BRIEFINGS January, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2012-2013 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, January 3 PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI 11:55 a.m. PRESIDENT-ELECT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL VP/MEMBERSHIP ...... ASHLEY MOODY WHERE: Centre Club VP/PROGRAMS ...... RENEE VAUGHN Westshore at Kennedy SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES TREASURER...... BONNIE CARR PROGRAM: The State of Higher Education in Florida: IMM.PAST PRESIDENT.....RACHELLE BEDKE View from the Presidency BOARD SPEAKER: Mary Jane Saunders, President BETH BERNITT Florida Atlantic University KIM DEBOSIER CYNTHIA GANDEE LORRAINE LUTTON MENU: Chicken Piccata JEANNE TATE (veg plate available on request when reserving) BELINDA WILSON COST: Guests - $25 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE RSVP: By January 1 – Register online or email [email protected]. BARBARA BACHMAN ROBIN DELAVERGNE DENISE JORDAN MICHELLE SCHOFNER OPEN MEETING – GUESTS WELCOME MIMI STAMPS LORNA TAYLOR Mary Jane Saunders, former Athena member, began serving as ALTERNATE:AMANDA SANSONE President of Florida Atlantic University on June 7, 2010. She is the sixth in the half-century history of FAU, a comprehensive public university with sites located throughout its six-county ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR service region in Southeast Florida. ELEANOR HUBBARD 813/251-9172 As chief executive officer, Dr. Saunders oversees an institution [email protected] that is currently serving 30,000 students at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral levels. With more than ATHENA SOCIETY 3,000 employees, including 1,200 faculty members, and an P. O . B OX 10813 annual operating budget in excess of $600 million, FAU ranks TAMPA,FLORIDA 33679 as one of the largest employers in South Florida. The University has an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion. President’s Message
New Beginnings
Tech toys filled many homes this holiday and while these were often the gift most requested by children and adolescents, others were given to family and friends on the other side of the great technology divide.
While businesses look to technology to reduce costs and improve efficiency, that is not what drove these diverse tech gems into their glittered wrappings.
For my mom, who suffers from macular degeneration, the gift technology this year was a platform that lights from three sides and magnifies anything put on its surface on to a TV screen. She had set January 1 as the day she would give up her NY Times subscription which has been a 60 or 70 year addiction. The print is simply too small to read efficiently and the papers pile up as she struggles to go through them (she would never consider tossing an unread paper). And it is the paper - the actual paper, in its familiar format that she loves.
Although her beloved NY Times will be in its familiar format, it will be projected on an electronic screen to enable her to view it. I hope this accommodation will cajole her into using the Internet for more than just shopping and email. Not because it is more efficient or saves on newspapers, but because it will allow for broader exploration.
I have great hopes for this gift, given with anticipation that this piece of technology will open doors, not just frustrations, to information, entertainment, amusements, hobbies and ideas. It is the multi dimensional aspect that on-line exploration brings that is most appealing to me. That I can jump from one idea to another, reverse course, and follow a tangent to an unexpected, previously unexplored, concept or connection – pure joy!
This year the Athena newsletter will in some ways track my mother’s experience with the NY Times. Rather than sending out an email with the newsletter as an attachment, Eleanor will send out a link to the Athena website and the newsletter. While the newsletter will still be there in its familiar format, our hope is that once there, you will explore the site and all the content that we cannot possibly put in a newsletter. And then take it one step further and begin adding content to the website so that it reflects the richness of our membership.
My hope is not that the website will make us more efficient, but that it will help us to be more connected and provide links to committees, ideas, articles, events and information that will bring us joy.
Speaking of of joy, the holiday season was thoroughly celebrated on Sunday at the home of Linda Saul-Sena and husband Mark. Their beautiful home, so rich in art and history, opened to lush gardens, relaxing music and spectacular weather. The hospitality committee, led by Yvonne Fry and Jeanette Fenton, coordinated the eclectic menu and event details so seamlessly that the result was a warm and intimate gathering of about 120 Athena friends. Thank you! Wishing you all a healthy, prosperous, and joyful new year.
www.athena-society.com Membership Nominations
Members planning to nominate candidates are asked to attend a brief “workshop” following the January 3 luncheon. Membership VP Ashley Moody and committee members will review the process and answer questions. Regarding candidate qualifications, nominees should be accomplished persons in the community who have demonstrated a commitment to providing opportunities for women. They should understand Athena’s position statements, the financial commitment and be interested in actively contributing to Athena. February 11 is the deadline for submitting nominations.
News About Members
Diane Egner is celebrating the birth of her second grandchild, Hazel Genevieve, born on October 12. Hazel is welcomed by her big brother, Cash Harrison, age 2. Cash and Hazel are the children of Diane’s younger daughter, Lindsay Harvath and her husband Paul of St. Louis, MO.
Kathleen Heide’s fourth book, Understanding Parricide: When Sons and Daughters Kill Parents, has just been published by Oxford University Press. Reviewers have described it as “the definitive work on parricide” and as a fascinating, although disturbing, read. It is available on line from the publisher, Amazon and other book stores.
Program Notes
Our March 7 program will focus on a topic given high news priority in recent months: human and sex trafficking. Did you know that Florida is one of the highest destination states for women and children trafficked into the United States? And, multiple cases of human trafficking have been identified in the Tampa Bay area. Consider inviting a guest to this program - an excellent opportunity to inform others about local concerns and to support the Hillsborough County Commission on Status of Women’s initiative to raise awareness on this issue.
Athena Housekeeping
The food at our holiday party last Sunday was fabulous and we thank those who provided it. We have the serving dishes and utensils that some of those wonderful folks left behind. If you’re one of those, please contact Eleanor Hubbard. January Birthdays
Birthday wishes to the following members who celebrate in January:
Jean Amuso Melinda Chavez Miriam Mason RoseAnne Bowers Cynthia Gandee Barbara Reeves Patti Breckenridge Judy Genshaft Lisa Robbins Noni Brill Linda Gibbs Michelle Schofner Susan Casper Laura Kolkman Elizabeth Walters
Bonus Activities
In an effort to encourage and assist those who are not yet comfortable with our website, we’ve sched- uled another “tech teaching” Bonus. Set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, it will be held at the office of Jean McNally, 2802 No. Howard Avenue, in a newly restored charming old cigar factory. Elaine Terenzi and Technology Chair Carolyn Reed will be the teaching wizards. Please register online or by emailing Eleanor Hubbard prior to January 21.
And remember the February 1 Bonus - Opening night for MOMologues 2 at the Stageworks Theatre. Details on our website.
Calendar
January 24 – Bonus – Tech Training February 1 – Bonus - MOMologues February 7 – Luncheon meeting March 7 – Luncheon meeting March 14 – Bonus – USF Library April 4 – Luncheon meeting May 2 – Luncheon meeting June 6 – Dinner meeting Happy Holidays!
BRIEFINGS February, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2012-2013 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, February 7 11:55 a.m. PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI WHERE: Centre Club PRESIDENT-ELECT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL Westshore at Kennedy VP/MEMBERSHIP ...... ASHLEY MOODY PROGRAM: Lessons Learned from Tough Times VP/PROGRAMS ...... RENEE VAUGHN SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES SPEAKERS: Doretha Edgecomb Pat Frank TREASURER...... BONNIE CARR IMM.PAST PRESIDENT.....RACHELLE BEDKE MENU: Top sirloin w/mushroom marsala sauce (veg plate available on request when reserving) BOARD COST: Guests - $25 BETH BERNITT RSVP: By February 4 – Register online or email [email protected]. KIM DEBOSIER CYNTHIA GANDEE LORRAINE LUTTON OPEN MEETING – GUESTS WELCOME JEANNE TATE Two of our esteemed members, Doretha Edgecomb and BELINDA WILSON Pat Frank, will share the personal and professional hurdles, hardships and challenges they have overcome on the path to success today. MEMBERSHIP Doretha Edgecomb has been a Hillsborough County School Board COMMITTEE member since 2004, most recently serving as board chairwoman. She represents the School Board on numerous other boards including the BARBARA BACHMAN Hillsborough County Children’s Board, the Florida School Boards ROBIN DELAVERGNE Association (FSBA), ChairScholars, the Florida Center for Survivors of DENISE JORDAN Torture and Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful. Doretha was MICHELLE SCHOFNER named the 2010 Educator of the Year by the Tampa Bay Professional MIMI STAMPS Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society of LORNA TAYLOR educators and received the Hillsborough Association of School Administrators’ Dr. Earl J. Lennard Leadership Award in 2012. ALTERNATE:AMANDA SANSONE Pat Collier Frank has had a distinguished career in public ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR service and elective office, commencing with her election to the Hillsborough County School Board in 1972. Four years later she ELEANOR HUBBARD was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and in 1978 813/251-9172 to the Florida Senate where she served until 1988. Pat has also [email protected] been a member of the Tampa Hospital Authority, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and ATHENA SOCIETY numerous other boards and agencies. In 2004 she was elected P. O . B OX 10813 to her current position, Clerk of the Circuit Court/Comptroller TAMPA, FLORIDA 33679 for Hillsborough County. Join us to learn the stepping stones to success. President’s Message
Accolades Abound
What a week it’s been! On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon where Renee Vaughn, as president of the Leadership Tampa Alumni, presented Ann McKeel Ross with the Parke Wright III Leadership Award. This award is presented annually to a member of Leadership Tampa Alumni who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a significant difference in the Tampa Bay community. Ann had been the Director of Community Relations at USF for a number of years and a strong advocate for the USF Graphicstudio. Later, as Vice President of the Straz Center, Ann’s influence in promoting Tampa as a city of the arts was evident in the numerous partnerships that she encouraged, combining her love of art with her dedication to our community. We all enjoy the Straz, but did you know that Ann also helped develop Berkeley Prep’s fine arts program? As a parent of Berkeley alumni, my family ben- efitted directly from that program. On Thursday, the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women announced the selection of Dottie Berger MacKinnon, Juel Smith and Deanne Roberts (posthumously) for induction into Women’s Hall of Fame. The Commission announced its selections by proclamation at Thursday’s Board of County Commissioners Meeting; a formal awards luncheon will follow on March 28. What fantastic selections! The strength, grace and commitment of these three women is truly inspiring. Dottie Berger MacKinnon has dedicated her life to children and worked to establish pragmatic solu- tions to difficult problems facing the most vulnerable of our city’s children. She has been an untiring advocate for informed adoption, keeping children safe, access to early mental health intervention and creating ways to keep siblings together where none existed. She founded Joshua House, Friends of Joshua House, Kids Charity of Tampa Bay and A Kid’s Place. One of my favorite scrapbook pictures is one of Dottie on the side of a road waving a campaign sign during her successful bid for Hillsborough County Commissioner. Juel Shannon Smith really exemplifies graceful strength and is a true educator. She was a driving force at USF as Founding Executive Director of the USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Program, Founding Executive Director of the USF Institute of Black Life and the Center for Africa and the Diaspora. Juel was also the international director for “Education Across the Miles,” an organization that builds schools for children in remote villages across South Africa for The Links Inc. and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of the International Habitat for Humanity. Deanne Dewey Roberts was influential throughout the County as former Chamber of Commerce chair- person, founder of Emerge Tampa, Connect Tampa and Creative Tampa Bay and mentored young pro- fessionals throughout Tampa. She worked on the Florida Aquarium, SunTrust building, Riverwalk and the Tampa Bay History Center. Deanne is perhaps best remembered, though, for her ability to see strength in others and keep a razor clear sense of what matters – priorities. A strong communicator, Deanne could help focus others on the core principles as reflected in the everyday. In her acceptance of the Park Wright III Leadership award in 2008, Deanne focused on why community leadership orga- nizations are vital. “They link leaders to each other so we can use our combined strengths to take big leaps forward for our communities.” Her words are a continued inspiration and a reminder of a core value of being in Athena.
