This week’s Friday Morning Message:  Monday’s Program was a Hit! | Want a Makeover at the August Program? | Relay for Life Reaches All-Time High | YOTO’s Back to School Campaign Continues | Member’s Corner | Fashion Show Update Reminder | Member Spotlight: Pat Neel | Donations for the VA | Upcoming Events 

“Making New Fashions from Found Clothing”, the topic of the July 30^th program, was fascinating and thought provoking. It was about creating garments from recycled clothing, fabric salvage, jewelry findings and other embellishments.

Karen Lukacs, the founder of Sustainable Eco Fashion, led us on a creative journey that started with her family. Karen’s love affair with designing began at an early age. Sewing, weaving, and needle work techniques were passed down from her grandmother and mother. Each of Karen’s designs tells a story.

Thank you to our hardworking Programs Committee who continually provide exciting programs. Also, to Eileen Sykora for documenting with her photography, which is all  highlighted in the program’s PHOTO ALBUM.

Enter for a chance to be a volunteer model to be “made-over” at the August program (“Skincare and Makeup Tips & Techniques for Women 50+”).

One name will be drawn from entries received. Please fill out THIS FORM (deadline: Monday, August 6). The “winner” will be announced in next week’s FMM. The drawing has expired. The winner will be announced on August 10th.

A huge “Thank You” goes to a TWOQC member for the $741 needed to reach $30,000, an all-time high for a year and a significant benchmark for the Quail Creek team. The member wished to remain anonymous. The funds will support cancer research and patient programs.

Thanks to TWOQC who supported the Relay team at the February 2018 luncheon/style show by raising over $14,000 of the $30,000.

Did you know that there are 5 American Cancer Society-funded research grants currently active in Arizona valued at $2,897,500?

At the beginning of July, our YOTO (Youth On Their Own) Committee, in conjunction with the Tucson YOTO Foundation launched the school supply drive.

The start of the Sahuarita Unified School District school year is one week away. Serving students from our backyard and throughout Pima County, YOTO has a great need for school supplies to help each of their students start the school year right and to continue through the school year. Imagine if you had to go to school without notebooks, pens, markers or a backpack to carry them in.

In the past week we received 451 items and $150 for The Back to School Campaign for YOTO. Thank you!

It’s not too late to contribute. A bin is in the clubhouse lobby Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please keep the donations coming and check the YOTO coverage in the FMM for more information.The Women of Quail Creek are making a difference. (Photos: D.Quinn)

Cheers and thanks to Tootie Miller, Jeanette Jarmin, Jadine Hilt, Mary Smith and Carin Kaiser, our newest members who graciously welcomed attendees at Monday’s program.

Barb Hunsinger: Assistant for Membership

Barb assumes the role as Angie Werner’s assistant for Membership and all around side kick. Though Barb has been in Quail Creek little over a year, she quickly became involved in TWOQC. Originally from the Seattle area, she decided to escape to a sunnier and more relaxed life style. She also gets to see a lot of her 93-year-old dad who lives in SE Tucson. Retired life in Quail Creek is good!

Welcome Barb, and thanks!

An informational Fashion Show meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7,  Mesquite Room.  **C*O*R*R*E*C*T*I*O*N** The informational Fashion Show meeting will be held in the KINO CONFERENCE ROOM.

If you are a past or present committee lead or are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please join us!

We will share our new theme and logo, and discuss the exciting plans we have for the February 25 event.

I’d like to recognize and thank member Yasmin John-Thorpe for spearheading the Member Spotlight program, obtaining and organizing the Spotlight articles this year. Thank you, Yasmin.

When Pat and her husband Jim moved from Colorado, it was all about remaining active and purposefully engaged. Being part of the Quail Creek community has more than answered this need.

In addition to her involvement with TWOQC as President, she has two serious passions. A career in education for 35 years fulfilled her need for working with children and families. She began her career teaching second grade in Merritt Island, Florida (where she met Jim) and completed it in Parker, Colorado where she was the principal of a large year-round school. Along the way she received a Master’s Degree in Special Education, and certifications in both library media and school administration.

Following retirement she continued to be an advocate for families. Volunteering for the Arapahoe County, Colorado jail library, proved to be one of the more exciting opportunities. She and Jim supported a read aloud program that connected inmates with their families. They assisted with book selection and video-taped the inmates reading the book for their children. The book and video, which included a personal message, were sent to the family. The experience was both difficult and rewarding, and certainly not to be forgotten.

Pat’s second passion is playing the piano which began when she was seven. Though it was interrupted by a 38-year hiatus, she promised she would resume playing when she retired. Now, she enjoys creating tunes, revisiting classical pieces, arranging ballads, and taking bi monthly lessons. She would love to learn how to use the Mac software, ‘Garage Band’. Additionally, her musical interests take Pat and Jim to regular performances of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, classical guitar concerts and jazz venues.

Continue reading about Pat’s other interests and her admiration for TWOQC… READ MORE

Your concern for the homeless and hospitalized veterans was validated again with all the donations brought to the program on Monday evening.

The 300 paper plates should keep the walk-in section for homeless veterans going for about 7-10 days and the granola bars will be savored by the veterans. Thanks to those who collected toiletries while traveling this summer. They weighed just over 17 lbs. The 20 pairs of men’s slacks and jeans will be put to good use. Your generosity is appreciated.

(♦) public event

• Aug. 27 – 6:30 p.m.→From Good to Gorgeous: Skincare and Makeup Tips & Techniques for Women 50+
• Sept. 22-24→Honor Flight (details in FMM) (♦)
• Sept. 24 – 6:30 p.m.→Creative Tips to Refresh and Redecorate Your Home Tastefully
• Oct. 14→Oktoberfest for Scholarships (♦)
• Oct. 20→Clothing Drive for Homeless Veterans (♦)
• Oct. 27-29→Honor Flight (details in FMM) (♦)
• Oct. 29→Membership Fiesta Luncheon with Mariachi Aztlan
• Oct. 29 – 7 p.m.→Lecture: From Tucson to the Top of Everest: Dr. John Klein’s Odyssey (♦)
• Nov. 12→“Getting Holiday Ready” Ladies Night Out
• Dec. 10→Holiday Luncheon

2019

• Jan. 14 – 7 p.m.→Lecture: Ranger of the Lost Art: Rediscovered WPA National Park Posters (♦)
• Jan. 28 – 10 a.m.→Empowering Women & Girls: Collaborating for Success
• Feb. 25→American Cancer Society Fashion Show (♦)
• Mar. 4 – 7 p.m.→Lecture: Fabulous Fliers: The Birds of Madera Canyon and the Santa Rita’s (♦)

“Thank you” to this week’s FMM contributors: Kathe Alves, Ginny Hutcheson, Lisa Johnson, Peggy McGee, Sue Obremski, and Angie Werner.