FISH to host monthly luncheon with speaker
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva will hold its next Friendly Faces Luncheon on April 8 at 11 a.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
It will feature guest speaker Irene Skolnick, who will talk about how her family survived World War II in Poland by pretending to be Catholic, while at the same time hiding several members of her father’s family in a one-bedroom house.
“Our monthly luncheons are more than just a social gathering — they’re a chance to enjoy lively conversations and interesting talks,” Senior Services Director Erika Arnowitz said. “We hope everyone will join us for this inspiring presentation and a wonderful time of connection.”
Born in Poland, Skolnick was 2 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 to France and then to the United States in 1952, when Skolnick was 14. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a major in chemistry and Columbia University with a master’s degree in library service. Skolnick moved to Pittsburgh in 1974 when her husband accepted a position at Presbyterian Hospital to develop its ultrasound laboratory. Taking advantage of the scholarship offered to spouses of University of Pittsburgh faculty, she attended and obtained her Master of Business Administration. Upon graduation, Skolnick joined Terry Matzuk and co-founded Dymax Corporation, a medical manufacturing company. In 1990, it pioneered the concept of ultrasound guidance for vascular access, a procedure that became standard of care. She sold the company in 1998.
Prepared by the Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory, the lunch will be complimentary.
Reservations and meal choices are required by April 4.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact Arnowitz at 239-472-4775 or erika@fishofsancap.org.