In December, Dana King, journalist and sculptor, reviewed All Blood Runs Red: The Legendary Life of Eugene Bullard—Boxer, Pilot, Soldier, Spy , by Tom Clavin and Phil Keith. Eugene Bullard lived one of the most fascinating lives of the 20 th  century. The son of a former slave and an indigenous Creek woman, Bullard fled home at the age of eleven to escape the racial hostility of his Georgia community. When his journey led him to Europe, he garnered worldwide fame as a boxer, and later as the first African-American fighter pilot in history. All Blood Runs Red  is the inspiring untold story of an American hero, a thought-provoking chronicle of the 20 th  century and a portrait of a man who came from nothing and by his own courage, determination, gumption, intelligence and luck forged a legendary life. Dana King is a classical figurative sculptor who creates public monuments of Black Bodies in Bronze.   Across countless generations African elders and their descendants have communicated culture, history, and wisdom through storytelling. Dana King continues that tradition in bronze, resurrecting love, and truth from America’s buried past. Intense research shapes such memories empowering King to create art that invites people to understand American history in a connected and compelling way. King prefers sculptures because they inhabit space and space is power. She believes sculpture provides an opportunity to shape culturally significant memories that determine how African descendants are publicly held and remembered. King creates sculptures of people whose stories are not as well-known as they should be. For example:  Civil Rights icon, Ella Baker for the Ohio State University, Toni Stone, the first woman to play professional baseball with and against men for the SF Giants, Anti-lynching advocate, Ida B. Wells for Columbia University, The Honorable Bryron Rumford who wrote the Fair Housing Act, Dr. Huey Newton, Co-Founder and Theoretician of the Black Panther Party, Dr. Joseph Gier, Engineer, Inventor and first Black tenured professor in the University of California system. She also created a 3-sculpture monument for the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama in addition to sculptures in New Haven, Ct., Oakland, Ca and soon in Ketchum, Id. King was awarded the Artadia Award in 2021 and was a 2021-22 California Art Council Fellow. She is a former 3-term trustee at the Oakland Museum of California. King also traveled the world as a broadcast journalist for 25 years and garnered 5 Emmy, 2 Edward R. Murrow and 2 Gracie Awards, mainly for her international reporting. All Book Review Breakfasts begin at 9:30 am in the Richardson Center of Indian River State College, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach. Book Review Breakfasts are free and open to the public. You are encouraged to bring new or gently used children’s books to stock the Little Free Libraries that we support.

Members gathered to celebrate the holiday season with an international potluck that offered delicious and intriguing dishes from around the world, including Dominican Republic, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Sweden and more.

11:30am, lunch $25 Featuring Kenneth Grudens, Executive Director of the Indian River Land Trust, and Melissa DePriest, Chief Development Officer. In 2025 we celebrated the Centennial of Indian River County. One of the most prominent aspects of Indian River County is in its very name: Indian River. In 1990, the Indian River Land Trust was formed to protect that land that protects the Indian River Lagoon. The Land Trust promotes the conservation of the Lagoon for the residents of Indian River County by preserving habitat, protecting scenic waterfront and providing access for the public. Their work today stretches to the four corners of Indian River County. All Speaker Series programs are at Westminster Presbyterian Church 2555 58 th  Avenue, Vero Beach, FL If you wish to pay by check, please send your check for $25 to AAUW VERO BEACH, PO Box 2143, Vero Beach, FL 32961 OR Pay online here (includes a $2 service fee)

Yvette Jenkin By the time we’re deep into the “Fourth Quarter” of our lives, we may decide to adjust our living arrangements. Upkeep of a house, or even a condo, may get to be too much (or maybe we just get tired of it). Driving may become a challenge. Maybe we’d like someone else to do the cooking and cleaning. When that time approaches, we have many types of retirement communities to choose from, and how much we enjoy our new community will depend on making an informed decision, and selecting a place that matches our preferences, lifestyle and budget. Anita Calabro Yvette Jenkin, Sales & Marketing Director of Heron Point discussed the right time to consider a move, as well as different types of retirement communities and care facilities. And Anita Calabro, Senior Trust Officer and Vice President of Cypress Bank & Trust, shared financial issues to factor into one's considerations during the "Fourth Quarter."

