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May 2011

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Mother's Are the Best 

 

The month of May brings Mother's Day celebrations and moments to honor the women in our lives that have made us the Moms we have become. What did you do this Mother's Day? Were you pampered?  Were you reminded how important you are by all of the special people in your life? We at AMI know how important YOU are, and we extend our gratitude for all you do each and every day to make a difference in who you reach, what you teach and who you honor.    

 

AMI members do make a difference locally and globally (check out what Diane Callister, 2010 National Mother of the Year, brought to children in Puerto Rico). We volunteer in our kids' schools, serve on local non-profit boards, and most importantly, we put our families first.  That's why stopping once a year on Mother's Day to remember the women in your life that have contributed to your life experiences, is a tradition, and it's one that all women cherish.

 

The recognition of Mother's Day is a tradition AMI created. The ideals of AMI began in the heart and mind of Anna Reeves Jarvis as she sought to heal the damage done to families caught in the conflict of the Civil War. By organizing a day of love and friendship across battle lines, this simple observance grew into the national holiday, known as Mother's Day, for which AMI is the official sponsor.

 

Share your family's traditions around Mother's Day either on our Facebook page or by sending us an email. We'd appreciate seeing your photos and reading your stories.  You may just see yourself in the next American Mothers, Inc. e-newsletter.

 

Have a happy and healthy May!

 

Andrea Ball, Executive Director

American Mothers, Inc.

 


2011 Board of Directors Announced! 

 

At our National Convention in Salt Lake City, we announced the 2011 Executive Board. Personally, it is such an honor and privilege to serve as your National President. Additionally, I am joined by a number of amazing mothers. They are:

  • Joan Braitsch, 1st Vice President, Virginia
  • Cristi Bulloch, 2nd Vice President, Nevada
  • Kimberley Shelton, 3rd Vice President, New Hampshire
  • Sondra Anderson, Secretary, Pennsylvania
  • Valerie Earnshaw, Treasurer, New Hampshire
  • Sherri Zirker,  Area I Coordinator, Washington

  • Tonia Nantkes, Area III Coordinator, Nebraska
  • Mary Compton, Area IV Coordinator, Texas
  • Irene Costilow, Area V Coordinator, Oklahoma
  • Vivian Dibb, Area VI Coordinator, Georgia
  • Johanna Buit, Area VII Coordinator, Indiana
  • Genevieve Champana, Area IX Coordinator, Puerto Rico
  • Carolyn Branagan, Area X Coordinator, Vermont
  • Yolanda Perez, Bylaws Chairman, Puerto Rico

I look forward to working with you as we recognize and honor the positive impact mothers are making in our country!

 

Connell Branan, President

American Mothers, Inc.


AMI 2011 National Mother of the Year and Young Mother of the Year Awarded

 

Ernestine MOY Shawni YMOY

 

Ernestine Allen, from Washington, D.C, was named the 2011 Mother of the Year, and Shawni Pothier, from Gilbert, Arizona, was named the 2011 Young Mother of the Year during the AMI National Convention in Salt Lake City, UT.

 

Ernestine "Tine" Allen was born in Louisburg, North Carolina as the tenth of 18 children. She moved to Washington D.C to attend college at the University of the District of Columbia, where she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education. She later earned her master's degree in education administration. She taught for over twenty years and is a certified HIV counselor and tester. She has been married to her husband, Ronald, for 42 years, and they have two grown sons and six grandchildren.  Ernestine and Ronald are also members of The Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church, Elders on the Ministerial Alliance and pre-marriage and marriage counselors for the church. Ernestine also established the Bereaved Parent Support Group and is a volunteer mentor at the Fairview Women's Facility.

 

Shawnalee "Shawni" Pothier was born in Alexandria, Virginia as the second of nine children. Shawni was able to live in several countries throughout her childhood, including England, Mexico, Utah, Japan and the Philippines. During her college years, Shawni studied abroad in Jerusalem and went on a mission trip for her church in Romania. She earned her degree in social work from Boston University. Shawni has been married to her husband, David, since 1995. They have five children and live in Gilbert, Arizona. Shawni promotes the joy of motherhood on her blog, 71toes.blogspot.com, is a frequent speaker for "A Time Out for Women" and recently published her first book, A Mother's Book of Secrets. Shawni has also served as a counselor in numerous presidencies that work with youth organizations.

 


Fifth Grade Essay Winner Taught Us What Her Mom Means to Her 

 

Andrea Perez, from Oklahoma, is the winner of this year's 5th Grade Essay Contest.  Her award winning essay moved the audience to tears as she wrote about the comfort, courage, faith and life her mother shows her daily by example. Visit the AMI website to view Andrea's essay. Congratulations Andrea! We are so proud of you and all of those who chose to participate in this year's contest.

2010 Mother of the Year REACHES

Children in Puerto Rico  

 

During her recent visit with members of the Puerto Rico association of American Mothers Inc., the 2010 National Mother of the Year, Dianne Callister, assisted AMI members help mothers and children at the state's pediatric hospital. On Tuesday, April 19, 2011, Callister presented a check for a $5,000 grant from the Singer Foundation to the officers of the Puerto Rico Children's Foundation. The AMI Puerto Rico members and families wholeheartedly expressed their gratitude to Dianne for her care of local children.

 

 

2011 Mother of San Juan Honored

 

On May 12th, the Mother of San Juan 2011, Mrs. Myrna Mendez de Mendez, was honored at the City Hall's terrace by the Honorable Jorge A. Santini Padilla and his wife Irma Garriga de Santini. Lunch and cocktails were given. Over 125 members attended, and each chapter was represented. Also, for the first time, one of the major newspapers of Puerto Rico, El Vocero, interviewed both the PR Mother of the Year 2010, Mrs. Elba Rivera de Ruiz, and Mrs.Myrna Mendez de Mendez for a newspaper article that will be published shortly.

 

American Mothers, Inc.

Strengthening the Moral and Spiritual Foundation of the Home  

Telephone 202-449-9551 ext. 200
Toll-free 1-877-242-4264