Philadelphia Chapter Newsletter  
IN THIS ISSUE
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TO OUR TTN FAMILY!
Tatiana Avakian
Suzanne Bissonnette
Pam Ernst
Susan Kent
Betta Kolansky
Nadine Krueger
Cynthia Orme
Ellen Reuben
Maryann Robinson
Nancy Sharts-Hopko
Lisa Whitney

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May 16

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MAY 2019
 

April was full of energy, preparation for the summer month and May blooms. I hope everyone had a wonderful Holidays with family and friends.
Below is a brief summary of the discussions and outcomes from our April 24th Steering Committee Meeting. If you have any questions or need additional information regarding the Philadelphia Chapter leadership, please let me know.

Announcements :
We are now partnering with the Susan K. Axler Foundation for Breast Cancer Cures.  See the articles below to read all about it.

We have also established the Philadelphia Chapter Nominating Committee. This committee will identify members who are interested in filling open roles within the Chapter and make recommendations to the Steering Committee.  See the article below.

Key Initiatives: 
We are now sending out New Event announcements each time there is a new event in our Events Calendar.  This gives all members equal opportunity to sign up for open events.

The Month of May will be focused on our "Ambassadors Program". If you remember how wonderful it was to have a special person call and meet to help you get the most out of your membership, consider becoming an ambassador and work with new members. You will meet highly motivated and energetic women and get to build friendships. Contact Cindy Benamy ([email protected]) if you are interested.

As always please make sure you read the full Newsletter by scrolling down to the end for exciting updates form the various committees.   

Like us on FacebookWarm Regards,                      
Chair, TTN Philadelphia  
Reminder To Scroll Down To End Of Newsletter
Note:  When viewing on your mobile device or computer, the Newsletter may be "clipped" by your Service Provider.  Click on the link to "View Entire Message" Axler
Announcing:  Philadelphia Chapter Partners with the Susan K. Axler Foundation 
One of the missions of The Transition Network is to ".... bring women together in mutually supportive communities during times of transition and beyond."  

For many women, one of those transitions can be illness or other health-related crisis.  Whether coping with a scary diagnosis or navigating recovery after surgery, the women of TTN rely on one another to help them through. We listen, caretake, support and educate each other in our times of need.   

That's why TTN feels strongly about hosting or sponsoring events highlighting women's health issues. TTN programs cover both physical and emotional issues and show us how to age both mentally and physically with courage and intelligence.
 
A health concern that has touched all of us, either directly or indirectly, is breast cancer. Over her lifetime, a woman has a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  Supporting breast cancer research is important not just for us but for all the women in our lives. 

To this end, TTN Philadelphia is excited to partner with the  Susan K. Axler Foundation for Breast Cancer Cures, Inc.  to support their event to raise funds for breast cancer research and educate the community on the latest in research results and clinical trials.
 
Sue was a TTN Philadelphia Chapter member who passed away of metastatic breast cancer in August 2017. Although Sue dealt with metastatic disease for 17 years and was often in treatment herself, she was a tireless advocate for breast cancer research and education. 

Sue attended Project LEAD workshops and seminars sponsored by the National Breast Cancer Coalition and became well-versed in the science of breast cancer. She used this knowledge to review research grants for the Department of Defense, speak at conferences and mentor other women in becoming consumer advocates. 

After her death, Sue's family founded the Susan K. Axler Foundation for Breast Cancer Cures, Inc. to continue her work. The Foundation's first fundraiser will be held on June 12th and TTN Philadelphia is happy to be a part of this fun and worthwhile event.   Jewelry, Jazz and Just Desserts will feature some of Sue's favorite things - jazz, jewelry, dessert.   But Sue's most favorite thing of all was community. She loved her friends deeply, making each one feel special. Sue loved a party and this party is open to TTN Philadelphia members and friends.   Please see the next article for more information and to register for the event.
Jewelry, Jazz and Just Desserts: A Tribute to Susan Axler
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."
 
Please come to a Center City Tribute to Susan Axler on Wednesday June 12, 1:00 PM. We will provide the desserts & bubbly and background jazz. 

Bring any jewelry (costume is great!) you wish to donate to the "for sale" tables.  Go home with a purchase of "new" jewelry.   This promises to be a fun way to connect with Sue's many friends and to share your favorite "Sue" stories.

