News Archive

Speakers at Hats Off to Women Workshop l to r: Esther Bird, Committee chairman; Dorothy Korszen; Mk Mueller; Cyndi Fredricks; Kairee Haley; Kathleen Houseweart


Committee Chair, Esther Bird and speaker Mark Rizzo

Longtime Business and Professional Women of Englewood (BPWEV) member, Kathy Castellano, spoke from her heart as she educated the members and guests about a disease commonly called “Wobbly Feet Syndrome”. Her grandson, Connor, was diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia at about age 3. Since that time the Dzembo and Castellano families have worked endlessly to help fund research for this rare disease. Many fundraisers, supported by local communities, have helped fund encouraging research at several universities. Clinical trials were approved and Conner, 12 years old now, was selected as one of the patients.

Karin M. Drury

The Holiday Season is approaching rapidly, stores are more crowded and the traffic is increasing. So is the urgency to help the single mothers in our community that are struggling to provide basic needs for their families.

As in the past BPWEV will help several families with clothing and food donations for Christmas. The Salvation Army in Venice will provide us again with the first names of 3 single mothers and the wish list for their children. After shopping for the items needed the funds left will be donated to Englewood Helping Hand, Inc. to buy food for their pantry.

For many years our Women Helping Women Project has been BPWEV’s special endeavor for the Holiday Season to help disadvantaged single mothers in our community. Please help us to continue this tradition. At the November and December
Meeting I will pass an envelope around for your donations. If you wish to pay by check, please make it out to Karin Drury but add in the memofield Donation to BPWEV/WHW project.

Your help will brighten the Holidays for many families!

Thank you for your generosity!

Please join us Thursday, November 8th at Kumo Japanese Steak House 1657 US Highway 41 Bypass 41 in Venice for dinner 6 pm. BPWEV will receive 15% with average meal price of $20. Enjoy a great meal with great company to benefit BPWEV. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Reservation deadline is November 4th at 5 pm.

Click Here to RSVP

l to r: Esther Bird - Scholarship Committee, Nathalie Barr - Scholarship Recipient, Carol Kouba - Scholarship Committee, Karin Drury - Scholarship Chair

The Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice (BPWEV) awarded a third $1,000.00 scholarship to Nathalie Ann Barr. This is the second time Ms. Barr has received this scholarship. In 2 more semesters she will be receiving her BSN degree from SCF where she maintained an outstanding GPA, while working as court reporter and technician at SMH.

She is a single mother with 2 children at home. Her daughter is also pursuing a BSN degree, her son is a senior in HS. Congratulations, Nathalie!

The mission of BPWEV is: To achieve equity for all women through Advocacy, Education and Information.