Gulf Breeze
News and Updates
January 2022
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Wishing you good times, good cheer
and a memorable new year.
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A Message from your Presidents |
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Dear Cherished Members of the AAUW Greater Naples Branch, in these final days of December 2021, we have reflected on the successes of our branch as our members tackle goals and action plans.
So much has been accomplished since this past September! As we wind up the calendar year, we are excited about the opportunities that 2022 will provide to our branch and its members. The Board continues its work on a new strategic plan that aligns with the goals of AAUW National and AAUW Florida. Branch goals include: (1) a Leadership Model to illustrate the leadership opportunities our branch provides to its members and others in the community; (2) a leadership succession plan; (3) a diversity, equity and inclusion plan incorporating the goals of AAUW national; and (4) a collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University to archive the historical records of our branch since its inception.
We are planning on the Branch participating in the “Five Star” Recognition program sponsored by AAUW national. AAUW’s Five-Star National Recognition Program rewards affiliates (states, branches and other organizations) for aligning their work with the AAUW strategic plan and other initiatives that foster the organization’s mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls. Our Membership Committee, led by Elaine Wade, has developed a membership survey which some of you have completed. We plan to have the survey online sometime in January, so all members are able to complete it in the near future. We want to use the results of this survey to identify, recognize, utilize and support the leadership skills of current and new members for the good of the branch. We hope to encourage each and every one of you to bring your talents and gifts to forwarding our mission and vision.
Our Public Policy Committee, led by Carol Light, met earlier this month, and is developing an action plan that fosters membership engagement and meets AAUW national goals. We ask that you circle January 15, 2022, on your calendar and join our branch members at the TRUTH & DEMOCRACY March, Rally & Social Justice Fair sponsored by Collier Freedom. We will have a table at the event where we hope to gain the interest of potential branch members who support the AAUW Mission and Vision.
Our Vice-President, Julie Olander, arranged for Lynda Waterhouse, an inspiring speaker and President of Keiser University, to speak about her experience running for public office at our most recent branch meeting. Additionally, our first “talk and tour” since the beginning of the pandemic, was held at FGCU, which included a wine and cheese reception, followed by a special guided tour of the University archives and Collections. In early December, our members feasted and sang and shopped a silent auction at the annual branch Holiday Luncheon organized by Susan Becker, Laura Candris and Janet Ankiel.
A warm thank you to all of you for using your gifts and talents to further our Branch mission. We are excited that our SIG groups are starting to meet on a regular basis, virtually and, in person. Check out the branch website, if you haven’t already done so, to identify a “Special Interest Group” that sparks your interest. We hope that you are experiencing a joyous holiday season. We look forward to seeing you at the January Branch meeting which will be held on January 8th. Happy New Year!
Your co-presidents,
Jackie and Karen
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January 8, 2022 GNBAAUW Meeting |
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The final details of the Program for the January 8,2022 meeting of the Greater Naples Branch of AAUW are not ready yet. As soon as our Program VP, Julie Olander, has them for us you will receive a News Bite in your email box!
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Supporting Our Democracy!
TAKE ACTION by joining our branch on Saturday, January 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cambier Park to support truth and democracy at Collier Freedom’s rally, march, and social justice fair. Please contact Carol Light at her email or phone number in the Membership Directory if you are able to help greet visitors at our table in the park or would like to join the march. A sign-up sheet will also be available at the January branch meeting. There is no charge to attend.
Keynote Speakers will be Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried.
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The End of Globalization?
The Great Decisions group will meet in person on Monday, January 3, at a NEW TIME of 6:00-
7:45 p.m. in the community room at the North Collier Government Center, 2335 Orange Blossom Drive (behind the headquarters library). Kathy Ryan will be the discussion leader as we tackle the question, "What is globalization and how will it be affected by protectionist trade policies?" We will also watch a brief video from the PBS Great Decisions series.
If you are interested in learning more about the group, please contact Carol Light at her phone number or email in the Membership Directory. We hope you’ll join us!
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The Non-Fiction Book Club meets from 2:00 - 4:00 on the fourth Monday of the month at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, on the patio, to discuss serious non-fiction. The UU Congregation is located at 6340 Napa Way, Naples. Napa Way is off Pine Ridge. (We can use the facility at no charge and restrooms are available.) We welcome new participants!! Books are recommended by and voted on by members. Books must be readily available at the public library, have a maximum of 400 pages (although exceptions have been made), and lead to a stimulating discussion. Members volunteer to lead the discussions.
The following are the meeting dates, time and book selections:
January 24, 2022, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation, outside on the patio.
Book to be discussed: On Corruption in America and What Is at Stake by Sarah Chayes, 432 pages
February 28, 2022, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation, outside on the patio.
Book to be discussed: Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe, 560 pages
March 28, 2022, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation, outside on the patio.
Book to be discussed: To be determined by the members at the January meeting.
April 25, 2022, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation, outside on the patio.
Book to be discussed: To be determined by the members at the February meeting.
If you need further information, please contact Karen Clegg, Non-Fiction Book Club Coordinator at her phone number or email listed in the Membership Directory.
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The AAUW Friday Book Club meets next at 1:00 PM on January 14, 2022, to discuss A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE by Sonia Purnell.
Interested members not already on the email list should contact Susan Becker.
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The next C&C will be held on January 18, 2022, at the Pearl, 7935 Airport Road, 34109, at 4:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary. Just show up!
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The next meeting is January 13, 2022. Cindy Preston presents her adventures in world travel with kids and adults. She is one of our newest members: fun, vivacious and entertaining.
5:30 at Naples Sailing and Yacht Club Board Room (first floor, near pool entrance) at 896 River Point Drive.
Pizza and salad buffet, soft drinks, coffee, dessert etc. are included.
Send your check for $35 to Nancy Beights to arrive no later than January 11.
This will secure your reservation. Maximum of 20 people.
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STEAM Committee Needs Your Help |
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If you have a van the STEAM program committee could use to load STEAM kits (on January 15) and deliver them on January 18, please contact Laura Candris. |
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Want to support Scholarships for deserving local women, Reading is Fun!, the annual STEAM program for 5th-grade girls, and/or StartSmart? There is still time to double the value of your donation! Up to $5000 of donations made to the Greatest Needs Fund of the Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc. by December 31, 2021, will be matched dollar for dollar. See the attached for details
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Foundation Looking for Your Help, Too |
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The Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc Seeks Candidates for Treasurer or Co-Treasurer
Laura Candris, current Treasurer for the Foundation, would like to retire from that position in whole or in part when her term ends next April 1. If you have accounting skills and would like to learn more about the position, please contact Laura or Foundation President Cathy Hackney.
Curious about Foundation finances?
The Foundation's monthly financial reports are posted on "Members Only" section of the website. More information is on the Foundation's webpage.
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The Board has appointed Nancy Beights and Carol Siwinski to serve on the Nominating Committee with Chair Laura Candris. The positions for election at the March Branch meeting are President, Vice President/Programs and Secretary for terms beginning July 1. We are sad that Lucy Williams is unable to serve another term as Secretary, but we are delighted that Julie Olander is willing to serve another term as VP/Programs. The position descriptions for each officer are posted on the website under the "About Us" tab at https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/board-of-directors-descriptions/ Please contact any member of the nominating committee should you have a nomination, question or wish to volunteer.
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Click on Website to get more information. |
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