August 17th Dinner Meeting-Speaker
Ellen McLaughlin-Program Director of Schoolhouse Link
Ellen McLaughlin is the Program Director for Schoolhouse Link, a homeless education program at the Safe Children Coalition. This program is a long-standing collaboration between the School Board of Sarasota County and the Safe Children Coalition (formerly the Sarasota Family YMCA). Ms. McLaughlin has been with the Schoolhouse Link Program for fifteen years. The program provides a variety of free services to ensure that homeless children and youth are able to enroll, attend and succeed in school.
Mrs. McLaughlin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University. She has worked with homeless families and youth for over twenty-five years. Her experience ranges from providing direct services in homeless shelters to outreach and case management for homeless youth and their families. She is dedicated to improving the lives and opportunities of homeless students in Sarasota County.
Sign up no later than Sunday, August 15th-5:00 p.m.
Dinner Meeting Menu and Registration, August 17, 2021
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Time: Check-in 5:15, Dinner 6:00
Cost: $26 (Door) / $27 (PayPal or Visa) Guests must pay online prior to the meeting
Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 15, 2021 - 5 p.m.
Speaker: Ellen McLaughlin is the Program Director for Schoolhouse Link
Dinner options:
Location: Plantation Golf & Country Club, Venice
Click for Map and Directions
Register Below:
Pearls of Wisdom Workshop-September 11, 2021
Esther Bird
PEARLS OF WISDOM WORKSHOP
(An individual development program)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021
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 pay for sponsorship online
A Special Thanks to our current sponsors:
Platinum Level:
Healthy Body Acupuncture-Dr. Karen Helmick
Senior Living Selections-Andre Santamaria
Michael Saunders-Irene Slattery & Tonya Cher
Gold level:
Sue Hogrefe of Gulfside Mortgage
Cyndi Fredricks of Quick Signs
Joyce McCaffrey of Eyes on You
Ann Wacholder-personal donation
One anonymous donation
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
Pearls of Wisdom Reminder
Esther Bird
“PEARLS OF WISDOM” WORKSHOP – SEPTEMBER 11, 2021
The workshop is only about six weeks away and I encourage all who are interested in attending to reserve your spot NOW! Seating is limited and we expect this event to be sold out.
For all details on this event, please read the flier (in this newsletter and on the website). You can reserve your seat by visiting bpwev.org. You will also be able to select the lunch of your choice at that time.
If you have knowledge of anyone who might be interested in sponsoring the event, please direct them to the website too. All information they will need is there. If there are any questions, feel free to call me at 315-440-6814.
Please support this BPWEV event. We hope to see you there.
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Three Newest Members to BPWEV
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
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
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
Tea and Pearl Party-May 1, 2021
Follow Up to:
“TEA and PEARLS PARTY “
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Installation of New Officers 2021-2022
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
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:
Members of the BPWEV Scholarship Committee. L to R: Natalie Bloom, Carol Kouba, Karin Drury, Esther Bird, Samira Easton
H'Attitude Luncheon-February 13, 2021
Karin Drury and Jennifer Mechling
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
Women Helping Women 2020
Jewels of Business Women's Workshop-Thank you
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.
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.