Naples Lakes Country Club was the place to be for a feast of corned beef and cabbage and an informative power point presentation, “Situational Awareness,” as the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) celebrated Women’s History Month and St. Patrick’s Day at their March luncheon.
MIWC President Sue Purvis welcomed the crowd while Shirley Thayer led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and God Bless America. MIWC member Karla Kunzeman delivered the invocation, urging us to pray for peace and safety in our communities and for our troops in these tenuous times.
Retired 50-year career law enforcement officer Geoff Fahringer’s presentation on situational awareness taught us how to be safer in our everyday life. We learned the importance of being aware of our surroundings in both public and private settings. Key points and tips included analyzing one’s environment to identify potential threats, improving our state of awareness and reaction time, understanding and trusting our instincts, recognizing scams of AI, internet, phone calls, and texts and even how to prevent or react to road rage, carjacking, robbery, and active shooter situations. Unfortunately, these situations are harsh realities in today’s world, no matter where we live or travel.
Fahringer’s presentation was informative and empowering. His experience in law enforcement speaks for itself.
Originally a supervisor with the Syracuse, NY Police Department, Fahringer also served for twenty-nine years with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office with both the SWAT and diving teams. He was a detective with the Vice Narcotics Major Crimes Unit and Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau and is experienced in terrorism preparedness, intelligence analysis and operations, security, major case management and much more. He currently teaches a Situational Awareness safety class for Licensee’s on realtor safety, is the safety and training bridge officer for the Marco Island Yacht Club, the safety officer for the Marco Island Power Squadron, and a Fox News contributor. We thank him for sharing his knowledge and expertise.
In recognition of International Women’s History Month, MIWC honored its past presidents. Sue Ellen Welch, Christine Koppel, Sharyn Kampmeyer, Debbie Rago, Penny Weidner, Judy Kenney, Susie Berenzweig and Maureen Chodaba were honored as well as Sue Purvis who is not only the MIWC current President, but a past president as well! This lively crew, along with the entire membership, look forward to celebrating the 60-year anniversary of this amazing club that was founded in 1966. Stay tuned for details!
As we celebrate our history, we look forward to our future. And that future is bright! The 2026-27 MIWC Executive Board was elected and includes Anna Hutchings, corresponding secretary; Tiffany Mercer, recording secretary; Karen Burlage, assistant treasurer; Roxana Rascoe, treasurer; Karen Caster, vice-president; and Tammy Barstow, president. These officers will be installed in May.
In the meantime, we are basking in the glory of our successful Fashion Show fundraiser held in February. “An Affair to Remember” broke all previous records of fundraising for MIWC. Those funds will be used for scholarships for students living on Marco Island and other charitable causes in our community through the MIWC Charitable Foundation.
Our March of celebration continues with the upcoming distribution of books that MIWC purchased for Tommie Barfield Elementary, our Cards & Games event March 12, day trips to Habitat and Tarpon Springs, preparations for volunteer opportunities with Little Pink Houses of Hope and Camp Able and a Sip & Shop fundraiser at JMcLaughlin on March 28.
As you can see, we are a group of movers and shakers in this community! Our March luncheon concluded with the Irish blessing, “May the road rise to meet you.” We would like the rising of that road to include meeting you! We invite all women who live on Marco Island, whether you own or rent, full-time or seasonal to join us!
To learn more, please visit marcowomansclub.com.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Marco Island Woman’s Club – A March of celebration
Reporting by Maureen Chodaba, Marco Island Woman’s Club / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
