December 2018
Tickets can be purchased for $45 at the luncheon in October and
November, or by contacting Carolyn Nance at
cnance5240@gmail.com
October 2018
Vickie Elliot of Ellio-Pilates and More challenged us with “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” Freedom of Movement in many ways determines how old we feel! To not exercise is considered now to be worse than smoking or drinking!
With 25 years in exercise and fitness, Vickie opened her Studio Ellio-The Art of Health 10 years ago. She led us through basic Foundation Training postures saying we might be taller. Several of us were!
Our own Jemetta Hunt works with Vicki offering Pilates and other classes for MS and Neurological Conditions including Stroke, ALS and Parkinson’s. Tai Chi for Arthritis and Tai Chi for Balance, Foundation Training and Belly Dancing are offered in addition to personal training. The object is to move safely and to learn how to “take it out the door” so that you can continue to develope strength and stamina.
A 10% discount on any class or package of classes is offered for anyone who comes into Ellio and says “AAUW!” Remember “Move it or lose it!”
See www.elliopilates.com .
March 2018
Into the Jordan Ministries – Human Trafficking in Lee County was the March program presented by Sharon Aldrich and Melinda Starrett. Melinda is a survivor of trafficking and spoke about the trauma involved in being trafficked and how it impacts the lives of women. Sharon described the services that their organization offers women seeking to get out of trafficking. Located in downtown Fort Myers, they work with women ages 18 and over. At any time, they have 20-40 women involved with their different services. Melinda is the co-director of “Into the Jordan Ministries”
Members welcomed Jill Jennings to our Ft. Myers/Lee County Branch and were reminded that dues for the 2018-19 fiscal year were being collected.
February 2018
Sarah Mitchell, Health & Wellness Coordinator for Lee Health Wellness Center, was invited back after her informative presentation last year. She enjoys navigating members, and employees, as well as the community, to the best possible resources for the individual’s health and well-being. She is certified through Wellcoaches School of Coaching as a Health and Wellness Coach. In this role, her goal is to empower, motivate and guide clients to healthy behaviors to achieve optimal wellness. Sarah is the facilitator for Lee Health Brain Booster Workshops and Lee Health Weight Management Exercise Program.
New members pictured below, Lynne Felice, Raymonde Howell and Ivana Kucera, were welcomed to our Lee County/Ft. Myers Branch
January 2018
Robin Tuthill and Tom Hall, co-authors of Female Pioneers of Fort Myers, shared the rich personal stories of twenty-four exceptional women who suffered and overcame rigorous hardships, incomprehensible loss and numbing tragedies. Their lives impacted the development of the town’s culture, buildings and amenities from 1866 through the 1900s. Through riveting stories of success against the odds, Female Pioneers of Fort Myers brings to the forefront the everyday female leaders who helped transform Fort Myers from a rough-and-tumble cow town into a modern-day city. Members quickly bought up autographed copies for their libraries and for gifting.
November 2017
It cannot be disputed when we state that our branch has a membership that is active within AAUW and beyond, where ever we can promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. Our speaker, Roberta Balmer, is a winter resident in Fort Myers and member of our branch. During the summer Bobbie resides in Ottawa and one of the 20-person delegation of the Canadian Federation of University Women. The CFUW priority theme at this summer’s conference was women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work. Bobbie not only summarized all the information gathered and important contacts made at this conference, she also told us how to make the best use of time with so many diverse sessions offered.
We also welcomed three new members: Lois Benedetto, Peg McEwen and Nadine Coudret. Actually, Peg was a member some years ago and upon returning to this area, she quickly became a member.
October 2017
Most of us have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease through friends or relatives and know how devastating it is to watch the person we know slowly disappear right before our eyes. Angel C. Duncan, MA MFT, ATR Neuropsychiatric Research Center of SW FL presented facts and figures regarding the future outlook for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. Angel stressed that life style factors are most important to sustaining a healthy brain.
New members, Therese Cinotto and Peg (Margaret) McEwen were welcomed. Cathy Tucker, co-chair of the 2017 fashion show, Give to Achieve, updated the membership as to the wonderful auction and raffle items that have been donated. Tickets to the event are still available. See the Special Events page.
September 2017
Our scheduled meeting was cancelled to allow members and guests to concentrate on pulling together and helping our community recover from the devastation of Irma. We hope to see all of you in October. Please check the Meetings Page for dates and program information.
December 2016
23rd Annual Fashion Show -Growing in Style
Co-chairs Kathy Jones and Peggy Drennan-Cihi, for the second year in a row, pulled out all the stops and orchestrated a memorable fundraising event for members and friends to enjoy. This event funds a total of five annual local scholarship awards, generously supports STEM opportunities for middle school girls and enables our branch to support AAUW research, education and action on the national level.
Click photos to enlarge!
Before taking the runway in Chico’s fashions, our models took a moment with Peggy Thomas, Mary Kay specialist, and Ursula Sahakian, hair design specialist, for that added touch of runway glamour.
