PORT ST. LUCIE – The Port St. Lucie Business Women ended their 38th year with the Installation of new Board members at its holiday party on Dec. 6 at the Legacy Golf and Tennis Club in PGA Village in St. Lucie West.
Installation Committee member Elaine Anderson welcomed members and their guests to celebrate the remarkable women of the organization. “We have brought support to women in the community through services we’ve assisted, scholarships and seminars,” said Anderson. “This small but mighty group has encouraged women through seminars featuring well-known experts such as Helen Thomas and Dr. Joyce Brothers, among others. That this group could get such incredible pioneer women to what was then the little city of Port St. Lucie is impressive,” she added. While the Port St. Lucie Business Women spends each year bringing hope and help to others through scholarships, grants and sponsorships, “tonight we will celebrate ways to nourish ourselves and each other,” said Anderson.
Anderson mentioned that the Installation Committee originally was chaired by Shirley Melachrinoudis, who recently succumbed to breast cancer. Intertwined with lighted wreath were sprigs of fragrant herbs, including rosemary for remembrance, thyme, which has found to cause cell death in breast cancer cells, basil for inducing happiness and sage for its healing abilities.
Outgoing President Tammy Crandell provided Words of Wisdom. Reflecting on the past year, Crandell noted that the Business Women has grown its membership almost to full capacity, had a banner year for fundraising from the annual Fashion Show, and expanded media exposure. She encouraged members to embrace change, that old and new ideas can mesh. “Never lose sight of the mission,” said Crandell. “Together, we will continue to be a strong force for our county, positively affecting those in our community.”
A candle lighting ceremony was held where each newly elected Board member lit a candle after Charter Member Karen Miret recited the responsibilities of their particular position, with each one pledging to faithfully perform all duties belonging to their elected office. Potted rosemary plants were presented to incoming President Angela Hayle, Vice President Donna DeMarchi, Secretary Robbi Giaccone, and Treasurer Patricia Garcia King.
Incoming president Angela Hayle quoted local author, Wendy Dwyer, reiterating that our members can accomplish great things in their careers and their lives. Dwyer wrote that we don’t have to be incredibly talented, breathtakingly beautiful, exceptionally educated, supremely connected, or extremely wealthy. All we have to be is ourselves. With that said, Hayle encouraged members to be a blessing by encouraging others and taking time to care. “Ladies, let’s fill our organizational friendships with kindness, love, laughter and success,” said Hayle in closing.
The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 38-year-old professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of business women and serving our community. For more information, visit www.pslbw.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.
This article was distributed through Treasure Coast Business, a news service for the readers and advertisers of Indian River Magazine.
