Women's netWork

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die | Video on TED.com

2011-10-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die | Video on TED.com

It is only fitting that we share this VIDEO link with you today. It is a life lesson we should also hear and put into action.

Thanks for all the lessons, inspiration, and vision Steve Job.

IRS Increases Mileage Rate to 55.5 Cents per Mile

2011-08-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

IRS Increases Mileage Rate to 55.5 Cents per Mile

IR-2011-69, June 23, 2011

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2011. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other purposes.

The rate will increase to 55.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011. This is an increase of 4.5 cents from the 51 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2011, as set forth in Revenue Procedure 2010-51.

In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2011. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.

"This year's increased gas prices are having a major impact on individual Americans. The IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the recent increase in gas prices," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "We are taking this step so the reimbursement rate will be fair to taxpayers."

While gasoline is a significant factor in the mileage figure, other items enter into the calculation of mileage rates, such as depreciation and insurance and other fixed and variable costs.

The optional business standard mileage rate is used to compute the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business use in lieu of tracking actual costs. This rate is also used as a benchmark by the federal government and many businesses to reimburse their employees for mileage.

The new six-month rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses will also increase by 4.5 cents to 23.5 cents a mile, up from 19 cents for the first six months of 2011. The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by statute, not the IRS, and remains at 14 cents a mile.

The new rates are contained in Announcement 2011-40 on the optional standard mileage rates.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Mileage Rate Changes

Purpose
Rates 1/1 through 6/30/11
Rates 7/1 through 12/31/11

Business
51
55.5

Medical/Moving
19
23.5

Charitable
14
14

5 C's of Credit On-Line Event

2011-07-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

From MIWomen

This is a FREE online webinar event - -
Get all the details and register online at www.miwomen.com

Noon until 1 p.m.
July 29th

MIWomen's July 29th Webinar, "5 C's of Credit" in their online events calendars! This event will feature Comerica Bank's Vice President, Linda Vingleman. Hope to have you there!

Customer Service - It Matters

2011-07-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

I am reposting an entry my daughter made on her FACEBOOK account to share the importance of good customer service. I have written on this topic several times, and I always teach in when working with my clients. Good Customer Service is the ONLY thing that matters. Good Customer Service will overcome nearly everything else...

If you do not provide Good Customer Service, your customers are walking out on you and telling their friends...so the next time you notice that business is on the down turn, before you blame the economy, take a serious look at the level of customer service you and your employees are providing.

Here is my daughter's story:
The last time I went to Water Works Salon, I had a terrible experience where I actually left in tears. With extreme reluctance, I returned today. I waited 45 minutes after my appointment time, never saw the stylist, so I left. Instead, I went to Aphrodite Salon and Boutique. Thank you Aphrodite Salon, for remembering that getting your hair done is supposed to be an enjoyable experience...not something you dread.

Thanks for sharing this story - - I hope all businesses consider your experience.

Maya Angelou Quote

2011-07-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

I came across this framed print today - what a beautiful thought.

When we cast our bread upon the waters,
we can presume that someone downstream whose face we may never see
will benefit from our action,
even as we enjoy the gifts sent to us
from a donor upstream.

---Maya Angelou

A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach

2011-06-24T09:41:00.001-07:00

Now available at The Bookstore - Manistee is this curl-up-in your beach chair read by Loreen Niewenhuis. A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach - - One Woman's Trek of the Perimeter of Lake Michigan tells the story of the author's walk many of us only day dream about taking.

The next time you are drawn to the shores of Lake Michigan to watch the sunset, to search out beach glass, or just to enjoy the sights and the sounds of summer, ease yourself into A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach and read about the accomplishments of one determined Michigan woman.

What significant goal would you like to reach? What do you day dream most about?

A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach is available downtown Manistee at The Bookstore - Maniste 391 River Street.

High Trust Leaders - - Stephen Covey

2011-06-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with Stephen Covey. He helped me prepare for an important presentation. This is part of the information he shared with me.

THE 13 BEHAVIORS OF A HIGH TRUST LEADER
What separates the great leaders from the good ones? What makes a manager a manager of choice by her reports, peers, and boss? What makes an individual credible with customers, suppliers, distributors,investors, and other stakeholders? While there are many dimensions to these questions, there is one common thread throughout: being an individual who can be trusted.

Perhaps a more important question than, "Who do you trust?" is the far more personal question of,"Who trusts you?" There are some organizations who ask all their employees directly the following simple, key question in formal 360º feedback processes: "Do you trust your boss?"

These companies have learned that the answer to this question is more predictive of team and organizational success than perhaps any other question they might ask.
A High Trust Leader is an individual who has unquestionably strong personal credibility, has the ability to create and grow trust with others interpersonally, and who is then able to extend that trust organizationally.

High Trust Leaders are managers of choice who understand the impact trust always plays on two key outcomes—speed and cost—and how low or high trust either extracts a tax or produces a dividend on every activity and dimension within a relationship, team, or organization.

High Trust Leaders have learned how to interact with others in ways that increase trust levels while avoiding the pitfalls that deplete trust. While there are numerous actions and behaviors that affect trust accounts, we have identified the 13 key behaviors that High Trust Leaders have in common (the first five
behaviors are primarily character-based; the second five are primarily competence based; the last three are equal parts character and competence).

As you go through these behaviors, you may also find it valuable to consider the opposite of these 13 behaviors and how such "withdrawals" deplete trust.
What’s most exciting is that these 13 Behaviors of High Trust Leaders can be learned and applied by any influencer at any level within any organization. The net result will be a significantly increased ability to generate trust with all stakeholders in order to achieve better results.

The 13 Behaviors of High Trust Leaders are as follows:Stephen M. R. Covey
© 2004,-2006 CoveyLink | www.coveylink.com | Page 1

1. Talk Straight

2. Demonstrate Concern
“I look for three things in hiring people. The first is personal integrity, the second is intelligence, and the third is a high energy level. But if you don’t have the first, the second two don’t matter.” - Warren Buffett, CEO, Berkshire-Hathaway

“The end result of kindness is that it draws people to you."
- Anita Roddick, Founder & CEO, The Body Shop

Be honest. Tell the truth. Let people know where you stand. Use simple language.
Call things what they are. Demonstrate integrity. Don’t manipulate
people nor distort facts. Don’t spin the truth. Don’t leave false impressions.
Genuinely care for others. Show you care. Respect the dignity of every person
and every role. Treat everyone with respect, especially those who can’t
do anything for you. Show kindness in the little things. Don’t fake caring.
Don’t attempt to be “efficient” with people.

CHARACTER BEHAVIORS
"Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not." - Oprah Winfrey

"If people know you care, it brings out the best in them."
- Richard Branson, Founder, the Virgin Group

. Create Transparency
“Trust happens when leaders are transparent."
- Jack Welch, Former CEO, G.E.

Tell the truth in a way people can verify. Get real and genuine. Be open and
authentic. Err on the side of disclosure. Operate on the premise of, “What you
see is what you get.” Don’t have hidden agendas. Don’t hide information.
"The people I have trouble dealing with are people who tend not to give full information. They purposefully leave out parts of the story—they distort facts."
- Shelly Lazarus, CEO, Ogilvy Mather Worldwide

4. Right Wrongs

5. Show Loyalty

6. Deliver Results
“Watergate wasn’t so much a burglary as it was the failure to recognize mistakes, to
take responsibility for them, and to apologize accordingly."
- Jon Huntsman, Chairman, Huntsman Corp.

“If you want to retain those who are present, be loyal to those who are absent. The
key to the many is the one." - Stephen R. Covey

“Get good people and expect them to perform. Terminate them quickly and fairly if
you make the wrong choice." - Bill Marriott, Jr., CEO, Marriott Corp.

Make things right when you’re wrong. Apologize quickly. Make restitution
where possible. Practice “service recoveries.” Demonstrate personal humility.
Don’t cover things up. Don’t let personal pride get in the way of doing
the right thing. Speak about people as if they were present. Represent others who aren’t there to speak for themselves. Don’t bad mouth others behind their backs.
Don’t disclose others’ private information.

Establish a track record of results. Get the right things done. Make things
happen. Accomplish what you’re hired to do. Be on time and within budget.
Don’t overpromise and underdeliver. Don’t make excuses for not delivering.

"What I call Level 5 leaders build enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of
personal humility and professional will." - Jim Collins COMPETENCE BEHAVIORS

"There is no ambiguity around performance at Pepsi, which some people perceive
as harsh. I see it as an important and necessary part of how you operate. You can't
create a high trust culture unless people perform." - Craig Weatherup, former CEO, PepsiCo

7. Get Better

8. Clarify Expectactions

9. Practice Accouuntability

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." - Alvin Toffler

“Almost all conflict is a result of violated expectations." - Blaine Lee

“Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him and to let him know that you trust him." - Booker T. Washington

Continuously improve. Increase your capabilities. Be a constant learner.
Develop feedback systems—both formal and informal. Act upon the feedback
you receive. Thank people for feedback. Don’t consider yourself above
feedback. Don’t assume your knowledge and skills will be sufficient for
tomorrow’s challenges.

Disclose and reveal expectations. Discuss them. Validate them. Renegotiate
them if needed and possible. Don’t violate expectations. Don’t assume that
expectations are clear or shared.

Hold yourself accountable. Hold others accountable. Take responsibility
for results. Be clear on how you’ll communicate how you’re doing—and how
others are doing. Don’t avoid or shirk responsibility. Don’t blame others or
point fingers when things go wrong.

"An individual without information cannot take responsibility. An individual who is given information cannot help but take responsibility."
- Jan Carlzon, former CEO, Scandinavian Airlines

"Remember, when you were made a leader, you weren't given a crown, you were given
a responsibility to bring out the best in others. For that, your people need to trust you." - Jack Welch, former CEO, General Electric

11. Keep Commitments

“Trust doesn’t mean they tell you everything. It doesn’t mean they don’t posture. But it means if they say, ‘We will do this,’ they will do it. It is credibility. It is integrity." - Scott Smith, Publisher, Chicago Tribune

Say what you’re going to do. Then do what you say you’re going to do.
Make commitments carefully and keep them at all costs. Make keeping commitments
the symbol of your honor. Don’t break confidences. Don’t attempt to “PR” your way out of a commitment you’ve broken.

10. Confront Reality

“Leaders need to be more candid with those they purport to lead. Sharing good news
is easy. When it comes to the more troublesome negative news, be candid and take
responsibility. Don’t withhold unpleasant possibilities and don’t pass off bad news to subordinates to deliver. Level with employees about problems in a timely fashion."
- Jon Huntsman, Chairman, Huntsman Corp.

Take issues head on, even the “undiscussables.” Address the tough stuff
directly. Acknowledge the unsaid. Lead out courageously in conversation.
Remove the “sword from their hands.” Don’t skirt the real issues. Don’t bury
your head in the sand.

"We strive to tell everyone everything we can. We want a culture with open dialogue and straight answers. In terms of our work with employees, we have been direct with them even when they don't like the answer. Our goal is not to please everyone but instead for them to trust that what we tell them is the truth. You can't work the tough issues we face unless everyone, starting with the senior team, trusts one another." - Greg Brenneman, former CEO, Continental AIrlines

"Trust is established through action and over time, and it is a leader's responsibility to demonstrate what it means to keep your word and earn a reputation for trustworthiness." - Hank Paulson, CEO, Goldman Sachs
CHARACTER AND COMPETENCE BEHAVIORS

13. Extend Trust

“People ask me how I’ve had the interest and zeal to hang in there and do what I’ve
done. I say, ‘Because my father treated me with very stern discipline: he trusted me.’ I’m stuck, I’ve got to see the trust through. He trusted me. I trust other people. And they did the job." - Robert Galvin, Jr., Former CEO, Motorola

Demonstrate a propensity to trust. Extend trust abundantly to those who
have earned your trust. Extend trust conditionally to those who are earning
your trust. Learn how to appropriately extend trust to others based on the
situation, risk, and character/competence of the people involved. But have a
propensity to trust. Don’t withhold trust because there is risk involved.

12. Listen First

“We’ve all heard the criticism, ‘He talks too much.’ When was the last time you heard
someone criticized for listening too much?" - Norm Augustine, Former CEO, Lockheed Martin

Listen before you speak. Understand. Diagnose. Listen with your
ears...and your eyes and heart. Find out what the most important behaviors
are to the people you’re working with. Don’t assume you know what
matters most to others. Don’t presume you have all the answers—or all the
questions.

"Nothing beats personal, two-way communication for fostering cooperation and
teamwork and for building an attitude of trust and understanding among employees."
- Bill Packard, Co-Founder, Hewlett Packard

"The chief lesson I have learned in a long life is that the only way to make a man
trustworthy is to trust him." - Henry Stimson, U.S. Statesman

"I have found that by trusting people until they prove themselves unworthy of that trust, a lot more happens." - Jim Burke, former CEO, Johnson & Johnson

Thank you for your interest. These 13 Behaviors of a High Trust Leader are part of a new programen titled Leading at the SPEED of TRUST®, which is based on the forthcoming book by Stephen M. R. Covey.
If you would like to instill these behaviors in leaders and workers in your organization, call Tami Harmon at CoveyLink to reserve a date (801-756-2700 x 201) or email her at Tami@CoveyLink.com. A limited number of dates remain available for 2006. © 2004,-2006 CoveyLink | www.coveylink.com | Page 6

Women-Owned Business Assistance

2011-06-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Did you know...The Office of Women’s Business Ownership's mission is to establish and oversee a network of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) throughout the United States and its territories. Through the management and technical assistance provided by the WBCs, entrepreneurs, especially women who are economically or socially disadvantaged, are offered comprehensive training and counseling on a vast array of topics in many languages to help them start and grow their own businesses.

Learn more at: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2895

Girl's Night Out in Manistee Friday June 17th

2011-06-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

SUVI BOUTIQUE is inviting you to an evening of pampering. As you enjoy some wine, hors doeuvres, Arbonne Consultant Jennifer Carlson will be giving facials and foot soaks as you shop. Take advantage of Father's Day specials, win prizes, and earn discounts.

Friday, June 17th
5:00pm - 8:00 pm
Suvi Boutique
River Street
Downtown Manistee

CONNECTING BUSINESSES WITH CAPITAL

2011-06-11T05:12:00.001-07:00

JUNE 16 FORUM FOCUSES ON CONNECTING BUSINESSES WITH CAPITAL
Hosted by Benzie County Economic Development Corporation and Alliance for Economic Success
Benzonia and Manistee, Michigan - Banks, businesses and others wanting to expand business , increase jobs and strengthen communities will have a chance to learn and make their pitch to sources of federal and state government funding and business support programs at a June 16, 2011 forum to be held at the Pleasant Valley Community Center, Arcadia, Michigan.

The forum will begin at 10 a.m., conclude at 3 p.m. and is hosted by the Benzie County Economic Development Corporation, the Alliance for Economic Success and the Pleasant Valley Community Center, located just off M-22 near the Benzie/Manistee County line. The offices of U. S. Senator Carl Levin and U. S. Senator Debbie Stabenow are co-sponsoring the forum, with representatives on hand to talk about the role of their offices in support business growth and development.

