Friday Morning Message

from Carol Mutter, TWOQC President … we always try to keep our Friday Morning Message as concise as possible but sometimes we have just so much to share, and in & of itself that is a great thing, isn’t it? Lots of “good” stuff… all the way to the end. Happy reading!

February Program

Thank you to Mark Beres, CEO and co-founder of Flying Leap Vineyards for the presentation on “Spices and Rubs”. Mark’s enthusiasm about their winery, new distillery, their Arizona Spices & Rubs products, and tidbits about our visit left us all very excited about our annual field trip to Flying Leap on March 27. Mark’s handout may be found on the «Program Handouts & Links» page.

“The Power of Purple” Fashion Show

The fashion show was a smashing success! We cannot thank TWOQC enough for taking the fundraising efforts into their hearts and helping our Relay for Life team raise dollars for the American Cancer Society to fight cancer. It was overwhelming to see how many cancer survivors attended the luncheon. Up almost $3K from last year, the net dollars to the American Cancer Society this year will be $10,255. Thank you for your support… to all who attended, our many sponsors and donors, plus the volunteer teams and individuals who donated their time making this event an even bigger success this year. The sponsors and donors list, photos (145+) and video clips are all posted to the «2017 Fashion Show Album». And here are some fun comments we have received so far: «What a Fashion Show!».

TWOQC 2017 Field Trip in March – get your tickets!

There are 24 seats left on Bus #2 for the field trip to the Flying Leap Winery in Elgin on Monday, March 27. TICKETS: Cost is $50 for members and we are now offering seats to guests for $55. The cost includes a winery & distillery tour, lunch, wine tasting, a souvenir wine glass, transportation and drivers’ gratuity. Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable. There is no waiting list at this time! Tickets are available by contacting Nancy Jacobs at «events@womenqc.com».

LAST CALL for TWOQC Polo Shirt Orders

If you want to order a shirt for the winery trip, please contact Peggy at «pastpresident@womenqc.com» or 207-6188 by 2:00 p.m. today to ensure delivery in time for the field trip.

Baby Shower: Our Tiniest Patriots

Our baby shower roster is now full with our goal of 25 families! And we are excited to announce another arrival, Miss Anna Jane Sulwer (6-lbs, 3-oz) born on January 31.

We are now full steam ahead on shower preparations. Thank you so much for the donations received so far. If you wish to donate and have not had the chance, we can use just about anything right now since it’s still a bit early in the planning and prepping. Even one outfit can make a difference, one bag of diapers, one package of baby wipes. It all adds up! Some items at the top of the “needs” list are: diapers (size 1, 2, & 3), baby wipes, baby wash, outfits (3 – 18 months), onesies, receiving blankets, pacifiers, etc. Not a shopper? We will do the shopping for you with the cash and checks we receive. We have collection boxes at the Madera Clubhouse and Pam Rodgers front porch at 2640 E Sawyer Road (map). If you would like to donate cash or checks, please contact Pam Rodgers at 561-7969 or Kathi Kreig at 625-5419.

YOTO

When the Youth on Their Own (YOTO) committee visited the Tucson organization last week we were reminded of their continual need for funding. Because they receive no Federal or State funding and rely on private donations, you are always able to help them.

If you are an Arizona resident and have not yet finished your taxes for 2016, you still have the ability to take a tax credit for contributions to YOTO (and a number of other worthy organizations). Single individuals can contribute up to $400 per year, couples are allowed a maximum $800 credit under Arizona tax law.

If you decide to contribute to YOTO, simply include a note with your check mentioning that you donated because of TWOQC. They will keep track (anonymously) of contributions made by our members. For more information about YOTO follow «this link». Learn of some of the struggles these young individuals face: «Learn more here».

We are excited… the time is here. We are fortunate to be able to offer two scholarships for each school to females graduating this spring. The scholarships are available to enrollees of 4 year, 2 year, or vocational & technical schools who have demonstrated a strong academic record and a commitment to service.

The screening committee met on February 27 to formally recommend eight candidates for final interviews. These will take place March 6 at Walden Grove and Sahuarita High. The task of narrowing the field from 14 was difficult. All are worthy candidates who demonstrated impressive academic records as well as a commitment to community and school service. They have specific goals for their future.

The Committee thanks Marcia Corbett, Kathy Black, Diana Schwartz, Julie Woodard, Mary Lou Kiger, Susan Schorfhaar, and Jean Tittle for volunteering their time to help the committee make critical decisions during the screening process. We are grateful for your participation. Watch for an important announcement in next week’s Friday Morning Message, about the awardees for TWOQC 2017 scholarships!

Homeless & Hospitalized Veterans

Thanks to all who brought donations for the homeless and hospitalized veterans to the program on Monday or who dropped off items at Peggy’s house after the program. They will be delivered to the VA hospital on Friday. Laura Colbert is taking a much-needed break from collecting items for the homeless veterans so if you have donations in the future, please take them to Peggy’s house at 1908 E Longspur Place (map). Questions may be directed to Peggy at pastpresident@womenqc.com or 207-6188.

A letter from the VA acknowledging our donation of disposable utensils to support those veterans who drop into the Homeless Veterans Office at the VA is on the website under «2017 Thank You Notes».

Honor Flight: Coming in May

Save the date: Saturday April 1. The Shoppes at La Posada will host their 4th annual outdoor concert to benefit Honor Flight Southern Arizona. Please mark your calendars for this year’s event. Concert starts at noon and plays on until 2:00 p.m. The next honor flight will take place on May 6 and May 8 at the Tucson International Airport where a group of veteran heroes from WWII and Korean War will go to Washington D.C. to explore the war memorials. We are requesting patriotic lap quilts to present to them upon their return, letters of thanks for their service to be distributed during Mail Call on the return flight, and prayers for a safe journey. More details will follow, as well as the list of veterans names for the letter writing. Please mark your calendars for these special dates.

Joann Street

One of the original TWOQC board members, Joann passed away on January 26 after a sudden and short illness of three weeks. Click «this link» for the information on her memorial service and the address to send condolences.

Let us not forget our treasured members who have passed. Marianne Cobarrubias and Mary Lehman are working on a special online photo album «In Memory Of». Please contact Marianne «webmaster@womenqc.com» and Mary «historian@womenqc.com» if you know of a member who should be added to this special album. The album link may also be found on the «Photos & Videos» page.

Upcoming Events

March 27 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ::: Field trip to Flying Leap Vineyards
April 24 – 6:30 p.m. ::: Tubac Olive Oil Company · Presentation by Rocio Cespedes Patel on olive oils and balsamic vinegar — NOTE: THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE KINO CONFERENCE CENTER due to a conflict in the ballroom. Please make a note of the location change!
May 6, May 8 ::: Honor Flight #23 (Tucson International Airport)
May 20 ::: Baby Shower (Air National Guard, Tucson)