BPW Englewood & Venice

June 15th Dinner Meeting-Speaker

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Mary Anne Servian is CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and is responsible for a 10 county jurisdiction with a membership of over 5,000.

Servian has been in senior leadership positions for several nonprofits, including the Sarasota Ballet as Managing Director. She also holds a Brokers license and has been a successful business broker.

Servian served on the Sarasota City Commission for 6 years and held the position of mayor for one year. She was on the Metropolitan Planning Commission, Chair of the Municipal Finance and Taxation Committee for Florida League of Cities, served as an appointee of Governor Bush on a state-wide Community Redevelopment task force, and many other state and local committees.

Servian is a graduate of West Chester University as well as having completed multiple Public Leadership Credential courses through Harvard University. With her passion for public policy and engagement, she has championed advocacy and civics programs and has taken girls to local, state, and federal government meetings to speak up on issues.

Servian lives with her husband in east Manatee County, and when not working she serves on several boards, enjoys their grandchildren, and the outdoors.

Pearls of Wisdom Workshop-September 11, 2021

PEARLS OF WISDOM WORKSHOP

(An individual development program)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

PEARLS

10:30 registration – Program 11am -3pm - includes catered lunch

Location - Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd. Venice
TICKETS: $35.00

click here to purchase tickets and to make your meal selection online

Our guest speakers will address these interesting topics:

Technology and Social Media Amy Zaueke

Self Defense for Women Deputy Cathy Duff

Dealing with Challenging People Dr. Karen Helmick

Call Esther with questions and to reserve your spot - 315-440-6814 -
or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You may mail your check written to BPWEV to PO Box 611, Englewood, FL 34295
or on website (bpwev.org) via credit card or PayPal.

Registration Deadline 9/4/21

click here to be a sponsor

click here to pay for sponsorship online

A Special Thanks to our current sponsors:

Platinum Level: Dr. Karen Helmick of Healthy Body Acupuncture

Gold level: Sue Hogrefe of Gulfside Mortgage and Cyndi Fredrick of Quick Signs

BPWEV is a 501(c)(3) Tax Deductible Non-profit Corporation, Florida Solicitation License #CH30762. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL
REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING
TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Division of Consumer Services may be reached at 1-800-HELP-FLA or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com

Follow Up To BFF

Karin Drury

Over 60 happy women and one man attended the 3rd BFF Dinner organized by chair person Irene Slattery and her committee for the Business and Professional Women of

Englewood and Venice (BPWEV). The event took place on May 18, 21 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice. The great musical entertainment was provided by the Shark Sisters of Englewood. Their repertoire of songs relating to issues women are very familiar with, always brings out smiles and wanting to sing along BPWEV member Katie Malloy’s comedy act had everyone laughing and wishing for more. It was an evening of fun and happy memories were made.

l to r: Katie Malloy - Comedienne and BPWEV Member, Irene Slattery - Chair person of the BFF Event

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l to r: Irene Slattery BPWEV, the Shark Sisters - Colleen Marren, Brenna Larson, P.J. Allman

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Community Outreach --- St. David's Jubilee Center

Esther Bird

As a community outreach project, we are asking our members and guests to open their hearts and donate items to this very worthy non-profit in the Englewood area. The Jubilee Center is a food bank and provides low income residents with items that are needed but are not affordable to purchase.

Please bring your items to the April 20 meeting. Ruth Hill from the Jubilee Center will be attending our meeting at which time we will be donating items for the center.

Suggestions are: diapers size 4 and 5, cleaning supplies, personal items such as deoderant, toothpaste, shampoo, non-perishable food items such as Campbells 10 ¼ oz canned soup, canned potatoes, canned gravy and paper products such as paper towels, tissues or bathroom tissue.

For easier transport, if you can also bring a bag to be used in carrying items out to Ruth's car, that would be helpful.

