Bpw/North Sarasota

The BPW Connection

Monthly Newsletter

August 2009

BPW/North Sarasota

Inside this issue:

Calendar 2

Member Profile 2

Birthdays 2

Health Corner 3

BPW/FL News 3

Kudos 5

New Members 5

September newsletter deadline: August 27^th

Congratulations BPW/ North Sarasota! What an awesome year we had “Weaving the Strands of Advocacy, Education and Information.” A special thanks to Cynthia and Valarie who saw the vision and brought it to the members. They put together wonderful books with documentation of everything we sponsored throughout the year in a timely manner. That positioned us win the first “Venita Garvin-Valdez Award,” the Sheri McCandless Mentoring Award, and two Member-ship Awards!

Thanks to all members for your support. We could not have done this without you. Let’s keep up the good work!

What a wonderful time we had with one another at State Convention in Key West! We need to get together more often and have a ladies night out.

Thanks, Elma, for hosting our planning meeting at your home. The food was delicious and we were able to get a lot accom- plished. Some committees have set their meetings and are anxious to get started. Let’s keep up the energy and the excitement as we move forward.

We will continue to have the same theme for the new year, on the state and local levels. We will need all members to participate to make things happen, not just a few members working.

Let us make our new members feel welcome and needed. Call someone today just to say you were thinking about them. I realize that the majority of us are stretched to the limit so let us balance our time so we won’t get stressed out and frustrated. We need to be able to enjoy what we do.

(Remember ladies: If we believe it, we can achieve it!!)

Valerie Reeves

President

President’s Message

Issues Management

Our speaker for the August meeting will be BPW/Florida First Vice President, Esther Bird. Esther will speak to us on speak on the topic "Survivor or Thriver" which relates to personal and professional life.
Meetings are held at the North Sarasota Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., beginning with refreshments at 5:30 and followed by the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Hostesses for August are Gwen Sermon and Valerie Reeves.



page 2

Calendar of Events

The BPW Connection





August
8 Professional Membership Rally at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 620 Crestwood

Avenue, Sarasota; 1:00-2:00 p.m. Sponsored by Children First, bringing together

various community organizations seeking new members. President Valerie Reeves

will be one of the speakers. Elma McKay is the coordinator

13 Monthly Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at North Sarasota Public Library
22 HIPPY Program graduation at Newtown Community Center, 10:00 a.m.
29 Annual Birthday Party for residents at J.H. Floyd Sunshine Manor

__________________________________________________________________________

President Valerie Reeves
President Valerie is a native of Ft. Myers, Florida and is employed by the Sarasota Family YMCA where she is the Assistant Coordinator of Operation Graduation. She has been with the “Y” for 15 years. A BPW member for five years, she has served the club as secretary and is in her third term as president. Valerie is also involved with SURE (Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity) and is a Community Health Worker. She is a member of New Bethel

Member Profile

BIRTHDAYS



August September

10 April Sheffield None

11 Cynthia Howard
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you.”



Missionary Baptist Church where she is co-chairperson of the Youth and Children’s Ministry, a member of the Executive Board and assistant Sunday School teacher. Valerie is the mother of three adult children and has five grandsons. Her hobbies are reading, jazz music, and working in her yard. She also enjoys entertaining. Valerie says she joined BPW because her daughter (Tracy Goodman, a past president) and sister (Jone Williams) were members. “I like the mission of the club about empowering other women. I like the networking and we have a good group of ladies. I thought I could make a difference.” Valerie is also a distributor of a company called GNLD and sells herbal supplements that are the best, she said. She is taking a herbology class to learn more about the herbs God put on earth for man. “I enjoy my life and see the good in everyone,” she said.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 3

Mentoring Program

Valarie Dixon, Chairperson


As chairman of the mentoring program, I would like to express my sincere thanks to each of you for your support during the past year. As you know now, we won the Sheri McCandless Mentoring Award at State Convention. This was a great recognition and truly a team effort. There is more work to be done in the coming year. The Mentoring Committee is looking for new ideas and more fun activities for the girls. If you are interested in working on the committee, please let me know. My e-mail is open 24/7.

 

This year, the committee will be working with other mentoring programs in order to keep from duplicating our efforts and to gain support for our programs from other groups.

We are planning another fun-filled Money Management seminar on September 15.  This seminar will be co-sponsored with New Zion P.B. Church from 6-7:30.