"This forum will focus on connecting banks, businesses and communities with sources of capital to expand businesses and create jobs," said Mary Carroll, President of the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce who also serves on the Benzie County Economic Development Corporation Board. Together, we will identify the needs and priorities for capital to support business growth and provide time for businesses to speak directly with financing sources about their particular needs. We have a great line up!"

Carroll said that key representatives from the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development; U. S. Small Business Administration; U. S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Services; and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will discuss the availability of business financing and support programs and be available for one-on-one discussions with banks, businesses and others.

Cyndy Fuller, Executive Director of the Alliance for Economic Success is hoping for an overflow crowd.

"We hope that all area banks and other lending institutions as well as small businesses, downtown development authority representatives, locally elected officials and others who are concerned with the vitality of our businesses and communities will participate," she said. "We need to be taking full advantage of all of the tools available to build our economic base just as we are working to strengthen the appeal and amenities in our communities."

RSVP's should be directed to Jami Schneider at 231-723-4325 or jami@allianceforeconomicsuccess.com. The forum is free of charge. A light lunch will be served. Attached is the agenda for the forum.

Nelson Mandela...Wise Words

2011-06-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

My niece posted this quote on her Facebook account and I thought it was worth sharing.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Butterfly

2011-06-09T11:27:00.001-07:00

Time Passes.....

Life happens.....

Distance separates......

Children grow up.....

Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do...

Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end.....

BUT.....Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach...

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf,
and waiting with open arms at the valley's end...

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you....or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters.....

Daughter-in-laws, sisters, sister-in-laws, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still.

"I Am" The Documentary

2011-05-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

Has anyone seen this documentary? Do you have any comments to share?

http://www.iamthedoc.com/thefilm/ Check out the trailer.

I AM is an utterly engaging and entertaining non-fiction film that poses two practical and provocative questions: what’s wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better? The filmmaker behind the inquiry is Tom Shadyac, one of Hollywood’s leading comedy practitioners and the creative force behind such blockbusters as “Ace Ventura,” “Liar Liar,” “The Nutty Professor,” and “Bruce Almighty.” However, in I AM, Shadyac steps in front of the camera to recount what happened to him after a cycling accident left him incapacitated, possibly for good. Though he ultimately recovered, he emerged with a new sense of purpose, determined to share his own awakening to his prior life of excess and greed, and to investigate how he as an individual, and we as a race, could improve the way we live and walk in the world.

3 C's in Customer Service

2011-05-04T16:51:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since I've taken time to post here - - so much for "The Happiness Project" chapter on blogging. But I have been very busy and away from home the past three months - - and away yet another month, working on retail management consulting projects - one in Chicago, one in Michigan.

As with most of the consulting contracts I manage, customer service improvement was the focus of one recent client's goals. When I work with a business that wants to stay in business, rather than one seeking assistance in going out of business, improving customer service takes on critical importance. If you are going to retain old customers, and bring new customers back time after time, how they are treated in your business each and every time they come in needs to be fine tuned.

For businesses seeking my assistance in "Going OUT of Business" we rely on customers returning time after time until all the merchandise on the shelves is sold. If customers are not treated well, if they do not have a good experience, they simply will not come back.

As I train employees, I give them the simple task of incorporating the "3 C's" into their contact with a customer: 1) Contact. Make eye contact; say "Hi"; say "Welcome, we're glad you're here." Have you ever walked into a retail store, strolled the aisles for a few minutes, looked through racks of clothing or shoes or books, then walked out having never been greeted by an employee of the business? Of course you have. We all have. And we were left feeling like "Mr. Cellophane" in the movie "Chicago." Invisible.

2) Compliment. Pay a compliment to every customer who graces your front door. How hard is it to say, "That's a cute blouse." "I just love those boots." With very little effort, we can find something nice to say to every person who walks in the door. Think about it. What you say could change that person's whole outlook for the rest of day. Later in the day, maybe as she is pulling the covers up and snuggling into bed that night, she may remember the feeling she had when you said something nice to her when she walked in your store eight hours earlier. And your investment: 0. And here is the big bonus - you'll feel great when endorphins are released in your brain after doing/saying something nice to someone else.

3) Courtesy. Perform a small courtesy for every person who walks in your business. "May I clean your rings for you?" "Can I hold your packages behind the counter so you can shop easier." "Let me hold the door for you." Just a simple courtesy can make a person feel much better about their shopping experience in your business. And that good feeling is what will bring them back.

Be genuine when performing the the 3 C's. Your customers will know it - and so will you - if you are not sincere in your remarks. So there you have it - - my simple start to improving customer service in any retail business. Give it a try where you work - you will see an improvement in sales - and in the way you feel at work every day.

Judy Crockett
Retail Management Consultant.

Directions For Eating Chocolate a Life Lesson

2011-03-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

While on a consulting job in the Chicago area, my husband and I have had the pleasure of staying with his sister Diane for nearly a month. It was such a blessing to share so much time with her and her husband Nick. After a fabulous gourmet scallop dinner, Diane "presented" a dessert with a ritual - - that translates well into a lesson on living life.

Dessert was a square of Vosges Hout Chocolate Goji bar. Diane opened the package, broke it into squares for each of us, then began reading the directions on the back of the package as follows:

How to Enjoy an Exotic Candy Bar

BREATHE - Engage your senses. Take three deep ujjayi breaths, quiet the chattering mind and be in the presence of the moment.

SEE -- A darker milk chocolate speckled with hues of pink.

SMELL - - Rub your thumb on the chocolate to help release the mineral aromas. Inhale deeply.

SNAP - - Break the bar in two pieces. Hear the crisp, ringing pop, which indicates a well-tempered bar of chocolate. You will hear the loudest snap with dark chocolate, a soft break with milk, and a faint whisper with white.

TASTE - - Place a small piece of chocolate on your tounge and press it to the roof of your mouth. Within thirty seconds the flavors of goji berry's respberry, plum and current undertones exude from chewy bites with a hint of salt fueling the craving for more sweet.

FEEL - - -The mystique of these little pink gems is so cherished in the native Tibet and Mongolia that festival are held each year to celebrate their renowned body-beautiful attributes.

Peace, love and chocolate, Katrina
www.vosgeschocolate.com
After we savored this experience, I could not help but think we should enjoy each moment of each day by savoring all the little gems.

Enjoy your chocolate today - - and your day.
Judy

Tips For Leaving Work...at Work

2011-03-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Strategy for Professional Women
There’s a wonderful saying, "If you want something done, give it to a busy person." Effective professional women are busy women—who can organize, multitask and deliver. The workload requires so much focus and energy that, by the end of the day, few women have the mental reserves to unwind, defuse criticisms or come up with Plans B, C or D. Here are some tips to prevent bringing home workplace woes.

1.Set aside time to decompress. It takes time for the brain’s neuro-hormones to "re-set" from overdrive to cruising gear. Speed up this process by enticing the brain to calm down. If you use public transportation, plug in your headphones to soothing music. Try Chopin piano pieces, smooth jazz or love songs. If you’re in the car, tune your radio to the stations that play this kind of music.
2.Get solution-focused with criticisms and unresolved problems. Ruminating about your mistake or fuming about the incompetence of your boss and colleagues will sustain your stress and keep you in reverse gear. Instead, move forward and develop proactive solutions. Jot down your ideas on the ride home or speak them into a recorder when you’re stopped at red lights. By developing plans, you trigger a sense of control and diminish the power of the evil twins of depression and helplessness.
3.Don’t call everyone on your speed dial to review all the events at work. Instead, pick one person whose opinion you trust and run some of your proactive ideas by him or her. If your trusted work advisor is your spouse, call and ask him ahead of time if the two of you can carve out some time to talk about your work problem. Be sure to ask him how his day is, too. If he’s in similar crunch and crisis mode, don’t panic and continue to develop your solutions.
4.Review how you spend your time at work. We all need "down time." Even a few minutes away from a project can refresh us. However, when I asked a large group of professional women to write down how they spend time at work, they were surprised at the amount of time they spent on personal calls and Internet surfing. Get stingy about your free time. Use that time at work to work—so you don’t bring as much of it home.
5.Learn to say no. In the same group of professional women, I asked them to write down the things that in the past three weeks they said yes to at work when they wanted to say no. You don’t have to be part of every committee or volunteer project. Prioritize. Choose activities that directly relate to your specific assignment. Using free time to attend meetings that include upper management will maximize your exposure. Find relevance to your current work.
6.Prioritize, organize and delegate at home. Give up the idea of perfection. Your family won’t fall apart if all the laundry isn’t done—or done perfectly. Develop expected tasks and responsibilities on a regular, ongoing basis. Children respond best with structure. Decide who sets the table, puts food in the oven or washes the dishes. Help with children’s homework—don’t do their homework for them. Use that freed up time to be with your spouse.
7.Hug and kiss your spouse and children as soon as you get home and again before bedtime. Human contact, especially amongst loved ones, is one of the fastest most effective ways to kick in the hormones that soothe.
Written by Dr. LeslieBeth Wish www.lovevictory.com for w2wlink.com.

IAAP Update - - Program Rescheduled

2011-03-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Due to weather conditions the FREE program “The Principles of Networking and Marketing Yourself and IAAP: What’s in it for me?” has been rescheduled to March 29 at 5:30 pm. There will be door prizes and goody bags (limited to 50) for those in attendance. For more information contact Kathleen, 231-398-3887 or Dianna at 231-723-2575. Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Manistee Area Chamber

Inforum Dinner Event to Feature Host of Bravo’s “Top Chef”

2011-03-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

April 13: Inforum Dinner Event to Feature Host of Bravo’s “Top Chef”

GRAND RAPIDS // Padma Lakshmi, actress, super model, award-winning cookbook author, and host of Bravo’s Emmy Award-winning series, “Top Chef,” will be the keynote speaker at Inforum West Michigan’s spring dinner event.

The dinner, which will be held in partnership with the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, is scheduled for 5:30-8 p.m. on April 13 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids.

Lakshmi will share the story of how she started her career as an international model, and evolved into the multi-faceted businesswoman she is today. Her presentation “Live Well …Give Back,” will highlight Lakshmi’s her work with the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA), which she founded.

EFA is a nonprofit organization focused on fighting against the devastating effects of a disease that affects millions of women and adolescent girls. Through increased awareness, education, research and legislative advocacy, the EFA is committed to improving affected individuals' lives by early detection and treatment.

Lakshmi’s visit to Grand Rapids includes her participation in the MSU College of Human Medicine’s Women’s Reproductive Research Symposium.

Event Details:
Date: April 13
Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids
Cost: $75 for Inforum members; for $100 nonmembers; $1,000 for a table of 8 (includes special seating, recognition and tickets to a VIP reception.

Tickets can be purchased at www.inforummichigan.org or by calling (616) 588-9400.

Women's History Day Event Planned

2011-03-20T06:33:00.001-07:00

one more week to Women's History Day...

There's just one more week until our full-day event at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfort on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For all those who are planning on coming, we hope you can register today or very soon to receive the discounted rate of $20 for the day, which includes lunch, or the student rate of $15. At the door the fee will be $25. Call Jane Purkis to register at 882-5373. There is also more information and a registration form to download at our website: http://www.bawhp.org/historyday.html

We've got a wonderful program planned for you. Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day, we'll start with Julie Guevara, Professor of Social Work from Grand Valley State University, who will talk about her experiences in El Salvador working with women there and documenting changes in their lives since 1995. Dede Alderman will present some interactive drumming and tell us about the history of women and drumming. Women from the Run Across Ethiopia group will show slides and talk about their ongoing project. Susanne Glynn will tell us of her time in Nepal and a group called ANSWER working to change the caste system and educate children. We'll feature some activist poetry, music from the Song Spinners and Mary Anne Rivers and a wonderful lunch catered by Still Grinning Kitchens. All are welcome!

The Trinity Lutheran Church is wheelchair accessible and personal hearing clarity and amplification devices will be available.

Hope to see you there!

Benzie Area Women's History Project
http://www.bawhp.org
infobop@bawhp.org

LACA Celebrates Women's History Month

2011-03-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

LACA Celebrates Women's History Month

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts celebrates Women's History Month with an exhibition and film screening focused on women artists.

Ladies Night Out features the paintings, photographs, and mixed media work of 13 women artists from the Ludington area. Exhibiting artists include long-time favorites Yvonne Carlson and Shirley Shillinger, newcomer Emily Kunsky, and mixed media artist Rebecca Fox.

The public is invited to see the exhibition and meet the artists at an informal reception Saturday, March 19 from 3-5 p.m.

Ladies Night Out runs through April 15 in the Center's gallery, which is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, although donations are always welcome.

The Staff
Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce

Breaking Night Book Review

2011-03-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Rebecca Fedder, another member of the Women's netWork in Manistee wrote this review of the book "Breaking Night"

BREAKING NIGHT – by Liz Murray

This is an inspiring true story of a young woman who overcame incredible odds
to graduate from Harvard. She was born to drug-addicted parents and as a teenager skipped so many classes at school, she was put into a girls home. At age 15, she
found herself on the street and homeless. She decided she had to take control of
her life and went back to high school, completing it in 2 years. After graduation,
she was awarded a scholarship to Harvard through the New York Times. This is
a story of survival and shows what will and determination can accomplish. She
is to be commended for her present work of motivational speeches and helping
others find meaning in their lives.

Rebecca Fedder

Book Review "Jewell" By Brett Lott

2011-03-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Women's netWork member Marion Rorich for providing this book review.

JEWELL by Brett Lott

I picked this book up from the Eastpoint, Florida public library book sale as I needed a "beach read". I found it a powerful story of a family in the deep south of Mississippi in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The story evolves over several decades and the reader experiences the social changes taking place in education, medical treatment, as well as racial and gender relations. The family struggles with a five children the last child born with Down Syndrome. The author is graphic in the description of race, treatment of the mentally retarded, and gender roles but is honest in the use of terms which are often hard to read and accept as common language of the time. This book explores the strength of maternal/parental love, marital struggles, racial enlightenment, and educational reform for the mentally retarded. I found this book an enjoyable and informative read much more than a "beach read".

Marion Rorich

Women Backbone of the Economy

2011-03-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41914274/ns/business-consumer_news/

By Kate Snow
NBC News NBC News
updated 3/4/2011 9:05:23 PM ET 2011-03-05T02:05:23
Share Print Font: +-Editor’s Note: This week, NBC is taking a look at America's challenges and opportunities. As part of the series, "America at the Crossroads," NBC's Kate Snow explores how women are changing the marketplace because they hold more college degrees and are taking over the labor force.

At a recent training session for new employees at the Ogilvy ad agency in New York, you couldn't help but notice all the estrogen in the room.

Preeti Shah has never felt held back by her gender. Ten years ago she got excited about a new frontier in advertising. Now she oversees digital projects at Ogilvy.

Story: The history-making moments of women's history
"There was never a point in time where I thought I couldn't do this," she said.

