Skidaway Abigails l May 2023 |
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To help celebrate the tenth anniversary of Skidaway Abigails, we’re offering monthly quotes and fun facts from the original Abigail. |
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“It's never too late to get back on your feet. Though we won't live forever, make sure you accomplish what you were put here for.”
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Abigail Adams died of typhoid fever in 1818 at age 73. Her son John Quincy Adams became President six years later. Barbara Bush was the only other woman whose husband and son both served as U. S. Presidents.
Submitted by Patty Koch |
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As the summer break approaches, we can look back on a memorable year of firsts: the September Kick Off Social, the Holiday Party, the New Member Gatherings, and a new dining out activity. All of these social events have been well received and very well attended. In fact, five of the six new additions to our board were recruited after they attended a New Member coffee or cocktail party.
Our April program featured Sue Adler, Executive Director of the Historic Savannah Foundation, who spoke about their impressive record of preserving 420 properties in the city. Almost 80 Abigails and Hamiltons came to hear this excellent program (see below.).
On April 26 we will celebrate our first ten years with a spectacular 10th anniversary gala dinner at the Palmetto Club. As of this writing, 106 of our members have signed up for what will be a wonderful evening of commemoration, camaraderie, and fun. If you are not able to join us, we will have both photos and a video for you to view.
Don't forget to sign up for our final program on May 18 at 3:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at the Messiah Lutheran Church. This will be your opportunity to make your voices heard about the future direction of the Abigails.
Also at the Messiah Lutheran Church, please note that there will be a free keynote on June 4 from 4:00-6:00 PM by David Ambroz, author of A Place Called Home. This riveting memoir is a chronicle of Ambroz's painful journey through homelessness, poverty, and the foster care system to become a nationally recognized child welfare advocate. The book was featured at the 2023 Savannah Book Festival and Ambroz returns to Savannah to present it.
If you are interested in supporting a fundraising evening at Migrant Equity Southeast, please contact Daniela Rodriguez (danielarodriguez1@gmail.com) or Christina Magaña (cmagana.sav@gmail.com). The event will be held at the Minto to be Mojito Bar and Bites at 12 W. State St on Thursday, May 11, 5:00-7:00 PM.
I hope that you are enjoying our delightful spring weather, whether you garden, golf, gather with friends or travel.
Very Best,
Susan
President of the Skidaway Abigails |
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Looking forward! What matters to you?
May 18, 2023 3:00PM
Messiah Lutheran Church 1 West Ridge Road |
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Our May program is already generating excitement! Please join us for a new and different event allowing us all to offer our ideas, thoughts, and concerns in a fun and social atmosphere.
Whether you're a founding member, or a new Abigails member, we want this group to be what you hope it could be. At our May meeting we will work in small and large groups to receive input on what matters to you, what you value from Abigails, and what you wish for Abigails in the future.
Part social event, part idea generation, this meeting will be a fun way to not only talk to and hear from fellow Abigails, but also to shape the future of our organization. In preparation please see our updated Skidaway Abigails mission statement (below) and begin thinking about what matters to you.
New Mission Statement:
The Skidaway Abigails is a group of progressive, liberal women engaging in social, educational, and advocacy activities as a non-partisan organization. We foster a welcoming environment for friendship, provide an array of learning opportunities, and advance social justice impacting the broader community. |
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Historic Savannah Foundation
April 13, 2023
Co-ordinated by Carolyn DeFrancesco and Shanti Stone |
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Susan Adler, MA, CEO and President
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On April 12th the Skidaway Abigails presented a fascinating and compelling program featuring Susan Adler, MA, the CEO and President of Historic Savannah Foundation(HSF). HSF is the oldest and principal organization dedicated to the historic preservation in the city. Sue began her program by explaining the origins of HSF whose mission is to preserve Savannah for the next generation.
Originally founded by seven women in 1955, the first project was to save the 1820 Isaiah Davenport House on Columbia Square. Their highly successful restoration propelled the women to expand and continue their work. With the help of many supporters and donors, 420 historic buildings have been saved!
