April Friendly Faces Luncheon with Guest Speaker Irene Skolnick

Join the fun at FISH OF SANCAP’s Friendly Faces Luncheon—a warm and welcoming gathering filled with good food, great company, and inspiring conversation! On Tues., Apr. 8, at 11:00 AM, guests will enjoy a complimentary lunch from The Sanibel Deli, while reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. With an engaging speaker, plenty of laughter, and an uplifting sense of community, it’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Please invite your friends, bring your family, and join us for a meal that’s about more than just food—it’s about friendship, connection, and shared moments!

“Our monthly luncheons are more than just a social gathering—they’re a chance to enjoy lively conversations and interesting talks from our wonderful guest speakers!” says Erika Arnowitz, Senior Services Director at FISH. “We’re so grateful to The Sanibel Community House and The Sanibel Deli for their generosity, which makes this beloved community event possible each month.”

The luncheon is being held at the Sanibel Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Reservations and meal choices are required by Fri., Apr. 4 by contacting Erika Arnowitz at FISH at 239-472-4775 or erika@fishofsancap.org.

FISH is thrilled to welcome Irene Skolnick in April who will talk about how her family survived World War II in Poland pretending to be catholic while at the same time hiding several members of her father’s family in a one-bedroom primitive house.

Irene Skolnick was born in Poland and was two years old when WWII broke out.  She and her family survived the Holocaust by changing their identity and passing themselves off as Catholics.  After the war the family immigrated first to France and then to the U.S. in 1952 when Irene was 14 years old.  Irene graduated from Brooklyn College with a major in Chemistry and from Columbia University with a master’s in library service.  She moved to Pittsburgh in 1974 when her husband, a radiologist, accepted a position at Presbyterian Hospital to develop the department’s ultrasound laboratory.  Taking advantage of the faculty scholarship offered to the University of Pittsburgh faculty spouses, Irene attended the University of Pittsburgh where she obtained an MBA.  Upon graduation she joined Terry Matzuk, a CMU PhD electrical engineer, and co-founded Dymax Corporation, a medical manufacturing company.  In 1990, Dymax pioneered the concept of ultrasound guidance for vascular access, a procedure which became standard of care.  Irene sold the company in 1998.  She and her husband Leon have three children and seven grandchildren.  They split their time between Sanibel, FL and Pittsburgh.

“We hope everyone will join us for this inspiring presentation and a wonderful time of connection,” continues Arnowitz.  “Seating is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot today!”

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and enjoy delicious food while connecting with friends and neighbors.

For more information on the Friendly Faces Luncheon or to RSVP, please contact Erika Arnowitz at 239-472-4775 or erika@fishofsancap.org.