Members and guests were greeted with piano selections performed by Bob Cihi and given easy access for buying raffle tickets sold by Mary Jane McDowell and Betty Bechtel. The laden tables displayed scores of coveted and pricey prizes.
Click photos to enlarge!
Our member models: Wendy Wassman, Janice McPeak, Marilyn Workman, Geri McArdle and Nancy McDole showed the latest in Chico’s fashion on a runway that spanned both dining rooms. Dressed for the occasion and providing assistance were Ron Glasgow and Ron Carmany.
Click photos to enlarge!
S
harron Thompson once again expertly led the attendees through a funny and fast paced live and silent auction and efficient distribution of the many raffle prizes.
Photo credit: Bev Londono and Erin Hunter
AAUW Shopping Spree at Chico’s Company Store
Members enjoyed our Second Shopping Spree at Chico’s Company Store. The savings were incredible with most items 20% of what they would be in the stores. The camaraderie was almost palpable as almost 100 women without dressing rooms, tried clothing on over other clothing or bathing suits, and freely gave advice. “That looks good on you.” Or “If you’re not going to take that, may I try it on?” The Chico’s staff later commented that “Your ladies were very well mannered. Sometimes we get rowdy groups in here.” We shopped, we saved, we had fun and we raised $600 for AAUW’s operational expenses!
March 2014
Women’s History Month
Sonia Pressman Fuentes
On March 1st the AAUW and the LWV combined to welcome Sonia Pressman Fuentes to speak in celebration of Women’s History Month. Her talk reviewed the history of the women’s movement from the 60’s through the present day. She was the first women attorney for the EEOC, the Equal Employment Opportunity Council and also a co-founder of NOW, the National Organization for Women. Her speech was enjoyed by all who attended. At the conclusion of her talk people had the opportunity to speak with her and purchase her book.
Sonia Pressman Fuentes and Patricia Allen
March 2013
Ladies:
The GREAT news is that we netted $10,744 for our 20th annual fashion show. A tremendous thank you to all of you who attended this incredible event at Grandezza, made contributions, donated items, or were a part of our amazing committees that worked so hard. As you know, this is our major fundraiser for the year, and we could not be more proud of everyone who helped make this such a success. Grandezza was magnificent, the food was wonderful, Razzle Dazzle dazzled us with their beautiful outfits. The live/silent auction and raffle were lots of fun and very profitable. All in all, it was more than outstanding. Again, thanks to all of you who did so much to help us “Step Up and Give Back”.
Phyllis and Jemetta,
Fashion Show Co-chairs
More Than a Garage Sale
In the beginning the plan was to have a garage sale to earn $2014 for the operations of the branch. With the flexibility and creativity of Co-Chairwomen, Carolyn Nance and Mary Bonette and sale hostess, Judith Sims, and Marie Glasgow, President, it became more. Suzi Weinert, author of the Garage Sale Mystery series agreed to a book signing of her two Garage Sale Mysteries. A Gypsy theme was chosen with volunteers wearing costumes and Gypsy music. Hot coffee and pastries would be sold in the morning and after 11:00, hot dogs and pop.
So many beautiful, like-new, quality clothing and household items were donated that a mini-sale at the Feb meeting was held with volunteers modeling and a table of the “better stuff” sold. This seemed to increase sales and donations. The success of the presale and the bounty of beautiful items inspired a Members and Friends (invitation only) Presale, “Your Sister’s Closet.” Most of the interesting old house and yard were used and chicken salad on croissants with grapes and a chocolate cookie were served with a choice of beverages.
The day of the sale 15 volunteers arrived before dawn to move items outside and organize. There was a mad dash to prepare as the first of hundreds of shoppers began to pour in. The cashiers collected moneys and several members were “negotiators.” Suzi came, brought donations, enjoyed the members, found a few “treasures” and sold books. The Gypsy Rose Café was busy and profitable.. Merchandise was consolidated to avoid the off-putting picked-over look. At the end of the day, the dollar-a-bag offer was a boon for shoppers and reduced the inventory to something the Salvation Army was willing to pick up. The three sales have brought in $4398.75 to date with several IOU’s outstanding.
Our success was multi-faceted. Certainly we were successful financially beyond our expectations. We reduced our clutter and shared wonderful stuff! 58 Members socialized while they worked getting to know each other bette. We shared the fun and excitement of a job well done and doubling our goal. This was a team building experience, and much more than a garage sale!
AAUW Shopping Spree at Chico’s Company Store
Members enjoyed our Second Shopping Spree at Chico’s Company Store. The savings were incredible with most items 20% of what they would be in the stores. The camaraderie was almost palpable as almost 100 women without dressing rooms, tried clothing on over other clothing or bathing suits, and freely gave advice. “That looks good on you.” Or “If you’re not going to take that, may I try it on?” The Chico’s staff later commented that “Your ladies were very well mannered. Sometimes we get rowdy groups in here.” We shopped, we saved, we had fun and we raised $600 for AAUW’s operational expenses!