Lois Miles presents a red, white, and blue bouquet to speaker Michelle Auton, Veteran Service Officer, after her discussion of The Women at the November Book Review Breakfast, in honor of her service and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.  Michelle Auton, U.S. Army Veteran and Veteran Service Officer reviewed The Women by Kristin Hannah at the November Book Review Breakfast. While Michelle served in the 1990s, she was able to offer plenty of insight into the story of a Vietnam-era Army nurse, the subject of Hannah's book. And she provided insight into how some of the issues facing those women are still facing today's female members of the Armed Services, whatever the branch. The Women   is the story of one woman gone to war as a nurse in Vietnam, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism,  The Women   is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era. Michelle graduated from high school in 1989 and enlisted in the United States Army later that same year. Serving first as a nuclear weapons specialist in Germany, Michelle later qualified as a combat medic, serving the 24 th  Infantry Battalion in Fort Stewart, Georgia. After her service, Michelle shifted to specializing in senior care in the skilled nursing and assisted living settings as a National Certified Dementia Practitioner, National Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional and a State Certified Assisted Living Administrator. She has been happily married to her husband, Billy Auton, for over 23 years, and they have three children — Regan, Michael, and Coy — and three grandchildren. Currently, they share their home with what they lovingly call their “small zoo.” Today, Michelle continues to serve as a Veteran Service Officer and passionate Veteran Advocate, dedicating countless volunteer hours to support her fellow veterans and their families throughout the community. Her commitment to service didn’t end with her uniform, it simply evolved into a new mission: standing beside those who served.

April 10, April 25 Now you can choose to join AAUW Vero Beach once or twice in Playing the New Card! April 10, 2026 — 10:30am – 2:00pm Bent Pine Country Club 6001 Clubhouse Dr. Vero Beach, FL 32967 Registration opens January 3. OR April 25, 2026, 10:30am – 2:00pm Vero Beach Yacht Club 3601 Rio Vista Blvd. Vero Beach, FL 32963 Registration opens February 21. Both events feature rounds of play, a delicious chef-prepared lunch, more rounds of play, and prizes! And all proceeds go toward helping young women in Indian River County advance their education.   Cost: $80/person, $320/table In addition, please register by email: April 10 th  at Bent Pine: MahJongApril10@gmail.com April 25 th  at the Yacht Club: April25MahJong@gmail.com If you’re buying a table, let us know the names of the players at your table. If you’re buying for yourself but playing with friends, please let us know the names of your tablemates. If you’re by yourself and want to meet players, ask us to find you a table. We’ll confirm your reservation and send additional information. If you are paying by check, please send you check payable to AAUW Vero Beach at PO Box 2143 Vero Beach, FL 32961 To pay online, please continue below to choose and pay for your event. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR RECEIPT FROM PAYPAL IS YOUR PROOF OF PAYMENT AND TICKET TO THE EVENT. PLEASE SAVE AND BRINGIT WITH YOU. THANKS! April 10, 2026 at Bent Pine Country Club April 25, 2026 at Vero Beach Yacht Club

Written and performed by Kristin Finger and Alli Soowal   Come, celebrate friendship — in all its glory and hilarity! One of the most amazing things in life is finding that person who is not only your best friend; but also your soulmate, a sister, and a person who will shower you after a major surgery. She might be the same one you giggled with in middle school, your high school or college bestie, or someone you met as an adult, and everything just clicked. Spend an hour with Kris & Alli, comedians and best friends who have been performing together for almost 20 years, as they take you on a journey through the joys and laughter of their own friendship, your own friendships and even some famous friendships like Lucy and Ethel, Dorothy and Sophia, and Betty and Judy. Kris and Alli’s variety hour will feature comedy sketches, improv, storytelling, and song & dance. Don’t miss this one-time-only performance! SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 Emerson Center, 1590 27 th  Avenue 3:00pm Wine, Cheese and Will Call tickets 3:30pm Doors open 4:00pm Show Tickets are $50 per person and registration is required. If you are paying by check, please send you check payable to AAUW Vero Beach at PO Box 2143 Vero Beach, FL 32961 If you wish to pay by credit or debit card, continue to payment button below. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR RECEIPT FROM PAYPAL IS YOUR TICKET TO THE EVENT. PLEASE SAVE AND BRING IT WITH YOU. THANKS! Sponsored by the AAUW-Vero Beach, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All proceeds fund scholarships for women and girls in Indian River County.