Dr. DeMichele, co-leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program of the Abramson Cancer Center, will give a brief presentation on the latest advances in breast cancer research/clinical trials at Penn Medicine.  These trials are now supported in part by the Susan K. Axler Foundation for Breast Cancer Cures, Inc.  

To learn more about the Foundation and giving opportunities see Susan K. Axler Foundation for Breast Cancer Cures, Inc. 
 
Space is limited. Register now:
Giving Circle 2019 Grantee Selection May 16 - Join Us!
This month our Grants Committee has been busy making site visits to the eight organizations chosen as semi-finalists for our 2019 grant. This year's applicants cover a broad range of services to women and/or children including out of school programming, leadership training, school readiness and legal advocacy. When site visits are completed we will meet again to choose four or five finalists for the entire Giving Circle to vote on.
 
Our final meeting will take place on May 16th at the law offices of Eckert Seamans. A representative of each finalist organization will make a presentation about their project.  The voting membership of the Giving Circle will choose the recipient of this year's $25,000 grant. Wine, hors d'oeuvres and dessert will be served. All TTN members are invited to join us to learn more about our Giving Circle and these fabulous organizations.   Please register here by May 10th.
 
April also brought the sad news that Susan Vineberg's husband, Stephen, passed away after a long illness. Susan is the immediate past Chair of the TTN Giving Circle and its Executive Council. She has been a terrific leader and tireless advocate for our group.
 
Susan and Stephen made a decision that left us speechless. They have requested that donations in Stephen's memory be made to The Transition Network Giving Circle Fund. If you would like to make a donation in Stephen Vineberg's memory, go to the Philadelphia Foundation Give Now Page. Please designate your donation in Memory of Stephen Vineberg and be sure to write " Please notify Susan Vineberg" in the Additional Comments. Nominating
Announcing: Philadelphia Chapter Nominating Committee
Be a part of a new activity within our Chapter!!
 
How would you like an exciting opportunity leading/Participating in a new TTN group called the "Nominating Committee"?

This group will bring forward/nominate members who are interested in participating or increasing their participation in specific roles within our Chapter that need to be filled. 

The committee will search talent within TTN, identify member volunteers interested in assuming these roles, and make recommendations to the Steering Committee. Because this is a new committee, you can be creative, have a huge impact within our Chapter, and develop new relationships too!
 
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Fatima Class ( [email protected]) or Mary Clifford ( [email protected]).
Bobbe Schmeltzer, Rochelle Bass, Louise Thompson,Chrissa Merron,Margery Miller, Moya Kinnealey, Karen Freedman, Barbara Lissey, Mary Klein. 
Nancy Kaufman attended but had to leave before the picture.










The women of our Chestnut Hill/Mt. Airy Peer group have been together for a long time. Maybe that is why they were able to step outside their comfort zone as they explored new territory.
 
"Karaoke in New Jersey? We were doubtful at first, but we ended up having a ball!   Owned by the son of one of our members, Songbird Karaoke in Collingswood, New Jersey, is a very special venue. The place is beautifully appointed and the sound and Karaoke systems first class. Favorite songs from a limitless list included When I'm 64 , Blowin'  in the Wind , You've Lost That Lovin" Feeling , and I Enjoy Being a Girl . We loved singing along and even dancing. Some of us brought wine to loosen up, and there were menus for food to be delivered. We'd recommend the experience for any size of group, friends, family, or SIG!"
 
What fun! 

If you are interested in learning more about Transition Peer Groups and the experiences they share, contact Amy Sabsowitz ( [email protected]) and Barbara Kessler ( [email protected]) . They are members of the Peer group Advisory Committee and look forward to helping you make a connection.

Transition Peer Groups are a benefit of TTN membership.
A Unique Tour

A group of members participated in a unique opportunity for a guided tour of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Considered one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, the temple is made entirely of Carrara marble imported from Italy to India, where hundreds of artisans began hand-carving the stone. The finished mandir, which opened in 2014 in Robbinsville, N.J., is an awe-inspiring work of craftsmanship.

Have an idea for an outing?  Contact Marion Blow ([email protected])