Local Federally Employed Women chapter celebrates successful summer, plans for fall

Photo by Art Sanders Bea Sanders, Fort Gordon protocol assistant, teaches the Military Customs and Courtesies Protocol Class July 21 at the Federally Employed Women National Training Program in Orlando, Fla. Federally Employed Women is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, grass roots membership organization of federally employed women and supporters founded in 1968. The local Fort Gordon Garden City Chapter of FEW has had a busy summer and will have just as busy fall schedule.

There were two outstanding events this summer for the organization. First, the local chapter members elected their chapter officers for 2009-2011 service. The officers were installed June 9 by Rachel Combs from the Southeast Regional level and chapter member. The new officers are president, Mary Hammond; VP, Rosemary Marshall; secretary, Jeanne Stewart; treasurer, Janet McElmurray; VP Programs, Veronica Tall; and VP Membership Beatrice Sanders.

The National FEW held its annual National Training Program in Orlando, Fla. in July. Over 2,500 people participated in the event that is designed to allow men and women to advance their knowledge of the latest leadership, computer, and program management, as well as to gain new skills needed in today's highly competitive market. Five members from the local chapter traveled to the NTP to participate in key training presentations including Bea Sanders from protocol, who presented a class on military and civilian protocol.

The chapter at Fort Gordon is small but active. The new programs vice president, Veronica Tall from Dwight D Eisenhower Army Medical Center, gives her service to coordinate programs and events. Make sure you mark your calendars for the upcoming speaker events that are open to the public.

Sandra Wimberly, a health educator from the Richmond County Board of Education, will speak Sept. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the DDEAMC Auditorium. She will discuss the topic of AIDS/HIV. Judge Sheryl Jolly, Superior Court, Augusta Judicial Circuit will give a one-hour lecture Oct. 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Gordon Club. Helen Blocker-Adams, a local CEO and radio talk show host, will also speak at the Gordon Club. Her lecture will be Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Finally, the annual GCC FEW auction will be held Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gordon Club. The auction will help raise money for Fisher House and Christmas House on post, and Safe Homes of Augusta off post. Every year, GCC FEW do- nates approximately $1,000 to these organizations by the sales at the auction.