What a fabulous Kick-Off event we had, welcoming back old friends and new members. Our theme for this year is “Friendship”: Why? Because we have an amazing organization with over a hundred members, and we all can use more friends.   This season promises to be one of great interest. If you haven’t yet attended an event, take a moment to look at the upcoming events on this website and sign up for an event or put a Book Review Breakfast on your calendar. You’ll be glad you did!

MORE DETAILS TO COME! If you wish to pay by check, please send your check for $25 to AAUW VERO BEACH, PO Box 2143, Vero Beach, FL 32961 OR Pay online here (includes a $2 service fee)

In an era of political and cultural polarization, how can we manage our social (and online) interactions in a positive way? Speakers will discuss the power of empathy, ways to navigate differences and conflict, communication in difficult situations, and the “art of listening.” Please check back for more details about this event and its speakers. All Speaker Series programs are at Westminster Presbyterian Church 2555 58 th  Avenue, Vero Beach, FL If you wish to pay by check, please send your check for $25 to AAUW VERO BEACH, PO Box 2143, Vero Beach, FL 32961 OR Pay online here (includes a $2 service fee)

“ Africa Travelogue ,” featuring the travels and photos of members Jane Howard, Karen Nuccitelli and Charlotte Jones, who will share highlights of their travel experiences in Africa. All Speaker Series programs are at Westminster Presbyterian Church 2555 58 th  Avenue, Vero Beach, FL If you wish to pay by check, please send your check for $25 to AAUW VERO BEACH, PO Box 2143, Vero Beach, FL 32961 OR Pay online here (includes a $2 service fee)

Ellen Contreras of Treasure Coast Connector will review The Little Girls’ Guide to Entrepreneurship: What I Now Know That I Sure Wish I Knew Then,  by Emily McHugh This book is a combination of autobiography and lessons learned in entrepreneurship. Author Emily McHugh takes you on a journey starting with the seeds of entrepreneurship that were planted at an early age on a farm in Jamaica to the founding of her award-winning design company Casauri. Emily distills the essence of entrepreneurship in its purest form and reveals insights from hard won lessons and experiences . Ellen Contreras is a Media Personality, Writer, Influencer & Business Development Consultant. In 2019, Ellen Contreras founded her iHeart radio talk show, naming it Treasure Coast Connector. She earned the nickname “The Connector” for her remarkable ability to link businesspeople and resources, helping them flourish. Ellen is a dynamic business development professional with a diverse background in sales, staffing & recruiting, marketing & communications, and advertising & PR. As the host of the weekly iHeart radio show and podcast, Treasure Coast Connector , Ellen shines a spotlight on local business owners, connecting them with the community. By helping people share their stories and discuss their products and services, she engages the audience, sparking interest and driving sales. Ellen is also a Community Contributor for Newsbreak, the largest news aggregator app in the US with over 50 million readers. She writes insightful articles and shares her opinions on careers, business development, the Florida lifestyle, and more. Ellen graduated with top honors from Briarcliffe College in New York, earning an IT degree summa cum laude and serving as valedictorian of her class. She also holds an MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) certification. Ellen resides in Vero Beach, FL, with her husband Omar Contreras and their capricious cat, Mr. Skitters. All Book Review Breakfasts begin at 9:30am in the Richardson Center of Indian River State College, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach. Book Review Breakfasts are free and open to the public. You are encouraged to bring new or gently used children’s books to stock the Little Free Libraries that we support.