A round of applause to all our members for their commitment to meeting this year’s goals. Our chapter has achieved many goals this year toward supporting women and their families, and our community. This year included:

•The orientation of thirteen new members (Meet and Greet 2016). Giving new members the opportunity to share in the chapter’s planning and activities. With their talent and support, this year was a great success.

•Increased promotion of our chapter. We increased the range of our promotional items. These items are great tools for building our brand. We purchased folders, tote bags, names plates, and t-shirts that may be used or given to members and guests, displaying our name and logo at our special events.

•The upgrade of our newsletter. Thanks to a great job by Elaine Croteau and Skye Suter it looks great, and very professional.

•Improvement of our website www.nysistatenisland.org. Outstanding job by Melinda Gottlieb and Elaine Croteau.

• We started the year with excellent program. The program was an induction ceremony of thirteen new members. With a special guest at the ceremony Theresa Fazzolari, President of New York State Women, Inc.

• Supporting Operation Back-Pack with Steven Matteo, Council member for the 50th District of the New York City Council. I am pleased to say the project was well supported with the generous donations from our members. In my opinion this is an important effort to help children in need within our own community

• Development of a Facebook page by our Public Relations Chair Rosemarie Dressler.

• Hosting our annual “Candidates’ Forum.” Here our political candidates addressed issues important to our community.

• Chapter participation in “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”

•Feeling the spirit of the holiday season with the adoption of five families in need for a Thanksgiving dinner. With Deborah Feeney as chair, and the generosity of our members, this was a very special event. The families were so appreciative and each family sent us a thank you note. I think we gained more from this than the five families.

•Donating winter clothing for the babies at Good Counsel. Several members had the opportunity to meet the babies and their moms. It was a very touching day for everyone.

•Again hosting our annual Sisterhood dinner meeting. Our chapter volunteered to take the lead for this year’s initiative, to provide women with an opportunity to explore a variety of occupations. The event will open doors and expose them to new careers, help them make decisions as they realize their full potential. We have partnered with all of the colleges on the island and are working to develop a program.

•This year’s guest speakers – “Women in History” guest speaker Helen Sautter from Historic Richmond Town discussing “Victoria Claflin Woodhull,” the first women to run for President. Cathy Muraca who displayed and sold Touchstone Crystals Jewelry by Swarovski. She discussed what it’s like being your own boss. And Alyson Beardsley, CSI professor discussing women’s options.

• Our Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon. Thanks to our chairs Jill Bowers, Cathy DiStefano, and Annette Fusaro the luncheon was a huge success. We recognized eight women who have distinguished themselves in our community through their work and their passion to make Staten Island a better place. We also honored the South Shore Rotary and two female Veterans. Each veteran was awarded $1,000 with our thanks for their service to the country.

•Encouraging our members to educate us. Member Margaret Antoniello addressed “Today’s Health Insurance Options.”

• Developing a program to celebrate our legacy. A Legacy Tea is scheduled for this year and we will continue to archive our history at CSI. Our chapter is the only women’s organization on Staten Island that has our history archived at CSI.

•Chaired by Barbara Strype the creation of a NYSW, SI Scholarship with four colleges. The College of Staten Island, St. John’s University, St. Paul’s Nursing School and Wagner College. This scholarship was awarded to four female college students in need.

•Leading the Region II project “Girls Guide to Car Care.” The day was at Manfredi dealership where young girls learned about car care and financing. This committee led by Jill Bowers did a fabulous job.

• Joining American Lung Association’s movement to fight lung cancer, called LUNG FORCE WALK. Our team captain was member Nancy Sayegh Rooney.

•Our annual new member orientation (Meet and Greet 2017). We invited new members to join the Executive Board and Committee Chairs for dinner, giving them an opportunity to learn more about our chapter and hear about our various committees. This September we will be inducting eighteen new members.

As you can see this has been a successful year. I would like to thank my Vice-President Diane Seridge, the Executive Board, committee chairs and the chapter’s members for working together to make this year great.

As your president, I will continue to do everything I can do to make this coming year even more successful. I know that having your support will help us fulfill our mission together.