Skidaway Abigails l March 2022 |
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Hello Everyone:
We began the New Year in January with a stimulating set of programs. The first was a commemoration of the historical and cultural legacy of the Gullah Geechee people. Our WAG (Women Advocating for Georgians) program revealed a sobering assessment of the challenges posed for organizations like Planned Parenthood Southeast, that provides reproductive health and abortion services.
In February we offered an innovative departure from our Skidaway-based programs by heading downtown. As a follow-up to the wonderful September presentations made by the Executive Directors of CASA and Park Place Outreach, a group of Abigails went to tour these organizations. We met the dedicated staff, and got an up-close view of the critical services they offer to vulnerable youth and their families. The “field trip”, with lunch, gave the group the opportunity to become better acquainted with both new and longstanding members of the Abigails.
We salute WAG chair, Sandi Parshall and Abigails member Mary Smith, for their inspiring work collecting donations for the Afghan refugees who are arriving and building new lives in Savannah. Their work is a testament to the advocacy mission at the heart of Women Advocating for Georgians.
In March we look forward to the programs that focus on the rights of our LGBTQAI+ and migrant neighbors in Savannah. This is also the time of the year when we seek nominations to positions on our board. Please consider giving your time and talents to the Skidaway Abigails.
With all good wishes,
Susan Terrio |
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First City Pride
March 10 3:30 PM Hybrid meeting:
Messiah Lutheran Church and by Zoom
We welcome all vaccinated members and guests to the in-person meeting. |
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Dusty Church Chairman of the Board First City Pride Center |
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In the 6 years that Dusty Church has been in Savannah, he has led a reimagining of Savannah Pride and helped found both the First City Pride Center and The Current, a non-profit, non-partisan, investigative newsroom covering Coastal Georgia. First City Pride Center is an inclusive advocacy, social, and service organization actively working to meet the needs for safety, empowerment, education, and wellbeing of Greater Savannah’s LGBTQIA+ community. Currently, Dusty is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for First City Pride Center and he will discuss the current mission, outreach, and services provided by First City Pride. |
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Advocating for Immigrants Rights in South Georgia Migrant Equity Southeast March 15 7:00 PM Hybrid meeting:
Messiah Lutheran Church and by Zoom
We welcome all vaccinated members and guests to the in-person meeting.
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Daniela Rodriguez Executive Director |
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Christina Magaña Director of Operations and Outreach |
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Migrant Equity Southeast is a nonprofit located in southeast Georgia and serves more than 13 counties. Their mission is to fight for the liberation, economic justice, and human rights of underserved migrant and refugee communities in the Southeast, through empowerment, advocacy, and education. The families they serve are primarily from low-income immigrant communities that lack resources and representation. Some of their major programming includes rent assistance, food assistance, and COVID-19 vaccine events. The MESE Clothes Closet and Food Bank is located in Savannah and offers deliveries to families in Chatham County that do not have transportation. Due to language barriers in public services, Migrant Equity Southeast also frequently assists in translation needs, helping families navigate resources for their children's school, legal resources, housing rights, and medical resources. For more information, please check out their website at migrantequity.org.
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The Uncertain Future of Reproductive Rights |
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Kate Daley, Director of Development
Planned Parenthood Southeast |
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Kate Daley of Planned Parenthood SE presented a WAG program via Zoom on January 25. She provided historical background and a comprehensive update on the organization in a context marked by uncertainty over the future of reproductive services. Despite overwhelming support for abortion rights among Americans, the 1973 Roe V Wade decision is in real jeopardy given the conservative majority on the Supreme Court. One of the missions of PPSE is to break the stigma about abortion rights and to promote reproductive health services as basic health care. At a time when 26 states are ready to ban abortion, access to services across the South and the Mid West is already a critical problem. Such abortion deserts mean that minorities and young people are particularly at risk. She urged our membership to serve as volunteers at the PPSE health center on E. 71st Street in Savannah and to support the March 3 fundraiser.
Kate Daley shared these links for those interested in more information. PPSE Annual Report
Guttmacher Institute
How Abortion Has Changed Since 1973 (FiveThirtyEight.com)
Legacy in Action to purchase tickets or donate toward their fundraising event on March 3.
Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates to stay informed and sign up for legislative updates and campaign volunteering opportunities
If you are interested in training to become a clinic escort (weekday mornings only) please email kate.daley@ppse.org or call/text Kate at 919-417-4939. |
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Skidaway Abigails Site Visits:
Brightside Child & Family Advocacy Home of Savannah CASA &
Park Place Outreach February 10
Coordinated by Shanti Stone and Susan Terrio
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Brightside Child & Family Advocacy Home |
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In February we offered an innovative departure from our Skidaway-based programs by heading downtown. As a follow-up to the wonderful September presentations made by the Executive Directors of CASA and Park Place Outreach, a group of Abigails went to tour these organizations. We met the dedicated staff, and got an up-close view of the critical services they offer to vulnerable youth and their families. The “field trip,” with lunch, gave the group the opportunity to become better acquainted with both new and longstanding members of the Abigails.
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Dina Burke was born in New York City and grew up in Manhasset, Long Island. After graduation from Boston College, Dina says she “worked for Time-Life in an era when research meant going to the library not to Google!”
In 1966, she married Richard Burke and moved to Philadelphia, where she worked for the Bulletin newspaper. When an Army assignment brought them to Virginia, Dina taught fourth grade at a private academy. When Richard was in Vietnam, she worked with Urban America in New York.
Here in Savannah, Dina has worked as a substitute teacher at Country Day, and as a travel agent when her 2 children were in college. Both children were born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the family lived in San Francisco and Chicago before moving to The Landings in 1978.
Dina’s volunteer work has been extensive. She served as a Counselor for Planned Parenthood in San Francisco. In Savannah, she has volunteered as a counselor for the Florence Crittenton Home, an adult literacy teacher, a docent for Historic Savannah Foundation, and a Board Member of both the YMCA and Parent and Child Development. She spent 10 years, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and spent 10 more years as Chair of one of CASA’s Review Panels. In 2007 she was recognized by CASA as “Volunteer of The Year.”
Dina says she “was thrilled when Abigails was born, giving her an opportunity to meet other women interested in progressive causes.” She immediately joined WAG and led a group of members advocating for Women’s Health Issues and for Planned Parenthood.
For recreation, Dina and Richard enjoy walking the trails at the Landings, travel, films and reading. They are enthusiastic supporters of the SCAD Film Festival.
Dina, thank you for your commitment to serving your community, and your leadership in Women Advocating for Georgians/WAG. |
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We are now past the midpoint of our 2021-2022 year, and I would like to start a new tradition of recognizing our new members in this newsletter so that we can all get a chance to welcome them to our organization. In addition, at our in-person events please look out for name tags with a silver dot on them. The dots will identify our new members. Those that joined in the past 6 months are:
Nancy Avery, Carla Blumenthal, Connie Boole, Sherri Brecker, Barb Clark,
Paula Fisher, Susan Hailey, Sally Jegier, Kristie Kornhauser, Laurie Phillips,
Barbara Sayer, Marianne Schafer, Alisa Secofsky, Sue Souls,
Diane Thompson, Liebeth Turbati
We know that you all have very busy schedules but please make a point to read the Weekly Activities Guide email so you won't miss the excellent upcoming programs.
If you need to renew your membership, it only takes a couple minutes after viewing your profile our website www.skidawayabigails.org. However, if you encounter difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you know of anyone interested in joining, please refer them to our website where they can find out more about us and apply for membership as well.
Elizabeth Cowell
Membership Chair
elizcowe@gmail.com |
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Donation Drive for InspiritusCoordinated by Sandi Parshall |
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Abigails members Sandi Parshall and Mary Miller Smith held a drive for donations of furniture, household goods, and gift cards for the Afghan refugees settling here in Savannah. This drive concluded with a day of donations being dropped off at the Skidaway United Methodist Church. Two containers 10’ x 30’ were filled with donations and $2,800 of gift cards. Once again The Landings residents were very generous. As a result, Inspiritus will be able to supply furnishings for several apartments for Afghan families. More will be needed in the future. If you have anything to donate, please contact Inspiritus directly at 678-619-7798.