When completed the buildings are sold, usually to first time homeowners and with affordable housing covenants attached to the properties. Easements are also attached to protect the facade of the restored property in perpetuity. During the time of COVID-19, HSF decided to concentrate on neighborhoods, where several buildings were in need of work. Of particular interest right now is the Cuyler Brownville neighborhood where the Kiah House is located. It will be completed soon and sold. Proceeds will go into the Revolving Fund, which allows HSF to purchase the next property to be saved.
Sue finished by showing us the beautiful work done at the Kennedy Pharmacy on Broughton, including the creation of the Preservation Center at the back of the building. In addition, the basement of Davenport House which had been used as a gift shop will be transformed to reflect the life of the enslaved people who lived there and worked for the Davenports, an addition which will greatly enhance the educational experience at the museum. Sue’s presentation sparked many questions and her enthusiasm was contagious.
If you were unable to attend the program, you can view it by clicking HERE. |
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Carolyn was born in Hartford, CT and received her degree in Classics from Brown University. She went on to graduate from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law and practiced law in Los Angeles for many years. During that time she was active on the boards of several nonprofits, including the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law, and the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles where she chaired the Pro-Choice & Reproductive Rights Committee. She also served on the Conference of Delegates to the State Bar Committee as well as the Appointive Office Committee evaluating judicial and political candidates. She continues to visit her family and friends in Los Angeles every year.
In 2002 she was reconnected with her college boyfriend, Marty, who by then was a widower with four young children in North Carolina. They married and Carolyn became a “soccer mom” driving a minivan to violin lessons and basketball games. When she returned to work, she became a specialist in planned giving, in particular at Elon University, and served as the president of the North Carolina Planned Giving Council. During that time she served on other boards including Family Abuse Services of Alamance County and the YMCA of Greensboro.
Carolyn and Marty moved to The Landings from Greensboro in 2019. They spend time golfing, traveling and playing with Goldie, their mini Goldendoodle. Carolyn has a special affinity for Rhode Island where her family had a beach house for many years and spends time there every summer. She co-chairs Programming for the Abigails and Needle Arts for New Neighbors. She enjoys reading, knitting, walking - and trying new restaurants!
Thank you, Carolyn, for your commitment and service to Skidaway Abigails. |
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Please join us in welcoming Enid Dachs, Sherry Jacobson, Anne Starobin, and Leslie Steinberg as the most recent new members of our Abigails community. We’re looking forward to introducing them to our other members at upcoming events.
We know you’re thinking “How do I get one of those very cool Abigails logoed metal name badges?”. Our metal name badges are $10.00 each (including tax and shipping) and you can get the details and order online by clicking HERE.
Are your friends interested in learning more about Abigails? We would love to meet them! Encourage them to check our website for information or contact us directly to learn more about membership. You can also introduce your friends to Abigails by bringing them as a guest to one of our monthly events for only $10. Elizabeth Cowell and Sue Stephenson, Membership Co-Chairs elizcowe@gmail.com sueostephenson@gmail.com |
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Abigails Video Chat
May 9 & 23
3 PM Zoom Meetings
Coordinated by Sheila Grossman |
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Abigails Video Chats have been a great way for members to easily gather. Just turn on your computer and join our meet-up. We hope you'll consider this easy and fun way to check in with other women and take an hour to talk about everything that's going on in our crazy world! |
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The America We Need May 19 9:30AM 16 Robert Reid Court Coordinated by Annette Carnow |
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In August of 2019, the New York Times devoted its entire magazine section to the 1619 Project. There was no doubt to anyone who read that issue that it represented a shift in the way US history would be viewed and taught.
Likewise, an article in this past March in The New York Times, taken from the recently published book Poverty, by America written by Pulitzer Prize winning sociologist Mathew Desmond, promises to have a similar effect on how we look at the economics of our society. Our America We Need Discussion will focus on the issue of why poverty in America is so intractable when we meet on May 19 at 9:30AM at 16 Robert Reid Court.
Read the article:
print article - New York Times Magazine, March 12, 2023, “A problem We can’t seem to fix”, Matthew Desmond
Or online - New York Times, March 9, 2023, “Why Poverty Persists in America”, Matthew Desmond In addition, please read Alex MacGilles' review of Desmond's book in the NY Times: click HERE to access the review.
