November 2014

Welcome
 

Dear Members,

This past weekend I turned a page in the calendar, moved the hour hand on the clock back a notch, actually put on socks and long sleeves, and started thinking about endings. Although the school year, which governs my work life, has only started, the calendar year, which governs my personal life, is winding down. And, so it is now that I begin to think about tying up loose ends and counting my blessings. Although, some days are just blurs in the rearview mirror, I try to experience the texture of what I am doing as it is happening. Fate has taught me that you don’t get the time back, so it’s important to cherish what you have “in the moment.”

So, what am I thankful for? Well, of course, I truly appreciate the friendships made through BWA. Yes, I know that sounds hokey, but how else would I have met some of you wonderful gals? Our lives would not have overlapped but for the monthly lunches. Yet, as a result of this sisterhood, I have wonderful memories of time spent with so many of you. Another thing for which I am thankful is the privilege and right we enjoy in this country to express our beliefs; both in the ballot box and through our First Amendment protected speech, spoken and written. In 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville came to study “Democracy in America” (with a capital D). He found (and wrote) that after a half century of “liberty regulated by law,” America had developed strength in population, wealth, military and commercial power that was unequaled. By the time you read this, the election will be over (although the pundits are predicting recounts in some states and run offs in others), and we can shift our attention to more pleasant things. But I can’t leave the election season without saying, that no matter who we vote for (or against) I hope that you, like me, are proud that we have the right to vote and exercised it.

This month, our speaker is not only timely, but wise. Dr. Paula Thaqi is the Broward County Director of the Florida Department of Health. Dr. Thaqi has a background in public health and will be discussing Broward County’s readiness for myriad of health issues, including Ebola. When I worked for the school system, our staff had the experience working with Dr. Thaqi and her team to inoculate 150,000 school children against H1N1 (the flu du jour at that time) in under six weeks. So, I know first-hand that she is thoughtful and committed to the community. I know you will enjoy hearing her common sense approach to community health.

December promises to be a wonderful month for BWA. Without giving too much away, I wanted to let you know we will be running our raffle again. So please consider donating a prize. All proceeds will go to the Women In Transition scholarship fund.  In addition, we have identified a charitable activity that is worthy of your support.  The folks at Salvation Army advise that the students in their shelter between the age of 12 and 17 are too old for the Angel Tree adoption program. We will be collecting gift cards for these teenagers in at November meeting. Please consider picking up a gift card the next time you are at your favorite store and bring it with you to lunch. There will be a donation location for the cards as you check in.

With thanks,

Merrie

    

 

Meeting Information/Speaker

We will collect gift cards in November for 11-18 year old teens who are in the Salvation Army’s Shelter. Please bring your gift cards to the November meeting, they will be used for Christmas gifts for the teens.

Our speaker for November’s meeting will be Florida Department of Health in Broward County Director (DOH-Broward), Dr. Paula Thaqi, M.D., M.P.H.  Dr. Thaqi directs the local effort to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

In addition to the broad range of direct  services DOH-Broward delivers to residents and visitors, the agency also delivers public health services  which protect the broader community’s health every day such as disease control and surveillance, environmental health and disaster preparedness.

Please join us and hear Dr. Thaqi’s thoughts on current public health issues, including Flu season, Ebola and how the health department works with the local  public health system.  Dr. Thaqi has a background in pediatric medicine, and has worked in public health for the past 17 years in Florida and abroad.

 

Important Registration Details

On line registration closes Wednesday November 5.

Your on-line registration is very important to provide an accurate count.   If you attend without registering OR you register and do not attend, you will be charged a fee.

If you must cancel after Wednesday, November 5 or, if you have questions about registration you must contact Debbi Hartman at Browardwomensalliance@gmail.com or954-483-3060.

 

Member News

At a BWA meeting last year, we raised money for our BWA Scholarship Fund. Diane Hatcher bid and won a “Cuban Dinner for 6” cooked and delivered by Maria Soldani.  Diane chose to have the dinner delivered to celebrate with her family 25 years of being breast cancer free!!   Way to go Diane!!