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Abigails Video ChatMarch 1, 8, 22, 29 3 PM Zoom Meetings
Coordinated by Sheila Grossman |
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As 2022 progresses, wouldn't you like to talk with like-minded women who can be a vital lifeline to keep us sane in these tumultuous and crazy days. Our conversations tend to be free-wheeling and profound and we learn from each other about what is going on in our community, locally and nationally. Please consider joining us for our next Abigails Video Chat. It's great to be able to talk openly about what we are learning and how we are feeling. |
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The America We Need Discussion Group
More than Money: the Monopoly on Meat
More than Money: Microsoft and the Big Tech Question
Friday, March 18
9:30 am Zoom Meeting
Led by Annette Carnow |
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As we know, our Democracy is in grave danger. Not only has our society become more polarized and strident but economic power has increasingly become concentrated in key industries. As Lina Kahn, the head of the Federal Trade Commission, has expressed, “Monopolies not only hurt consumers and business but harm our Democracy”.
Recently, the radio program "On Point" on Nation Public Radio(NPR), did a fascinating five part series, dealing with the hidden power of monopolies in America. For our next discussion group, March 18, 9:30 am, please listen to the following programs:
More than Money: the Monopoly on Meat - from February 14, 2022 This episode looks at how corporate monopolies dominate the beef industry. "It's failed consumers on one end of the supply chain, and it's failed the American family farmer and rancher on the other."
More than Money: Microsoft and the Big Tech Question - from February 15, 2022 Microsoft wants to acquire Activision-Blizzard for almost $70 billion. Microsoft says it won't harm consumers. But is the mega-merger a new kind of monopoly?
Whether this will be a Zoom discussion or in person meeting has yet to be determined. If you are willing to host this group at your home, please contact Annettecarnow@gmail.com. |
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Reel Time March 23 at 4:00PM via Zoom
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Coordinated by Annette Carnow |
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As we eagerly await the nomination and appointment of the first black woman to the United States Supreme Court, it is fitting to recognize one the most brilliant and progressive legal minds who broke barriers during the days of Jim Crow. Pauli Murray’s legal reasoning and political activism inspired both Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsberg, yet her name is largely unknown. Written and directed by Betty West and Julie Cohen, the women who made the film RBG, this documentary tells the story of the remarkable black, transgender person, who fought for equality for oppressed people, regardless of race or gender, and laid the important groundwork for future legal scholars.
The film is available to watch on Amazon Prime. There is also an excellent article about her, on-line, in the April 17, 2017 edition of The New Yorker Magazine, entitled “The Many Lives of Pauli Murray”, written be Katheryn Schulz.
At this time we have yet to decide whether we will meet via Zoom or in person. If you are willing to host the discussion group at your home, please contact annettecarnow@gmail.com. |
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Abigails Pot Luck DinnerApril 24 At Members' Homes
Coordinated by Pat Wallace |
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On February 6, eleven Abigails and six “Plus Ones” enjoyed the first post-pandemic Abigails Potluck Dinners on Sunday, February 6. It was such a treat to finally get together, sharing delicious food and delightful conversation - and getting to know each other around a dining room table! Rosemary Mackey and Pat Wallace each hosted 7 or 8 people in their homes. Our Spring Potluck Dinners will be held on Sunday, April 24. Details will follow as we get a bit closer to that date. If you are interested in dining with a small group of friendly and like-minded people in the home of a fellow Abigail, we would love to have you!
Pat Wallace, Pot Luck Dinner Coordinator |
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Canasta Coordinated by Sue Kantor |
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We are happy that Abigails Canasta is thriving. Our group has become quite large and is now closed. However, if there is enough interest, we can start a second, separate group. This new group is welcome to set themselves up to suit their players. Playing whatever day and time works for them, as long as it does not conflict with other ongoing Abigails activities. Please remember, all members of Abigails Canasta groups must be members in good standing. If you would like to play or help organize this group please email suegkantor@gmail.com |
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The AM Book Group currently has 8 members and is looking to add one more. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 am. Each month one member chooses a book they have read and would like to share with the group. The recommending member then facilitates the discussion of the book. The book choice rotates among all the members and is usually announced 2-3 months in advance to give everyone time to read the book. If you would like to join this group please contact Sheila Jannino at sjannino11@gmail.com. |
The PM Book Group will be meeting on March 16. They will be reading "Praying for Sheetrock" by Virginia Marcotullio . If you would like to join us please email paaron@comcast.net. |
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Message From Your Board of Directors |
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Your 2021-2022 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 nonpartisan organization of progressive, liberal women whose purpose is to provide engagement opportunities for social, educational and advocacy activities to its members. We welcome women who support our values to join us, regardless of residence, race, ethnicity, age, religion or gender identification. 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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