Venice AAUW is a proud sponsor of this fascinating endeavor by a very strong and determined young woman. Our Venice AAUW logo is proudly displayed on the bow of her boat. In April, the presentation was devoted to the experiences of Anna McLean, a Venice resident, two-time Guinness World Record holder, graduate of Clemson University, and rower extraordinaire. The Jervey Library meeting room was packed with nearly 150 attendees, including many visitors who had met—or are following—Anna and her dream. Pam Swarts, Program Director and Co-President Jan Harris warmly introduced Anna, whose program was entitled “My Row Across the Atlantic Ocean.”
On the approach to the library, there was an immediate WOW: A very unique boat was parked in the entryway! What precluded this exhibit was Anna’s prior accomplishments.
In 2020, Anna and her brother embarked on a monumental journey, rowing across the Atlantic in 43 days, 15 hours and 22 minutes. They became the first brother/sister team (they dubbed themselves “Team Seablings”) to row an ocean, and the fastest mixed pair. Anna shared their story, recounting the numerous hardships, challenges, and setbacks they encountered. Yet, their story was a testament to the power of attitude, perspective, and perseverance. Even her
mother shared how she leaned on her faith to get her through the worry.
Looking ahead, Anna and Jenny D’Anthony are preparing for their next challenge: a race beginning June 8th in Monterey Bay, California, culminating in Kauai, Hawaii. The crossing is expected to take approximately 60 days and cover 2,800 miles — all in a two-seater rowing boat, with everything needed to survive onboard. The former Clemson roommates and rowing teammates are united in pursuing new challenges. They will race under the banner “United Row,” a non-profit organization they founded to raise funds for charity through extreme
endurance events. Their primary charitable cause is “Hear Her Roar,” which supports women student-athletes at Clemson University. From our sponsored event, United Row received contributions of over $1000.
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On March 28 a few Venice AAUW members attended a girls’ fastpitch softball game to support the team the branch has sponsored. The team is undefeated so far and is headed for a midseason tournament in April in Cape Coral. The girls, coach, and parents seemed to really appreciate the support!
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Congratulations to us for our successful HOME TOUR!
Together we raised over $23,000 with $1050 coming from artisans and $1,200 coming from the raffles. This will enable us to continue our scholarships for women returning to their education and send some middle school girls to Tech Trek.
A special thanks to Marge Ostrom, Patti Warner, Bobbi Amero, Judy Houston, Charlene Turczyn and Elaine Winquist for chairing complicated committees. Our house mothers also did an outstanding job, so congratulate Suzanne Biviano, Jane Farley, Joyce Mikulski, Carol Stevenson, Lynda Weston and Pam Swarts.
We are so proud of everyone who helped, and our homeowners have complimented our professionalism.
Co-chairs,
Trena Kelly and Dagmar (Dee Collins)
2024 HOME TOUR ISLAND CHARM
Friday, February 9, 2024
10 AM to 4 PM
Tickets can be purchased at the following merchants:
Island Book Shop: 205 Miami Avenue
Venice Olive Oil: 101 West Venice Ave S
Naples Soap Company: 19790 Wellen Park Blvd
Gulf Breeze Art and Framing: 1740 E. Venice Ave. #16
Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave. S
Tickets are $35.00 purchased in advance of February 9, 2024/ $40.00 on day of the tour.
Online tickets can also be purchased at this Website.
App.aplos.com/aws/events/aauw_home_tour
September, 2023
Dear Venice AAUW (VAAUW) Members,
It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that we write to you as our very first order of business as your new CoPresidents. We Invite you to soar with us to new heights by sharing our visions and goals for the next two years.
The theme for our Co-Presidency is !All Aboard!” As Board members, please come !On Board” with us to provide
leadership and incredible opportunities for our members. We want !all” to meet and interact with like-minded,
intelligent, service-oriented women. That we experience meaningful social and formal learning. And together we share
knowledge which provides for collaborative growth and learning.
As an introduction, we have four earnest targets we hope to achieve. Even though the acronym is DIVA, by no means are
we that. Well, maybe a little!
Let’s make a DIFFERENCE. Let’s deliver initiatives that can be measured by their impact, have an important affect, and
might even be remarkable!
Let’s be INCLUSIVE. We want “on board” membership to include everyone in everything. We want you to be comfortable
and active within our branch as well as within our SIGs.
Let’s be VISIBLE. Let VAAUW be seen doing worthwhile endeavors, sponsoring programs, and initiating activities.
Let’s be AWARE. We want to have knowledge and sensitivity to the many issues and current topics that exist within our
branch, our community, our State, and our Nation.
In your issue of Venice Views, you will receive:
• Organization Chart showing our VAAUW Board’s hierarchy and names identifying the talented leaders who are fulfilling
each directorship or committee head
• Identification of Home Tour’s leadership
• 2023-24 Calendar highlights
• Program Director Pam Swarts proposals for Branch meetings
And…we are up, up, and away! See you October 12, 10 am EST at the Venice Library on the Island.
Best,
Jan Harris and Bev Weltzien
Co-Presidents – VAAUW 2023-2025
OUR SOFTBALL TEAM UPDATE
Opening Day was Saturday, September 16, at Wellfield Park. Pam Swarts, Joy Mahler, and I had the pleasure of watching their first game of the fall season. They are fabulous, enthusiastic, and talented young women who easily defeated their opponents while demonstrating true sportsmanship.
Please check their schedule for upcoming games at missvenicefastpitch.com. Look for the team 14/16 Coach Jason.
Here are some pictures from Opening Day. Guess what? Joy Mahler’s granddaughter, Liz #7, is on our team! Play ball, AAUW!
Joyce Mikulski Vice President