Follow up to April 20th Meeting

The members and guests of the Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice (BPWEV) donated an amazing assortment of non perishable food, cleaning products, hygiene products and special treats to the Englewood Jubilee Center. The Center supports needy and homeless families in the community and donations to keep this important mission going are always needed.

l to r: Morina Chmielak - BPWEV President, Esther Bird - 1st Vice President, Ruth Hill - The Jubilee Center

jubalee center of engelwood

Tea and Pearl Party-May 1, 2021

Follow Up to:

“TEA and PEARLS PARTY “

Karin Drury

The Members of the Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice (BPWEV) enjoyed another well organized and

enjoyable fundraiser event on May 1, 21 at the house of BPWEV president Morina Chmielak. The "TEA and PEARLS PARTY” was enjoyed by many members, a few of them are shown in the photo.

l to r: back row Madeline Salerno, Carol DeGulis, Joyce McCaffrey, Natalie Bloom, Debby Wolfe, Samira Easton, front row: Esther Bird, Morina Chmielak, Debra Straw, Cynthia Fredricks

tea and pearl party

Installation of New Officers 2021-2022

Karin Drury

Warm applause by the members and guests of the Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice (BPWEV) welcomed the newly installed Board Members at the April 20th dinner meeting.

BPWEV meets every third Tuesday of each month at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice. The public is invited to all meetings. For times and more information please visit www.bpwev.org.

The mission of BPWEV is “To achieve equity for all women through Advocacy, Education and Information”. This organization believes strongly in Women Helping Women, and awards each year Adult Learner Scholarships to women in Sarasota and Charlotte County.

Below in Photo: left to right- Irene Slattery Installation Chair; Morina Chmielak, President; Esther Bird, 1st Vice President; Debra Straw, 2nd Vice President; Madeline Salerno, Recording Secretary; Cynthia Fredricks, Treasurer; Carol Kouba, Member.

Follow Up to April 20th Speaker from Selah Freedom- Emily Hunt

Karin Drury

Speaker Emily Hunt, Selah Freedom, presented a shocking program on Sex Trafficking in our Community at the April 20, 21 BPWEV dinner meeting.

She encouraged the members and guests to report any suspicious behavior that they might notice. Young girls and boys, sometimes very young, are

often the victims and are unable to escape the situation that they find themselves in. Selah Freedom will help them if authorities are notified and

the individuals can be brought to one of their secure locations where help, counseling and education is offered.

l to r- Esther Bird-First Vice President, Emily Hunt with Selah Freedom, Morina Chmielak-President

2021 BPW Adult Learner Scholarships

scholarship graduation

The Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice (BPWEV) are offering Adult Learner Scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each for the 2021-2022 academic years.! Female applicants should be from the Englewood/Venice area, residing either in Sarasota or Charlotte County. Adult Learners are those women pursuing advanced education or retraining in college or vocational schools. BPWEV scholarship applications and instructions and contact information are accessible online at www.bpwev.org.

BPWEV also is engaged in the national program “Joining Forces with Women Veterans and Military Spouses”. The program provides resources and online connections to the veterans and military wives to assist in their successfully obtaining meaningful employment and a career of their interest. BPWEV encourages Women Veterans and Military Spouses to apply.

The deadline for mailing applications is June 30, 2021.

Please review the Scholarship Information, and follow the directions for submitting your application:

2021 Scholarship Information

2021 Scholarship Application

Members of the BPWEV Scholarship Committee. L to R: Natalie Bloom, Carol Kouba, Karin Drury, Esther Bird, Samira Easton

scholarship committee 2021 2022

H'Attitude Luncheon-February 13, 2021

Karin Drury and Jennifer Mechling

hat snipped

February 13, 2021 will be remembered as a day of celebration for the record number of 74 women who attended the H’Attitude Luncheon at Plantation Golf and Country Club, organized by the Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice, (BPWEV). Every woman attending wore a beautifully decorated hat and was dressed up ’trés chique’ and a joyous, celebratory mood filled the large room. The fun hat parade was well organized, one table at the time walk around as special music played, displaying their fancy hats. Chances for gorgeous gift baskets and silent auction items were available and the lucky winners proudly received them. The best part of the whole program was the presentation by Dr. Christopher Cortman as he delivered his speech on the ’three attitudes’ that were the theme for the luncheon: Attitude, Fortitude and Gratitude. Dr. Cortman had been a speaker before at BPWEV events and his well received presentations made him a popular speaker for this luncheon too.