America at the Crossroads: The Series Nightly News: Women backbone of U.S. economy
Women understand 'what's going to motivate people'
Nightly News: U.S. losing immigrant brainpower
Kunal Bahl video extra: 'I didn't have an option'
Tough choices for 'financially distressed' city
Finding the 'next big thing' to create jobs
Do you need a job? Then get some skills
..Shah is an example of how the role of the American working woman has undergone an extreme makeover.

Women are now the backbone of the U.S. economy. About 60 percent of them work, and they comprise 46 percent of the labor force, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Women now occupy 51 percent of managerial and professional jobs, up from 26 percent in 1980. More women are graduating from college than men. Seventy-five percent of women say they make the shopping decisions, so they're the consumers too.

Video: Women helping fuel economic comeback (on this page)
And like Shah, 40 percent of working women are the primary breadwinners for their families.

That kind of change is transforming not just the workplace but it's having a profound effect on the economy.

It makes sense. You don't need Rosie the Riveter muscles to land a job in industries driven by brain power.

Females hold the majority of positions in the five fields expected to grow the most over the next decade: nursing, customer service, food and beverage, personal aide and health aide.

All that change is changing the bottom line, too.

David Ross, a professor at Columbia Business School, did a comprehensive study of over 2,000 of the largest U.S. companies found companies performed significantly better when they had women in the management ranks than when they did not.

“On average women may approach management in a more democratic, less dictatorial, more collaborative manner than men,” Ross said. “And on certain kinds of tasks that can have a significant impact on the performance of an entire organization.”

The top tiers of the hotel industry used to be a men's club. But at Kimpton Hotels about half of the managers are now women thanks in part to a mentoring program founded by the female president nearly 15 years ago.

Video: Women understand 'what's going to motivate people' (on this page)
Kimpton President Niki Leondakis says it makes a difference in the culture of the organization. In the '90s she was nicknamed "The Terminator." She felt she had to manage like a man. No more.

"I started to realize I could be as tough as a man and at the same time show compassion and be a good listener and create an inclusive work environment," Leondakis said.

It's why business schools are teaching about empathetic leadership.

It's why Norway has mandated that corporate boards be 40 percent female.

Of course for women in America, it's not all rosy.

A new projection by the Institute For Women's Policy Research for NBC News shows women won't make the same salaries as men until 2056.

In the Fortune 500, there are still only 15 female CEOs.

Still things are changing. It may not be perfect, or easy, but Shah sees a clear path for her 5-year-old daughter.

Only on msnbc.com Immigration laws blocking economic potential?
'Squishy' ice alters climate models, study says
‘Cat and mouse’ along the Rio Grande
Virginity's making a comeback, report says
7 ideas for saving 'Two and a Half Men'
China organizes hasty retreat from Libya
Strange phone call leads to 'the bald head'
.."My mother was a full-time pediatrician; I'm a full-time working mom," Shah said. "I have no doubt that she will be brilliant at whatever she does and that she will be a working woman."

Eventually all those little girls who grow up to work in a more equitable job environment will tip the scales even further, joining the generations of women who are already an engine for this new economy.

© 2010 msnbc.com Reprints

Rock Your Future!

2011-03-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

For area young women, 14-19. 4th year, free annual event, personal growth, employment resources, guest panel & speakers, luncheon, door prizes. sponsored by Mills Community House and Crystal Mountain Resort. Register: millshouse01@att.net

LWV Hosts Evening of Laughter

2011-03-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

March 2, 2011 Contact: Linda Albee
New Release Phone: 231.723.0032
For Immediate Release E-mail: ralbee0032@charter.net

AN EVENING OF COMPETITION AND LAUGHTER

Manistee---Come One, Come All on Friday, April 15, 2011, 7 pm to the 1st Annual
Pictionary Olympics sponsored by League of Women Voters (LWV) Manistee County.
If you have ever played the game of Pictionary you know how much fun it can be. It is
even more fun when played as a team against other teams in our community. This
event will be held at the Manistee Golf and County Club, 500 Cherry Street, Manistee.
We will be celebrating the Clubʼs 2011 “opening day” on April 15th, too!!!
The competition will be between teams from our area businesses and service clubs as
well as any group of four individuals who wish to compete. The teams can come up
with unique names to add to the fun. Sign your team up today to challenge other teams
to win the first place “coveted trophy”. The game is played with one team member
attempting to get the rest of the team to guess a word based on their “pictures”
describing that word. Each team will have four opportunities to draw, team members
drawing once each. The team with the shortest time after four drawing opportunities will
win. Mark Sandstedt is on board to handle the MC duties to keep things lively. It will be
an evening of fun, something to end the long winter...get us out of our doldrums, have
some laughter and friendly spirited competition.
For the small sum of $100 your company, service club or group can sponsor a four
person team to participate in this event. It is certain to be one of the funniest nights of the year in Manistee County. This event will help your business by increasing public awareness of your company through LWV advertising of this event, promote and enhance team spirit with your employees and be the most memorable and funniest night of the year for your staff.

Admission is only $2 for non-team members to join the merriment and cheer on their
favorite team. Snack foods and a cash bar will be available. We will also have a 50/50 drawing during the evening. All proceeds for this event will support the mission of the LWV Manistee County, to provide non-partisan voter service information to citizens, a vital service in a strong democracy.
If your company or group has a competitor or two in town, CHALLENGE them,
especially if you represent a real estate or insurance company, hair salon, or restaurant.

It is easy to enter and at the end of a long winter, we all need some laughter and fun to pull us out of the winter blues. Call Linda Albee, 231.723.0032 or the Manistee Chamber of Commerce, 231.723.2575 to sign your team up today!

Leadership Institute for Women

2011-03-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

Don’t miss this year’s Leadership Institute for Women.
Our focus is strategic planning and the theme is “Women of Wisdom – WoW!” Speakers are Certified Women Business Owners with at least 20 years of strong business experience, giving us a total of over 100 years of wisdom. This all-day event will again take place at Davenport University:
 Grand Rapids will host the event on May 13, 2011
 Livonia will host on May 20, 2011.

Keynote
Melanie Burgeron
CEO, Two Men and a Truck
REGISTER NOW
Registration is $79.00 before April 15 and $90 after
Register online at www.miceed.org under “Event Registration
Scroll down to the Leadership date best for you. Seating is limited
Continental breakfast and lunch are included with registration.

Some comments from past Leadership events include:
• “This event was incredible and very helpful. Thank you. It is helpful to us, our economy, and our State.”
• “Absolutely wonderful flow of content, as well as a wealth of knowledge imparted.”
• “This event was jam-packed with great information and delivered with wit and humor.”
• “As much as I enjoyed this wonderful, comprehensive program, I enjoyed the women I met even more.”
Save the dates! You do not want to miss this event. For additional information, contact Kathi Boyle at kboyle@miceed.org or call 734.926.0332.

IAAP to Host Networking Opportunity

2011-03-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Sandy Shores Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals will be presenting a program titled “The Principles of Networking and Marketing Yourself on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in the Scottville Library (see attached invitation). There is no cost to attend. Networking is the secret to getting ahead in the present and future workplace. By attending you will learn the importance of networking and the need to market yourself in today’s business environment. Please join us for this interesting program, door prizes and free sample packs from Avery (limit of 50).

Feel free to pass along this invitation to others that might be interested. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Looking forward to seeing you,

Cindy Lokovich

The Sandy Shores Chapter of IAAP
Will be presenting:
“THE PRINCIPLES OF NETWORKING AND MARKETING YOURSELF”
March 22, 2011
Scottville Library located at 204 E State Street, Scottville, MI,
Program begins at 5:30 p.m.
There will be door prizes and
Avery has provided goody bags for those in attendance.
This is a free event!!!
If you have any questions call Kathleen at 231-690-5156 or email kathleenr@lrcr.com

And Did You Know...?

2011-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

Michigan Women's Marketplace (MWM)

History

The Michigan Women's Marketplace (www.miwomen.com) MWM, an initiative of the Center for Empowerment & Economic Development (www.miceed.org) CEED, is sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA), General Motors, and Comerica Bank.

MWM was designed to help bring women business owners online. The original site was a virtual mall where women sold their products and services through the Marketplace. It was intended that, by having multiple products online, each vendor would receive additional business just because of the traffic – similar to a physical mall.

Over the years, MWM has evolved into a first-class women's information and education site, with multiple partners and associates providing a wealth of information to help maintain and grow our women businesses.

On the site today, you will find:

•The Women's Business Directory, which offers an opportunity for a woman-owned business to register and receive additional business from online visitors looking to do business with women and a wonderful networking opportunity for our women to also work with each other.
•The original Chat sessions have evolved into Webinars, where you will find some outstanding presenters and topics.
•The Training Center, which consists of articles on many business topics, as well as a list of business resources and links for further research.
•Our Photo Gallery will keep you up-to-date on past events.
•Our Calendar of events, including many opportunities from other non-profit organizations across the state of Michigan.

Did you know....?

2011-02-28T17:10:00.000-08:00

About Inforum

Inforum is Michigan’s leading business forum for women, with more than 1,800 members from a cross-section of Michigan's business community. The mission of the organization is to strengthen the business environment by creating opportunities for women to lead and succeed. Founded as the Women's Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum has affiliates in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing, Michigan. For more information, visit our website, www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

The Happiness Project Book Review

2011-02-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Happiness Project, a book written by Gretchen Rubin, is a 'how to' book with a little different approach.

Interestingly enough, happiness is the most sought after human condition. Even our constitution mentions the pursuit of happiness.

What intrigued me about the book is we identify areas we wish to work on, break the list into months, and work on mastering an area each month which makes results somewhat measurable. While goals are specific to each individual, it's amazing how many are common to all. Also interesting are the things that actually contribute to a feeling of well-being that are practical and doable.

For instance:
.clutter drains energy...(so clean up the clutter)
.work is critical to happiness...(so get off the couch)
.change the way you think to change results...(instead of complaining)
.having too many choices can be paralyzing...(so clean the closet)
.unfinished tasks can be disproportionately draining...(too true)

So now on to next month...

This review was provided by Ms. Phyllis Hanna of Manistee.

Carrying a Load

2011-02-28T07:13:00.000-08:00

A quote heard at the Oscars:

"It's not the load that wears you down...it's the way you carry it.

- - -Lena Horne

Clarity is Power

2011-02-28T05:51:00.001-08:00

“When you are clear, what you want will show up in your life,
and only to the extent that you are clear."
- from The Passion Test

Clarity is power.

It is the power to create the life you choose to live.

The whole purpose of The Passion Test is to give you a level of
clarity that will allow you to create that life.

With clarity, opportunities will present themselves.

You may not know how your ideal life will appear, but you will
be given the chance to learn.

Here is a means for you to create the kind of life and lifestyle
that you wish. It can take you from where you are to where you
would love to be.

If you are clear.

If you are, and you are ready to really follow your passions to
create a fulfilling, prosperous life, then the approach described
in our videos is one we know works.

You deserve a fulfilling, abundant life.

It is our wish for you.

With all our love and appreciation,

Janet and Chris

Janet Bray Attwood and Chris Attwood
Co-authors of the NY Times bestseller,
"The Passion Test - The Effortless Path
to Discovering Your Life Purpose"

Women Achievers Become Leaders

2011-02-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

https://www.inforummichigan.org

Check out this seminar offered throught Inforum Michigan:

March 3: Powering Up: How America’s Women Achievers Become Leaders
Celebrate women who dare to lead.

Join Inforum and author Anne Doyle for a luncheon to launch “Powering Up: How America’s Women Achievers Become Leaders."

About Anne Doyle
As a journalist and auto industry executive, Anne has worked side-by-side with some of the most admired leaders in global business, sports and politics. From global manufacturing plants and executive suites, to the halls of Congress and sports locker rooms, she has been tested and mentored. The lessons Anne has learned have fueled her work as a speaker, media commentator, consultant and workshop leader.

For more about Anne, visit www.annedoylestrategies.com.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 3
Time: 11:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Dearborn, 600 Town Center Dr. Dearborn
Cost: $55 for Inforum members and $65 for nonmembers – including a copy of Anne's book

Activity Breeds Activity

2011-02-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

A number of years ago at a real estate training seminar, the trainer told the story of a new agent named Bert who went into the office everyday for three months yet never made a sale or listed a property. His wife had lost her patience with him and finally gave him a deadline: "If you don't make a sale or list a property by the end of the week, you're going to have to go get a real job." So as he had done everyday for the past three months, Bert went into the office on Monday, and on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, each day growing more anxious about the looming deadline and prospect of looking for another job if he could not make a sale or get a listing. On Thursday as he looked out the window and stared at the phone, he was loosing all hope that anything would ever come of his dream to become a successful real estate agent. (An aside here would be the definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.)

Bert lay away all night knowing that in the morning, he would go into the office and sit behind his real estate desk for the last time. As he prepared to leave for work that dreadful Friday morning, his wife issued his final warning: "This is it. Today is the last day of your real estate career if you don't write an offer or listing by the end of the day."

As he trudged his way out to the car, briefcase in hand, head held low, thinking about the loss of his dream career became too much for Bert. He suddenly became overwhelmed by the urge to show his wife - and himself - that he could do this. He trained for this. He's dreamt of this his entire life. He was going to make it happen.

Rather than turn into his regular parking spot and make his way into his office, Bert turned into the lot of the local grocery store. He bounced his way into the store and went up to people waiting in line and one by one he asked every person: "Do you or someone you know want to buy or sell a house today?" He asked people in line at the deli counter: "Do you or someone you know want to buy or sell a house today?" He made his way over to people waiting for the butcher: "Do you or someone you know want to buy or sell a house today?"

Next he made his way to the coffee shop and eagerly approached every person and asked them the same question: "Do you or someone you know want to buy or sell a house today?" At the drug store he did the same thing: "Do you or someone you know want to buy or sell a house today?"

As he was waiting in line for a sandwich at the sub shop, he asked every patron the same question: "Do you or someone you know want to buy or sell a house today?" And sure enough, a gentleman waiting for his lunch as well said to Bert: "Actually, I do want to buy a house. I saw a little place and would like to make an offer on it, and would like to sell my present house as well. And because of all of your enthusiasm that I've seen in you here today, I think you are just the person to list the house."

While over the years I have taken many continuing education classes and attended many seminars, this trainer left his mark on me. I vividly remember him telling the story of Bert and still today, when I feel myself slipping into a funk, unable to make the next move or see a possiblity for tomorrow, I remember Bert on the verge of loosing his dream until his activity led him on a path of activity that led to his successful real estate career.

The next time you feel like your business is too slow, or you don't know your next move...do something, do anything. Make a few phone calls. Write a few letters. Stop in to see someone you have not seen in awhile. Talk to people in line. Network. Make connections...you'll quickly find what I learned years ago in that seminar: Activity breeds activity.

Good luck! Now go DO SOMETHING!

Pursue Purpose

2011-02-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

Check this out - - -isn't this really what it is all about?

