, and gender equity in STEM.
Lobby Days
Prepare for lobby days when we bring our issues to our state legislators in Tallahassee.
Get scripts for talking to your representatives and learn about bills AAUW is tracking.
Subscribe
Subscribe to AAUW’s FloriVision Newsletter to keep up to date on AAUW Florida activities.