www.athena-society.com Membership Nominations
Reminder that nominees for membership should understand Athena’s position statements, the financial commit- ment and be interested in actively contributing to Athena. As soon as possible please give Eleanor Hubbard the name of your candidate and the two co-sponsors. February 11 is the deadline for submitting nominations.
Bonus Activities
The Bonus Committee invites you to Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete on Sunday, March 10. Please join us for a Dutch Treat lunch at noon in the museum cafe followed by a tour of the museum ($12 admission). The exhibition will showcase some of the area’s most creative and imaginative floral arrangements designed to interact with individual art works in the museum’s breathtaking col- lection. At 2 p.m. we’re invited to hear from the designers themselves, including noted artist Christopher Still; the program concludes at 4.
The week following (March 14) we’ve scheduled a tour of the USF Library, Special Collections Exhibit. Enjoy a wine and cheese gathering prior to the tour. Cost is $10 per person and guests are welcome. Students are on spring break during this time so parking should be a bit easier than usual.
News About Members
We extend our deepest sympathy to Linda Goldstein whose brother Harry Goldstein passed away on January 16.
Last week at a luncheon attended by many Athena supporters, the prestigious Parke Wright III Award was given to Ann Ross……..much to her surprise! The award is given annually by Leadership Tampa Alumni to an LTA mem- ber who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a significant difference in the Tampa Bay communi- ty. Previous Athena winners were Dottie MacKinnon (2005), Deanne Roberts (2008) and Dianne Jacob (2009).
Sigrid Tidmore was recently presented the Tampa City Council Commendation Award in recognition of the murals she created involving Community Stepping Stones teens. CSS latest mural was selected for the permanent art display at the Tampa Bay Times Forum VIP suite level.
Patti Breckenridge has been promoted to Manager of Talent Acquisition for Publix Super Markets. This expand- ed role includes leadership of the company’s internship program and its diversity recruiting initiatives. She contin- ues with her previous duties overseeing strategic planning to keep the company’s 155,000 positions filled with talented, caring people.
The Florida State Fair Authority has selected Maruchi Azorin to be honored on the 2013 Florida State Fair Hispanic Wall of Fame. Nominations were reviewed by the Fair Authority’s Hispanic Advisory committee members who chose six candidates for the nomination. The public then voted online for their favorite nominee to determine the selection.
The Hillsborough County Bar Assn. has recognized Gwynne Young with its 2012 Outstanding Lawyer Award. The award is presented to lawyers who have made a significant difference in the practice of law and in the community with their personal and professional conduct. Calendar
February 1 – Bonus – MOMologues 2 February 11 – Deadline, membership nominations March 7 – Luncheon meeting March 10 – Bonus – Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete March 14 – Bonus – USF Library April 4 – Luncheon meeting (YWP) May 2 – Luncheon meeting June 6 – Dinner meeting
Citizen Boards Seek Applicants
Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board but may only serve on one board at a time. The deadline for applying is February 21. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in March.
Applications are available in the Commissioners’ reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd.; by calling the Boards/Councils Coordinator at 272-5826; or on the County’s website at www.hillsboroughcounty.org.
Included among the boards and councils that have openings are Affordable Housing Advisory, Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee, Child Care Facilities Advisory Board, Council On Aging, Family Child Care Advisory Board, Historical Advisory Council, Housing Finance Authority, Land Use Appeals Board, etc.
February Birthdays
Birthday wishes to the following members who celebrate in February: Ruth Bell Mary Gamble Susan Leisner Jan Cornelius Renee Gilmore Dottie MacKinnon Annette DeLisle Arthenia Joyner Maryanne Rouse Stephanie Ferrell Elaine Shimberg
Happy Valentine’s Day! BRIEFINGS March, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2012-2013 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, March 7 PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI 11:55 a.m. PRESIDENT-ELECT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL VP/MEMBERSHIP ...... ASHLEY MOODY WHERE: Centre Club VP/PROGRAMS ...... RENEE VAUGHN Westshore at Kennedy SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES PROGRAM: Highlights of the Phillips Collection TREASURER...... BONNIE CARR IMM.PAST PRESIDENT.....RACHELLE BEDKE SPEAKERS: Todd Smith, Executive Director Tampa Museum of Art BOARD BETH BERNITT MENU: Pork Chesseur KIM DEBOSIER (veg plate available on request when reserving) CYNTHIA GANDEE LORRAINE LUTTON COST: Guests - $25 JEANNE TATE RSVP: By March 4 – Register online or BELINDA WILSON email [email protected]. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE OPEN MEETING – GUESTS WELCOME BARBARA BACHMAN Todd Smith will touch on the highpoints of these 100 important ROBIN DELAVERGNE American paintings from the Phillips Collection in Washington, DENISE JORDAN D.C. Founded in 1921 as America’s first museum of modern art, MICHELLE SCHOFNER the Phillips Collection is world renowned for its exceptional MIMI STAMPS collection of modern American and European masterpieces. LORNA TAYLOR ALTERNATE:AMANDA SANSONE For this exhibition, curators selected works from the 1850s through 1960s that showcase the full breadth of its American art ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR featuring those artists who were able to find their own voices ELEANOR HUBBARD and create work that was deeply personal and expressed with 813/251-9172 fresh vision yet connected to the great traditions of the past and the present. Geniuses of American painting in the exhibition [email protected] include Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, Georgia O’Keefe, Jackson Pollock, Rockwell Kent, Grandma Moses and many ATHENA SOCIETY other familiar names. P. O . B OX 10813 TAMPA,FLORIDA 33679 The Phillips Collection: To See As Artists See will be at the TMA through April 28. President’s Message
Lessons in Letters
Recently declassified documents shed light on a surprisingly warm relationship between two very different presidents and provide us with some valuable lessons in leadership.
The differences in age, political party and personal style of Presidents Clinton and Nixon do not seem to provide the foundation for a respectful and warm relationship. Their deep personal divisions, though, make good press. Hillary Clinton had been a legal advisor to the House Judiciary Committee considering impeachment charges against President Nixon, and he was not silent about his distaste of her demeanor during Bill Clinton’s campaign (“If a wife comes through as being too strong and too intelligent, it makes the husband look like a wimp”).
Yet they developed a relationship that benefitted both men. President Clinton sought out President Nixon’s input on matters of foreign affairs. He ultimately described President Nixon’s insight on Russia as the clearest, most rigorous and cohesive he received. The choice of President Clinton to deliver President Nixon’s eulogy and Clinton’s clear admiration for Nixon surprised many at the time. In the end, it was President Clinton who encouraged the world to judge President Nixon by the whole of his life with recognition of his mistakes, strengths and contributions.
The recently released letters highlight the benefit in reaching out beyond our comfort zone to entertain insights that challenge our ideas. There is poignancy too in the relationship between this elder, battle-worn and fallible leader and a young, jazz-playing, forward-looking president. It is also not surprising that it was the elder statesman, humbled by experience, who initiated the dialogue. The letters also accentuate the benefits of graciousness and respect with the passage of responsibility and power.
I would not have expected to find the inspiration for this month’s President’s message in letters from the late President Nixon. Maybe there is a lesson in that too.
www.athena-society.com March Bonus Activities
The Bonus Committee invites you to Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete, Sunday, March 10. Please join us for a Dutch Treat lunch at noon in the museum cafe followed by a tour of the museum ($12 admission). The exhibition will showcase some of the area’s most creative and imaginative floral arrangements designed to interact with individual art works in the museum’s breathtaking collection. At 2 p.m. we’re invited to hear from the designers themselves, including noted artist Christopher Still; the program concludes at 4.
On Thursday, March 14, you can view a treasure hidden in North Tampa where Special Collections at the USF Library houses rare, fragile and unique materials. They range from a 4,000-year old Sumerian tablet to early books, photographs and maps to modern political cartoons. You can see things from the “Dick and Jane” books we read as children to the personal papers of prominent Tampans. Our time frame is 5:30 to 7:30 and you can register online. Students will be on spring break, so parking should be easy. Just come up to the fourth floor where Denise Chavez will serve goodies in the lovely Grace Allen Room. Then we can tour the entire library, giving you an update on how things are done now that card catalogs have been relegated to the past. We’ll spend most of our time in the inner sanctums of Special Collections where few people are allowed to go. All this for only $10!
