Skidaway Abigails  l  February 2022

In This Issue

President's Message

Upcoming Events

Program Recaps

Member Spotlight

Membership

Activities

Board of Directors

Mission Statement

Elected Officials

n This Issue

President's Message

Upcoming Events

Member Spotlight

Communications Update

Activities

Announcements: The Glorias

A Message from your Board of Directors

Membership

Mission Statement

Contact Information

 

President's Message

Hello Everyone:

On January 13 Betsy Beekman resigned from her duties as President of the Abigails in order to attend to the family challenges she faces this year. As I take over from Betsy, I am very aware of the time, commitment, and responsibility that the position of President requires. I hope that I can count on all of you to work with me and to share your views as we pursue the opportunities and navigate the challenges that will unfold in 2022.

We are very grateful to Betsy for her leadership over the past 18 months and for her passionate commitment to the progressive issues that are the bedrock of our organization. Betsy often began our programs by reading from the Skidaway Abigails mission statement stating that we are a nonpartisan organization of progressive, liberal women. I believe strongly in the mission and values of this organization. Under my leadership, and with your help, we will maintain our commitment to offering programs that inform and engage our members on issues that affect the lives of residents at the Landings, in downtown Savannah, and in Chatham County as a whole. Our advocacy wing will remain focused on identifying and calling out inequities in key institutions, policies, and legislation through direct action and campaigns for change. By the end of this year, we will have reaffirmed our mission by offering programs on at risk youth, the lack of affordable housing in Savannah, the legacy of environmental sustainability on Skidaway, the threat to reproductive rights as well as the challenges of welcoming refugees, helping undocumented families, and safeguarding the rights of the LGTBQ community. 

At our January program one member warned me that assuming the Presidency of the Abigails at this moment in time was “courageous.” She was, I think, referring to the political divisions that are roiling communities around the country and also, here at the Landings. In the wake of recent assaults on our democratic institutions and the spread of disinformation on topics of vital public interest, we must, to quote Jimmy Carter, “resist the polarization that is reshaping our identities around politics.” We can disagree on policies and still work for change in constructive ways. Yet we must remain committed to open, honest, and civil dialogue and stand up to the forces that divide us. 

We look forward to welcoming new members and encourage you to think about serving on a committee, leading a group activity, or joining the WAG steering committee, to name just a few of the opportunities that we offer. Whether you choose to volunteer your time or to continue attending our programs, you will find yourself in a welcoming community of like-minded women. 

With all good wishes,

Susan Terrio

President, Skidaway Abigails

 Upcoming Events

You Asked!! 

Skidaway Abigails Site Visits:

Brightside Child & Family Advocacy Home of Savannah CASA

February 10

9:50 AM - 11:00 AM

&

Park Place Outreach

February 10

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

We welcome vaccinated members to participate.  Masks will need to be worn when inside.

Members who wish to lunch together may do so between the site visits.

Coordinated by Shanti Stone and Susan Terrio

 

Brightside Child & Family Advocacy Home


Park Place Outreach

After 30 years of providing exceptional advocacy and services, Savannah CASA is expanding to meet the needs of foster care childrenKate Blair, CASA's Executive Director, tells us that 360 children entered foster care last year in Chatham County.  She has graciously invited the Skidaway Abigails to visit Casa's recently expanded facility, Brightside Child & Family Advocacy Home of Savannah CASAThis supervised visitation and family support center opened in January of this year. We will hear a staff  presentation about the new center and speak with CASA volunteers about their work with foster care children.  We will meet at The Bright House: (761 Wheaton St, Savannah on the 5th Floor) at 9:50 AM for a presentation from 10 AM - 11:00 AM.  

Following the presentation, interested Abigails can have lunch and then travel to our second site visit at:


Park Place Outreach (514 E. Henry St, Savannah) is where we will meet Julie Wade’s successor, Executive Director Desmond Crayton at 1:30-2:30 PMDesmond Crayton explains the mission of Park Place Outreach, “I believe for families to function in a healthy way our communities must support them with love and empower them by teaching them the necessary skills to be successful.”  We are excited to hear his ideas for meeting the ever-changing needs of at-risk teens who experience trauma and homelessness in our community. Aren’t you?

Program Recap

The History and Cultural Legacy of the Gullah-Geechee People             

January 13


Messiah Lutheran Church and by Zoom



Coordinated by Shanti Stone and Susan Terrio

Dr. Christen Clougherty, founder of the Nobis Program in Savannah, talked about how the program offers cultural immersion experiences for local students and educators, with the goal of building partnerships across groups, hearing the under-told stories of local people and histories, and learning how to challenge inequity and discrimination. Participants in the workshops learn the power to effect change by establishing relationships with people different from them. Understanding how history, power, and diverse relationships come together is the basis of cultural competence and a necessary component in avoiding global conflict. 