Special thanks go out to Jennifer Meching for chairing the event and to her committee of Morina Chmielak, Esther Bird, Tonya Cher and Helena Cao. Thanks also to Irene Slattery, Joyce McCaffrey, Madleine Salerno and Debby Wolfe who helped with last minute details such as selling raffle tickets, checking in guests and helping pass out the baskets and auction items. And of course, thanks to those members who donated baskets for our raffle or were sponsors. This fundraiser was very successful due to the wonderfully generous members of our local organization.

Thanks again to our Platinum Sponsors:

Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe

Michael Saunders & Company-Tonya Cher & Irene Slattery

Eyes on You-Joyce McCaffrey

Senior Living Selections-Andre Santamaria

Freedom Health-Scot Ritchie

Thanks again to our Gold Sponsors:

Professional Travel Srvices-Morina Chmielak

West Coast Realty Venice-Ann Wacholder

Thanks again to our Silver Sponsors:

Tony and Carol DeGulis

Cookies for Scholarships

BPW member Carol Degulis is known throughout her community as the Queen of Baking. Her love for cooking and baking began when her mother taught her the basics as a young girl.

Carol is offering her baking skills to our organization in an effort to help raise money for scholarships.

Each month she will take orders for homemade Italian cookies. All of the ingredients will be donated and 100% of the profits will go towards scholarships.

Along with the previous options for Biscotti, Amaretto and Pizzelle, two new cookies will be Pecan Sandies and Peanut Butter kisses.

The cost is $15.00 for approximately 1.5 lbs. A two day notice is required for all orders. Order your holiday cookies early so you don't miss out on this great deal. You can freeze any of these cookies. Carol can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BPWEV meets every third Tuesday of each month at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice. The mission of BPWEV is “To achieve equity for all women through Advocacy, Education and Information." Nationally, BPW celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.

Englewood BPW was chartered in 1960. The organization believes strongly in “Women Helping Women”. To achieve this, the group offers Adult Learner Scholarships to women who are returning to college or vocational schools to achieve higher education in order to provide better for their families. www.bpwev.org

Women Helping Women 2020

Karin Drury

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Women Helping Women, one of BPWEV’s main missions, truly became a great success this year! Our members and guests contributed $900.00

to this annual project. Madeline Salerno and Karin Drury spent many hours shopping for 8 youngsters ranging in age from 2 - 13.

All the clothing asked for were purchased and for each child 1 or 2 toys that were on the ’need - wish’ list. A bicycle for the 13 years old ‘young lady’ was the most difficult item to find, but as you can see in the photo, one was found. Another training bike was donated for the 6 year old girl. “Needs” and “wishes” ranged from Boy Scout items to Sunday Church clothes. It was fun to shop for all this as well as for toys that didn’t exist when most of us were youngsters.

Each year I’m always profoundly touched by the generosity and commitment to this cause by our membership and guests. Madeline was a fantastic helper this year and without her persistence to find the right clothes and toys, some of them on line, this project could not have been accomplished as quickly as we had to do it this year as the deadline for delivery of everything to the Salvation Army was December 1, 20.

Thank you all!

Madeline Salerno and Karin Drury

Jewels of Business Women's Workshop-Thank you

Esther Bird

The December 5th "Jewels of Business" workshop was fantastic and everyone in attendance had a great time. The speakers were wonderful and the entire day was exceptional!

I want to again thank everyone who contributed to making this a successful event. First my committee (Morina, Sue Hogrete, Karen Helmick, and Jennifer Mechling). Without your help this event could not have happened. Also thank you to the speakers and our sponsors of the event.

The details of this event will be submitted to BPWFL with realistic hope that we will win again for "Best Individual Development Program" in the state. You can see a summary of the event in the following article

Summary of Jewels of Business Workshop

Karin Drury

The Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice (BPWEV) held a well attended workshop ‘Jewels of Business’ at Plantation Gold and Country Club on December 5, 2020. The speakers in the morning were: Veronika Winsky - Owner of “The Dream Life Formula Coaching”, a dynamic, inspiring presenter who left the ‘rat race’ corporate world after 8 years, determined tofulfill her own calling. Now a speaker and coach she speaks on virtual and live stages globally and teaching her clients how they can get re-energized and clear on their own purpose driven path, not some day but NOW!