And the next week (March 23) you’re invited to visit the Ybor City Saturday Market followed by brunch in the Ybor Museum’s Mediterranean-style garden at 11:00. During brunch, Susan Dellinger will give a brief perspective of her connection to baseball and Chantal Hevia will provide an update on the progress of the future Al Lopez Baseball Museum. Curator Elizabeth McCoy will give a tour of the Béisbol: Tampa’s Love of the Game exhibit at 11:45. Price including brunch and Museum admission is $20.
Please make your reservations through the Athena website: http://www.athena-society.com/
News About Members
You won’t want to miss the Women’s Hall of Fame luncheon to support the three honorees: Dottie Berger MacKinnon, Juel Shannon Smith and Deanne Dewey Roberts (posthumously). It will be held at the Tampa Convention Center on Thursday, March 28. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased online at http://hclwv.org/?page_id=884. Please notify Eleanor Hubbard if you’d like to sit at an Athena table.
Congratulations to Lorna Taylor who will be honored on March 19 as one of the 2013 Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Keynote speaker at the A La Carte Pavilion luncheon will be ABC Television anchor Deborah Roberts. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased at www.gswcf.org/wod.
Congratulations to Jeanne Tate who is the recipient of the 2013 Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award which was presented last month in a ceremony at the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee. The highest statewide pro bono award, it was created in 1982 to encourage and recognize extraordinary contributions by Florida lawyers in making legal services available to persons who otherwise could not afford them.
Moira Burke has returned to the practice of ophthalmology two days a week (Monday and Friday) and can be contacted at St. Luke’s Satellite Clinic, 13303 No. Dale Mabry, 384-3838. Calendar March 10 – Bonus – Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete March 14 – Bonus – USF Library March 23 – Bonus – Ybor City outing March 28 – Women’s Hall of Fame luncheon April 4 – Luncheon meeting (YWP) April 11 – Bonus – Tech teaching April – Bonus – CAMLS tour April 20 – Bonus – Lowry Park Zoo May 2 – Luncheon meeting June 6 – Dinner meeting - Tampa Yacht Club June 15 – New member party July 26-28 – Retreat – Palm Beach Ritz
March Birthdays
Birthday wishes to the following members who celebrate in March: Judy Dato Dianne Jacob Bonnie Saks Linda D’Quila Laurel Lee Susan Steen Sandy Frye Ashley Moody Gwynne Young
Members’ Projects
Chantal Hevia invites you to hop on the Jolly Trolley or put on your walking shoes for the second annual Buildings Alive! Ybor City Architecture Hop, 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. presented by the Ybor City Museum Society and Bright House. Enjoy tours of historic buildings, food, beverages, a scavenger hunt with prizes and an After Party with live music sponsored by Creative Loafing. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. You can start the hop at either Centro Ybor or Stantec. Call 247- 1434 or visit http://tinyurl.com/BuildingsAlive.
Angela Crawford invites all Athena members to join a celebration on Thursday, March 21, at the Tampa Club in honor of Women’s History Month. DLA Piper’s Leadership Alliance for Women (LAW) will host an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres and networking from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Jane Castor, Chief of the Tampa Police Department. To RSVP by March 1, contact Angela at 222-5989 or [email protected].
Yvonne Fry invites women who qualify to fill out the survey being circulated by the Commonwealth Institute of South Florida. The purpose is to help understand women-led businesses’ perception of the business climate and the impact and unique characteristics of women in leadership positions in Florida. The results of the survey will help determine a list of 2013’s Top 50 Women-Led Businesses in Florida, as well as the Top 10 Non-Profit Organizations in Florida. Yvonne was a winner of this award last year. Click here to complete survey (Ctrl & click) 13_04apr.qxp:athena_news 3/22/13 3:10 PM Page 1
BRIEFINGS April, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2012-2013 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, April 4 PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI 11:55 a.m. PRESIDENT -E LECT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL VP/M EMBERSHIP ...... A SHLEY MOODY WHERE: Centre Club VP/P ROGRAMS ...... RENEE VAUGHN Westshore at Kennedy SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES TREASURER ...... BONNIE CARR IMM . P AST PRESIDENT ..... RACHELLE BEDKE PROGRAM: Dr. Sylvia Richardson Young Women of Promise - Class of 2013 BOARD BETH BERNITT MENU: Greek Salad KIM DEBOSIER (veg plate available on request when reserving) CYNTHIA GANDEE LORRAINE LUTTON COST: Guests - $25 JEANNE TATE BELINDA WILSON RSVP: By April 1 – Register online or MEMBERSHIP email [email protected] . COMMITTEE BARBARA BACHMAN ROBIN DELAVERGNE DENISE JORDAN MICHELLE SCHOFNER OPEN MEETING – GUESTS WELCOME MIMI STAMPS LORNA TAYLOR Since 1981 Athena has identified young women of promise, ALTERNATE : A MANDA SANSONE and this year’s program continues this fine tradition and is ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR sure to provide an uplifting and hopeful window into the future. Ten very special young women will be introduced, ELEANOR HUBBARD 813/251-9172 each outstanding in her own way. See page 3 for a list of [email protected] those to be recognized.
ATHENA SOCIETY Each honoree will comment on one accomplishment that P.O. B OX 10813 has given her great satisfaction. You’ll be inspired and TAMPA , F LORIDA 33679 impressed by their stories. Please join us and bring friends who’ll enjoy meeting some truly incredible teens. 13_04apr.qxp:athena_news 3/22/13 3:10 PM Page 2
President’s Message
Take a Risk
I am watching my great nephew navigate his first roll-over. As I am writing this, he has done it twice in 15 minutes – a sure sign that he realized the impact he had on the whoosh of move - ment that left him, head facing at the ceiling, with a silly grin on his little face. I applaud his success with coos and smiles, reassuring him that the risk and effort was worth the result, but I think his feeling of mastery over his environment was truly reward enough.
As we get older it seems we have more to protect, making even simple risks seem much greater. We protect our persona in the world; the one we have developed over the years; the way we see ourselves and the way we want others to see us.
We become sensitive not just to the risk of trying something new, but also to the risk of losing something gained. But it is taking that risk, stepping into a new experience that helps us to learn and grow.
That’s probably why I loved the Valentine’s Day card that came in the mail from Mason, Black & Caballero P.A. law partners (and some of our Athena sisters) last month. It was a fun , light reminder to step out and get the most out of life. Borrowing a William Purkey quote, it remind - ed us to “dance like there’s nobody watching / Love like you’ll never be hurt, / Sing like there’s nobody listening, / And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
It reminds us that without taking risks, we risk losing the growth that new experiences bring. Like my great nephew we’ve got to take a risk to get the exhilarating whoosh of being in a new position with a new view of the world.
Here’s to us, taking risks!
www.athena-society.com 13_04apr.qxp:athena_news 3/22/13 3:10 PM Page 3
2013 YWP Winners
Alicia Bishop George S. Middleton High School Briana Bursten C. Leon King High School Sarah Cimino H.B. Plant High School Kailey Fernandez T.R. Robinson High School Ana Gomez A.P. Leto High School Emily Harwell Berkeley Preparatory School Kellyanne Hurst Plant City High School Gabrielle Madden Academy of the Holy Names Isabelle Puppa George Steinbrenner High School Laury Rivera-Adorno Freedom High School
News About Members
Congratulations to Cynthia Gandee on her recent marriage to Peter Zinober in a quiet ceremony performed by Susan Bucklew . Her new address is 1813 W. Richardson Place, Tampa 33606.
Luanne Panacek has been leading a busy life since retiring in October. She’s created her own LLC called Perpetual Growth and is offering coaching, individual and group planning, therapeutic services and consultation in the area of children’s programming. She’s been appointed to the New Life Village Board, is volunteering at Community Stepping Stones, re-activated her mental health license and been certified in Comprehensive Energy Psychology, an area in which she’s doing pro bono work to accrue practicum hours. Luanne can be contacted at [email protected] .
Calendar
April 11 – Bonus – Tech teaching April 16 – Bonus – CAMLS tour April 20 – Bonus – Lowry Park Zoo May 1 – Bonus – Tampa Bay History Center May 2 – Luncheon meeting - Human and Sex Trafficking May 4 – Bonus – Riverwalk June 6 – Dinner meeting - Tampa Yacht Club June 15 – New member party July 26-28 – Retreat – Palm Beach Ritz-Carlton 13_04apr.qxp:athena_news 3/22/13 3:10 PM Page 4
Upcoming Bonus Events
April 16, 5-7 p.m. – Reception and Tour of CAMLS. The Bonus Committee is excited to announce an evening at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation! CAMLS is a 90,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, three-story facility with every possible form of health professional education and training. CAMLS integrates simulation technology, aviation science, team training and evidence-based best practice into innovative programs with measureable outcomes. A CAMLS self-parking lot is located across Brorein Street with an entrance on Florida Avenue. Visit CAMLS at http://www.camls-us.org. $10 cost covers refreshments; guests welcome.
April 20, 9:15 a.m. - Lowry Park Zoo. We have an exciting bonus opportunity to interact with the animals at Lowry Park Zoo, with admission waived! The zoo has created a private event just for us on Saturday April 20, in which Athena Society members, their children and friends will make toys for the animals, similar to the Russian dolls which open to reveal a series of smaller dolls. The children (and adults) will then be able to watch the orangutans open and interact with the toys they’ve made! The event lasts from 9:15 until 10:30 a.m. at which point guests are welcome to enjoy the zoo for the remainder of the day. Part of Lowry Park Zoo’s mission is not just to care for the animals but also to enrich them with, for example, mentally stimulating toys. Athena also created this project in response to members who wanted to show their children the fun benefits of volunteering in a memorable way that will leave a lasting impact. The zoo has been kind enough to waive admission (usually $17.50 for children and $22.50 for adults). In exchange, and to show our support of a great cause, we are suggesting those who attend contribute $10 per person as a donation to the zoo as well as to cover the costs of booking the Zoo School, buying craft materials and paying for staff time. This event is limited to the first 50 people who respond, including a maximum of 30 children.