Diana Metcalf invites you to a great event - Top South Florida Chefs To Join Forces for Junior Achievement at JA World Uncorked V presented by Premier Beverage

Ever wish you could spend an evening chatting with top South Florida chefs while tasting your way through a “tour” of their delicious creations?  Then plan to create your own gourmet experience  on January 24, 2015 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the fifth annual JA World Uncorked, culinary showcase, presented by Premier Beverage and hosted by chairs Bob & Susan Drinon and Renée Korbel Quinn with Junior Achievement’s Circle of Wise Women.

From Dr. Phyllis Schiffer-Simon: I am retiring this month as the General Manager of BECON TV. I have worked in this capacity for the past 17 years, with a total of 35 years as an educator and administrator with Broward County Schools.  I will miss my team at BECON TV but know they will continue to create exceptional educational programming for the schools and community. I look forward to my next greatest adventure!!

Boards and residents of homeowner, condominium and cooperative associations, as well as property managers, are invited to a free town hall meeting on Wed., Nov. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Tamarac Community Center hosted by Kaye Bender Rembaum. Topics cover association issues and legislative changes.  RSVP to KBRLegalSeminar@piersongrant.com or call 954-776-1999, ext. 255.  Thanks for sharing, Maria Pierson

Covenant House Florida, a shelter for youth under the age of 21 including young moms and their babies, has some exciting upcoming events.  We have a monthly luncheon the first Wednesday of every month called “Mission Possible”.  The luncheon is free and is only an hour, 12:30-1:30. The guests will learn the history of Covenant House Florida, hear from one of our residents and receive a tour of the agency. On November 20th, 2014 we will have our 3rd Annual Executive Sleep Out.  In a statement of solidarity and open-hearted generosity, local executives will take to the streets with a cardboard box and a sleeping bag to emulate homelessness. The night includes dinner with the residents at the shelter, a round table discussion with the youth and a tour of the agency followed by sleeping in our back parking lot.  This fundraising event speaks the most to our mission and raises awareness of youth homelessness.  Also, save the date for our extravagant “Night of Broadway Stars” on Saturday, February 21st, 2015 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The night includes lavish dinner stations, cocktails and an elegant silent auction, followed by a spectacular Broadway performance that you’ll never forget followed by a dessert reception. For more information on these events and Covenant House Florida visit www.CovenantHouseFL.org or email Elisa Stone at estone@covenanthousefl.org

Roberta Young reports that “My family and I walked in the Diabetes walk recently at Huizenga Park.” Her  firm De Meo, Young, McGrath merged with Goldman Schecter Koch, CPA this year. 

Kathy Koch, founder and president of Ambit Advertising and Public Relations, is one of the South Florida Business Journal’s “Broward Ultimate CEO Awards” honorees for 2014. This award recognizes Broward County’s top executives for their expertise, leadership and community involvement. Congratulations, Kathy.

Thanks, Mary Riedel for sharing these upcoming events.

Women In Distress’ Charity Golf Tournament, November 24, 2014      We invite you to join us for our Charity Golf Tournament at the prestigious Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie. Guests will enjoy a delicious breakfast, 18 rounds of golf at one of the finest golf facilities in South Florida, a gift bag with various goodies from participating sponsors, and an Awards BBQ Lunch Buffet. Proceeds will benefit Women In Distress of Broward County, and provide victims of domestic violence with safe shelter and supportive services as they rebuild their lives. 8:30 AM – Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie, FL    www.womenindistress.kintera.org/Golf

The Galleria’s Men of Style Presented by Signature Grand, December 4, 2014       Plan to attend the annual event featuring Broward’s leading Men of Style on the runway. You won’t want to miss this shopping night and fashion show! Join us as we cheer on our man of style, John D. Brant of Patriot National Insurance Group and the other honorees for an evening full of fun and fashion.  6:00 PM – The Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale, FL  www.womenindistress.kintera.org/MenOfStyle2014

Ruth Spiegel will be the keynote speaker at Jewish Federation Women’s Executive Circle (WEC) Kickoff Event, Cocktail and Networking Reception on November 20th at SunTrust, 501 East Las Olas Blvd.

And…Cold Stone Creamery is an exhibitor at SFBJ (South Florida Business Journal) Business Growth Expo on Thursday November 6th from 2:00 – 5:30 at IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, 300 Gulfstream Way, Dania Beach. Join us for networking and a delicious Cold Stone Creamery creation.