Pursue purpose

“True entrepreneurs will never be satisfied with riches. They have to affect change, and will risk everything to make their vision reality.”
– The Last Blog Post: 5 Lessons I’d Leave Behind by Paul Roetzer, PR 20/20

Snoeshoe Stampede 2011 this Weekend at Manistee National

2011-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

netWorking takes place in many places - - maybe in every place. Why not do some netWorking outdoors this weekend and raise awareness and support for the Sally Johnson One Good Day Fund as well.

Join the Fight and Rally with us to Stomp Out Cancer.
SNOWSHOE STAMPEDE 2011
STOMP OUT CANCER
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26TH @ 1:00pm
SNOWSHOE / CROSS COUNTRY SKI EVENT

Your likely sitting at home wondering what the heck you’re going to do, as you look out your window and see snow on the ground, which will not seem to go away. WHY NOT get out of the house and HELP US STOMP OUT CANCER!

We invite you to join us in support of a new winter event that is sure to provide WINTER WELLNESS and FUN with FRIENDS! Our first winter cancer awareness event tagged, Snowshoe Stampede 2011 will take place on Saturday February 26th. We encourage you to participate and invite your friends to join you.

A number of activities will be going on during the day, including the Snowshoe Stampede, Tug of War, 20 Yard Snowshoe Dash and a Chili Cook-Off contest. Additional information is listed on the attached flyer.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Sally K. Johnson's "One Good Day” Fund and Noah’s Angels Relay for Life Team.

Here is the run down and schedule for all of the events. Please feel free to contact Manistee National if you have additional questions or if you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation.

Snowshoe Stampede Chili Cook Off - 11:30am start
No Registration Fee (You may enter more than once if you wish.)
Chili Cook Off Rules
1. All Chili must be cooked and ready for judging by 11:30am. Set up and registration will begin by 1pm at Manistee National in the Hotel
2. We will supply the table, tablecloth, tasting cups, spoons and napkins for everyone.
3. Each pot must be labeled for public as follows: *HOT = Has Hot peppers or spice that makes it hot! *MILD = Not very Hot. *REGULAR = Children and seniors can eat.
4. Please bring all items needed, such as: crock-pots, extension cords, accessories, and other useful items.
5. We will be serving chili until 3:00pm unless we run out early!
6. The public will be making donations to taste and judge all of the Chili entered in the competition.

Please call Manistee National at 231.398.0123 to register! The winner will be announced at 5pm on February 26th and awarded a Trophy and Bragging Rights for 1 year! SIGN UP DEADLINE for this event is February 23, 2011 at 5:00pm.

Snowshoe Stampede - 1:00pm start
Participants will snowshoe or cross country ski around a 2.1 mile packed trail stopping at different stations to answer a multiple choice question. Participants will take a guess on an important question that pertains to this event at each of the stations. Cash prizes will be awarded to participants with the most correct answers following the event.

During the event, participants will have an opportunity to “wet their whistle” at the halfway point of the trail. A fire will be lit and refreshments will be available at the Sand Trap Bar halfway house on Canthooke. Following the “STOMP”, participants will gather at the west fire pit near the Inn for chili judging, snacks and refreshments.

The entry fee for the event will be $20 per person. Entry includes; donation to Sally K. Johnson's "One Good Day” Fund and Noah’s Angels Relay for Life Team, prize money, snacks and two drink tickets, each valid for a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage. NO Shoes No Problem. Snowshoe rentals are available in limited quantity, CALL TODAY to reserve a pair. $20 rental fee. SIGN UP DEADLINE for this event is February 23, 2011 at 5:00pm.
Snowshoe Stampede 20 Yard Snowshoe Dash - 3:00pm start
To register for the 20 Yard Snowshoe Dash, contact Manistee National. Entry Fee for the dash is $1 and can be paid the day of the event. To register please call Ian Ziska at, 231.398.0123. SIGN UP DEADLINE for this event is February 23, 2011 at 5:00pm.

Snowshoe Stampede Team Tug of War - 4:00pm start
Tug of War Rules (Double elimination)
1. Teams must consist of 7 people with at least 2 of them being women
2. No wrapping the rope around hands or wrists
3. If a member of your team falls they are disqualified and your team must continue without them.
4. There will be a flag in the middle of the rope once that flag has crossed the designated area the winner will be announced by the Judge.
5. Have FUN !!

Team captain will be in charge of registering team and notifying Manistee National of the other six members of their team.

Tug of War Teams are to be at the designated starting area 10 minutes prior to their start time. Designated times will be given to each captain on February 25th. Captains, please turn in your participation forms along with a team entry fee of $35 ($5.00 per person) no later than February 23rd. Entry forms can be turned in at Manistee National to Ian Ziska or at Dr. Hengy’s Office to Rachel Vasquez. All checks should be made out to Manistee National. SIGN UP DEADLINE for this event is February 23, 2011 at 5:00pm.

To sign up or if you have additional questions about this event, please respond to this email or call the Inn at 231.398-0123.

Participants are asked to meet at the Inn at 11:30am to register. We look forward to seeing you out for what is sure to be a great time with friends.

4797 US 31 South Manistee, MI 49660 231.398.0123 www.ManisteeNational.com

Gardeners Wanted

2011-02-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

Ladies if gardening is your passion - -keep reading. One thing we've always said about the netWork, is you choose your passion, we'll help you get the most out of it.

Community Kitchen Kicks Off Plant a Row. Help Fight Hunger.
MANISTEE – Feb. 21, 2011 - The recent spring-like weather has prompted many to begin thumbing their way through seed catalogues, selecting popular and hybrid tomato seeds and other all-time favorites for the upcoming growing season. And as the sun and wind clear away accumulated snow banks from the garden plot, true backyard gardeners are itching to get their hands dirty and are looking for a warm, sunny window fit to germinate seeds. These are just the folks the Manistee Community Kitchen hopes to engage in their new “Plant a Row. Help Fight Hunger.” campaign.

“We’re looking for backyard gardeners as well as large scale farmers to commit to planting an extra row of produce to share with hungry Manistee County families who currently report inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables,” said Brandon Seng, founder and CEO of the Manistee Community Kitchen. “We’re asking them to do what they love, only do a little bit more of it.”

Participation is easy. Call or email the Community Kitchen to get a commitment form, drop off instructions, and a yard sign that shows your neighbors you are participating in the program. Shop seed catalogues, your local farm store or hardware store, and local greenhouses and select the fruit and vegetable seeds and plants you’d like to grow in your garden.

When your produce is ready to harvest, donate surplus produce at one of the designated drop off sites throughout Manistee County. Check the Community Kitchen website, www.ManisteeKitchen.org, for updated details. Your harvest will be shared with food-insecure families that will greatly benefit from the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.

“Plant a Row” isn’t a new idea,” said Seng. “Our residents have been sharing garden yields with their families and friends forever. Our initiative simply coordinates the effort to ensure that the hungriest local families gain access to foods growing in Manistee County’s soil. We know we have a lot of backyard gardeners and large scale farmers that are willing to help feed hungry Manistee families with healthy Manistee produce.”

When the spring fever bug bites you, and as you plan the layout of your garden this year, plan to Plant a Row to help fight hunger in Manistee County. To learn more or to register to participate in this county-wide program, contact the Manistee Community Kitchen at www.ManisteeKtichen.org or call 231.357.4334.

4th Annual West End Ladies Night

2011-02-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

While I am not the first to say it, I am a strong believer, that when a few women put their efforts together, anything can be accomplished. This fact is proven again in downtown Manistee as the women on the west end of River Street refuse to give up and roll over during the long, cold, slow, winter months in this Lake Michigan shoreline town.

On Saturday, March 19, 2011, a number of women-owned businesses on the west end of River Street will host their 4th Annual West End Ladies Night Pajama Party from 5-8 pm. They'll have food, drink, great deals and prizes of course. But more than that, I see a group of women with determination, perseverance, and a willingness on their part to turn off the news, forget the economy, and make their own party.

This is what women can do when they join forces for the good of the whole. Each of these women own and operate their own businesses, working long hours and finding their own niches in this quaint Victorian community. It's not easy to eek out a living in a county of 25,000 people, high unemployment, and a high rate of poverty among women and children.

But these women have raised the bar, quit complaining and anted up to carve out individual retail stores highlighting their individual passions against the odds. In February and March, I have to believe they accentuate a "fake it till you make it" attitude that hydrates their spirits until the sunshine and summer residents and tourist return.

The Annual West End Ladies Night Pajama Party takes little effort to organize, really. They simply pull together a few women with "yes" attitudes who do what they say they'll do. They go for it rather than go against it. They posses "can do attitudes."

If you are looking for a mid-winter get-a-way, or if you're in the area, stop down and enjoy the comradery Saturday evening, March 19th in Manistee. You'll find a couple very lovely places to stay on River Street. Plan a girl's night out. You'll meet a few business women who know how to make a party. You might make a few new friends. And you're sure to find a few great shopping deals - - all while shopping in your jammies.

Kudos ladies!

Bold Spirit

2011-01-22T13:49:00.000-08:00

2011 will require BOLD SPIRIT in many of us as we face new challenges. Linda Hunt, author of the book Bold Spirit spoke at one of our many Women's netWork luncheons - - I thought I would bring her back to our consciences in Manistee. Check it out; pull it off your book shelf; dust it off; read it again; recharge. Enjoy!

Desperate. Determined. Unwaveringly confident. In 1896, a Norwegian immigrant named Helga Estby dares to cross 3500 miles of the American continent to win a $10,000 wager. On Foot.

A mother of eight living children, she attempts to save her family's homestead in Eastern Washington after the 1893 depression had ravaged the American economy. Fearing homelessness and family poverty, Helga responds to a wager from a mysterious sponsor, casts off the cultural corsets of Victorian femininity, and gambles her family's future by striking out with her eldest daughter to try to be the first women to travel unescorted across the country: independent, audacious, alert, and armed with a Smith-and-Wesson revolver.

Almost a century later, author Linda Hunt recreates Helga Estby's story in Bold Spirit: her culture and time, her abiding love of America, her heartbreaks and resilient faith, and her challenge to Victorian constraints as she lived on the transitional edge of a new century of possibilities and changing beliefs about women.

For many modern readers, an enduring question remains about what happens when stories go unspoken between us and what keeps family stories alive. Helga's is a rag-rug history, woven from discarded remnants and submerged details, a once-forgotten saga that sheds insight into women's history and demonstrates the tenacious spirit of the human will.

http://www.boldspiritacrossamerica.com/about.html

Another New Year! 2011!

2011-01-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

It sure has been awhile since there has been a post on this site - - it is time to catch up. This past year I have done sales and retail consulting in Ohio, Virginia, Massachusetts, and the Upper Penisula of Michigan. It has been an enlightening experience in which I have met so many people and seen so many historic parts of our country. It has also renewed my energies, passions, and commitment to reach more women and support more women who want to be a positive force in this life - in every area of their lives: personal, professional, family, and community.

I want to start the New Year by recommending a book, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. This book was recommended to my by my dear friend, supporter, and mentor, Phyllis Hanna. Gretchen has a web site you can check our first before you invest in the book. http://www.happinessprojecttoolbox.com I'd like to know what you think.

Thanks to all of you who have been a part of the Manistee Women's netWork since originally founded in May 2005. We need to get together to recharge the connections we've made.

Judy Crockett

Gail Robinson - - Laughing Matters

2010-02-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

From Gail Robinson:

Dear Friends,
I wish I could visit with each of you to hear what is happening in your life and tell you about my new enterprise. In lieu of that, I shall simply apologize for the impersonal aspect of a group email and hope you understand.
I have been working with people interested in transformative experiences for the past ten years and feel confident that it is time to serve a larger population. Please take some time to read the document below and consider sharing it with others. I value your feedback and, most of all, would love to hear from you.
With gratitude and good cheer,
Gail

231 256-3477
Life Is A Kaleidoscope
“Retreat is not to be confused with flight. Flight means saving oneself
under any circumstances, whereas retreat is a sign of strength.”
The I Ching (Book of Changes)
When unexpected change turns your world upside-down
When you need support on your journey to healing
When you simply want a safe resting place
✴ Stop. Breathe. Quiet your mind and your heart.
✴ Utilize tools that access your inner-wisdom.
✴ Look at your situation from a different angle.
✴ Create a visual reminder of your further insight.
✴ Leave feeling more centered and grounded.
Plan a Personal Retreat
at a tranquil, wooded refuge in
Leelanau County, Michigan
Gail Robinson is a highly qualified guide with experience as a
parent, Montessori teacher, yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner,
as well as, a laughter leader and trainer. As a teacher, mother, and
friend Gail practices detachment: “the capacity to care deeply from
an objective place.” As a traveler on her own journey she relies on
trust: trust that, as in a kaleidoscope, shifting patterns really do
settle into perfect, new designs. These new designs support the
forward evolutionary momentum of the soul. Gail believes that at
the bottom of every quiet heart is happiness and pure love.
“Gail offered light in the darkest of times, healing my heart and building the
confidence I needed to begin a joyful new chapter in my life.” S.W.
Ask about Half-Day, Full-Day, and Two-Day Retreats
231 256-3477 or gail@laughingmatters.us
Starting at $150.00

IPR Fund Raiser in Manistee Tuesday Aug 18th

2009-08-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Interlochen Public Radio fund raiser tomorrow - Tuesday August 18th at 444 Third Street Manistee 6-7:30 pm to support the expansion of news coverage from Manistee and Ludington area - - learn more - stop by - - everyone invited. Hope to have the new Manistee area tower up and running by the end of the year.

Zonta "AugustFest" Sunday August 2

2009-07-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Contact:
Sue Ann Schnitker
Cartier Mansion
409 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
231-843-0101
garyandsueann@charter.net

The Zonta Club of Ludington Area will hold its annual fundraiser Sunday, August 2, 2009, 3:00-5:00 pm at Cartier Mansion (409 E. Ludington Avenue). This year’s fund-raising theme is “AUGUST FEST” and will feature beer and wine from northern Michigan breweries and vineyards. All beverages are available for purchase on site. Attendees may sample locally made brats and cheese. Original Clark E. Blanchard’s watercolor paintings of Ludington will be on display.

Pre-event tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at Cartier Mansion, Northside Market or from a Zonta member. Ticket sales are limited and if available can also be purchased at the door the day of the event for $25.00.

Proceeds will support the following local Zonta service projects throughout the year: 2 WSCC scholarships, NASA Space Camp scholarship, WSCC Women’s Center, Jericho House, COVE, West Shore Pregnancy Care Center, Retired Women’s Reception and Petunias-On-Parade.

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT - ARRA FUNDS

2009-07-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

MANISTEE - - - Local health and human service agencies in Manistee County recently got together to consider a Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program grant opportunity. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 dollars are available to Manistee County through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
"This will be a true collaborative effort," said Judy Crockett, Coordinator of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB). "We do not have a single agency in a position to apply for and administer this grant. Our agencies have come together to share in the responsibility."
The grant can bring in $65,000 of ARRA stimulus dollars to help prevent homelessness in Manistee County. Throughout Michigan, communities including Manistee County are committed to ending homelessness in ten years. This funding holds the promise of being the catalyst to support the creation of new programs to address homelessness through prevention and rapid rehousing which will result in a significant decrease in shelter usage.
Members of Manistee County's Continuum of Care housing group will write the grant and provide the case management to individuals who are served through this program. If awarded, the grant will provide dollars over two years.
The Manistee County HSCB is dedicated to improving the quality of life of our communities by maximizing collaboration, mobilizing support, and providing leadership in identifying community needs and seeking creative, dynamic, efficient and effective solutions. For more information contact the HSCB at hscbmanistee@gmail.com.