Mark Rizzo addressed the subject “How to Stay Safe Online”. His background of 37 years of experience supporting the DoD Intelligence Community, IT platforms, ISSO for Genco Engineering Services, Inc. and his developing and managing securityplans and guidelines to establish a safe and protected operational environment, certainly gave him the knowledge and experience togive advice and suggestions on how to stay safe online. Mark currently is assisting the North Port Police Dept.’s IT department. He is also teaching mobile phones, tablets, and PC’s at the Senior Friendship Center of Venice.

William C. Mechling concluded the morning program with his presentation on "Improving your personal Health/ A Health Insurance Perspective”. William (Bill) is an Ohio licensed attorney who spent over 33 years working in the health industry. Bill began his career,after graduating from Law School, in the health insurance industry with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Central Ohio where he held the position of General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and President. After his 25 year career at Blue Cross, Bill accepted market lead roles with UnitedHealthcare in both their northern Ohio and Central Ohio markets. During his 8 years at UnitedHealthcare, Bill became intimately involved in the market introduction of an innovative product named RealAppeal which aimed at reducing overall health care costs by improving the individual health of UnitedHealthcare's insured. As a member of the RealAppeal test market and a spokesperson for the product, Bill has become an advocate for the importance of personal health and how to empower individuals to achieve and maintain lifelong wellness. His motivational presentation and narration of his personal journey to good health will inspire other people to follow his lead.

After lunch the program continued with 3 more presentations. Dr. Christopher Cortman, renowned Florida Psychologist and author of 3 books, talked about “Dealing with Personal Challenges”. Awarded a Doctorate of Psychology in San Diego, CA in 1983, Dr. Cortman has practiced in Florida since 1985. He received the 1st place Reader’s Choice Award by the Venice Gondolier Sun for “Best Psychologist” in the years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2917. He also won the award for “Outstanding Contributions to Psychology in the Public” in 2015 in the state of Florida. He appeared nationwide on talk radio and television, including Disney Radio, MTV, and ABC. Dr. Cortman continues to maintain a successful private practice while pursuing projects that enable him to meet a larger need for psychological expertise in the community. These projects include frequent public speaking with the use of ‘edu-tainment’, as he prides himself on providing an ‘educational’ experience riddled with humor that keeps the audience involved and ‘entertained’.

Dr. Karen Helmick, LAc.DOM, educated the audience about “Cosmetic Options for Women”. Dr. Karen grew up in Maryland, always wanting to become a successful professional athlete. She had the desire and work ethic, just not the genetics. So she changed her tactics and started to coach others and reveled in their successes. She coached track and field athletes until the strain of constant travel became too much for her. She left coaching and moved into being a collegiate professor. During that time her debilitating migraine headaches that had already started while attending college, became unbearable. Nothing seemed to work for these headaches that conventional medicine had to offer her. Finally she tried acupuncture. It changed her life so significantly that she decided immediately to change careers and study Oriental Medicine. As practicing Acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine she is happy that all her previous knowledge and careers meld so beautifully together - encouraging her patients toward better health. In her free time, Dr. Karen enjoys riding her horse, Omega, and spending time with her 4 rescue mutts!

Cynthia Fredericks talk about “How Do I Get It All Done” was very informative and educational with excellent advice to the audience on how to function more efficiently, skillfully, effectively in order to get your “to do list’ accomplished as originally planned, rather than procrastinating! Cynthia is an excellent example on doing what she preaches. Not only is Cynthia the treasurer for BPWEV, but she is also a star member of the EnglewoodChamber of Commerce. She is the co-founder of Triple S Englewood, a support group for business people. Her husband and Cynthia currently own and operate the "Quick Signs” shop in Englewood, where they live with their dog, Max. Cynthia moved from Kansas to Englewood in 2015. While in Kansas Cynthia served as the Director of the Volunteer Center at Hutchinson Community College where she coordinated with over 100 non-profit organizations throughout the community to place and support volunteers. She sent the audience home witha “To Do List Self Appraisal”, with great advice on that list.