If time permits, I will present a brief money management seminar for adults in attendance while the girls have pizza. We will need all of your help to make it a success.
This seminar is a “remix” to the Money Management Seminar that was presented on April 4^th. The presenter will again be Dawn Wiley from the Girls Inc., however, this time it will be presented using biblical scriptures.
We need members to attend to give their “pearls of wisdom” to the girls during the seminar. The deadline for registration is September 8th. We need to know if you will be able to attend. Also, we will need the names of the mentees who will be attending to get a final count. Please print the flyer and circulate in your church and business. The seminar is open to any young lady (or boy) who wants to learn more about money management.


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BPW SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
Congratulations to our scholarship recipients, Amber Ingram, a graduate of Riverview High School, Katrina Tarton, Tallahassee Community College, Nicole Robinson and Danelle Baker, nursing students at State College of Florida (MCC); and our own member, Sylvia Browning, The scholarships will be presented at the August 13^th meeting.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
ISSUES MANAGEMENT/VENITA AWARD MEETING
The Issues Management Committee (Sylvia Browning, Elma McKay and Gwen Sermon) and the Venita Award Committee (Cynthia Howard, Glenda Williams and Elma McKay) will be meeting on Thursday, August 6^th at the NAACP office on Dr. MLK Way, at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to plan the club’s calendar of activities for the year encompassing the “Weaving the Strands” theme. Both committees will be dealing with the same public policy issues so we are coming together to combine our efforts. Other members are invited to attend.


During the months of August and September, we will discuss “colon cancer.”

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers.
Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. Regular screening tests can help prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps before they become cancerous. If signs and symptoms of colon cancer do appear, they may include changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain.
Screening
Most colon cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. Screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous. Screening may also detect colon cancer in its early stages when there is a good chance for cure.
You may be embarrassed by the screening procedures, worried about discomfort or afraid of the results. Discuss your screening options and your concerns with your doctor. Most procedures are only moderately uncomfortable, and working with a doctor you like and trust can help ease your embarrassment.
Next month, we will discuss symptoms and prevention.

Health Corner. . .

BPW/FL Executive Committee board meeting will be held on Saturday, September 19th at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm to discuss the licensing agreement. To find out more about the agreement, it can be found online at bpwfl.org in the Members area under Reference Materials andat http://www.bpwfl.org/Links-and-affiliations/bpw-foundation.html

Mid-Year Board meeting is planned for Friday and Saturday, October 16-17.

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Word Scramble

Subject: “Summer Activities”
mgsinimw cbhea cnipci tcvnoiaa fogl
(answers on last page)

News from BPW/Florida

page 4

The BPW Connection





page 5

The BPW Connection



Secret Sisters is a voluntary activity of the club. Members will “draw” the name of her secret sister at the August meeting. You will be required to purchase a gift for her for Christmas, her birthday and at the end of the year in May when you reveal your identity to her. The three gifts are mandatory; but participation is not. Do not feel obligated to participate if you do not want to. The cost for the gifts range from $20-$25; you can spend more if you like. Anything else you do for your secret sister is optional, such as remembering her on special days (Valentine’s Day with a card or gift; Mother’s Day, Easter, etc). Please make every effort to get your sister her three gifts when they are due and not “catch up” later.

If you want to participate and did not receive a form at the planning meeting, one is attached. Please complete prior to the meeting or send by another member. President Valerie Reeves is in charge of Secret Sisters.

Kudos . . .

To Valarie Dixon who received the Global Diversity Award at Northern Trust Bank for organizing a diversity program to employees at the bank during their “Munch ‘N Learn” program on June 9th. The award was presented to Valarie by President Phil Delaney. Dr. Cheryl Smith was the speaker and she spoke on the Juneteenth celebration and on the first black woman to start a bank. Congratulations Valarie!

• 
  To elevate the standards for women in business and professions.
  
• 
  To promote the interests of business and professional women.
  
• 
  To bring about a spirit of cooperation among business and professional women of the United States.
  
• 
  To extend opportunities to business and professional women through education along lines of industrial, scientific and vocational activities.
  

Our Objectives…

Secret Sisters

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

To all of our new members over the past months: Che’ Barnett, Tania Sneed-Watson, Stacy Copeland, LaTanya Edwards and Cheryl Brown. Welcome back to Carolyn Mason and Sandra Washington.

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BPW/FL SILENT AUCTION!

BPW/FL LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS (OR ANY INDIVIDUAL, COMMITTEE, ETC.) HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THE FEDERATION’S BOTTOM LINE AT OUR UPCOMING FALL CONFERENCE…

EACH LO IS ASKED TO BRING A “THEMED” BASKET (MIN. $50 VALUE)…

HAVE FUN CREATING YOUR THEME…

A MARGARITAVILLE BASKET…

A DONKEY OR ELEPHANT POLITICAL BASKET…

A STRESSLESS BASKET…

AN AVON BASKET…

A HEARTWISE – I.E., WINE – BASKET…

A BOOK BASKET…

Figure 1



THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO RE-GIFT THOSE ITEMS LYING AROUND WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT YARD SALE…OR A FORGOTTEN BIRTHDAY!