One of the Nobis programs, Black Land Matters in Savannah, is run by Dr. Jamal Toure, a professor and cultural historian or Djeli.  He spoke of the local histories that were lost through slavery, diaspora, and residential development in Savanah and on Skidaway Island. These histories come from the movement of the large numbers of Gullah people from the low country in South Carolina and Georgia to Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Oklahoma, southern Texas, and New Mexico. He strives to dismantle the myths surrounding these peoples and to tell the full history of the Gullah through institutions like the Geechee Kunda Cultural Center and Museum in Riceboro, Georgia.

Professor Toure talked about the history of Skidaway Island, emphasizing the early presence of slaves, and a school for black children operated by Benedictine monks from 1878 to 1889. He debunked the myth that Charleston, SC was the first city to grow tea, pointing out that Skidaway Island was the first. He reminded us that Skidaway Island, Burnside and Modena were left out of many Gullah-Geechee stories. He told us that the multiple languages spoken by Gullah-Geechee people- Gullah, Afro Seminole Creole, Arabic, and Portuguese- are a testament to the global reach of their history. His own family history is intimately linked to this island. His father managed the dining room at The Landings Club and hired young people from the Gullah community at nearby Pinpoint to give them a start. His message was that we have to care for the least and the left out because that elevates us all.

Member Spotlight

Susan Kurtain

We are pleased to focus our February member spotlight on Susan Kurtain who has served as Secretary of the Abigails Board since 2020. 

Susan moved to The Landings full time with her husband Bill from New Jersey/Pennsylvania, just two days after her retirement in October of 2018. She grew up in Durham, NC where her father was affiliated with Duke University.  At sixteen she moved with her family to Washington, D.C. where she finished high school and went on to attend West Virginia Wesleyan College, graduating with a bachelors degree in Business.  Upon completing college, she moved back to her family home, which was now in Princeton, NJ. “Originally, I thought this would be temporary move,” says Susan, “but 44 years later found me having had a career and raising two children in Princeton.”

“I have been fortunate to have had a wonderful career working in IT and on the business side for several large companies”, shares Susan.  “Up until my retirement I spent the last eleven years working for NRG Energy (Power Company) as a specialist in Regulatory Compliance.”

Susan’s service to her community is best shared in her own words, “Through the years I have enjoyed my association with various volunteer organizations. When working for NRG we had a Global Giving initiative which encouraged and supported us to serve in our local community.”

And in her free time?  “Besides spending time with my children and grandchildren, I enjoy tennis, golf, reading, knitting, and a rousing good game of Canasta or Mahjong!”

Susan expressed that finding the Abigails made her adjustment to Savannah so much easier.  “I am thrilled to be able to spend time with intelligent and like-minded women.

Thank you, Susan, for your commitment and service to Skidaway Abigails.

Sheila Stallings grew up in North and South Carolina.   She graduated from  UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and later a Masters of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner.  For the last 16 years of her career she was on the faculty of UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing in an administrative role. She has three daughters, three sons-in-love, and 7 grandarlings (all girls!).  She has recently become engaged to a wonderful man with 4 grandsons (finally some little boys!).

In NC Sheila enjoyed several volunteer activities.  She was a member of the North Carolina Public Health Reserve Corps and was a volunteer nurse working in the Red Cross Shelters after floods.  She was a nurse with Project Homeless Connect and worked as a volunteer nurse with the county health department to administer H1N1 flu vaccines in mass clinics and in the community.  She was a Certified Special Olympics Equestrian Coach and was so proud that her athlete and Sheila's horse won first place two years in a row.  She trained two of her dogs to be Therapy dogs and worked with children with reading difficulties and paraplegia with her dogs.  An animal and people lover, she served on the Board of Directors for a service dog organization that trains and places service dogs to assist individuals with mobility impairments and to alert to medical emergency conditions, such as diabetic hypoglycemia.

After moving to Savannah in 2015, Sheila enjoyed volunteering with New Neighbors activities, Wine for Wheels, Special Pops Tennis, and Landlovers. She enjoys bocce and has been the capo for an all women bocce team for 6 years.  For the past two years Sheila has been a part of the Diamondback Terrapin Rescue Project and the Bluebird Trail.  When Village Walk Pharmacy and Coastal Care Partners combined efforts to start a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, Sheila volunteered to help give injections and organized medical professional volunteers to staff the clinic.  Now that the clinic has opened up again she is doing the same again.

Membership

Can you believe we made it through 2021? It was a rough year for many, but I am hoping that 2022 will be much better. We have so many interesting programs coming up, so I am hoping we can continue to meet in person. Luckily, we have ZOOM as a backup if needed.

If you have fallen behind on your renewal, make sure you get it done soon so you can attend our upcoming events. It only takes a couple minutes by logging onto our website at www.skidawayabigails.org and viewing your profile. 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 or have them contact me to learn more.  

Elizabeth Cowell

Membership Chair


elizcowe@gmail.com

Click to Join or Renew

Activities

Please Help Inspiritus Help Afghan Immigrants

Coordinated by Sandi Parshall

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR AFGHANS

INSPIRITUS, formerly Lutheran Services is responsible for the resettlement efforts in Savannah.