Poverty Reduction Awareness Week Set

2009-07-22T09:32:00.001-07:00

MANISTEE - - - The Poverty Reduction Movement Ad-hoc committee of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB) has established the week of October 4th through the 11th as Poverty Reduction Awareness Week. The theme for the week is "In Their Shoes -- Helping Others - Helping Ourselves".
The Movement will kick-off in area churches Sunday, October 4th. Crop Walk will take place later that day. There will be a host of activities during the week including a Take Back the Night walk, a free community table dinner, a homeless overnight simulation for youth, home repair projects, The Salvation Army winter coat drive, the United Way of Manistee County campaign, and more. The week will close in area churches on Thanksgiving Sunday, October 11th, when church communities are asked to give thanks for what we each have, and thanks for all that we share.
“The movement is an attempt to change the language and perception of poverty in our midst and to educate our local community about the impact of poverty,” said Jim Scranton, Chair of the PRM ad-hoc committee. “We will participate in a continuing dialog and brainstorm ideas for addressing community needs and implementing solutions that reduce poverty rates, build understanding, and improve efficiencies right here in Manistee County.”
The PRM committee is made up of individuals representing area agencies, consumers, churches, and governmental bodies. The formation of the steering committee was the direct result of a statewide November Poverty Summit in Detroit called "Voices for Action" and a two-day region-wide conference held in May in Traverse City featuring Donna Beegle, an authority on poverty.
As Manistee County moves forward to reduce poverty among our neighbors, the HSCB's PRM committee will plan action steps for educating the community and to learn more about what is going on in our community. The committee will work to be sure we have authentic opportunities to help people through awareness week activities.
"We will put a face on poverty in Manistee County," said Scranton. "We have a story to tell, and the main characters are our friends and neighbors right here in Manistee County. For this event, we are looking for community service organizations, churches, governmental bodies, businesses, and individuals to host projects and activities that call awareness to issues of poverty in our communities, or that assist those in need."
The Manistee County HSCB is dedicated to improving the quality of life in our communities by maximizing collaboration, mobilizing support, and providing leadership in identifying community needs and seeking creative, dynamic, efficient and effective solutions. For more information contact the HSCB at hscbmanistee@gmail.com.
For more information about awareness week or to host an event, contact Judy Crockett at the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body at hscbmanistee@gmail.com Learn more about the HSCB on their blog at http:// manisteecountyhscb. blogspot.com If you need community resources, call Manistee County 2-1-1 at 1-877-211-5253.

Golfing for a Cure Benefits Local Agency

2009-07-22T09:28:00.001-07:00

MANISTEE - - - Manistee National Golf and Resort recently hosted the annual Rally for a Cure Women's Invitation golf outing that raised dollars for the Susan G. Koman Foundation for breast cancer research and locally supported CHOICES of Manistee County, the domestic violence shelter. The Foundation will receive $1,200 and CHOICES received nearly $1,700 in the July 10th event.
"This annual event continues to grow in popularity," said Judy Crockett, Coordinator of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB) who co-chaired the local portion of the event with Jo Hall, store manager at The Salvation Army. "We had more golfers, more sponsors, and raised more dollars that we ever have with this event. Golfers continue to tell us how much they enjoy the interaction they have with sponsors on each hole. It is something that is unique to our event."
Golfers had the opportunity along the way to taste local sweet cherries provided by Countryside Painting, get a free copy of Women's Lifestyle Magazine, enjoy treats from The Salvation Army, get a free one-day membership to West Shore Health Connections by making a pledge to Manistee County 2-1-1, get a water bottle or golf towel from Mary Sturdevant State Farm Agency, to win a botox treatment from the Laser Institute of West Michigan, and even to win a Kohler toilet on "Hole Number 2" from Kendra Thompson Architects.
"Manistee National has been generous in allowing us to partner with them at this growing event to benefit a local agency that assists women and families," said Crockett. "It is so much fun to work with these generous golfers and sponsors and benefit an organization locally that does so much."
In receiving the check, Jackie Kiszlik, Director of CHOICES thanked the golfers and asked them to think about what it would be like to invite 15 or 16 family members home for Thanksgiving Dinner, and then to have them stay for a full year. That, she said, it what it is like everyday at CHOICES. She noted the domestic violence shelter has been operating at full capacity for a long time.
CHOICES is a member of the The Manistee County HSCB. The HSCB is dedicated to improving the quality of life in our communities by maximizing collaboration, mobilizing support, and providing leadership in identifying community needs and seeking creative, dynamic, efficient and effective solutions. For more information contact the HSCB at hscbmanistee@gmail.com.

Benefit Rummage Sale June 26 - 27

2009-06-02T09:33:00.001-07:00

Love, INC along with MACC - the Manistee Area Community Clinic is hosting a rummage sale June 26th from 9:00am - 6:00pm and June 27th from 9:00am - 3:00pm - - rain or shine - - at the Briny Building at 50 Filer Street in Manistee. All proceeds will benefit the ministries of the Manistee Area Community Clinic and Love INC of Manistee.

Drop off donations at the Briny Building: June 4th 1-4pm; June 12th 3-7pm, or June 23 & 24th 1-7pm.

Call Love INC at 231-723-6613 to arrange pick up of larger items. Donations in good condition are tax-deductible.

Thank you for supporting our local agencies working to build capacity and improve the quality of life for all individuals in Manistee County.

These agencies are members of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB).

Afternoon Tea at Bear Lake Manor

2009-06-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Bear Lake Manor Bed and Breakfast located at 7812 Main Street in Bear Lake is hosting afternoon teas each month through December. Tours of the 106 year old home will be available for those interested. Private teas are also available for individuals and groups.

Cost per event is $15 per person. They are schedule from 3-5pm. Attendees will also receive a 50% off coupon for any one item at J.J. Witty's - -downtown Bear Lake, ($50 maximum)

Call for information and reservations: 231-864-2242

Tea Dates: Wed. June 3rd; July 1st; Aug. 5th; Sept. 2nd; Oct. 7th; Nov. 4th; Dec. 2nd.

Free College Credits and Mentoring Training

2009-06-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

FREE MENTOR TRAINING: Receive mentor training and three free WSCC college credits by participating in an 8-week course covering active listening, goal setting, community resources, boundaries, learning styles, and social class. Part of the efforts underway in Manistee County to Reduce Poverty and End Homelessness. Contact Susan Mencarelli 231-723-6597 for more information. Training begins week of June 1, 2009.

SBA America's Recovery Capital Loans Available June 15, 2009

2009-05-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

SBA America's Recovery Capital Loans available June 15, 2009! Contact your Local Lenders for assistance.Small businesses suffering financial hardship as a result of the slow economy may be eligible to receive temporary relief to keep their doors open and get their cash flow back on track through to a new loan program announced by SBA. Beginning on June 15, SBA will start guaranteeing America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loans. ARC loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 available to established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term help to make their principal and interest payments on existing qualifying debt. ARC loans are interest-free to the borrower, 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA to Bank Lenders, and have no SBA fees associated with them. (Courtesy of MI-SBTDC) SBA America’s Recovery Capital Loan Information: http://www.sba.gov/recovery/arcloanprogram/index.html Lender-specific Information at: http://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/sba_homepage/sba_rcvry_act_arc_lnderloans.pdf

Dress For Success Seminar May 20th

2009-05-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

You’re Invited To Our
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE SEMINAR
This is a FREE SEMINAR offered by the Sandy Shores Chapter of the
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
along with the Mason County SCORE Chapter.
DRESS SUCCESS for
• Appropriate dress
• Using the correct handshake and why
• Eye contact
• Introductions
• Vocabulary
• Telephone etiquette
• Social efficiency
• Avoiding and handling faux paux
• Settings and culture in workplace
• Fabrics and care of them
• Shoes
• Amazing wardrobe on a small budget
• Choosing a base color
• Wardrobe selection
• Dressing to advance
• Appropriate hair color etc.
Professionals Judy Stouder and Carole Christofferson
will present office etiquette, proper dress and
grooming for the workplace!
This seminar is open to all who are
interested in getting ahead in the workplace!

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 • 6:00 p.m.

Ludington Area Chamber of Commerce
US 10 at the Ludington Airport
$5 non-member fee • Chamber & IAAP Members free.
Please RSVP to Laura Nowsch at (231)845-0324 or lauran@ludington.org

Healthy Active Manistee Week!

2009-05-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Please check out the City of Manistee website and the schedule of events for H.A.M. it UP week. The week is full of free or nearly free activities designed to showcase the City ammenities and get yourselves motivated to get up and out and active. The kick off is a 5K this Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Lion's Pavillion, First Street beach. For more info stop by or call Zeller and Johnson Chiropractic, 1109 (US-31) Mansitee, 231.723.3144. Spread the word!

www.ci.manistee.mi.us

Book Signing May 15th with Pauline Jaquish

2009-05-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

You are invited to meet the author of UNCOMMON SENSE by PAULINE JAQUISH at a BOOK SIGNING FRIDAY, MAY 15 4-7 P.M. at APPLE HILL CREATIONS DOWNTOWN BEAR LAKE

What the readers are saying:
PJ…. If ANYONE could turn out a book like Pondering with PJ, it would have to be some nut like you!!! May your retirement fund grow….and when you get to be REALLY famous…don’t forget the small fry! JB, Big Rapids

PJ..I really enjoy your articles in the News Advocate….my aunt enjoys your articles too so I think your book would be a great birthday gift for her. SE, Manistee

PJ…Thank you for all the happy moments you bring to the lives of others. God Bless You. DR, Ludington

Rally for a Cure July 10

2009-05-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

The date is set. Friday July 10th is the day set for Rally for a Cure - - at Manistee National Golf and Resort. This year, our efforts will benefit CHOICES of Manistee County along with the Susan G. Koman Foundation. Jo Hall is the coordinator of the event. Thanks to Ian Ziska at Manistee National, we will hold both a 9 -hole and an 18-hole event followed by dinner. Hole Sponsorships are still available but filling up fast. So Mark Your Calendars and get your game on. A fun day is in store with lots of prizes and we'll be supporting a great organization that serves the needs of many women, children and families in Manistee County. Contact Jo Hall at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for sponsorship information. Golf Registration will take place at Manistee National. See you on the 10th of July! Come Rally for a Cure.

Dan Scripps Supports Equal Pay

2009-05-11T14:47:00.001-07:00

Scripps: Equal Pay for Equal Work Protects Michigan Families
Lawmaker targets fair and equal pay, calls for end to wage discrimination
— April 28, 2009

LANSING – Standing alongside groups fighting to end wage discrimination, State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland) backed legislation introduced today to create new legal avenues and provide tougher penalties for employers that engage in this practice. Scripps was joined by advocates of pay equity in recognition of Equal Pay Day.

"It's time that Michigan ends this discriminatory practice and finally act on the promise of equal pay for equal work," Scripps said. "With so many families struggling to make ends meet in this economy, we can't afford to have some of our friends and neighbors fall behind because of our unfortunate history of inequality that has forced too many women to be paid like second-class citizens. This plan will force employers to look only at the merits of an employee when deciding a fair and equitable wage."

According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Michigan is ranked 44th in the nation for wage parity between men and women. Women working in Michigan are paid 71 cents for every $1 men make. This puts Michigan far behind the national gender pay gap of 78 cents per dollar.

Last year, the Senate blocked a similar House plan that would have established new penalties for wage discrimination and created new legal avenues to pursue those who discriminate and deprive employees of their right to fair wages. Under the plan introduced today, failing to provide equal compensation for work of comparable value will be a violation of the state's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Under the plan, gender-based pay discrimination would be a misdemeanor, with employers facing up to $2,000 or up to 90 days in jail for not complying. Employers guilty of a third violation would face fines up to $15,000.

"It is shameful that Michigan has lagged so far behind in dealing with the issue of wage discrimination," Scripps said. "Michigan families, many of whom rely on a woman's income, deserve better. By addressing this issue now, we can help families across Michigan who have been hurt by this unfair and arbitrary pay gap."

Groups gathering alongside the lawmakers included: the AAUW, Business and Professional Women, WomenWork!, National Organization for Women, Pay Equity Network, League of Women Voters, Michigan Women's Commission and others.

Uncommon Sense - - by Local Author Pauline Jaquish Now Available

2009-04-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

Pauline Jaquish <pj646@centurytel.net>

Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Uncommon Sense Has Arrived!
UNCOMMON SENSE -- HOT OFF THE PRESS

For those of you who pre-ordered copies of "Uncommon Sense" and need them before Mother's Day, I will have them available at Bear Lake After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. this Thursday at the Bear Lake Bar & Restaurant. There will be a Book Signing at Apple Hill Creations, downtown Bear Lake, on Friday, May 15, 4 to 7 p.m.

Books are also available at Ringel Real Estate, 318 Parkdale Ave., Manistee on Mondays 1-5 p.m. and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The price.....$9.43 plus the Governor....10 Bucks!

"Uncommon Sense" is a short book with humorous short stories, true and extremely exaggerated. Just what the Doctor ordered!

Thank you for contributing to my retirement fund!

Pauline Jaquish

LWV Updates and Upcoming Events...read on!

2009-04-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

1. A reminder to all those who have voiced their opinion that County meetings should be held in the evening to be accessible to all working citizens: to show your support, please plan on attending the April 28, 2009 Regular County Commission meeting, Third Street, Manistee County building- as this meeting is being held at 6pm as a trial to indicate future attendance.

2. Manistee County has announced May 14, 8.30 am - 4 pm as the date of the next Regional Summit. Location Kaleva VFW, 13300 Nine Mile Road, Kaleva.
Reservations are due by May 7, cost is $15 to cover lunch which can be paid on the day but please send registrant details to: Regional Summit, Attn: Tom Kaminski, Manistee County, 415 Third Street, Manistee, MI 49660

Topics to be covered: From Senator Levin's Office - an overview of the Stimulus package From Senator Stabenow's Office - an overview of opportunities in the "Green Economy." Mary Pitcher - Alliance For Economic Success - Countywide Recycling Brian Piccolo - DNR - Phragmites invasive species impact Regional Goal setting.