May 1 , 6-7 p.m. - Tampa Bay History Center. The Florida Wildlife Expedition, the 100 mile trek over 1,000 miles was made by three men and one woman. Come hear Mallory Lykes Dimmitt’s environmental exploration of this amazing journey. Free, with cash bar. Register via our website or by calling 228-0097. Enjoy dinner afterwards in Columbia Café at the History Center. Questions may be directed to [email protected] ,
April Birthdays
Birthday wishes to the following members who celebrate in April: Marsha Lewis Brown Jan Roberts Robin DeLaVergne Linda Saul-Sena Anne Gormly Eldra Solomon Maria Howey Tina Tenret Pam Iorio Susan Zimmer 13_04apr.qxp:athena_news 3/22/13 3:10 PM Page 5
Community Action Committee Report
Congress Reauthorizes Two Critical Acts to Protect Women By Joanne Lighter
President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which also incorporated the Trafficking Victims Protection Act on March 8th, following a year of Congressional negotiation. Originally passed in 1994, this Act has helped decrease female deaths and harm by funding direct services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The original funding provided safe shelter, training of law enforcement and maintenance of hotlines to connect victims with services.
The reauthorized bill will continue to help advocates decrease violence in the early stages and provides for increased services to lower the rate of domestic homicide. New provisions expand services for teens and young adults for prevention and intervention services through Teen Dating Violence initiatives. The bill also removes critical barriers for members of the lesbian, gay, transgender and bi-sexual community – all of whom face challenges in the legal and judiciary arenas. The bill strengthens federal penalties for repeat sex offenders and creates the federal “Rape Shield Law.” The bill calls for increased rates of prosecution, conviction and sentencing of offenders through community networks of law enforcement and prosecution units and the development of domestic violence dockets. It protects women from bearing the expense of receiving rape exams or protection orders and states that a victim’s protection order will be recognized and enforced in all state, tribal and territorial jurisdictions of the United States.
In the same bill, Congress also reauthorized the Trafficking Victims Protection Act that maintains protection for immigrants who experience domestic or sexual violence, as well as strengthening safety for victims of Trafficking. The bill expands protections for Native American women who experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country. VAWA extends protections through the tribal justice systems to bring abusers to justice regardless of their race or gender. In a poignant moment during hearings Representative Gwen Moore, Democrat of Wisconsin and a victim of domestic and sexual violence herself, spoke passionately about the need to pass the Senate’s bill. “I pray that this body will do as the Senate has done and come together as one to protect all women from violence,” Ms. Moore said. “As I think about the L.G.B.T. victims who are not here, the native women who are not here, the immigrants who aren’t in this bill, I would say, as Sojourner Truth would say, ‘Ain’t they women?’ ” “Ain’t they women?” she repeated emphatically. 13_04apr.qxp:athena_news 3/22/13 3:10 PM Page 6
Monthly Tech Tip - #1
A benefit of reading Athena news on the website is that you can respond to it. • Kudos on your award! • Congratulations and good luck in your new business! • Hope your new book is a best seller. • Anyone going to the (fill-in-the-blank-here), let me know and we can sit together. When you are on the member welcome page, expand any news article by clicking on more or click on View News to see all the latest information. Click on the title of any article to see it in its entirety. Below the article, you will see a box titled Leave a Reply. Type in your message and hit submit. Kudos achieved!
Retreat Request
The Retreat Committee is planning the preparation of welcome bags and hopes to include gift certificates or other promotional items from our members! Please advise Melinda Chavez at [email protected] or Gail Golman Holtzman at [email protected] if you are able to provide gift certificates for merchandise and/or services or have other items that can be included in the welcome bags. The Retreat Committee thanks you in advance for your generous donation! See attached Save the Date reminder.
Members’ Projects
Prevent Blindness Florida has been the state’s leading sight saving organization since 1957. Headquartered in Pinellas County, PBF is seeking visionary community and business leaders who are willing to donate their time, treasure and talent in helping them expand their outreach so all citizens can enjoy healthy vision for a lifetime. They are looking to fill a number of board slots effective May 1. If you are interested, please contact Lorna Taylor ([email protected]) or Jay Tobin at 784-8388 or [email protected] .
Bonnie Saks,Angela Crawford and Jan Roberts invite you to join them at the Earth Charter US Sustainable Business Award Luncheon being held in conjunction with the University of Tampa’s Center for Ethics on April 12 , 11:30 to 1 p .m. The event will showcase 13 companies in the Tampa Bay Area that are engaged with the triple bottom line—people, planet and profit. Celebrate with previous award winners and business professionals at this premier event to honor these sustainability leaders. Tickets are $50 ; register online at www.earthcharterus.org or email [email protected] . BRIEFINGS May, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2012-2013 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, May 2 11:55 a.m. PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI 1:15 p.m. – Post luncheon program (see below) PRESIDENT -E LECT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL VP/M EMBERSHIP ...... A SHLEY MOODY WHERE: Centre Club Westshore at Kennedy VP/P ROGRAMS ...... RENEE VAUGHN SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES PROGRAM: Sex Trafficking: Perps, Pimps and Survivors! TREASURER ...... BONNIE CARR IMM . P AST PRESIDENT ..... RACHELLE BEDKE SPEAKERS : Gregory Christopher FBI Special Agent, SE Region Stacie Harris BOARD Asst. U.S. Attorney, Middle District FL BETH BERNITT Connie Rose – Victim/Survivor KIM DEBOSIER MODERATOR : Holly Tomlin – FBI Advisory Committee CYNTHIA GANDEE LORRAINE LUTTON MENU: Blackened Salmon Salad JEANNE TATE (veg plate available on request when reserving) BELINDA WILSON COST: Guests - $25
MEMBERSHIP RSVP: By April 29 – Register online or COMMITTEE email [email protected] . BARBARA BACHMAN ROBIN DELAVERGNE OPEN MEETING – GUESTS WELCOME DENISE JORDAN MICHELLE SCHOFNER Did you know that Florida is 3rd in the nation for the sex trafficking of children and teens? And that recently we were in national news MIMI STAMPS because Mary Scriven sentenced a pimp to life in prison and a South LORNA TAYLOR Tampa massage parlor was shut down for sex trafficking? ALTERNATE : A MANDA SANSONE The victims of human trafficking are woven throughout our commu - nity. Victims include troubled or abused kids and adults, runaways ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR and foster children, domestic servants in homes and hotels, nannies ELEANOR HUBBARD and au pairs, farm workers and immigrants, etc. 813/251-9172 [email protected] Join us to learn more about this horrific multibillion industry, how and why the Tampa Bay area has become a hotbed of illicit activity and what we can do about it. If your schedule permits, plan to stay ATHENA SOCIETY after lunch (1:15 to 2:30) to meet with individuals from the Clearwater/Tampa Bay Area Task Force on Human Trafficking and the P.O. B OX 10813 Tampa Sex Trafficking Collaborative to learn more about the people TAMPA , F LORIDA 33679 who are working to stop and prosecute these crimes, raise awareness, build shelters, change legislation and more. President’s Message
Happy Mother’s Day !
Waiting for firsts. Longing for lasts. Fleeting moments. Gone too quickly. Joy. Sorrow. STRESS. Motherhood!
How is it that the time with our children is so fleeting yet the time with our parents seemed so substantial? Between work, homework, sporting events…well, you know the drill – there is barely enough time to feed, clothe and clean. Are we able to influence too?
One of the many amazing things about my mother is the way she subtly suggested new ways to think about things. She would say no to buying an impulse toy by reminding me of the special feelings of holidays. They wouldn’t be special if they happened every week. She wasn’t saying no to the toy, she was preserving Christmas! Time at the dining room table studying was an investment. Education is the only thing that no one can ever take from you. You can be naked in the street and still have it! That vision of being naked in adversity, with my head held high and my mind filled with Education, really stuck. Don’t be afraid to take a position and stand up for what you believe. He who sits in the middle of the road gets hit by both sides. And when I sobbed at the airport because I would miss my sister who was travelling overseas for an extended trip, she told me to be thankful. Be thankful that you have people to cry for and those who would cry for you.
My mother laughs when we go through her litany of Momisms and claims she doesn’t remember saying that, but then follows up that it’s good advice.
As parents, it seems like we just don’t have enough time before our kids are gone – to their own decisions, devices and relationships. To a teenager, the time with us can be unending as they wait for their shot at independence. This time distortion of childhood works in our favor. Every moment counts. Those Momisms become mantras that guide our life.
Celebrate our mothers; celebrate us. Happy Mother’s Day.
www.athena-society.com May Bonus Activities
May 1, 6 to 7 p.m. - Tampa Bay History Center - Florida Wildlife Expedition. The 1000 mile trek over 100 days was made by three men and one woman. Come hear Mallory Lykes Dimmitt’s environmental exploration of this amazing journey. Free with cash bar. Register via our website or by calling 228-0097. Enjoy dinner afterwards in Columbia Café at the History Center. Questions may be directed to [email protected]
May 4, 10 a.m to noon - One of the real jewels of our community is the Riverwalk and on May 4 you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy it and learn about its beginnings and plans for the future. We’ll gather at the Straz Center at 10 a.m. to view a new statue of Eleanor (Ella) Chamberlain, leader of Florida’s right-to-vote campaign in the 1890s. Susan Dellinger will portray Ella. You’ll then be transported to the convention center where Simone Barefield will portray Clara Frye whose statue faces Tampa General; she founded Tampa’s first hospital for African Americans in 1908 . Pam Iorio will speak about the entire Riverwalk project which runs more than two miles along the Hillsborough River. The convention center’s Bay Bistro will cater lunch and you’ll be taken back to the Straz at noon. The $30 registration fee includes lunch and transportation and the event is open to the public. Please register at Athena’s site or with Doris Weatherford , [email protected].
