Mary Elmendorf, who has been an active member for more than 41 years, has just released an interesting new book, From Southern Belle to Global Rebel, memoirs of anthropologist and activist Mary Lindsay Elmendorf. Sarasota Sister Cities is mentioned in the book. Friday, just days before her 95th birthday, she held a book signing at Circle Books on St. Armand's Circle, 478 John Ringling Blvd. Copies purchased at Circle Books are $15. However, Mary has offered SSCA members a copy of the book for $12 by directly by contacting her via email. Mary prefers email contact as she has trouble hearing on the telephone.
Contact Mary at maryelmendorf@gmail.com
Many of you have known Mary for sometime now, as she is a frequent attendee at our Sarasota Yacht Club luncheons. She was honored at our Mérida luncheon last November. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mary, here are the remarks about Mary given at the event:
“Doctor Mary Elmendorf is a gold-standard citizen diplomat and one of our pioneer members of Sarasota Sister Cities who has seen our Sarasota Sister Cities grow from a single relationship with Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic to where we are today. I believe she has undoubtedly attending more Sarasota Sister Cities events than anyone the nearly 50 year history of SSCA. Dr. Mary has remained active in her discipline of applied anthropology and community development.
“Over the years she has initiated and participated in exchanges of art, language, medical and educational programs that have made a difference throughout the world. Her accomplishments are legend and actually fill more than 30 boxes at the George A. Smathers Library at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Some of those accomplishments included being Noble Peace Prize Laureate; being a participant in all United Nations Conferences on Women since 1975; being recognized with the Margaret Mead Award for cultural anthropology; being presented with the Placa award given to people who bring water to communities in Latin America; and recently the Bertha Palmer Centennial Woman of Achievement. And of no small note – being the resident of the first home build on Lido Key.
“Mary – Sarasota Sister Cities recognizes you today in a small, but deeply heartfelt way for your 41 years as the Sarasota Citizen Diplomat who has made a major difference to our community and SSCA.”
http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/spec/manuscript/elmendorf/vitae.htm
http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/spec/manuscript/guides/Elmendorf.htm