Thank you Dana!

Karin Drury

The Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice (BPWEV) who held their annual Wine Tasting Scholarship fund raiser at Rumours, the new wine bar

at Lemon Bay Shopping Center, presented a thank you gift to Dana Kuhn, owner of the establishment, a beautiful crochet blanket!

The blanket was crocheted by BPWEV member Madeline Salerno. Madeline had also crocheted a blanket, just like the one in the photo, for the fundraiser where chance tickets were sold.

Dana Kuhn had set her heart on winning that blanket but wasn’t the lucky one that evening. She now is the lucky owner of another crochet blanket. BPWEV is very grateful to the owners, especially Dana who spent a lot of her time and efforts to make the Wine Tasting a success.

BPWEV is a 501(c)(3) Tax Deductible Non-profit Corporation, Florida Solicitation License #CH30762. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Division of Consumer Services may be reached at 1-800-HELP-FLA or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

Business & Professional Women of Englewood and Venice
P.O. Box 611, Englewood, FL 34295
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dinner Meeting, June-2021

Date: Tue., June 15, 2021
Time: Check-in 5:15, Dinner 6:00

Plantation Golf & Country Club

Speaker -Mary Anne Servian- CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Register Here

Registration Deadline:
June 13, 2021- 5 p.m.

morina and carol

You Are Invited!

BPW Englewood/Venice

BPW is not like any other organization.

The mission of this BPWEV shall be to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.

This organization was founded in 1919 and is unique in that it has a long history of advocating for women and is still passionately and effectively engaged in assuring equal rights, equal pay and equal opportunities in the workforce. Every working woman has benefited from the efforts of this organization in Education Foundation, Scholarships, Public Policy, Equal Pay and Lobbying for Women's Rights.

What We Do

Professional Development

Attend workshops and programs designed to enhance professional skills and leadership abilities such as Individual Development, Women in Transition, Young Careerist and the BPWEV/FL Leadership Institute.

Personal Development

Supporting each other is how we accomplish everything we do. Growing, expanding and trying new things is always better when you do it with others.

Scholarships

Assist women through scholarships to further formal education at the local level and through BPWEV/FL's Education Foundation.

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Special events are held throughout the year to raise funds for local charitable events and other causes relevant to working women.

We invite you to attend one of our meetings, learn more and join us! Simply click on the link at the top of this column to register for our next meeting.

Honoring Carol Kouba BPW Member for 40 Years!

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Carol Kouba-BPW Member of 40 Years with Morina Chmielak, BPWEV President

Karin Drury

Carol Kouba, a BPW member for 40 years, has been an outstanding example of loyalty and dedication to BPW. Carol moved to Florida in 1958 from Newark, Ohio. After High School graduation she attended the University of Florida for 2 years and was employed for 8 years at Shands Teaching Hospital in Gainesville transcribing medical reports. This started her career in medical information management. She became an Accredited Record Technician in 1984, Certified Coding Specialist in 1992 and received her Bachelor of Science in 1991 from St. Leo College. Carol was the first in her family to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

After her move to Englewood in 1972, Carol worked at the Venice Hospital where a friend encouraged her to join the local BPW Club. After Venice she was employed at Fawcett Memorial Hospital and retired from Sarasota County Health Department in 2005. Carol became a member of the Gulf and Bay BPW in Venice in 1979 and later joined BPW Englewood Venice. This amazing lady held most offices in BPWEV, with the exception of treasurer. BPWEV enjoyed her guidance and leadership as president for 3 years from 1996 - 1999. When BPW clubs still had districts, Carol stepped up to the position of District Director.

Each year Carol tries to attend the conference of BPW/FL in June, held at a different venue each year. She also enjoyed attending the BPW/USA National Conference in Reno, Nevada and another one when it was held in Orlando, FL. Carol doesn’t like to talk about everything that she has done for BPWEV in the past 40 years, besides being president for 3 years.