Community Action Committee Report
By Dena Leavengood, Chair
This has been a busy year for the Community Action/Public Issues Committee! Our focus has been to support Hillsborough County’s Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) annual project regarding the sex trafficking of minors in the Tampa Bay region. Their 2012 Fall Forum on the Sex Trafficking of Minors (notable speakers included Pam Iorio) catalyzed the coming-together of community organizations and individuals as the Tampa Sex Trafficking Collaborative (STC). STC is a local action group working under the Tampa Bay Campaign Against Human Trafficking, an arm of the Clearwater/Tampa Bay Task Force on Human Trafficking, to share information and leverage resources. In just six months this initiative and its partners have built significant momentum, hosted numerous meetings and community events, heightened community awareness, increased media coverage, built partnerships, developed strategic plans and action priorities and brought us to our May 2 luncheon on sex trafficking with some of the most involved, knowledgeable and powerful forces addressing the problem. This is a very serious and growing issue in the Tampa Bay region. It destroys lives! Learn more about it and join us in helping to stop it. Monthly Tech Tip - #2
Gaining Access Forgot your User Name or Password to get into the member side of the Athena website – no problem. www.athena-society.com will bring you to the public page of our website. On the upper right hand side of the page (above the boxes for user name and password) are the words Lost Password? If you click on the question it will lead you to a page to enter your user name (if you remember it) or the email address used to send you Athena emails. An email will be sent to that email address with your user name, password and a link to change your password.
News About Members
We extend sincere sympathy to Kathy Castor whose father , Judge Don Castor, passed away on April 9.
The World Trade Center Tampa Bay will present Judy Genshaft with the Betty Castor Lifetime Achievement Award honor at their 3rd Annual Director’s Luncheon on May 14. The group stated that “recognizing her significant role in encouraging and enriching international research, education and culture in the Tampa Bay Area made her an ideal choice.” Betty Castor received the inaugural award and established the standard for women in international relations, trade, education and com - merce. The May 14 presentation will be at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club with registration at 11 a.m., the luncheon and awards program from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased online at http://wtctbgobulls.eventbrite.com/?ref=estw .
Calendar May 1 – Bonus – Tampa Bay History Center May 4 – Bonus – Riverwalk Tour June 6 – Dinner meeting - Tampa Yacht Club June 15 – New member party July 26-28 – Retreat, Palm Beach Ritz-Carlton
May Birthdays
Rachelle Bedke Linda Fries Winnie Marvel Susan Bucklew Ann Giles Mindy McLaughlin Sylvia Carley Kathleen Heide Jane Peppard Betty Castor Gail Holtzman Anne Strozier Denise Chavez Denise Jordan Elaine Terenzi Lee Essrig Mary Key Louise Thompson Katherine Frazier Lagretta Lenker Rhonda Trainor JoAnn Urofsky BRIEFINGS June, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2012-2013 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, June 6 5:30 p.m. – Cocktails (cash bar) PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI 6:15 p.m. – Dinner PRESIDENT -E LECT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL VP/M EMBERSHIP ...... A SHLEY MOODY WHERE: Tampa Yacht & Country Club VP/P ROGRAMS ...... RENEE VAUGHN 5320 Interbay Blvd. SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES TREASURER ...... BONNIE CARR MENU: Fresh Gulf Grouper Piccata IMM . P AST PRESIDENT ..... RACHELLE BEDKE (If you prefer NY Strip Steak or a veggie plate, please indicate.) BOARD PROGRAM: Business Meeting – Agenda to include: BETH BERNITT Election of Nominating Committee KIM DEBOSIER Approval of 20 13-14 budget CYNTHIA GANDEE Recognition of Philanthropy Donors LORRAINE LUTTON Introduction of new members JEANNE TATE Election of officers/directors BELINDA WILSON Passing of the gavel; Installation
MEMBERSHIP RSVP: By June 3 – Register online COMMITTEE OR call Eleanor Hubbard (251-9172) OR email [email protected] . BARBARA BACHMAN ROBIN DELAVERGNE DENISE JORDAN CLOSED MEETING – MEMBERS ONLY MICHELLE SCHOFNER Please join us to show your support for those who have led this MIMI STAMPS year and those who will lead during the next 12 months. LORNA TAYLOR ALTERNATE : A MANDA SANSONE ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR Saturday, June 15 – Party Time! ELEANOR HUBBARD Our annual party to honor new members is scheduled for 813/251-9172 Saturday, June 15, 7 to 9 p.m. at the lovely South Tampa home [email protected] of Mike and Rachelle Bedke , 817 So. Roxmere Road. The Hospitality Committee - under the direction of Yvonne Fry , ATHENA SOCIETY Jeanette Fenton and Linda D’Aquila - will present its usual delectable spread. There’s no charge for members and one P.O. B OX 10813 guest; additional guests are $25. RSVP online or email Eleanor TAMPA , F LORIDA 33679 Hubbard prior to June 11. If you’re bringing a guest, please leave a name. President’s Message
The year started with a song at retreat, and ends with preparation for the Career Assistance Awards in September. In between is a cacophony of activity, events, meetings and discussions. Somehow, with - in all of the committees and commotion emerges a polyphonic harmony that is Athena. OK – enough with the music metaphor – our musicians are probably cringing - but you get the picture. Beneath the regular monthly meetings the menu of awesome Bonus activities are a lot of member hours, energy and coordination. It is the energy and enthusiasm that has carried the organization throughout the decades. Having seen behind the curtain, I have a whole new appreciation for Athena.
Last month’s meeting was a good example. The presentations on sexual trafficking in our community were informative and compelling, but the hour and a half presentation was just one point in an extensive network of preparatory meetings and follow up activities. Each monthly meeting has been rich in content because of the planning committee and rich in fellowship because of your atten - dance. Remarkable young women inspired us, and we recognized Ernest Hooper as our first “Young Man of Promise” for his mutual support of our goals. Hospitality brought us together for a perfect December evening of gentle music and balmy weather that was an oasis during the frenetic holiday season and Bonus activities offered something for everyone : culture, history, art, theater and even orangutan toys!
The foundation of our organization is, of course, our membership. The energy of the membership process culminates in the enthusiastic welcoming of our new members. And, as this is occurring, the Nominating Committee ensures the longevity of Athena by recommending new officers to the Board.
Now I join the group of past presidents – relieved to be “passing the gavel” to Amelia Campbell in June – with a much greater appreciation for all that is Athena and the very special women who col - lectively create the music.
Hospitality Committee Needs YOU!
Yvonne Fry , Jeanette LaRussa Fenton and Linda D’Aquila are working together to make the New Member Party on Saturday, June 15, a success and ask for your help to bring it all together.
A favorite saying of Elizabeth Howarth was always…”Many hands make light work,” and that’s our mantra! We know there are many who always step up and bring long time favorites and we are counting on you to delight everyone with your traditional dishes. We also welcome anyone else who wants to try her hand at a culinary delight to step up as well.
For those not wanting to cook but could easily pick up an item, we have some ideas for you as well…just let us know your willingness to help. Please email [email protected] with your dish or intention to bring something. We’ll note it and be back in touch with a reminder before the event. Special thanks to Rachelle Bedke for opening her beautiful home to us for this event. We appreciate your help and are looking forward to a delightful evening together celebrating our new Athena sisters.
www.athena-society.com New Members to be Introduced
We’re pleased to announce the following women have accepted Athena’s invitation to membership and will be formally introduced at the June 6 meeting:
Anita Caballero – Assistant U .S. Attorney Virginia Covington - U.S. District Court Judge Amy Farrior – Shareholder, Buell & Elligett PA Elizabeth Frazier – Exec. Director, Lightning Foundation Zoe Gustafson – COO, Florida Holocaust Museum Dee Jeffers – Maternal Health Consultant Ann Miller – COO, Advanced Healthcare Partners Deborah Skyrms – Owner, Deborah Kent’s
WELCOME! WELCOME!
Athena Housekeeping
As usual, there will be no Athena meetings in July and August; luncheons will resume in September. We’ll continue to adhere to our first Thursday of the month schedule including dinner in June.
As we’re in the process of assembling our annual scrapbook, we’d appreciate receiving photos taken at Athena events (luncheons, Bonuses, etc.) as well as articles about members that have appeared in company magazines/organization newsletters, etc.
As you travel during the summer, remember that we still welcome your leftover hotel toiletries for residents of Alpha House and The Spring. Feel free to bring your donations to any luncheon meeting or call Eleanor Hubbard to arrange for a pickup.
Supporting and Encouraging Local Women The Athena Education Fund at the Community Foundation has grown this year from approximately $77,000 to a little more than $81,000 as a result of improved investment earnings. The Beth Waters Foundation has also pledged $2,300 in program support for this year. So that we are less impacted by market fluctuations, the Long Range Planning Committee and Philanthropy Committee both have fund growth as an objective to ensure sustainability of the Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grant initiative . Members who support either the Dr. Sylvia Richardson Young Women of Promise or Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grants at the $250 level will be recognized at the June 6 dinner. Nominating Committee Election
At the May meeting, members were asked to vote for 12 individuals eligible to serve on the 20 13- 14 Nominating Committee. Due to a tie, an additional choice is being presented as the result of the preliminary ballot.
Rachelle Bedke Paddy Moses Patti Breckenridge Carolyn Reed Moira Burke Bonnie Saks Molly Crews Mary Scriven Kim de la Parte Lorna Taylor Katherine Essrig Renee Vaughn Lorraine Lutton The final election will take place at the June meeting at which time six members will be selected – five to serve as regular members and one to serve as an alternate until the annual meet - ing in 20 14. If you do not plan to attend the June meeting, you may wish to implement Article V, Section 10 of the bylaws: Proxies.
Plan for the Palm Beach Retreat!
The Athena Retreat Committee has been busy planning a wonderful retreat for July 26-28 at the beautiful Ritz -Carlton Palm Beach. Last month, Eleanor circulated an informational flyer and the registration form to all members plus made those two documents available on the website. Here are some items and deadlines to consider when making your plans to attend the retreat:
• Registration. The deadline for registering and paying for your attendance at the Retreat is June 21; our block of rooms will be released thereafter. If you need another copy of the flyer or registration form, you may either visit our website or ask Eleanor to email another copy to you. The registration fee is $230 per person and includes Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and Saturday dinner. You may pay online through our website or by mailing a check payable to Athena, P.O. Box 10813, Tampa 33679. The discounted room rate of $159 per night (single or double) is payable upon checkout.
