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The time for Florida families to plan is TODAY.

Now is a great opportunity for your family to stock your disaster supply kits with vital supplies like a first aid kit, a radio, flashlights, batteries and other necessities. Your kit should also include 7 days’ worth of food and water, prescription medications, and any important documents. See attached flyer.

Before a Storm

• Prepare an evacuation plan & make sure everyone in your home knows the plan.
• Stock up on emergency supplies, including:
  • Water – You will need water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes. Pack a minimum of 1 gallon daily per person for 7 days.
  • Food – You will need enough food for a minimum of 7 days:
    • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices
      • Manual can opener.
    • Foods for individuals with dietary restrictions (i.e., infants, elderly, etc.)
    • Snack foods
    • Cooking tools and fuel
    • Paper plates and plastic utensils
  • Flashlight, Extra Batteries, and Cell Phone Battery Power Device
  • Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags
  • Clothing – Include a complete change of clothes suitable for your area’s climate. Be sure to include sturdy shoes to protect you from debris or other sharp objects you may encounter outdoors post-storm
  • First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication and Other Medicines
  • Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
  • Toiletries
  • Cleaning Supplies – Include garbage bags, moisture wipes, and other items you may need to sanitize your home or surrounding post-disaster
  • Special Items – Assess the needs of all family members. Consider other items needed for infants, elderly, and individuals with access and functional needs (i.e., medical items, baby bottles, etc.)
  • Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster
  • Toys, Books and Games
  • Important Documents – Consider storing all critical documents in a waterproof container, as well as saving them electronically. These items can include, but are not limited to, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
  • Tools
  • Pet Care Items
    • Proper identification/ immunization records
    • Ample supply of food and water
    • Carrier or cage
    • Medications
    • Muzzle and leash
    • Photo of you and your pet(s) – in the event that you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership
• If you have been told to evacuate, EVACUATE. Don’t stay behind. We can rebuild a home, but we can’t rebuild a life.

See Printable or Downloadable Hurricane Flyer Here

Lake Nona VA is hosting the annual VA Orlando Creative Arts Competition on July 11; please refer to the flyer on dates, time and locations that your artwork needs to be submitted ahead of time.  I encourage you to come out and admire the miriad of artwork that our veterans produce and vote for your favorite entries.  We will have our MOAA Healing Through Expression table and we are looking for several of our Chapter members to help set-up on July 10^th and help at the show on July 11^th.  Our “Healing thru Expression” philanthropy C (3) continues to be very active with Lake Nona VA to provide art supplies (thanks to a MOAA Foundation Grant, the Orlando Mayors Veterans Council, and the Winter Park American Legion Auxiliary grant) in support of the VA Recreational Therapy Department.  Over the past 3+ years our chapter has attended monthly art classes with veterans who seek relief from stress by expressing themselves through their art.  We’ve had several events to showcase veteran’s artwork to the public. Marybeth Verbinski is the VA Recreational Therapist POC for veterans. Text or call MaryBeth cell 407-403-4718 or email mary.verbinski@va.gov and let her know you would like to attend.  The flyer outlines the event and the 50 different “art” entries available to our veterans (they can submit one item for a total of 3 different categories). All Veterans will need to sign the provided paperwork and agree to Code of Participation to be eligible for this year’s show. All the forms will be available at recording sessions and artwork turn in.

Please see the flyer.

Join Us for FAVOB Orlando’s Salute to Sisters in Service! In recognition of Women Veterans Recognition Day, FAVOB invites you to an inspiring evening as we honor the incredible contributions of women who have served and continue to lead in business, community, and beyond. Event will be held at Dubsdread Golf Course, 549 West Par St,  Orlando.

Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while connecting with trailblazers who have paved the way for women in the military and civilian life. This is a powerful opportunity to build new connections, celebrate achievements, and be inspired by the stories of women who exemplify leadership, resilience, and service.  I would truly appreciate it if each of you could share with your Legion Post, VFW, and other veteran organizations you are a part of. Thank you! 

Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salute-to-sister-in-service-orlando-tickets-1341266587469?aff=oddtdtcreator

We are thrilled to welcome Taylor Galadyk as our guest speaker. Taylor is a Marine Corps veteran, dedicated life coach, and former CrossFit Games athlete who has spent over a decade empowering high-performing women in leadership, strength, and personal development. With a Master’s in Leadership from Georgetown University and a deep passion for building resilience and excellence, Taylor’s message promises to inspire and energize all who attend.  Let’s come together to celebrate Women Veterans Day and honor the extraordinary women who continue to break barriers and lead the way! Women veterans in attendance will receive a soft t-shirt with the message:” Never Underestimate a Woman with a DD214″.
We look forward to seeing you there! If you have questions about our Featured Business opportunity, email Jen Pollock at jen.pollock@amerisbank.com, or Trish Murphy trish@marketingsmartypants.com

Recognizing Everyday “Sheroes” June 12^th, 10 am -1 pm Holden Heights Community Center 1201 20th St. Orlando.

Keynote Speaker: History of Women in the Military, LCDR Kathryn Wilgus, NC, Navy Retired Vice President, Villagers for Veterans. POC for the event is veteran Dr. Loretta Forlaw loretta.forlaw@gmail.com There’s still space for a few more vendors (must be wellness, health, or professional resources that serve women veterans) and sponsorship opportunities are still available for anyone looking to support and gain visibility with this amazing event. Ticket availability ends at noon on 10 June 2025 The event is live on VFW Post 10147 website Special Events page   https://www.vfwpost10147.org/specialevents . A direct link to registration/tickets  Women Veterans Day | VFW Post 10147 https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bi6xTTV1g/?mibextid=wwXIfr.  See attached flyer.

Our next Chapter meeting is a Luncheon at 11:30 am on June 10th and will be held at the DoubleTree Orlando East – UCF Area.  The DoubleTree is located at 12125 High Tech Ave, Orlando. See more information. Please note the hotel sits back off the road and may not be immediately visible.  There will be a full Salad Bar with Cubed Chicken, Turkey, and Ham The price for the lunch is $24 per person and can be paid in cash, check, or credit card.  As always, we will be asking for your generous JROTC/ROTC scholarship contributions!

RSVP no later than June 7th to this email, email lorraineholland@hotmail.com or call 407-221-1388.  Please come out to enjoy a wonderful event with your fellow chapter members and a yet-to-be-confirmed guest speaker.  REMINDER: Due to many of our chapter members escaping the summer heat, our next Luncheon will be on September 9th.