Or take a deeper dive and read the whole book: Poverty, by America, Matthew Desmond |
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Coordinated by Diane Hartley |
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E-TANG is as close to authentic Chinese/Cantonese food as you can find in Savannah. Reviewers rave about the soup dumplings, bao, braised eggplant, cumin lamb, or flaming beef. We'll have two eight top tables for lots of conversation and fun. Join us!
E-TANG 513 Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401 May 16 5:30PM
Please register below. Limit 16 people.
For more information contact Diane Hartley dianehartley1901@yahoo.com |
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Our Friday Abigails Canasta group continues to be active and meets on Fridays from 1 - 3 pm. This group is coordinated by Sue Kantor. (suegkantor@gmail.com)
We also have a Monday Abigails Canasta group. We play the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 2 - 4 pm. If you are interested in playing please contact Diane Hartley. (dianehartley1901@yahoo.com) Subs needed: We are often looking for subs at our regular Abigails Canasta. If you're interested in being a sub or learning how to play contact Diane Hartley at dianehartley1901@yahoo.com.
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The AM Book Group meets at 10 AM on the third Wednesday of each month. There are now three openings. If you'd like to join this group please contact Sheila Jannino at sjannino11@gmail.com. |
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The PM Book Group will meet on May 24. They will be discussing "Oh William" by Elizabeth Strout. The reviewer will be Elaine Borruso.
If you would like to join this group, please contact Phyllis Aaron at 610-203-4393 or paaron@comcast.net.
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Message From Your Board of Directors |
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Your 2023-2024 Board of Directors, like you, are proud Abigails members. We are committed to serving the mission, and the members, of Skidaway Abigails. We look forward to a great year with our Abigail friends and sisters in action! |
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The Skidaway Abigails is a group of progressive, liberal women engaging in social, educational, and advocacy activities as a non-partisan organization. We foster a welcoming environment for friendship, provide an array of learning opportunities, and advance social justice impacting the broader community.
What We Value
A strong commitment to women's health and safety including family planning; health education, screening and research; and protection from domestic abuse and the full range of offenses against women, from harassment in the workplace to sex trafficking.
A society that provides services for its poor and its children including basic shelter, food, physical and mental healthcare, quality fact-based education, childcare, pre-K development and college opportunity.
Fair and equitable treatment for the working class including a livable minimum wage; pay equity for women; reducing the gap between the average employee's compensation and corporate executives'; affordable health care; a future in our country for working immigrants; and equitable treatment under the criminal justice system.
Fair and equitable treatment for our Lesbian/Gay/Bi-sexual/ Transgender population in all aspects of our society. We support their right to marry and create a family,
Regulation that respects individual freedom while protecting the community including the licensing and control of firearms; and eliminating unwarranted surveillance, personal data collection and criminal profiling.
Protecting our planet from mankind's impact on earth's climate and precious natural resources ranging from fresh water to the honey bee. We want to better understand opportunities to enhance sustainability.
Being informed and represented on political issues related to our values including voter registration and the right of citizens to vote; the stated positions of local, state and federal candidates; and access to articles and subject-matter-experts on value-related issues. |
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Current Elected Officials Contact Information |
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Governor Brian Kemp
206 Washington St, 111 State Capitol. Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-1776
https://georgia.gov/contact-georgiagov
US Rep. (Dist. 1) Earl "Buddy" Carter
6602 Abercorn St, Ste 105B, Savannah, GA 31405
(202) 225-5831
http://buddycarter.house.gov/contact/
US Senator Jon Ossoff
Hart Senate Office Building, Suite 825 B&C
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-3521 (DC)
https://www.ossoff.senate.gov
US Senator Raphael Warnock
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Suite B40D
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3643 (DC)
https://www.senate.gov/senators/117thCongress/warnock-raphael.htm
State Senator Ben Watson
320-B Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg, Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-7880
ben.watson@senate.ga.gov
State Senator Lester Jackson
110-B State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 463-5261
lester.jackson@senate.ga.gov
State Representative Jesse Petrea
408-B Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg, Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 657-1803
jesse.petrea@house.ga.gov |
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