• Transportation. For those who would like to make the trip to and from the Retreat an adventure, Linda Saul-Sena has graciously agreed to coordinate travel by train! Please contact her at [email protected] if you are interested in joining her. If you plan to drive and can offer a ride to someone or if you need a ride and would prefer to travel by car with another member, please contact our carpool coordinator Mindy McLaughlin at [email protected] .
• Athena’s Got Talent . The feature event on Friday night will be our very own Athena’s Got Talent show. This is your chance to share your talent (or spoof!) with your Athena sisters. We welcome any and every type of talent so please contact Yvonne Fry at [email protected] with your talent entry.
We look forward to seeing you at the Palm Beach Ritz -Carlton! Amanda Sansone – Chair, 2013 Retreat Monthly Tech Tip - #3
Digital and paper processes are in harmony in our online member directory. This year we will be printing the pocket member directory, but the information and layout will be automatically generated through our online directory thereby saving layout costs and providing an efficient way of collecting up to date information.
It is important that you visit your membership profile page, review and fill in the information. Only minimal information was added when we set up the website as a start with the intention for members to fill in the profile information in the same way that we used to review and add corrections to the paper profile pages that Eleanor Hubbard used to send out. In the upper right hand corner of the Member Welcome Page, click on “Update Profile” to bring up the form. Just fill in the information and click on “Save” at the bottom. If you need help, just reach out to Eleanor . Kudos to Technology Committee Chair Carolyn Reed who helped navigate this year’s e-transition!
2013-14 Slate
The following slate has been proposed by the Nominating Committee:
President ...... Amelia Campbell President-Elect ...... Karen Arnold VP/Membership ...... Lorna Taylor VP/Programs ...... Lorraine Lutton Secretary ...... Edna Broyles Treasurer ...... Bonnie Carr Imm. Past President ...... Elaine Terenzi
BOARD MEMBERS Second year of Two-year term: Two-year term: Kim DeBosier Libby Jenkins Cynthia Gandee-Zinober Amanda Sansone Jeanne Tate Rebecca Tieder
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Second year of Two-year term: Two-year term: Robin DeLaVergne Amanda Sansone Michelle Schofner Carolyn Reed Mimi Stamps Susan Bucklew Alternate: Laura Kolkman (one year term) BRIEFINGS September, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2013-2014 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, September 12 PRESIDENT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL 11:55 a.m. PRESIDENT -E LECT ...... KAREN ARNOLD VP/M EMBERSHIP ...... L ORNA TAYLOR WHERE: Centre Club VP/P ROGRAMS ...... LORRAINE LUTTON Westshore at Kennedy SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES TREASURER ...... BONNIE CARR PROGRAM: The Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grants IMM . P AST PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI 2014 Recipients
BOARD MENU: Sunburst Salad (mixed greens, berries, tomatoes, etc. topped w/grilled Chicken) KIM DEBOSIER Veg plate available on request when reserving. CYNTHIA GANDEE -Z INOBER LAURA KOLKMAN COST: Guests - $25 AMANDA SANSONE JEANNE TATE RSVP: By September 9 – Register online REBECCA TIEDER or email [email protected] . MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE SUSAN BUCKLEW ROBIN DELAVERGNE OPEN MEETING – GUESTS WELCOME CAROLYN REED AMANDA SANSONE Athena awards Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grants MICHELLE SCHOFNER annually to a handful of very deserving women in our MIMI STAMPS community. This luncheon will provide an opportunity for ALTERNATE : S IMONE BAREFIELD members to become better informed about this wonderful program and the impact it has both on the grant recipients ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR and Athena members. ELEANOR HUBBARD 813/251-9172 Following a brief history of the grants, Adrienne Garcia will [email protected] introduce this year’s three outstanding recipients, each of whom will have the opportunity to make brief remarks. The ATHENA SOCIETY women to be honored are Kossiwa Afoudji (The Beth Waters Friendship Fund recipient), Hilta Tanis and Tiffaney White. P.O. B OX 10813 TAMPA , F LORIDA 33679 This is a great meeting for guests……an opportunity to be inspired by hard-working, goal-oriented women. President’s Message
Our annual retreat is an important tradition where we relax, spend time with close friends and bond with new friends. Last month we traveled to the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa for a memorable weekend. The Saturday program showcased two of our members, Bonnie Saks and Susan Steen , who spoke about intimacy, relationships and memory loss. Both skillfully mixed science with anecdotes to shed light on our relationships with others – and ourselves — throughout every stage of our lives. Listening to Bonnie and Susan’s presentations reminded me once again of the depth of our member’s expertise.
One of the highlights of the retreat was the scavenger hunt on the hotel grounds. Teams were randomly chosen during dinner on Friday night by selecting colored rings from a bag. Miriam Mason and I (the event planners) were concerned that the teams would not locate all of the items during the allocated hour for this activity. We certainly underestimated the competitiveness and creativity of Athena participants! Congratulations to the winning team, Edna Broyles, Jeanette Fenton, Yvonne Fry, Judy Ryan and Amanda Sansone ! Soon you will see photos on the Athena website of the winning team proudly wearing their gold medals and all the teams competing in the hunt.
Thanks so much to Amanda Sansone, Chair of the Retreat Committee, and her committee consisting of Margaret Matthews, Tina Tenret, Lara Tibbals, Yvonne Fry, Miriam Mason, Melinda Chavez, Bonnie Saks, Susan Dellinger, Mindy McLaughlin, Elaine Terenzi, Gail Holtzman and Maruchi Azorin for their fabulous job planning the retreat and the amazing goodie bags. A special thanks to Maruchi for the beautiful Athena handkerchiefs and to Deborah Skyrms (Deborah Kent’s) and Winnie Marvel (Alvin Magnon Jewelers) for the generous gift certificates.
We begin our monthly programs by honoring the recipients of Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grants. These annual grants are one of the tangible ways that we come together as a group to assist women. All of the recipients are struggling to become educated so that they can improve their lives. Many of them are single mothers raising children, working and attending school. They have desperate financial situations and little or no support from family and friends. We provide grants to these women from our fund at the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. The fund was created in honor of Athena’s 20th anniversary as a meaningful way for us to help women. Currently our fund has a balance of approximately $85,000. Each year 10% of Athena’s unallocated fund balance is added to the fund. Athena receives approximately 5% of the total fund balance each year to award grants. Another source of funds for the Career Assistance Grants is the Beth Waters Friendship continued on next page
www.athena-society.com President’s Message continued
Fund (BWFF). Beth Waters was an active Athena sister who lost a courageous battle to cancer in 2006 at the age of 45. Following Beth’s death, her friends and family formed the BWFF to honor and remember her. The BWFF currently provides grants to three organizations that were important to Beth: The Spring of Tampa Bay, Faces of Courage and Athena. This year we received a $2300 grant from the BWFF which we will present during our September meeting. Beth’s legacy continues by providing funds to educate and empower women.
Thank you to Adrienne Garcia for serving as Chair of the Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grants Committee this past year and to Rachelle Bedke for serving as Chair for 2013-2014. This Committee handles the grant application and selection process. Rachelle and I encourage you to join this committee and participate in this signature program. JoAnn Urofsky has graciously agreed to serve as Chair of the Philanthropy Committee for the upcoming year. Under JoAnn’s leadership, the goal is to increase Athena’s Community Foundation fund from $85,000 to $100,000. This will enable us to provide more grants on an annual basis to deserving women in our community.
News About Members
Moira Burke has been named Medical Director at Premier Eye Care with offices headquartered in Delray Beach and Tampa. The focus of her new position is to oversee the credentials of the physi - cians and the quality involved in the eye care of over two million people in 15 states. Lorna Taylor is the firm’s president and CEO.
At the Annual Meeting in San Francisco this month, Gail Holtzman was elected Vice Chair of the ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law for 2013-14.
Congratulations to Jeanne Tate who just welcomed grandbaby #2: Hayden Amanda Healey born on August 26 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Her parents are Kevin and Erica Tate Healey and her big brother (18 months old) is Kevin as well.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Adrienne Garcia whose father, Mario Garcia, passed away on Wednesday. September Birthdays
Birthday wishes to the following members who celebrate in September:
Karen Arnold Kim DeBosier Paddy Moses Maruchi Azorin Mary Estes Candy Olson Dore Beach Sandy Freedman Jan Platt Kathy Betancourt Yvonne Fry Sylvia Richardson Edna Broyles Chantal Hevia Doris Weatherford Marva Crenshaw Alene Mahin
Members’ Projects
Paddy Moses invites Athena members to take advantage of the health programs being offered at Memorial Hospital. For the next three months it’s “Mammograms & Martinis.” In addition to mammograms, you can also get bone density/dexa screenings and calcium scores. This is a great opportunity to have dinner, drinks, massages and fun while monitoring your health; the hours are 5 to 7 p.m. To reserve your spot for September 24, October 29 or November 19, call 813/342-1420.
Pinellas resident Elizabeth Walters keeps us updated on cultural happenings across the bay and notes that September 28 is a special day: “ArtsAlive/Free Museum Day” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in St. Pete. Participating museums include: Chihuly Collection, Creative Clay, Florida Craftsmen, Florida Holocaust Museum, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Mahaffey Plaza, Morean Art Center for Clay, MFA, Museum of History, the Dali and many more.