3. May 3 - 8 is National County Government Week
Wednesday, May 6. 7:00A.M.to Noon-Tours at the Road Commission
Wednesday, May 6. 1:00P.M. Historical Tour at the Courthouse with Steve Harold
Thursday, May 7. 9:00 A.M.to Noon-OpenHouse at the Sheriff's Office
Friday, May 8. 1:00P.M.-Historical Tour at the Courthouse with Steve Harold
Friday, May 8. 3:00P.M.-Coffee Hour with Rep. Dan Scripps at the Courthouse

ALLWEEK* Children can decorate a paper flower for the wall garden at the Library and be entered into a drawing for a book. The Library will also feature a display of green themed books.* The Courthouse will be a household battery recycling drop-off location.
* Free Energy Star and recycling information available at the Courthouse.*
Food Drive for the Salvation Army throughout the week at the Courthouse. 415 Third Street Manistee, MI 49660231-398-3500

Manistee County Road Commission8946 Chippewa Highway. Bear Lake,MI 49614231-889-0000
Manistee County Sheriff's Office 1525 East Parkdale Avenue. Manistee,MI 49660231-723-8393
Manistee County Library 95 MapleStreet Manistee,MI 49660231-723-2519
League of Women Voters Manistee County created this e_list as a means to create a grass roots information network to ensure timely notice of upcoming events, activities and meetings which deal with local government in Manistee County.

If you have a meeting set that you would like to publicize you can either email us for inclusion here or post the announcement on the League's Moderated Blog at http://manisteecountylwv.wordpress.com
The Blog has an RSS feed for you to subscribe to updates. Please feel free to add a link to your web site, Blog or Twitter account - we firmly believe in the power of 'word of mouth'!! Sign up and you will receive an automatic email notice when something has been added or changed.
Membership is encouraged, but not required, to attend or participate in any public League event. A LWV Manistee County Membership form is available on the web site - we also encourage local supporting members at any rate of contribution. (Such contributions are non-voting.)

The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to encourage citizen participation in local government and to provide a forum where citizens can become better informed about local, state and national issues which affect their daily lives - and get involved!Our firm belief is that there are many ways to be inclusive and build a community.

Dendra J. Best. PresidentLeague of Women Voters Manistee CountyWe Grow Democracy One Vote At A Time!PO Box 320, Bear Lake, MI 49614-0320(231)864-2686www.lwvmanisteecounty.org

Carol Atkins' Book Featured at NOW Conference

2009-04-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Book will be on display at the Michigan NOW Conference at OCC Orchard Ridge in Farmington Hills April 25
The Trouble with Turtles
by Carol Atkins

". . .I make decisions every day, and sometimes they are life-changing decisions. Like the time I decided to be arrested." from The Trouble with Turtles

A wise and witty memoir spanning 50 years by a veteran columnist and noted feminist. Author Carol Atkins, 85, is a member of AAUW Manistee Branch and a Michigan Women's Hall of Fame Inductee (2008). The Trouble with Turtles
ISBN 978-0-9718214-6-0
136 pages
Softcover
5.5 x 7.75 $15.95
Also on Amazon.com

Contact H. Buchanan, (313) 515-8122, aquariuspress@sbcglobal.net, www.aquariuspressbookseller.net

ORDER DIRECT AND GET THE NOW CONFERENCE SPECIAL PRICE: $14.00 (THRU 4-30-09)
"Pajama Days" Excerpt from The Trouble with Turtles © 2008 by Carol Atkins Every so often I have to sit myself down and have one of those dreaded "little talks." You know the kind I mean. It's when you say to yourself (in a tone of voice that you swore you would never use with your children, but did) - "You can do better than this. Surely, after all these years, you can manage your life better than this! Here you've gotten yourself into yet another mess, when you know perfectly well you can't do all that you have promised to do."
This time, even all my brand new excuses failed to convince me that I have any valid excuse whatsoever. After all, the word "no" is one of the shortest and most effective words in the English language and you'd think that by now I would have learned to use it. Especially since we have added two words to it which make it polite, and therefore socially acceptable. Those two words, in case you are not following my meanderings, are "thank you."
So now we have a perfectly acceptable, even polite, way of refusal, and I am such a chicken that I can't or won't use it. So I over-schedule myself regularly and end up not doing the other things I should do, or doing them sketchily, which pleases no one, least of all me. Or I find myself falling behind so hopelessly that I have to cancel some things, which is entirely against my principles.
Last week, while we were enjoying a family visit with daughter Cindy and her husband, Bill, I had to straighten out a couple of the messes I had created, so she sat me down and had a "little talk." But her "little talk" was somehow much more productive than mine have been. She even made some suggestions for progress that I had never thought of before. I am sure that if I can a) remember them and b) carry them out, my whole life will be better.
Among them was taking "Pajama Days."
Now, Pajama Days are days when you plan to do nothing. That's right, nothing. And if you are going to do nothing that day, there's no point in getting dressed, is there? You can just stay right in your PJs all day, and in fact, you'd better, because once you put on clothes you start to do something constructive. And we can't have that, now can we?

Inforum West Michigan Seminar "Step Up Your Business; Social Media in Action"

2009-04-20T13:12:00.001-07:00

Contact: Judy Welch, 616.336.5506 or jwelch@inforummichigan.org
Event Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Inforum West Michigan Seminar "Step Up Your Business; Social Media in Action"

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.-Inforum, Michigan's largest organization for business women, hosts a "Step Up Your Business with Social Media" seminar in Grand Rapids on Thursday, May 19. Experts will present tips and tactics on how to build business and personal brands by effectively using social media, digital marketing, search engine optimization, Google analytics, online brand building and more.
Social media provides measurable results! Companies and individuals can track their fans and followers, follow link traffic to see who is seeking more information about them, and measure the growth of personal or corporate brands on online.
Following a panel discussion with experts, attendees choose to attend one of these breakout sessions: A) The how to's of LinkedIn and Twitter B) YOU are your own social network: create consistency in social mediaC) Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and learning the tools of Google.
The panel of speakers includes:John Hill, Director of Alumni Career Services, Michigan State UniversityLynne Jarman-Johnson, President and CEO, Jarman-Johnson CommunicationsDan Klyn, Technology and eCommerce Director, Flannel
Moderated by Derek Mehraban, CEO, Ingenex Digital Marketing and founder, Social Harbor.com.Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast; 8 a.m. Panel discussion; 9:30-11 a.m. Breakout sessions
Place: Grand Valley State University, Eberhard Center, 301 West Fulton, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503Cost: Inforum members $50; Non-members $70 (Add $10 after May 12)
Register for May 19 on the calendar at www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.
The program is presented by Inforum which has nearly 1,800 members and is one of the largest and most prestigious business forums for women in the nation. Founded as the Women's Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum now has affiliates in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Mich. For more information, visit www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

Athena Honorees Announced

2009-04-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Along with fly-fishing and daffodils, spring in Manistee County delivers nominations for the annual ATHENA Award. The ATHENA Award is presented to exceptional individuals who have achieved excellence in their business and professional lives, have served the community in a meaningful way, and have assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential. Four honorees will be recognized for distinctive service to women in Manistee County.

Cyndy Fuller is the president of Harbor Village. She was elected to Manistee City Council in 2005 and as mayor of Manistee in 2007and 2008. Under her leadership, the City of Manistee has adopted a three-year strategic plan, built community assets, and created a new vision to become a “destination of choice” for businesses and families. Cyndy has served as a member of the Manistee Planning Commission and has been an active member of the Uniqueness Committee, Alternatives for Area Youth, West Shore Community College Foundation, Manistee Recreation Association, and Downtown Development Authority. Cyndy also dedicates her time to youth and has coached JV girls’ basketball and volleyball in Manistee County schools.

Joni Purgiel is Vice President, Branch Sales Manager of National City Bank. She has worked at National City for over 30 years. Joni has been active with many local organizations including: United Way of Manistee County, West Shore Healthcare Foundation, Women’s Economic Resource Center, STRIVE Mentor Program, Women’s Economic Development Outreach, ATHENA Award Program, Sunrise Rotary of Manistee, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Manistee County Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society. She has received numerous awards including: U.S. SBA Michigan Women in Business Champion, National City Bank Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate and National City Bank Market Dominator Award.

Cynthia Swan-Eagan is the instrumental music director at Manistee High School. As a music educator, Cindy has mentored hundreds of young musicians and has guided several generations of female students who have followed in her footsteps as music educators. Professionally, she has received numerous awards including the Chamber Music America Certificate for Outstanding Chamber Music Teaching in America, the Manistee County Community Foundation Influential Person Award, the Manistee Board of Education Award, the Michigan Band Teacher of the Year Award, and election into the American School Band Directors Association. Cindy is also on the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp summer conducting staff and has served as adjunct professor of music at Ferris State University.

Dr. Amy Wojciechowski is professor of business studies at West Shore Community College (WSCC). Amy has been instrumental in making quality education accessible to women in our community. She introduced the first online business course and facilitated Ferris State University’s bachelor’s degree program at WSCC. She is involved with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Manistee Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Manistee County, College of Teaching and Learning Team, Michigan Business Education Association, Michigan Education Association, National Career Pathways Network, TRENDS Planning Committee, Love INC, and H.E.L.P. Ministries. Amy has received numerous awards, including being named the Post Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Business Education Association.

The recipient of the 2009 ATHENA Award will be announced at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 6, 11:30 a.m., at Manistee Golf & Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend by making reservations at 723-2575 or contact @manisteechamber.com. Cost of the event is $15.

The Manistee County ATHENA Award is a program of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. The Manistee ATHENA Award is underwritten locally by National City Bank. Local sponsors include Blarney Castle Oil Company, Goody’s Juice & Java, Macbeth & Co., Manistee ATHENA Award Recipients (Nancy Lyon, Betty Noteware, Beth McCarthy and Carol Atkins), Super 8 of Manistee and Wendy’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers. More information about the ATHENA Program is available by calling the Chamber at 723-2575.

2009 Leadership Institute for Business Women

2009-04-19T06:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.forethoughtproductions.com/ceed/April09eNews.pdf

Check out this link to learn more about the CEED Leadership Institute. Join successful business women for an all day event - - see details at the link. They call it a "mini MBA" and it looks like they have quite an offering. Please share this information.

League of Women Voters Updates

2009-04-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

1. The LWV Manistee County Members meeting scheduled for 11am, Saturday April 18. at Bear Lake Township Hall, Downtown Bear Lake, US31 and corner of Virginia Street has been CANCELLED and rescheduled to the same time and location on Saturday May 9.

Anyone wishing to share their thoughts on National Popular Vote Consensus. See http://www.lwv.org/NPV Comment may be made on our Blog at http://manisteecountylwv.wordpress.com

2. A reminder to all those who have voiced their opinion that County meetings should be held in the evening to be accessible to all working citizens: to show your support, please plan on attending the April 28, 2009 Regular County Commission meeting, Third Street, Manistee County building- as this meeting is being held at 6pm as a trial to indicate future attendance.

3. The Regular 7 pm Public League meeting for May 14, will deal with the biggest issue facing families, businesses and government in Manistee County - namely the impact, in both financial and humanitarian terms, of unaffordable health insurance. Covering the uninsured, or under insured, takes an ever larger piece of the premiums paid by those who are fortunate to have health insurance. Every business in Manistee County has been impacted by skyrocketing costs, included those who provide medical services. President Obama has made passing legislation to create affordable access to health care a priority for 2009. But what is the situation here in Manistee County? What services and safety nets exist? Where can you go if you get sick and don't have health insurance? How much would local government and businesses save if we had affordable health insurance for all? The answers are not simple or clear cut. Other states have attempted to mandate universal coverage with mixed results. PBS recently aired a documentary in their Frontline series which is available for viewing online at:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundamerica/ This, together with the LWVUS position and consensus documents, which can be found at:http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Health_Care1will be the main focus of the May 14 meeting - location to be announced. Potential hosts or panelists for this event are encouraged to contact us.

4. Manistee County has announced May 14, 8.30 am - 4 pm as the date of the next Regional Summit. Location Kaleva VFW, 13300 Nine Mile Road, Kaleva.Reservations are due by May 7, cost is $15 to cover lunch which can be paid on the day but please send registrant details to:Regional Summit, Attn: Tom Kaminski, Manistee County, 415 Third Street, Manistee, MI 49660Topics to be covered: From Senator Levin's Office - an overview of the Stimulus package From Senator Stabenow's Office - an overview of opportunities in the "Green Economy." Mary Pitcher - Alliance For Economic Success - Countywide Recycling Brian Piccolo - DNR - Phragmites invasive species impact Regional Goal setting.

League of Women Voters Manistee County created this e_list as a means to create a grass roots information network to ensure timely notice of upcoming events, activities and meetings which deal with local government in Manistee County. If you have a meeting set that you would like to publicize you can either email us for inclusion here or post the announcement on the League's Moderated Blog at http://manisteecountylwv.wordpress.com

The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to encourage citizen participation in local government and to provide a forum where citizens can become better informed about local, state and national issues which affect their daily lives - and get involved!Our firm belief is that there are many ways to be inclusive and build a community.Dendra J. Best. 2007-9 PresidentLeague of Women Voters Manistee CountyWe Grow Democracy One Vote At A Time!PO Box 320, Bear Lake, MI 49614-0320(231)864-2686www.lwvmanisteecounty.org

Administrative Professionals Luncheon Planned

2009-04-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Administrative Professionals Luncheon Planned
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce will host an Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon on April 22, which is Administrative Professionals Day. The lunch will be held at West Shore Community College. This is the perfect opportunity for bosses to say thank you to their admins, and to mingle with other administrative professionals. For more information contact: Dianna Wall, Executive Assistant Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce 11 Cypress StreetManistee, MI 49660 231-723-2575

FREE Women's Cancer Screening

2009-04-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone -

Is the cost of cancer screening keeping you from getting the tests you need?

Manistee's District Health Department #10 is offering FREE Women's Cancer Screening - Breast and Cervical Cancer for Manistee County Women who meet guidelines...1) You are between the ages of 40-65 2) You have limited or no insurance 3) Your ANNUAL income is limited.Call the health department for details and to schedule an appointment: Early Detection is your BEST Protection. Call 231- 723- 3595.

Share this information with other women you know.

District Health Department #10 is a member of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body (HSCB)

10 Networking Follow Up Tips

2009-04-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

I found some great tips to keep in mind the next time you attend a networking event. Check out the tips at http://clicktoclient.com/10-things-to-do-immediately-after-a-networking-event/

Free Screening of "Iron Jawed Angels" in Wellston March 28

2009-04-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 28 starting 7pm, in honor of Women's History Month, we will be hosting a FREE screening of "Iron Jawed Angels" at Norman Township Hall, 1273 S. Seaman Rd. Wellston MI 49689.

On a steamy hot August 18, in 1920, one man, with a single vote, changed history.
On that day, 24 year-old Harry Burn, at the insistence of his elderly mother who urged him to "do the right thing", stood up in the Tennessee legislature and cast the deciding vote which ratified the 19th. Amendment to the US Constitution and gave women the right to vote.
Fast forward 89 years and on March 28, 2009, 7 pm League of Women Voters Manistee County will show HBO Film’s, “Iron Jawed Angels” starring Hilary Swank, Frances O'Connor, Angelica Huston and Patrick Dempsey.