Bobbie Marquis, BPWEV president at that time, introduced the club to an electronic newsletter format about 12 years ago. Carol has been the publisher of the newsletter ever since! Just recently she is receiving help from the new member, Jennifer Mechling. The Scholarship Committee has counted on Carol for probably at least 10 - 12 years to be part of that committee. Carol was honored several years ago as BPWEV’s Woman of the Year, a much deserved recognition. In 1999/2000 when BPWEV first organized the Dollar for Mammogram 501 c (3) charitable organization, Carol volunteered to be on the Board of DFM. Even though DFM is no longer a BPWEV function, Carol still helps that organization and still serves on the Board.

Carol has a brother in Venice and 2 nieces, one in Venice and one in North Port. Her hobbies include reading, traveling when possible, a visit to a casino occasionally, playing bingo and BPWEV .

You will find Carol volunteering for every major event BPWEV has planned. The members of BPWEV are very grateful to this wonderful member for all her service and dedication to advancing BPWEV’s mission of “ Women Helping Women” and “To achieve equity for all women through Advocacy, Education and Information!

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June President's Message by Morina Chmielak

Welcome to June! Our local organization had a busy and successful month of May. We held our 1st “tea and pearls” fundraising event on May 1, which also begins our new fiscal year. The event was well attended and a lot of fun. On May 18, we welcomed 58 members and guests to the annual BFF event. Irene Slattery and her committee did a wonderful job with the entertainment and raffle items. There was lots of laughter in the room and many guests showed interest in joining our organization. I continue to be inspired by our members, as they enthusiastically raise their hands to help grow and promote BPWEV.

We have the opportunity to learn more about BPW by attending the State Conference June 17-20 at the Saddlewood Resort in Wesley Chapel. You may want to consider arriving Friday morning, staying one night and leaving on Saturday afternoon. You can register on the BPWFL.ORG site. I hope to see many of you there.

June is also the month we celebrate our Dad’s, living or departed. I remember fondly the many lessons my Dad taught me. One of the most important lessons was “knowing yourself and always knowing who you are”. My Dad was a prominent attorney in Cuba. When we arrive in the United States, he went to work in a factory. I remember how proud and grateful he was of his job, as a nuclear valve tester. He didn’t need letters after his name, he knew who and what he was. He did his job well because it mattered to him. Always give 100%, never less, he would say. Thanks Dad, I listened and I remember well!

May President's Message by Morina Chmielak

Welcome to May! As we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 9, I think back on the many women who have made a difference in my life. Beginning with my beloved late mother, who taught me at a young age to be strong, independent and most important, thoughtful and caring. Arriving in the United States at the age of ten, from Cuba, I was fortunate to have wonderful, caring teachers who took the time to not only teach me the English language but also to do my best in all aspects of life.

I think of all of us at BPWEV, how we are a “sisterhood” of thoughtful, caring, strong, independent women. Our local organization continues to grow because our members feel appreciated and valued. What a wonderful concept in an organization! We care about one another, we encourage, support and practice all the valuable lessons we learned from our mothers, teachers and so many women who have made a difference in our lives.

Morina Chmielak -BPWEV Woman of the Year

Karin Drury

Congratulations to Morina Chmielak, 2020 Woman of the Year!

It’s been a BPWEV tradition to honor one of our members at the October Dinner Meeting, which is also National Business Women’s Week, for her accomplishments in our organization, achievement in her work field, and for her service in her community in which she lives.

Morina was nominated for this honor by her BPWEV sisters! She is a perfect example of what can happen when one person is inspiring, organized, helpful, always there, motivating, kindhearted, supportive and truly a nice person!

Thank you, Morina, for guiding BPWEV in 2020 and the leadership you have shown us! We are very grateful to you!

