BPW Connection 

May 2025

In this issue: 

President's Message ~ Local Events ~ BPW/FL EventsOpportunities ~ Member News




 President's Message

{Contact_First_Name}, 

One of my favorite things about my dad was how he ate breakfast, especially his signature egg dish.

Preparation was elaborate and chaotic. First there was a lot of vigorous chopping: onions and green pepper, maybe celery. They went into the skillet to cook first while he attacked the eggs.  Not content to beat them by hand, Dad would bring out the electric mixer to whip eggs into full froth and pour over the softened vegetables. 

The result was not to be an omelet in the traditional sense; it was never flipped or folded. Instead, it cooked in an even layer, with the pan lid over the top and a towel to encourage the top to set (hopefully) before the bottom burned completely. When it was done, it was sliced in wedges like a pizza and served up with cheese and salsa.

Other dishes on Dad’s full breakfast table included grits, toast and homemade jam, a fresh smoothie, fruit salad and orange juice.

Then, immediately after breakfast, with the kitchen still a total mess, my dad would start with his morning readings. Dad was a retired Lutheran pastor and kept read from a set of books that contain several pages of scripture for every day of the year. He also had a prayer book with 31 days of morning and evening prayers, which he reread month after month, plus a number of other devotional and inspirational books in the rotation over the years.

His after-breakfast reading was as diverse, free-spirited and nutritious as his food.

At my Dad’s funeral this week, a common theme in the remembrances was how encouraging he was. He loved meeting people and hearing their stories. He loved reconnecting with friends and family. He seemed to listen for projects, hopes, and ideas that we had – or struggles that were weighing us down.

Then, from some reservoir of his own hope and helpfulness, Dad would share words that acknowledged the importance of the situation, struggle or story. He told us that we weren’t alone facing such things. He pointed out our strengths and skills, and celebrated accomplishments small and large.

I believe Dad’s superpower of encouragement came from his breakfast reading. On a daily basis he made sure he was being encouraged by scripture and by wisdom old and new. It fed him, so he could feed others.

I don’t know about you, but I am not an 81-year-old retired person so I don’t have this much time to make elaborate breakfasts and read for an hour every morning.

But living in Dad’s legacy, I’m preparing both my body and my soul for the day ahead more deliberately. That means making sure there’s granola, yogurt and fruit in the fridge (my preferred breakfast) and a few sources of encouraging reading ready at the table.

How do you feed your dreams, passions, and ideas on a daily basis? Books and devotional studies aren’t for everyone. Maybe it’s an email newsletter or a podcast.

However you get it, make a plan to use what you’ve learned to encourage someone else. Check in with a person in our community who could use some encouragement. Any working woman among us would surely appreciate it, including me!

Warm regards, 

Jill

Jill Kuehnert

Upper Keys BPW President

‪(305) 767-3928‬

Upcoming Local Events

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at
Crooked Palm Cabana
90184 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Annual Report: Get the scoop on all the ways our members and supporters have empowered working women over the past 12 months

Adult Women's Scholarship Awards: Be the first to hear about the deserving local women selected to receive scholarships from Upper Keys BPW and how they plan to bring value to our community

Installation of 2025/2026 Board Members: Recognize and celebrate the members who have volunteered to lead our organization into the future

Plus: Announcements, new member inductions and more!

REGISTER NOW


Thank you to our event sponsor:

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8 a.m. via Zoom

Start your day by sharing something good - and catch up on the latest news from BPW members and friends - while sipping your morning coffee. (Come as you are, even if that means pajamas and wet hair... this is a no-judgment zone!)

    Sign up here

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    In case you missed it...

    On April 16th, we enjoyed an evening of networking and fun at the Safe Harbor Angler House in Islamorada! Click here to see more photos from the event.

    BPW Florida Events

    Register here for upcoming Virtual Lounge dates:

    May 20 @ 6 p.m.

    June 12 @ 8 a.m.

    Non-members are welcome to participate!


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    Click here for the complete BPW Florida event calendar.

    Opportunities

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    Registration is open for
    BPW Florida State Conference

    June 20-22, Palm Beach Gardens

    Once a year, BPW members from across the state gather for three days of educational sessions, networking, fun activities and state business. And each year, we set aside funds to help with registration and hotel costs for Upper Keys members who would like to attend. 

    For more information and to register (and explore sponsorship opportunities), go to www.bpwfl.org/state-conference. If you decide to attend, please let us know by Friday, May 23, by sending an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

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    Send an email blast to 450+ local residents

    Got a business or product to promote? An event you want to get the word out about? Reach our active mailing list of over 450 BPW members and supporters in the Upper Keys. 

    E-blast prices are as follows:

    $20 - Members 

    $35 - Non-members

    Purchase your ad in our online store to get the process started. 

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    To learn more about any of these opportunities, send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com or contact one of our Board Members directly.

    Member News 

    As many of you know, last week one of our beloved BPW sisters suffered a devastating loss that has affected our entire community. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to her, her family, and everyone who has been touched by this tragedy. Some of you have asked how you can best support the family. A memorial gathering is planned for Friday, 5/16. Please send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com if you would like details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charitable fund established through the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. You can find more information here.

    Sadly, this past month has seen several other members experience loss in their families. On behalf of all of us at Upper Keys BPW, know that our hearts are with each one of you. We share in your sorrow and are here to hold you up and provide comfort whenever you need it, for as long as you need it.

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    Renewing Members in April 2025

    Glad you're still with us!

    • Adriana Cuomomember since 2021
    • Monica Hane, member since 2021
    • Laura Rivera, member since 2013
    • Ruth Schrader-Grace, member since 2015
    • Amy Young, member since 2021

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    Atta Girls!

    Do you know of a BPW member who recently achieved a personal or professional goal or milestone? (Maybe it was you!) We'd love to know about it so we can highlight it here. Send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

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    Members:

    Do you need a BPW name badge?

    If your BPW name badge has seen better days -- or it's nowhere to be found -- we have good news! You can now easily order a replacement name badge for $18 via our website. You can find the link on the "Contact" page or click the button below. Orders are placed once a month, at the beginning of each month.

    ORDER A BPW NAME BADGE

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    Newsletter Archive

    Access past issues in our Upper Keys BPW Newsletter Archive.


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