“Iron Jawed Angels” is the dramatic HBO film depicting the hard fought battle to give women the right to vote. Produced in 2004, it received a standing ovation at the Sundance Film Festival. Alice Paul (Hilary Swank), Lucy Burns (FrancesO'Connor) and Carrie Chapman Catt (Angelica Houston) and other key figures, both male and female, revolutionized political activism to overcome powerful anti-suffrage lobbyists. In the process many were beaten, abused, jailed and force fed - a story that needs to be told and,
more importantly, remembered.

Because there are brief scenes which depict historically accurate violence against women, parents should exercise good judgement in deciding if their child should see this film.
You can check out the HBO film web site at: http://www.hbo.com/films/ironjawedangels/
and http://iron-jawed-angels.com/

Carrots, Egg, or Coffee? Which Are You?

2009-03-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee free beans.

She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ‘ Tell me what you see.’
‘Carrots, eggs, and coffee,’ she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, ‘What does it mean, mother?’

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

‘Which are you?’ she asked her daughter. ‘When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and be come soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

WERC Giving Circle Fund Supports Mentoring Scholarship Program

2009-03-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

"What do you want to do when you grow up?" is a tough question to answer at any age but six young women from four area schools may have a clearer notion after they spend the next several months exploring occupations at West Shore Medical Center through Manistee County’s Women’s Economic Resource Center’s (WERC) Mentoring Program.
For the past three years, the Mentoring Program has provided career exploration opportunities to sophomore and junior high school girls in Manistee County. Students are expected to keep a journal, participate fully in mentoring activities, and spend at least twenty hours with their mentors during a semester. At the end of the session, students who successfully complete the program are eligible for a $250 educational scholarship at an accredited institution.

Kirstyn O'Dell

Erin Crothers
Manistee High School student Kirstyn O’Dell wanted to learn more about accounting so Amy Hilliard-Fitch will show her what is involved working as an accountant in a hospital. Erin Crothers, who also attends Manistee High, is interested in nutrition and cooking; she will be mentored by Courtney Baldwin, the Dietary Services Manager at the hospital.

Elizabeth Richmond, Sylvia Garcia, Kris KleinsorgeSocial Worker Kris Kleinsorge opted to mentor two students, Sylvia Garcia and Elizabeth Richmond of Bear Lake High School. Both consider studying social work in college and want to see what it would be like. "I would like to know if I can handle social work emotionally," wrote Elizabeth on her application. "I feel this mentoring program would aid me in my future career choice."

Tabitha Knudsen and Alex Barnett
West Shore’s Medical/Surgical and Critical Care Unit Manager, Maureen Smith, also chose to work with two students, Alex Barnett who goes to Manistee Catholic Central, and Tabitha Knudsen a 10th grader at Casman Academy. The girls will see first hand what sort of day-to-day activities are involved in this department of the hospital.
At an orientation session attended by mentors, students and their parents/guardians, Kendra Thompson, chairperson of the Mentoring Program Committee, expressed her appreciation for West Shore Medical Center’s wholehearted support. "The hospital is a busy place; these women have responsible, important jobs. Yet everyone we’ve dealt with has gone above and beyond to assure that these students get the best experience possible. We are as thrilled as the kids are!"

Students who successfully complete all the requirements will be eligible for scholarships provided through the WERC Giving Circle Endowment Fund at the Manistee County Community Foundation. Please consider a financial gift to the fund to allow more women to receive scholarships.

LWV to Meet March 12, 2009 at 7pm in Manistee

2009-03-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, March 12, at 7 pm, the Guest Speaker for the public meeting of League of Women Voters Manistee County will be Linda Stephan. Linda Stephan is one of the most recognized voices of beloved local public radio station, Interlochen Public Radio.The meeting is open to the public and will take place 7pm at the Boathouse Grill, downtown Manistee, 440 River Street. Tel: (231)723-2300IPR was the recipient of the 2007 LWV Manistee County "Light In Dark Places" award in recognition of their stellar example protecting the principles established in the Bill of Rights - principally the freedom of the press and freedom of expression.March 15-21 is 'Sunshine Week' and Ms. Stephan will take part in a Town Hall style meeting with the audience to discuss the importance of 'protecting the public's right to know' and why the Sunshine Laws are still so important and necessary today.Also on the agenda will be an update of the status of IPR's fund raising to reach the $250,000 goal to begin transmitting from Manistee County and what that will eventually mean for local reception and programming.LWV Manistee County will also be determining whether to participate in the National Popular Vote Compact (NPV) consensus. For more information on this issue see e www.lwv.org and click on the link to National Popular Vote Compact.Further information about 2009 public activities and services of League of Women Voters Manistee County can be found on the web at www.lwvmanisteecounty.org or by calling 231 864 2686.Our web site has a RSS feed - sign up and you will receive an automatic email notice when something has been added or changed.We also now have a public moderated Blog at http://manisteecountylwv.wordpress.com where you can also sign up for a RSS alert and take part in online discussions.Membership is encouraged, but not required, to attend or participate in any public League event. The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to encourage citizen participation in local government and to provide a forum where citizens can become better informed about local, state and national issues which affect their daily lives.If you no longer wish to be on our public e-News list, please let us know.Dendra J. Best. President League of Women Voters Manistee CountyWe Grow Democracy One Vote At A Time!PO Box 320, Bear Lake, MI 49614-0320(231)864-2686www.lwvmanisteecounty.org

Networking for Women

2009-01-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

So, as a new pathway in 2009 - - I hope this blog becomes more interactive. I would like to hear from you about networking opportunities for women. What do you like? What works? What does not work? What networks have you been part of that you like? What draws you to a network? What keeps you involved in a network? Please: Share your thoughts and ideas. Who knows where this will go...but I hope it grows to add to your personal empowerment in 2009.

Thanks so much,
Judy Crockett
manisteewomen@yahoo.com

Lilly Ledbetter Act Signed Today

2009-01-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

Obama Signs Equal Pay for Equal Work Bill
The New Legislation Amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act
By CLAIRE SHIPMAN, SUSAN RUCCI, IMAEYEN IBANGA and NITYA VENKATARAMAN
Jan. 28, 2009 —
Calling pay equity not a women's issue but "a family issue," President Obama today signed a new bill seeking to end decades-long pay disparities between men and women.
Joined in the East Room of the White House by the first female Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, first lady Michelle Obama and the 70-year-old tire plant supervisor for whom the bill is named, Obama said it was "fitting that the very first bill I signed -- the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act -- that it is upholding one of this nation's founding principles: that we are all created equal and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness."
The equal-pay bill ends a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision saying employees only had 180 days to file pay-discrimination lawsuits and is expected to make it easier for workers to sue for decades-long discrimination.
Ledbetter filed a 1998 suit against a Goodyear Tire Rubber Co.plant in Gadsen, Ala., after learning men working in the same position were making more money. In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 vote that Ledbetter waited too long to sue since she brought the suit near the end of her 19-year career with the company.
"I was initially humiliated, I felt degraded," Ledbetter has said of her feelings about the pay disparity.
The new legislation allows suits to be brought up years later as long as the alleged pay disparity is continuing and isn't limited to gender-based discrimination.
It amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act and also applies to discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, national origin, disability or age.
"In signing this bill today, I intend to send a clear message that making our economy work means making sure it works for everyone," Obama told of approximately 150, including members of Congress and women's and labor groups who have long been advocates of the bill.
Michelle Obama a Strong Supporter
The legislation highlights an issue close to Michelle Obama, who championed equal pay on the campaign trail.
"Right now the average woman is earning 77 cents to every dollar that a man earns, here in the United States, for the same work," she said during a September 2008 campaign speech.
The Census Bureau last year estimated that women still receive only about 78 cents for every dollar that men get for doing equivalent jobs.
That discrepancy equals $210,000 less for women over 35-year full-time work life, according to an August 2008 study from Institute for Women's Policy Research.
Copyright © 2009 ABC News Internet Ventures
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Closing Out 2008...Preparing for 2009

2008-12-29T05:35:00.000-08:00

As the final days of December approach, it is human nature to look back at the year and inventory all the good, the bad, the new, the happy, the sad, the fun, the tears, and the joy of the past year. For most of us, if we take just a few minutes, we can count many blessings that have come to us during the past year: friendships, health, our children and families, a vacation, or even just a good read. For many others, it was a year filled with apprehension, illness, death, and major concerns and adjustments due to the economy.

In any case, a new year is about to be embarked upon, and this week might be a good time to think about the changes we'd like to make in our personal and professional lives - - - things we do have control over. We have control over each minute of the day, we have control over our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We have control over what we read, what we watch, and what we say to others and about others.

My challenge to you as the new years dawns, is to make choices that make your life better and the lives of those around you better. Speak kindly of yourself and of others. Give another woman a hand up rather than a shove down. Rather than point a finger, lend a hand. Truly be present to others in thought and conversation. Take a few minutes everyday simply to be thankful. Count your blessings and do not cause pain to others.

A few minor adjustments and thoughtfulness in your choices in 2009 will no doubt bring you more peace and fulfillment in 2009 - - and you will bring the same to others. And I promise that in December 2009, when you look back on the year, your heart will be full.

Many, many, blessings to you all in 2009!
Judy Crockett

WERC Celebrates 50th Event

2008-12-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

The December 18th 2008 WERC netWork Christmas Luncheon Special marked the 50th event hosted by WERC and the Women's netWork since forming in May 2005. Monthly luncheons have been the cornerstone of WERC, but other events include the WE-Do Tour, LUNAfest, golf outtings, and a few special events.

"We never anticipated the netWork would grow to the level that it is today," said WERC President Judy Crockett. "The plan was to host a two-day event."

The list of guest speakers for the monthly luncheons is impressive: U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow; MI Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver; Mary Ellen Sheets, Founder/Owner of Two Men and a Truck; etiquette expert Denise Anne Taylor; Educator Cindy Novak; Laugh Therapist Gayle Robinson; Director of the Michigan Women's Market Place, Yodit Mesfin; Robin Lott from the Michigan Education Trust; Elizabeth Thompson and Brenda Quick Jones with the Michigan Women's Commission; Educators Char Myers, Pat Travis, and Nancy Foster, Authors Linda Hunt, Carol Atkins and Judith Wright; Entertainers Claudia Schmidt and Mary Sue Wilkinson; and numerous others.

A key program of WERC is the career-mentoring/scholarship program that connects high school juniors with professional women mentors to give the girls the opportunity to experience and learn about career choices. The first scholarships to girls completing the program were awarded this year. The program is funded through a giving-circle endowment fund held at the Manistee County Community Foundation.

For the fourth year in a row, WERC will make a major donation to the Manistee County Library in the form of books being donated by members at the December luncheon. "Our goal is to help provide professional development and leadership books to women who may not otherwise be able to afford them," said Crockett.

In January 2008 WERC opened an office in the Briny Building in Manistee. In May 2008, WERC became an US SBA Affiliate Women's Business Center. And in October 2008, WERC hosted the National WE-DO Tour for the third time...the only Michigan location to host this worth-while business event.

Membership in WERC is open to anyone. A $35 voluntary membership fee helps to offset costs. Additional WERC history is located on the organization blog.
Learn more about WERC at www.manisteewerc.org

League of Women Voters Celebration

2008-12-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

On Thursday December 11, at the Portage Point Inn, Members and friends of League of Women Voters Manistee County will be celebrating the First AND the other 26 Amendments to the US Constitution ‘aka’ The Bill Of Rights.

A full transcript can be found at: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.htmlAnd as we peaceably assemble, and freely speak to each other, some of us will no doubt be speculating on how the incoming government should be getting down to business and redressing our grievances!

We will be giving our second, annual, “Light In Dark Places Award” to the Board of the State Theatre. Why? Because any time a group of caring, committed individuals get together to create a venue which can host both Democratic and Republican Convention coverage under the same roof we see the Bill of Rights up close and personal and very much alive and well! Doug Stanton, Terry George, Larry Charles, Christine Lahti, and Sabina Guzzanti are the board members, along with Michael Moore.

Accepting the Award on behalf of the State Theatre is Film Festival co-founder John Robert Williams and Film Festival volunteer Harold Chase of Senator Carl Levin's Office. And if you like a good cut of prime rib, or grilled salmon, with that - give us a call 231 864 2686 or email lwvmanisteecounty@me.com, make your reservation($20)- and plan on a great evening of freely assembling at the Portage Point Inn on December 11!

We’ll make sure we keep that light on for you. Dendra J. Best. 2008-9 President League of Women Voters Manistee County We Grow Democracy One Vote At A Time! PO Box 320, Bear Lake, MI 49614-0320(231)864-2686 http://www.lwvmanisteecounty.org/

What's in a Book

2008-12-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Since our very beginning in May 2005, WERC has recommended great books for women to read - - and share. We also know that books can be expensive and you may be unable to purchase some of those you might like to have. So in December 2005, WERC held its first ever book drive at the luncheon. Women were asked to bring a book - new or used - -to donate to the Manistee County Library. We asked that these books support the professional development and leadership of women and girls, financial independence, skill building for women, or one of the many book recommended by WERC.

WERC continues the book donation tradition in 2008. Program Chair Gini Pelton has worked with the library to build a list of books they need for women. Contact Gini for the list or see the list at the Book Mark on River Street in Manistee. If you purchase a book from the Book Mark from the list for donation, you will receive a discount.

Bring the book to the luncheon at the Little River Casino Resort Thursday December 18th. RSVP to attend the luncheon manisteewomen@yahoo.com

New WERC Web Site

2008-12-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

Check out our new web site www.manisteewerc.org

A Very Special Thank You to Julie Quinn for all of her efforts. Please take a minute to join the web site. As always, your information is safe with WERC. We will never SPAM you or allow anyone access to your contact information. No one except WERC will use this list. We Promise!

Please sign up.

Book Signing Dec. 13th at Goody's in Manistee

2008-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Book Signing at Goody's Juice & Java
343 River Street, Downtown Manistee
Saturday, December 13
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Two new releases by local author Carol Atkins
and photography enthusiast Sharron Lemmer
Rainstorms & Fairies - a polished little hardcover book of poetry & photography;
one picture per poem, one person's interpretation of provocative verse.
Available at a 20% discount at the signing.
The Trouble with Turtles - a culmination of decades of perceptive columns about
everyday life.
Both titles can be purchased at the signing or bring your personal copy.

Mary Sue Wilkinson To Perform at December Luncheon

2008-11-26T06:04:00.000-08:00

The always musical December luncheon of the Women's Economic Resource Center netWork Luncheon will feature a performance by Mary Sue Wilkinson.

Mary Sue started playing and singing as a teenager and since that time has become one of the leading "pure" singers in the traditional music scene. Her crystal clear voice rings true whether on a tender ballad or a straight-ahead swing number. Mary Sue is best known for her work in the band Iowa Rose, a roots band well known throughout Michigan and beyond. She is currently hard at work polishing the sound of her new band "Sister Wilene", a band dedicated to old time country songs and western swing music.

The Thursday, December 18th luncheon will be held at the Little River Casino Resort beginning at 11:30 am. Cost is $10. We have a few very special door prizes. Our luncheon sponsor is Bob Hathon, Representative, Edward Jones, Manistee.