E-MAIL NANCY HURLBERT – [e-mail] – WITH YOUR LO’S THEME BASKET TITLE…NANCY WILL PREPARE THE BID SHEETS.

AUCTION TO OCCUR ON SATURDAY FROM 8 AM – 3 PM…BE SURE NANCY HAS YOUR BASKET BY 7 AM SATURDAY!

SPECIAL RECOGNITION/AWARD WILL BE PRESENTEDED FOR:

• 
  MOST UNIQUE THEMED BASKET
  
• 
  BEST PRESENTATION
  

CAN YOU GUESS WHO THESE LADIES ARE?

New members may not know all of these ladies; they are “seasoned” members of North Sarasota.

(Note: the pictures are from past birthday party celebrations at J.H. Floyd Sunshine Manor sponsored by BPW/North Sarasota)

Glenda and Ray Williams

and Ann Weatherington at a

Boss’ night dinner held during

National Business Women’s

Week (yup, Glenda brought her

“boss” with her )

AND WE STILL LOOK GOOD!

Business and Professional Women/North Sarasota

Planning Meeting

July 11, 2009
The meeting was called to order by the president, Valerie at 9:50 a.m. and she opened with a prayer.

Treasurer’s Report

Jone gave the treasurer’s report. The balance in the account is $1,961.38. Michelle made a motion and it was seconded by Cynthia that it be filed for audit.

Assessments of members were discussed by the members and Michelle clarified what items would be taken from the treasure and what items should be included in the budget. This club year we will take monies from the treasure for activities sponsored by the club.
Minutes

There was a correction to the minutes. They stated that the meeting was scheduled for Valerie’s house instead of Elma’s. Cynthia made a motion that it be accepted with the correction and Angie seconded it. The motion was carried.

Finance Committee

Michelle discussed locations for the H’attitude luncheon and she stated that her goal for attendance is 150 people. A golf tournament was also discussed. The time frame would be from May-September. A celebrity dinner was also discussed and we need to look at the community calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts. Tentative dates for the H’attitude luncheon are March 27^th and April 10th 2010.

Committee members are: Elma, Jone and Latonya.
Issues Management

Committee members are: Sylvia -chair, Elma and Gwen. We will meet and organize the programs for the year centered on the state theme. Esther Bird, our state first vice-president will be our speaker for the August meeting. Executive Board meetings will be held prior to the regular meeting each month beginning in the Fall.

Our birthday party for the residents of J.H. Floyd will be August 29^th. Glenda Williams and Dee Manigo will chair this event.
Membership

Deloris-chair and the committee members are: Valarie Dixon, and Angelia. New members will be encouraged to be a part of this committee. The procedure for sending is in information for a new member is as follows:

Deloris Carter will complete all the paperwork and give the completed information on the member with a stamped envelope addressed to:
Carole J. Tolomeo

BPW/FL Business Manager

3150 Holiday Springs Blvd.

Bldg.8, #111

Margate, Fl. 33063

Jone will write the check and mail it in.

Valarie stated that she would like to spotlight new members in the newsletter and send invitations to potential members. She would also like to use icebreakers at each meeting. Elma stated that Children First will sponsor a professional membership rally on August 8^th from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Organizations will be invited to speak and state their purpose. This will be held at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6210 Crestwood Avenue in Sarasota.
Scholarship
This committee will meet on Monday and finalize the five applicants that applied for scholarships. The committee members are: Jone, Valerie and Gwen.
Nominating Committee: Ann, Bernice, Betty and Angelia are the committee members.
Secret Sisters: Valerie Reeves will be responsible for secret pals. The forms were distributed and we will pull names at the August meeting.
The calendar was planned for the year and the hostesses.
Announcements:

Hippy will sponsor a “Back to School” event on August 22^nd at 10:00 a.m.

Those in attendance were: Valerie Reeves, Angelia Singleton, Valarie Dixon, Cynthia Howard, Michelle Holland, Deloris Carter, Jone Williams, Elma J. McKay, Glenda Williams, and Gwen Sermon.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m. with the reciting of the Emblem Benediction.

Word Scramble:

mgsinimw cbhea cnipci tcvnoiaa fogl

(swimming) (beach) (picnic) (vacation) (golf)