Your BPWEV Sisters

April President's Message by Morina Chmielak

Welcome to April! If you look up the month of April on the National Month calendar, you find a long list of topics, ranging from Alcohol Awareness Month to Fresh Florida Tomato Month. One topic that stood out to me was Celebrate Diversity Month. It got me thinking of our local organization and how diverse we truly are. Most of us came to Florida from other states or countries. We have all been welcomed into BPW Englewood/Venice with open arms. Our members support and encourage us all in a positive and thoughtful manner. At times, we check on one another, laugh and even shed tears together. That is what “sisters” do. Our organization has a history of including all members and welcoming them long before it became a current topic. We have always known to treat people with kindness and respect. At the beginning of each of our meetings we begin with the Collect, by Mary Steward, which sets the tone and purpose of our organization. “May we put away all pretenses and meet each other face-to-face without self-pity and without prejudice”. “Grant that we may realize it is the little things that create differences, that in the big things in life we are at one”. “And may we strive to touch and to know the great common human heart of us all, and O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind”. An organization that begins their meeting with such a significant and meaningful message, is certainly worthy of your support and membership.

March President's Message by Morina Chmielak

Welcome to March, Women’s History Month! From Susan B. Anthony to Kamala Harris, women continue to strive, break barriers and achieve success through hard work and perseverance. In 2021, we saw Kamala Harris become the first woman Vice President of the United States. We witnessed the first female NFL referee, Sarah Thomas, officiate the Super Bowl, Kim Ng became the first woman GM in MLB history and Alyssa Nakken became the first woman in MLB to be named a Major League Coach. In the field of science, women have historically been underrepresented. That is slowly changing as more women with PhD degrees are hired by companies such as Merck, Pfizer and others. More are working in the field of Research and Development. Still, less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women. From Rosa Parks to Sandra Day O’Connor, Amelia Earhart to Sally Rice, Maya Angelou to Malala Yousafzai, women continue to excel because of their tenacity, determination, dedication, commitment, resolve and persistence. Those same words can be used to describe each of our LO’s members. We are making history by continuing to carry on the work this organization started 101 years ago. Well done ladies, well done!

January 2021 President's Message

Morina Chmielak

Happy New Year to All!

I don’t know of anyone who was not looking forward to putting behind the challenges of 2020. COVID-19 redefined the way we conducted our daily lives. Those of us who have family in other states were unable to be with them because of the many travel restrictions. Video chats became the norm and thankfully, we remained connected through different channels. Many things changed in 2020, but for the most part, we came to realize the importance family and friends play in our lives. Neighbors became closer, took longer walks together and found many areas of common grounds.

The members of BPWEV grew closer, too. When we resumed our monthly meetings in June, first time guests quickly became members. They all said, “what a welcoming group!”. We learned what a difference a simple smile can make to guests walking into our meetings for the first time. We learned to talk a little less, listen a little closer and make each other feel special. When we could not hug, we let each other know how good it felt to be with one another. We encouraged, lifted and reminded each other that we would get through the tough times together. We were determined to raise money for scholarships, and we did. One of the many lessons I learned from 2020 is that our local organization is stronger and closer than ever. Our members are resilient, committed and help to make our communities better. I have no doubt our LO will continue to grow and prosper.

BPW Englewood/Venice, the best is yet to come!

February President's Message by Morina Chmielak

Welcome to February, American Heart Month. We as women, are extremely good at juggling many tasks at the same time. We somehow find the time to be CEO’s, CFO’s, COO’s, chefs, decorators, gardeners, the list goes on and on. One task that we neglect is the most important of all – taking care of ourselves.

435,000 American Women have heart attacks annually. The average age is 70.4 years old. Forty two percent of women who have a heart attack die within 1 year, compared to twenty four percent of men. Under the age of 50, women’s heart attacks are twice as likely as men’s to be fatal. More than one in three female adults have some form of cardiovascular disease and heart disease continues to be the leading killer of women.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Nearly one in two US adults has hypertension, yet one in four have it under control. Other risk factors of heart disease are smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity. For women, withdrawal of the natural estrogen that occurs in menopause leads to lower good cholesterol and higher bad cholesterol.

We owe it to ourselves to be proactive, to slow down just enough to be aware of the signs our bodies may be sending us. Let’s promise each other that we will make time for ourselves because our loving and giving hearts matter!