Calendar
October 3 – Luncheon November 7 – Luncheon December 15 – Holiday Party (4-6 p.m.) January 9 – Luncheon February 6 – Luncheon March 6 – Luncheon April 3 – Luncheon May 1 – Luncheon June 5 – Dinner July 18-20 – Retreat BRIEFINGS October, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2013-2014 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, October 3 11:55 a.m. PRESIDENT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL PRESIDENT -E LECT ...... KAREN ARNOLD WHERE: Centre Club VP/M EMBERSHIP ...... L ORNA TAYLOR Westshore at Kennedy VP/P ROGRAMS ...... LORRAINE LUTTON SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES PROGRAM: The Status of Women in Higher Education TREASURER ...... BONNIE CARR IMM . P AST PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI SPEAKER: Judy Genshaft, President University of South Florida System BOARD KIM DEBOSIER MENU: Chicken Spanikopita (Chicken Breast stuffed CYNTHIA GANDEE -Z INOBER with Spinach and Feta Cheese) LAURA KOLKMAN Veg plate available on request when reserving. AMANDA SANSONE JEANNE TATE COST: Guests - $25 REBECCA TIEDER RSVP: By September 30 – Register online MEMBERSHIP or email [email protected] . COMMITTEE SUSAN BUCKLEW OPEN MEETING – GUESTS WELCOME ROBIN DELAVERGNE CAROLYN REED As always, we are delighted to hear from “one of our own” AMANDA SANSONE who plays such a prominent role in the community. Judy MICHELLE SCHOFNER Genshaft became President in 2000 and joined Athena in 2002. MIMI STAMPS As CEO of the USF System, she oversees an organization serv - ALTERNATE : S IMONE BAREFIELD ing more than 47,000 students at two institutions, including a major academic medical center and two regional campuses. ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR Dr. Genshaft is responsible for the management of all units of ELEANOR HUBBARD the USF System with a $1.8 billion operating budget that 813/251-9172 includes $380.4 million in sponsored research funding. She is [email protected] the immediate past Chair of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and currently serves as Chair of the Big ATHENA SOCIETY East Council of Presidents. P.O. B OX 10813 In addition to describing the academic climate for women, Dr. TAMPA , F LORIDA 33679 Genshaft will enlighten us on other areas of the educational system. Join us for what surely will be a stimulating session. President’s Message
My inspiration for this month’s message came from an unexpected place – a sign at the Little League Field on Davis Islands. Last Spring I was watching my son Tyler play baseball. The game was slow, the temperature was hot and I drank what seemed like a gallon of water. After returning from the women’s restroom, I complained about the condition of the facilities to another mother. She pointed to a sign posted on the fence that said: “IF YOU DON’T LIKE WHAT YOU SEE VOLUNTEER.”
Although my preference is to communicate in a more positive tone, this sign was direct and impactful. I reflected on how easy it is to criticize and complain about a situation rather than take positive steps to improve it. As a result, I made a generous contribution to the annual Field of Dreams fundraiser, which included plans to renovate the women’s (and men’s) restrooms. I also used my time and energy to persuade other parents to make a donation. My message began: “Our sons are fortunate to play baseball at one of the most beautiful fields in the United States. How many Little League fields are located next to the water?”
As we move through the year, please use your time, energy and resources to make Athena a better organization. And if you don’t like what you see, please volunteer!
Nominating Committee
At the June meeting members voted for six individuals to serve on the 2013-14 Nominating Committee. The following were elected:
Rachelle Bedke Katherine Essrig Patti Breckenridge Carolyn Reed Moira Burke Mary Scriven
www.athena-society.com News About Members
Congratulations to new grandmother Linda Hanna . She welcomed her first grandchild, William James “Liam” Snyder, on August 1 in Alexandria, Virginia. Proud parents are daughter, Sarah Kate, and husband Mike.
Paddy Moses has been appointed Honorary Commander of Security Forces for the 927 Air Refueling Wing at MacDill AFB. During the two-year appointment she’ll be eligible to participate in various meetings and exercises at the base. Paddy has previously served as Chair of the Military Affairs Committee for the South Tampa Chamber.
Laura Waller’s art is scheduled to be featured at Nuance Gallery, 804 So. Dale Mabry Blvd. Opening night is Friday, October 18, 6-9 p.m. and Will highlight her latest oil paintings from the coast of Maine. Laura’s work was exhibited in September at the Maine Wildlife Refuge in Rockland and she recently completed a Vermont Studio Residency. Fifty artists and writers each month from around the world are awarded residencies. Laura’s painting “Owls Head” won Best of Show at the 27th Annual All Florida Alliance For The Arts Exhibition.
Patti Breckenridge’s recent promotion at Publix Super Markets carries an interesting title: Manager of Talent Acquisition. Formerly Recruiting Manager, she focused solely on recruiting talent outside the company. Her efforts now are directed to finding talent within the organization to fill support roles in Publix corporate offices, distribution centers and manufacturing plants.
Calendar
November 7 – Luncheon December 15 – Holiday Party (4-6 p.m.) January 9 – Luncheon February 6 – Luncheon March 6 – Luncheon April 3 – Luncheon May 1 – Luncheon June 5 – Dinner July 18-20 – Retreat Bonus Happenings
The Bonus Committee, under the leadership of Tina Tenret, has hit the ground running! They’ve already firmed up dates through December and have some unusual activities planned for the new year including a ropes course at MOSI, a progressive dinner/tour of homes, etc. To aid the committee in making arrangements for any of the Bonuses, early RSVPs are appreciated.
October 17 – Private Party at “Cheese, Please” (3225 So. MacDill) – 6 p.m. – Cheese & Wine Tasting – $30 per person. Early RSVP’s are encouraged.
October 24 – Tech Bonus – If you’re not yet comfortable accessing our website from your com - puter or mobile device, this one’s for you. Tech Chair Jean McNally will conduct the session at her office (2802 No. Howard) at 5:30 p.m. and will be joined by Elaine Terenzi. Reserve online or with Eleanor Hubbard by October 21.
November 3 – Tour & Tasting at Keel & Curley Winery, Plant City – 2 p.m. - $10 per person.
December 8 – Concert at Sykes Chapel – University of Tampa Campus – 4 p.m. – No charge.
October Birthdays
Birthday wishes to the following members who celebrate in October:
Barbara Bachman Stacy Frank Mary Scriven Beth Bernitt Jeannie Hanna Susan Stern Moira Burke Lee Leavengood Lara Tibbals Linda Devine Judy Lisi Becca Tieder Diane Egner Jean McNally Louisa VanEepoel Amy Farrior BRIEFINGS November, 2013
Upcoming Meeting 2013-2014 OFFICERS WHEN: Thursday, November 7 11:55 a.m. PRESIDENT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL PRESIDENT -E LECT ...... KAREN ARNOLD WHERE: Centre Club VP/M EMBERSHIP ...... L ORNA TAYLOR Westshore at Kennedy VP/P ROGRAMS ...... LORRAINE LUTTON SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES PROGRAM: Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion TREASURER ...... BONNIE CARR IMM . P AST PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI SPEAKER: Jim Davis, Former Congressman Richard Seiden, Senior VP & Benefits Counsel BOARD USI Insurance Services KIM DEBOSIER MENU: Seared Salmon Piccata CYNTHIA GANDEE -Z INOBER Veg plate available on request when reserving. LAURA KOLKMAN AMANDA SANSONE COST: Guests - $25 JEANNE TATE REBECCA TIEDER RSVP: By November 4 – Register online or email [email protected] . MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE OPEN MEETING – GUESTS WELCOME SUSAN BUCKLEW ROBIN DELAVERGNE Jim Davis will be joined by Richard Seiden of USI Insurance CAROLYN REED Services to discuss the impact of the Affordable Care Act and AMANDA SANSONE Medicaid Expansion on families and businesses. Davis, a MICHELLE SCHOFNER member of Holland & Knight’s Public Policy & Regulation MIMI STAMPS Group, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 ALTERNATE : S IMONE BAREFIELD to 2007 representing Tampa and portions of St. Petersburg, Bradenton and Hillsborough County. In 2006 he was the ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR Democratic nominee for governor. ELEANOR HUBBARD 813/251-9172 Before entering Congress, Davis was a state representative in the [email protected] Florida House of Representatives from 1988 to 1996, serving as its majority leader in 1995 and 1996.
ATHENA SOCIETY The format will focus on questions from the audience, so any P.O. B OX 10813 submitted in advance would be appreciated. If you have one TAMPA , F LORIDA 33679 you’d like considered, please post it on the registration form online or email [email protected] . President’s Message
Life is full and, like you, I wear multiple hats every day of the week. On a typical business day, I prepare wills and trusts, respond to emails, return phone calls and meet with grieving family members. Then I rush home to eat dinner, check my third grader’s homework and begin the bedtime routine. I’m constantly striving to create balance in my life. One of the keys to professional success and personal happiness is managing time effectively.
Each of us faces a giant pile of things to do and decisions to make. We often start at the top of the pile and try to work our way through the various tasks. Frequently, it seems that the pile does not get much smaller. A better choice is to prioritize the tasks and focus on those that are both important and urgent.
Over the years, I’ve learned numerous organizational skills to manage time effectively. Last summer when carpooling to the Athena retreat with Amanda Sansone , I learned some new tips. Amanda had planned to showcase her exceptional organizational skills at “Athena’s Got Talent,” but the event was cancelled when the Retreat Committee discovered that, with a few exceptions, Athena does not have talent. Instead, Amanda and I decided to combine our tips and publish them in the President’s Message. Please email me and share your organizational tips. Perhaps we’ll schedule an Athena Bonus to share your tips!
1. Grocery list. Create an electronic grocery list that you print or use on a PDA when you are shopping. My list is organized by aisle at the Bayshore Publix. (I love this compact store!) Yes, it took time to create the list, but now it’s a big timesaver. When my family goes on vacation and stays in a condo, I print the grocery list and take it with me.
2. Closet. Every couple of years, on New Year’s Day, turn all of the coat hangers around in your closet so that the hook part is facing toward you instead of toward the back of the closet. After you wear an item, hang it on a coat hanger with the hook hanging in the correct direction. At the end of that year, you can quickly scan your closet to see what you have not worn in the past year by check - ing which hangers are still facing the wrong direction. This makes cleaning out your closet easier.
3. Holiday cards. Create an address book on Hallmark.com or a similar site. When I design a holiday card online, Hallmark addresses and mails the cards directly to the recipients. If I’m really organized and design the card early during the holiday season, Hallmark offers discounts and free postage.
4. Email In Box. When I’m working on a project and a new email arrives, I’m immediately distracted. My business emails are sorted by “Today, Yesterday, Last Week, and Older.” A simple click makes the emails under the heading “Today” disappear.By doing this, you will not see all the Today emails, especially the new ones arriving every minute. You will be more focused on the task you planned to complete rather than reading the newest email with a red exclamation mark. continued on next page
www.athena-society.com President’s Message continued
5. Packing lists. Create packing lists for yourself and each of your children for vacations and a list for yourself for business trips. I created a personal packing list after arriving at a destination without my makeup. I also created an extensive packing list for my family’s annual Thanksgiving trip to Sanibel Island.