Abigails members Mary Smith and Sandi Parshall, along with Inspiritus, are helping to collect needed items including: FURNITURE - apartment  sized, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, KITCHEN SUPPLIES, GIFT CARDS - Target, WalMart, Bed Bath& Beyond, and VISA.

They will be collecting these items on February 12th from 8:30 - 2:00 at the parking lot of the Skidaway Island Methodist Church at 54 Diamond Causeway.

For more information or to donate before February 12 contact:

Sandi Parshall 239-776-1368                                                        sandiparshall@yahoo.com

OR

Mary Smith 404-395-8691
marymillersmith@hotmail.com

For more information about INSPIRITUS, see www.weinspirit.org  or call Lindsey Grovenstein at 678-619-7798


Abigails Pot Luck Dinner

February 6, 2022

At Members' Homes


Coordinated by Pat Wallace

Happy New Year, Abigails!

The first round of Pot Luck Dinners since our Time of Social Distancing is set for Sunday, February 6. These are fun, small group gatherings (fully vaccinated only, please!) in which we get to enjoy delicious dinners and convivial conversations with fellow Abigails.

We will have a host and 6 or 7 guests at each home. (No big crowds!) The host will prepare the entree, and guests will bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert, as requested by the host. These are events in which "Plus Ones" are welcomed and encouraged - but not required! (In the past, 60% of Abigails brought a husband or friend, and 40% came by themselves.)

If this sounds like fun to you (it is!), please register below by January 26th to let us know if you would like to attend, if you'll be bringing a "Plus One," and if you can host one of the dinners. We need 3 vaccinated hosts to accommodate 24 vaccinated Abigails and their guests.

When we get the names of willing hosts, the chair will match the Abigails and their guests to each home. The host will then contact them with inquiries about food allergies, information about start time, menu contribution requests, and the host's address.

As we say in the South, "Y'all come!"

Pat Wallace, Pot Luck Dinner Coordinator

Register for Pot Luck Dinner


Abigails Video Chat

February 1, 8

3 PM  Zoom Meetings



Coordinated by Sheila Grossman

As 2022 progresses, wouldn't you like share your thoughts with like-minded women who can be a vital lifeline that keeps 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. 

The America We Need Discussion Group


Friday, February 18

9:30 am Zoom Meeting


Led by Annette Carnow

February is the month of hearts and flowers as Valentine’s Day arrives. Unfortunately, that hardly reflects the mood of our Nation, as rancor and distrust dominates our political situation, and violence infects our communities. Starting this month, we will begin to explore the many facets of Hate in America today and what we can do about it. 


In preparation for our meeting please read the following four articles:


"Since Jan. 6 Attacks, Spiritual leaders Unify to Combat Christian Nationalism" - by Alejandra Molina


"The Unite the Right Rally Changed Her Life. She Now Wants to Defeat White Nationalism" - by Yonat Shimron


"Inside the fraught effort to create a Christian nationalist internet"- by Jack Jerkins


"Post-Trump , Christian nationalists preach a theology of vaccine resistance"- by Jack Jenkins


I hope you will join in our conversation about this important topic.


Reel Time

February 23 at 4:00PM via Zoom



Paper and Glue

Coordinated by Annette Carnow

The artist’s role in society is a constantly evolving even as the available mediums of expression  have expanded. Street art, which only a few decades ago was dismissed for defacing property, is now being recognized for its power to transform communities. The film  Paper and Glue is about the journey of JR, the most influential street artist of this century, who has used his unique vision to focus on forgotten members of society. With the help of technology and teams of unlikely assistants, he has transformed ugly surfaces around the world to reflect the beauty of common people. You can watch this uplifting film on NBC On Demand.

Join our Zoom conversation,Wednesday afternoon, February 23, at 4pm.

Canasta

Coordinated by Sue Kantor

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

Book Clubs

The AM Book Group currently has 9 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 in February. They will be reading "The Personal Librarian" by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher MurrayIf you would like to join us please email paaron@comcast.net.

Message From Your Board of Directors



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!

President

Susan Terrio 

terrio.susan@gmail.com



Vice-President



Secretary

Susan Kurtain

skurtain@aol.com


Treasurer

Betsey Andersen

betsey.andersen@gmail.com

 

Programming Co-Chairs

Shanti Stone

shantiherman@gmail.com


Susan Terrio 

terrio.susan@gmail.com


Social Co-Chairs

Nikki Berdy

nberdy@aol.com


Sue Kantor

suegkantor@gmail.com

 

Membership

Elizabeth Cowell

elizcowe@gmail.com



Activities Chair

Pat Wallace

patwall831@gmail.com

Communications Co-Chairs

Anne Boynton

boyntonstudios@comcast.net

Sheila Stallings

cookiestallings@gmail.com

IT Co-Chairs

Sheila Grossman

sheilagrossman@comcast.net

Susan Kurtain

skurtain@aol.com


Advocacy Chair

Sandi Parshall

sandiparshall@yahoo.com


Ex-Officio/Advisor

Sheila Grossman

sheilagrossman@comcast.net


Mission Statement

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.

Current Elected Officials Contact Information

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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