Category: President's Letter

This month is very special because we celebrate Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving Day. We honor our veterans, those that are serving now and those that made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

We are having our November meeting at Artur’s Restaurant. Our speaker this month is Laura Fogarty, DAMSEL IN DEFENSE DIRECTOR, SAFETY EDUCATOR. Laura retired after working for 25 years at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Home ) for military Veterans located in Washington DC. She held two positions: Recreation Director and Safety and Occupational Health Manager. Upon retirement, Laura wanted to find something that would be meaningful and provide a purpose. In January 2019, Laura joined Damsel in Defense with its mission; to protect, prepare and prevent people from being victims of crime. This was a winning opportunity for her next chapter.

We decided at the Board Meeting that we would have our members bring a non-perishable item, cases of water, or anything else that a person in need may appreciate to be given to a local food.

We are also making plans for our 15th Annual Passport Wine Tasting fundraiser to be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Venice Wine & Coffee Bar at 201 Venice Ave. West, Venice, FL 34285 from 5:30 PM to 8 PM. We have sponsor opportunities available. Ticket prices will be $40 prior to the event and $45 at the door. There is a luncheon on November 11th at the Oak and Stone Restaurant in Wellen Park at 12:30 PM to work out committee responsibilities.

Please let me know if you are interested in attending by calling or texting me at (941) 350-2804.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Sue Hogrefe, BPWEV President