6. Gift ideas. Keep a list of birthday and holiday gift ideas in a calendar entry on those days. I add ideas throughout the year and it takes the guesswork out of gift-giving. The low tech version of this organizational tip is a paper folder with pages from catalogues and magazines.
7. Updating calendar. Have a standard time entry (like 9 p.m.) for adding items to your calendar that you need to do when you are home at night. As you think of things you need to do throughout the day, you can add them to that calendar entry to keep a nighttime “to do” list. Similarly, when you think of things at night that you need to do the next day at work, have a standard time entry (like 9 a.m.) to add those items to create a daytime “to do” list.
Bonus Happenings
Our weather is perfect for an outing to the country, so please join us for a private wine tasting and tour at Keel & Curley Winery in Plant City. The date is Sunday, November 3, and festivities begin at 2 p.m. with the tour scheduled at 3. Cost is $10 per person and guests are welcome. You can register online or by calling Eleanor Hubbard; the event is limited to 30 people.
If you’re not yet comfortable accessing our website from your computer or mobile device, or if you’re ready to navigate a little deeper into the site this one’s for you. Tech Chair Jean McNally will conduct the session at her office at the Morgan Cigar Factory (2802 No. Howard) at 5:30 p.m. on November 5 and will be joined by Elaine Terenzi. Enjoy a relaxing informal interactive “Tech Talk” complete with wine, light apps and music! Reserve online or with Eleanor Hubbard by November 1.
December 8 – Concert at Sykes Chapel – University of Tampa Campus – 4 p.m. – No charge.
Looking ahead, a Ropes Course at MOSI is planned for January; details next month.
News About Members
Clarification re: last month’s news of Patti Breckenridge’s promotion at Publix Super Markets……. She continues to recruit talent outside the company in addition to her new responsibilities for internal talent acquisition. Calendar
November 3 – Keel & Curley Tour/Wine Tasting November 5 – Tech Bonus December 8 – Bonus – Sykes Chapel concert December 15 – Holiday Party (4-6 p.m.) January 9 – Luncheon February 6 – Luncheon March 6 – Luncheon April 3 – Luncheon May 1 – Luncheon June 5 – Dinner July 18-20 – Retreat
November Birthdays
Birthday wishes to the following members who celebrate in November:
Amelia Campbell Adrienne Garcia Luanne Panacek Jeanette Fenton Kassie Grizzard Amanda Sansone Pat Frank Libby Jenkins Caroline Sikorske Julia Freeman Anne Kantor Renee Vaughn Susan Freeman Margaret Mathews Andrea Zelman
Members’ Projects
Anne Kantor and JoAnn Urofsky invite you to enjoy an outstanding documentary at the Tampa Theatre, 5:30 p.m., November 7 and 8 p.m., November 10 on WUSF-TV: “JFK in Tampa: The 50th Anniversary.” This stunning film production combines rare footage with actual first-hand accounts from people who were there….just four days before the assassination. For additional information see www.jfkintampa.org .
Susan Steen invites you to meet two Akilah Institute students from Rwanda at the 4th Annual Metropolitan Safari on November 8. Cocktails, dinner and auction begin at 7 p.m. at Lowry Park Zoo. Tickets are $150. BRIEFINGS December, 2013
Upcoming Meeting - Party! 2013-2014 OFFICERS PRESIDENT ...... AMELIA CAMPBELL PRESIDENT -E LECT ...... KAREN ARNOLD VP/M EMBERSHIP ...... L ORNA TAYLOR VP/P ROGRAMS ...... LORRAINE LUTTON SECRETARY ...... EDNA BROYLES TREASURER ...... BONNIE CARR IMM . P AST PRESIDENT ...... ELAINE TERENZI WHEN: Sunday, December 15 BOARD 4 – 6 p.m. KIM DEBOSIER CYNTHIA GANDEE -Z INOBER WHERE: Home of LAURA KOLKMAN Pete Zinober & Cynthia Gandee-Zinober AMANDA SANSONE 1813 W. Richardson Place JEANNE TATE REBECCA TIEDER COST: Member and one guest – complimentary MEMBERSHIP Additional guests - $25 COMMITTEE RSVP: By December 10 – Register online SUSAN BUCKLEW or email [email protected] . ROBIN DELAVERGNE CAROLYN REED AMANDA SANSONE MICHELLE SCHOFNER Note from Hospitality Chair Yvonne Fry : Athena sisters – MIMI STAMPS now is the time of year we come together to celebrate ALTERNATE : S IMONE BAREFIELD friends. ADMINISTRATOR/EDITOR We’re preparing for our annual holiday party at the beautiful ELEANOR HUBBARD historic Hyde Park home of Cynthia Gandee-Zinober on 813/251-9172 Sunday, December 15, 4-6 p.m. Parking is limited so please [email protected] plan to carpool if possible; we’ll send driving and parking specifics prior to the party. ATHENA SOCIETY P.O. B OX 10813 Many have already signed up to bring goodies, but we need TAMPA , F LORIDA 33679 more of your specialties. Signups for food can be made online or sent to Jeanette Fenton at: [email protected]. President’s Message
During November and December, I am reminded of the importance of family traditions. My family spends the week of Thanksgiving on Sanibel Island with my brother, his fam - ily and his wife’s family (the Abbotts). There will be 20 of us eating together on Thanksgiving Day ranging in age from two to seventy-six. Our group keeps expanding as new family members are born. Before eating turkey, we have a blessing and remem - ber departed family members.
Six years ago my brother invited my family to join the Abbotts in Sanibel for Thanksgiving. My initial reaction was to decline the invitation because I like hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our home. I was reluctant to trade the memories of cooking all day for eating a boxed take away turkey dinner in a beach condo. After discussing the invitation with my husband, we decided to accept the invitation and spend two nights at the beach. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Abbotts have been celebrating Thanksgiving in Sanibel for 30 years and have created numerous traditions around this holiday. They warmly welcomed us into their extended family and we now spend the entire week of Thanksgiving with them. (The gourmet turkey dinner is delicious and each condo is assigned side dishes to bring for dinner!)
My Sanibel story is intended to encourage you to establish a new tradition, especially if you are feeling a void in your life during the holidays. An empty nester or a widow could host friends for dinner and begin a new tradition filled with laughter and joy. Or if you know of someone who recently had a loss or major life change, please invite them to join your family to celebrate the holidays.
Traditions are important to strengthen bonds, connect generations and create lasting memories. Athena has traditions, such as the annual retreat, Young Women of Promise and Career Assistance Grants. Each of these events provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with other Athena members and form a bond with them. We have remarkable women in our organization who are eager to share their life experiences and teach us valuable lessons. Athena traditions provide a sense of identity and purpose to our orga - nization. This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the friendships formed through Athena and guidance I’ve received from my sisters. Happy Thanksgiving!
www.athena-society.com Athena Housekeeping
Per our bylaws, they are reviewed every two years. If you have any recommended changes or if you would like to join the Bylaws Committee, please contact Karen Arnold at [email protected].
If you’re travelling during the holidays, remember that we welcome your leftover hotel toiletries for The Spring and the Ronald McDonald House. Feel free to bring your donations to any Athena function or call Eleanor Hubbard to arrange for a pickup.
Be sure the information on your webpage is up to date by December 9. We’ll be printing our 2014 membership directory from those pages.
No luncheon meeting in December; January 9 is the date of our next one.
Holiday Gift Opportunity
By JoAnn Urofsky, Philanthropy Chair
Afoudji is working as a caregiver and wants to become an R.N. and to make a better life for her family. Sycoya wants to have an apartment with her kids and to work as a hospital administrator. Tiffaney wants to make a career transition and to fulfill her dream of opening a medical care complex to educate and help people who are disadvantaged.
What do Afoudji, Sycoya and Tiffaney have in common? The gift of a Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grant. The grant helped them pay for tuition and books so they could improve their chances for success in the world. The grant funds came from your contributions to the Athena Education Fund.
Your contribution means that women who are eager to achieve more for themselves, their families and their community can dream bigger. Each Phyllis Marshall Career Assistance Grant is more than a finan - cial investment in a woman struggling to succeed, it’s a gift of confidence in her.
The Philanthropy Committee has a goal of increasing the Athena Education Fund at the Community Foundation to $100,000. The $17,000 we want to raise this year will enable the Scholarship Committee to award another full grant each year. Your gift of any amount will help us reach our goal. You can make your gift as a memoriam or in honor of someone, and it’s tax deductible.
To insure your contribution is properly credited and your honoree notified, please make your check out to the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay with “Athena Education Fund” on the memo line. Checks should be mailed to Athena Society, PO Box 10813, Tampa, 33679. Bonus Activities
EVENT SCHEDULE NOTES
Concert at Sykes Chapel Sunday, Dec 8, 4 p.m. Register by December 5
Ropes Course at MOSI; January 11, 5 p.m. $7 per person. cocktails/refreshments at IMAX Lounge 15 people minimum
Holocaust Museum Exhibit January 25, 10 a.m. $16 per person on Hannah Senesh Optional after - downtown market and/or lunch
Cocktail Tour of Harbour Island February 20, 5-8 p.m. 20 people max Home of Joan Zinober Joan will provide hors’ d’oeuvres and wine but would appreciate contributions of the same.
December Birthdays
Birthday wishes to the following members who celebrate in December:
Jane Castor Lorraine Lutton Wilma Smith Helen Gordon Davis Donna Petersen Stella Thayer Susan Dellinger Gayla Russell Kem Toole Katherine Essrig Marsha Rydberg Pam Wolf
Calendar
December 8 – Bonus – Sykes Chapel Concert December 9 – Deadline for updating member webpages January 9 – Luncheon meeting January 11 – Bonus – MOSI Ropes Course January 25 – Bonus – Holocaust Museum February 6 – Luncheon meeting February 20 – Bonus – Cocktails at Joan Zinober home March 6 – Luncheon meeting April 3 – Luncheon meeting May 1 – Luncheon meeting May 14-18 – Bonus – NYC trip June 5 – Dinner meeting