December 2017

BPW Connection | December 2017

The Upper Keys BPW annual Holiday Party is Wednesday, December 20th. In keeping with tradition, it will be potluck, so bring a dish (and drink if you wish) to share. We will also do our Tacky Ornament Exchange. Join us!  Address & directions provided once you REGISTER HERE.

bpw|CALENDAR Dec 20: Annual Holiday Party!  5-7 p.m. at Theresa Sutter's home.  Jan 17: Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Holiday Inn, African Queen Room with guest speaker Brenda Carr from the League of Women Voters sharing information on Solar Initiative.  Feb 21: Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Holiday Inn, African Queen Room Mar 21: Evening Networking Event. Location TBA. Board of Directors2016-17  PresidentLaura Maupin 305/360-5645 keystoyouth@gmail.com President ElectIlja Chapman305/998-8348 Ilja.chapman@gmail.com Vice Presidents Miriam Lazcos, Membership                                305-926-3125                                                     mlazcos@gmail.com Suzi Youngberg, Hospitality 305/393-6830 suziyoungberg@gmail.com Treasurers Theresa Sutter786/361-5404 theresasutter@gmail.com Jennifer Cappadona                                            727/967-4178                                                  jrs1129@hotmail.com  SecretaryKate Banick 305-619-0154 kate@thegoodhealthclinic.org Director Pam Martin305/853-0907 pmflkeys@aol.com Questions?  Email info@upperkeysbpw.org Mail: P. O.  Box 231, Tavernier, Fl  33070

President's Message  Seasons Greetings! Happy Holidays to all. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone Wednesday evening at our BPW Holiday Party hosted by Theresa Sutter in her bayside home at mile marker 99.  This will be such fun. We’ve always enjoyed our time at Della Wheaton’s home year after year, but are super excited to come together this year at Theresa’s! Thank you for this generous gesture Theresa! We hope you’ll join us! Please bring your spouse or a friend. The more the merrier. We’re planning to be outdoors, so dress accordingly. Bring a tacky ornament for our exchange game, and your favorite dish/drink/dessert. Last months luncheon was such a treat. Sylvia Murphy did a great job filling us in on current county cleanup business and really got the group thinking about civic involvement and contribution. She was quite an inspiration. Thank you for your attendance and support. I witnessed so many “neighbors helping neighbors” and it was very moving. Star 102 FM was also in attendance, reading the pulse of the Keys after hurricane Irma. I feel so proud to be a member of such an inspiring group of women helping one another in whatever way possible!! That’s what life is all about, Connection! Next month we are welcoming Brenda Carr from the League of Women Voters sharing information on Solar Initiative. For more information: http://solarunitedneighbors.org.  There is a vote coming in February and this will be a great opportunity for the community to learn more. Mark your Calendar. January 17th at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo. May your holidays be filled with peace and love and Connection. Love, Laura Maupin

Thanks to everyone who attended last month's luncheon with Sylvia Murphy speaking. It was a very interesting and informative meeting. We were also very happy to induct so many new members to our group! Welcome! Left to Right: Laura Maupin (President), Michelle Newton, Cynthia Gneiser, Wendy Coffman, Elizabeth Moscynski, Maria Acosta, Justina Black, Miriam Lazcos (VP-Membership)

bpw|MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Stephanie Foy became a Keys resident approximately 10 years ago after enjoying a long distance relationship for four years with Keys resident Walter Kanzler. “I just couldn’t take another winter in the Pennsylvania cold. I grew up in Southern California, swimming, surfing and hiking. I need fresh air and salt water!” With a background in publishing and the insurance industries, Stephanie changed gears and started working at an auction house in Hatfield, PA, cataloging the militaria auction items. Finally finding her passion, Stephanie assisted her mentor at military shows in the Northeast. She met Walter at one of these shows and they became good friends. After her first visit to the Keys, that was all it took to fall in love with both Walter and Key Largo. Wanting to learn as much as possible about the Keys, Stephanie volunteered as an Ambassador at the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. She was able to work on the Pennekamp 50th Anniversary celebration and really got involved with the Flagler Railroad 100th anniversary. She has also volunteered at the History of Diving Museum. Becoming a member of the Business and Professional Women’s organization, with CJ Berwick’s sponsorship, was a natural progression. Now Stephanie assists Walter with his militaria antiques business both at home and at shows across America and Europe. “The connections and friendships I’ve forged at BPW are invaluable and so appreciated. I always say I did something right in a previous life. I am so fortunate to live in paradise with my partner and to enjoy military history as a profession!” ATTA GIRL Julie Johnson! Julie Johnson has adopted a family in great need. Martika Moore, a mother raising her 3 small children on Big Pine Key, lost everything in Hurricane Irma. Julie saw their story on Facebook and has helped them with clothes, shoes and food and is helping them get caught up on bills. Let's help Julie give these children a happy holiday. Contact Julie to make donations or find out how you can help: timeoutmagazine@comcast.net. ATTA GIRL Retz Reeves! BPW member Retz Reeves is appointed to the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) board and helped bring in $90,000 for hurricane Irma relief to be distributed to nonprofits.   Here’s toasting to you and all your efforts Retz!! "Upper Keys Life Enrichment Coalition (UKLEC)." Our mission is to create a welcoming place that is a vibrant center for the entire community throughout all stages of life. This winter, we will offer a FREE pop-up center for adult lifelong learners. We have named this fourteen (14) week pilot project the "J.O.Y. CENTER." Betsy Baste, M.Ed. is doing an awesome job as our Program Director. Please contact Betsy (uklecinc@gmail.com) if you would like to be a guest speaker or offer your skills in some other way. We need artists, musicians, chefs, greeters, etc. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  ALL PROCEEDS STAY LOCAL TO HELP WITH HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF. HELP "REBUILD THE KEYS!" NEW DECEMBER MEMBERS Please help us welcome new and renewing members! NEW MEMBERS: Clarice Yentsch, The Waypoint Foundation not-for-profit Cynthia Gneiser, Five Star Claims Adjusting RENEWING MEMBERS: Ann Sandlin, United Way of the Florida Keys Ellie Donofrio, Keys Country Realty and Development Inc Become a member of the Upper Keys Business & Professional Women (BPW) Click the button, or go to upperkeysbpw.org for registration and information. You can also join us at one of our luncheons or evening events, held on the third Wednesday of every month. APPLY FOR AN UPPER KEYS BPW ADULT SCHOLARSHIP The Upper Keys's BPW Adult Scholarship program is about women helping women!  Applications are accepted year round and reviewed March 15 and Aug 15 annually.  Scholarships may be used for certifications, training classes, or classes and required materials for higher educational degrees.  For more information see our website, or click the link below.  Connecting our Upper Keys Chapter to BPW Florida BPW/FL Florida Federation of Business & Professional Women's Club Inc. Facebook • Twitter • LinkedIn Unsubscribe