About General Fedder

2008-11-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

Women's History Month: General adds to family's military legacyBy Danielle GregoryTinker Public AffairsTINKER AIR FORCE BASE - March is Women's History Month and women have come a long way throughout history. Here at Tinker Air Force Base we are fortunate enough to have many outstanding professional women - military and civilian - who hold great significance in supporting the warfighter. As it happens with many people, , commander of the 76th Maintenance Wing was in college when she realized the career field she was meant to be in. What she did not realize at the time was that she would one day become one of a select few - a general officer in the United States Air Force. At the age of 20, she joined the Air Force, saying she felt like she needed to belong to a group after making the transition from a small town girl into a major university student. "One day I was in school and I saw a group of Reserve Officer Training Corps run by in formation and I thought, 'now that's where I belong,'" said General Fedder. Because General Fedder's father is retired military, her immediate family wasn't surprised by this step in her life. However, she said her hometown friends were very surprised and didn't think she would fit the mold. "One of my heroes as far as the military goes is my dad," the general said. "He was Army for 26 years and I learned to appreciate the life of service from him." That life of service has brought her to where she is today - one of a few female generals and commander of the 76th Maintenance Wing. She has become a role model for all women - military and civilian, according to wing members. "Her selection as commander of the largest maintenance wing in the Air Force, a historically male-dominated environment, is a tribute to her leadership and character," said Brenda Jones, chief of the 76th MXW's Financial Management Office. "She serves as an inspiration to all -- men and women -- with her logical calm leadership style and vision for the Air Force," said Bobbi LaRue, 545th Propulsion Maintenance Squadron director. General Fedder said she didn't aspire to come this far, she just aspired to do whatever her bosses did. She said she would observe what they were doing and try to learn what their job was. "I wanted to learn something from everyone," she said. Those under her leadership at Tinker are getting to learn from her today. "General Fedder's method of questioning allows her to gain understanding while guiding her people to constructively think outside the box," said Ginger Keisling, DMAG program analyst in the Business Operations Office. "This approach leads to a deeper understanding without being judgmental or condescending. She's a great leader who inspires her people to strive to achieve their greatest potential." Holding the leadership position that she is in now, General Fedder said she appreciates being on a team of professionals and serving people on that team. "Serving all Airmen and the flag is what drives me," she said. "When we look at people who are serving overseas and on the front lines, I know they can't really perform their mission unless we are all pulling to make sure they have what they need." General Fedder says she hopes to clear paths for future generations of women. "There are, fortunately, in the Air Force today, quite a few senior women who are serving. People should see this and know there are opportunities out there for everyone -- men and women," General Fedder said. "I believe everyone wants to do their best at whatever their job is. It is my job as a senior officer to help people be as successful as they can be." General Fedder said when Airmen put on the uniform and look in the mirror, they have to ask themselves, "Am I worthy to serve and lead?" "When I put on my uniform it makes me ask that question, and it forces me to stop and think about people's expectations of someone at my level, and whether I meet those expectations," she said. "I am very grateful to wear this uniform. People in uniform and people who wear civilian clothes are all serving. I thank them for the opportunity to serve them and serve with them." General Fedder's advice to those looking to advance is to excel in what they are doing now and know the job they're in is the most important job. "People will look to you for a job with greater responsibilities if you've excelled in your current duties," she said. "What is great about the Air Force are our core values," she continued. "We have people who really believe in them. What person wouldn't want to be part of a team whose core values are excellence, integrity and service? It is fulfilling a dream to still be a member of the Air Force."

BIO: And to read more....and Photo

http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=8418

December 18th Luncheon

2008-11-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

December 18 Thursday - -our Christmas Luncheon Special
11:30 - 1:15 $10 Little River Casino Resort

Featuring the music of Iowa Rose Mary Sue Wilkinson
This is also the luncheon where you bring a book for the library...
Gini Pelton will be getting us more information about the book drive soon.
Sponsored by Edward Jones Bob Hathon in Manistee - -THANK YOU!!!!

BONUS!!
And a special December guest: Brig. Gen. Judith Fedder ...hometown Manistee

Thursday November 20th Luncheon

2008-11-19T05:40:00.000-08:00

Treat Yourself...
November 20 Thursday 11:30 - 1:15
at the Little River Casino Resort $10
Host: Anna Detz from the Casino
Sponsored by Women's Lifestyle Magazine
Program: Thanksgiving; Getting the most out of Networking; and Speaker CPA Mary Weishaar, owner of Weishaar and Company will talk about what you need to know about your finances prior to the end of the year and moving into 2009.

Mary founded her company in 1990 and has a strong commitment to community leadership. Her company has received numerous awards.
RSVP: manisteewomen@yahoo.com
Pay at the door...please RSVP and keep your reservation as the LRCR does a head count for food preparation.

WEDO TOUR Save the Date Oct 21, 2008

2008-09-01T16:27:00.002-07:00

Women's Economic Resource Center WERC
Presents WEDO
Women's Economic Development Outreach Tour
BreakThrough! Impact through Innovation:
Your Competitive Advantage!
Save the Date: Tuesday October 21, 2008
Center Stage Theatre in the Arts and Sciences Building
Campus of West Shore Community College in Scottville
National WEDO 2008 will feature a satellite program panel
and national interactive
question and answer program as well as local programming,
a keynote speaker, and networking luncheon.
Registration will begin at 9:00 am. Cost is $45 and includes lunch.
Pre-Registration information will be available soon.
Save the Date
Creating Connections. Building Business.
WWW . MANISTEEWERC . ORG
MANISTEEWOMEN @ YAHOO.COM

US Senator Debbie Stabenow to Speak

2008-09-01T16:27:00.001-07:00

MANISTEE – U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow will be the guest speaker at a Thursday, September 4 Women’s Economic Resource Center (WERC) breakfast beginning at 8:15 am at the Bungalow Restaurant in Manistee. The breakfast is open to everyone.
“We are pleased Senator Stabenow's schedule allowed her time to meet with the women in our community,” said Judy Crockett, WERC President. “Our families are facing many issues including job losses, decreases in income levels, and rising medical care costs. With more and more women left as the heads of households, caring for their families is becoming increasing challenging.”
A valuable question and answer format will be incorporated to allow attendees to pose questions around these and other tough issues, emphasizing Senator Stabenow's accessibility. Renewable energy plan, the economy, and the two ongoing wars will also be discussed.
WERC builds partnerships with other programs and organizations that are working to provide sustainable livelihoods, political and leadership opportunities and access for women and girls. Earlier this summer, WERC became a U.S. SBA Affiliate Women's Business Center. More information about WERC can be found at the web site www.manisteewerc.org
“We hold our regular monthly Women’s netWork luncheons on the third Thursday of each month,” said Crockett. “All women are encouraged to attend the luncheons and participate in WERC. WERC board meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month. This breakfast will be held in addition to our regular monthly September luncheon.”
The breakfast meeting will be held Thursday, September 4 at the Bungalow Restaurant at the corner of 28th Street and US 31 in Manistee. Doors open at 8:15 am. The cost is $10 payable at the door to the Bungalow, and includes the breakfast buffet, juice, coffee, tax and tip. To register, please send an email to manisteewomen@yahoo.com. Seating is limited.

Two Dumb Dames to Speak

2008-09-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

MANISTEE - - - It has been said, "never under estimate the power of a woman" and if there are two women....something is really going to happen. Something good will happen Thursday, September 18 at the Women's Economic Resource Center (WERC) luncheon featuring two Bear Lake women, Gloria Edwards and Pauline Jaquish.
During Bear Lake Days they are affectionately known as the "Two Dumb Dames", a name they copied from a business in Eureka Springs, Mo. when they were on their yearly spring trip. Then a year later while in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, they attended a Chuckwagon Supper. On one of those trips back home, Gloria talked about her sister-in-law who had sent a few packages to a soldier in Iraq. She added, "We could do that!"And, “we” did, last July, with a fund-raiser at the Manistee County Fair.
Last October the ladies presented the Care Package project to the Bear Lake Promoters and asked for their financial backing if needed. So far there has been no need to ask for money from the Promoters, although their labor force has been well used in the processing and packing part of the project. Currently, there have been 303 Care Packages sent to military personnel of all branches serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Over $3,000 in cash has been donated to help pay for postage and buy supplies to send. Approximately 2,400 pounds of items ranging from prepackaged food items to personal hygiene products, writing material, magazines, books, white socks, t-shirts, lip balm, combs, razors, baby wipes, and the list goes on.....but only non-alcohol items and no aerosol cans....Postal Department rules. Contributions have come from all over Manistee and Benzie counties as well as throughout the state and even Chicago. Packages need to be sent throughout the year with holiday decorations included to help make their surroundings a little more home like.
Checks may be written to the Bear Lake Promoters and mailed to Gloria Edwards, P. O. Box 224, Bear Lake, Mi 49614 and items may be dropped off at her home at the corner of Main and Wise Sts. Bear Lake. For additional information, contact Pauline at pjaquish@coslink.net .
The women will tell their story Thursday, September 18 at the WERC luncheon to be held from 11:45 – 1:15 at the Tuscan Grille on River Street in Manistee. Cost is $10. RSVP to manisteewomen @ yahoo.com. Please also bring an item to two to include in their next shipment.
To sponsor a luncheon, contact the Women’s Economic Resource Center at manisteewomen @yahoo.com. The luncheons are a program of WERC. For more information visit the WERC website at www.manisteewerc.org. The mission of WERC is to support the professional development and leadership of women and girls.

Caroil Atkins / Sharron Lemmer Book Now Available

2008-07-02T03:45:00.000-07:00

Carol Atkins' newest collection of poetry is now available. Titled Rainstorms and Fairies, the book contains 42 of Carol's poems with companion photography by Sharron Lemmer. See www.sharolbooks.com for more information. Rainstorms and Fairies can be purchased locally at: MacBeth & Co. – 8011 First Street, OnekamaMoving Spirit – 429 River Street, ManisteeRiver Street Gallery – 384 River Street, ManisteeThe Bookmark – 348 River Street, Manistee Please take note: The book signing on July 19 at River Street Gallery regretfully has been cancelled.

June 19th Luncheon - Leap into a New Venture

2008-06-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

MANISTEE – “A Tale of Two Women Who Ventured into Unchartered Territories” will be the topic at the Thursday June 19 Women’s Economic Resource Center netWork luncheon beginning at 11:45 at Manistee Golf and Country Club on Cherry Street in Manistee. The luncheon is sponsored by Filer Credit Union.

Rosalind Jaffe and Sharron Lemmer will share how their leap of faith led both of them to a very cool experience. Roz Jaffe had family and friends tell her for years that she should be a contestant on Jeopardy. She will share the whole adventure from, trying out, being chosen, and actually being LIVE in Hollywood. The best part…. She is ready to try something else that she has never done.

Sharron Lemmer collaborated with local author Carol Atkins to publish a collection of Carol's poetry paired with Sharron’s photography. It all started with Sharron reading and admiring Carol’s poems in The News Advocate. They met, they talked…and this month their book, Rainstorms and Fairies will be available to purchase. Sharron will give a brief overview of the publishing process.

What is pulling on your heart strings? Are you ready to try something you have never done before? Don’t miss this luncheon if you are looking for inspiration to take the Leap into a New Venture.

The mission of WERC is to actively cultivate and support the professional and political development and leadership of women and girls in Manistee County and the surrounding area. The mission will be accomplished through programs of WERC, such as the Women’s netWork luncheons, the Women’s Empowerment Giving Circle, Women’s Business Support, LUNAFEST, Career Mentoring, and Personal Finance.

WERC will also build partnerships with other programs and organizations that are working to provide sustainable livelihoods, political and leadership opportunities and access for women and girls. More information about WERC can be found at the web site www.manisteewerc.org

The luncheon will be held Thursday, June 19 at Manistee Golf and Country Club on Cherry Street in Manistee. Doors open at 11:30 am. The cost is $10 payable at the door. To register send an email to manisteewomen@yahoo.com. This luncheon is sponsored by Filer Credit Union, with two offices in Manistee. If you live, work, or worship in Manistee County, you can now join Filer Credit Union.

“All women are encouraged to attend the luncheons and participate in WERC,” said Crockett. “We hold our regular monthly Women’s netWork luncheons on the third Thursday of each month. WERC board meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month.”

Congratulations Carol Atkins

2008-05-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

Manistee held its fourth annual Athena Awards at Manistee Golf and Country Club today, Wednesday, May 7, 2008. Carol Atkins was the recipient of the award at a luncheon filled with community members and supporters.

The ATHENA Award Program was created in 1982 by ATHENA Founder Martha Mayhood Mertz through her partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. The program was developed to recognize and honor outstanding business and professional individuals for excellence in their chosen field, for providing valuable service to their community, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.

By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Award Program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence and to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

Carol was a natural fit for this prestigeous recognition. A playwright, newspaper columnist, journalist, poet, historian, and activist, Carol has been a tireless champion of women's rights and she has been a supporter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) since its inception in 1966.

Carol is a member of the Women's Economic Resource Center and she was the keynote speaker at our annual meeting. We are so honored to have Carol among us, mentoring us, and continuing to pave the way for equality for all people. Bless you Carol and Congratulations.

LUNAFEST May 10, 2008 in Manistee

2008-05-07T04:19:00.000-07:00

MANISTEE - - - The Women’s Economic Resource Center will host their third annual LUNAFEST Film Festival Saturday May 10th at 6:30pm at the Historic Ramdsell Theater in Manistee. These international award-winning films tackle issues of war, death, homelessness, happiness, homosexuality, family ties, women in sports competition, cosmetic surgery, and motherhood.
“This film festival features nine short films by, for, and about women,” said Judy Crockett from the Women’s Economic Resource Center. “These films celebrate and inspire women through the art of film and community fundraising. If you love good films, you will love LUNAFEST, men and women alike.”
How important is a birthday cake? Make a Wish is a 12-minute film about a young Palestinian girl who will do whatever it takes to buy a birthday cake. This film has a surprise ending.
My Other Mother deals with the issue of crib death, or “cot” death as it is known in Africa. When her baby sister dies, Margo’s other mother shows her how to grieve.
In the two-minute animated Mrs. Ana, homeless Mrs. Ana is the seller of medicinal plants in Medellin, Columbia. She shares the joys and hardships of her life along with her love of strawberries.
For some women, buying new shoes brings happiness. Seventy-one percent of women would buy more shoes if they could afford to, and fifty percent acknowledge they sacrifice comfort for style. Director Sophie Barthes from New York introduces us to Iwona, who buys a box of Happiness at a strange discount store and has to decide what to do with it.
Keeping a secret for some means hiding a part of themselves. For Katrin, keeping her secret means leaving her native Iceland, in this whimsical tale of family secrets, only to return to find hers is not the only story in the family. Director Isold Uggadottir of New York reveals prejudices of homosexuality in this nineteen-minute film filmed in part in Iceland.
If you have ever been embarrassed by your mother and thought “I’ll never be like her,” then looked in the mirror one day and saw your mother in yourself, you will appreciate the animated work of director Ru Kuwahata. In Daikon Ashi, a young girl struggles with adolescent rebellion and the reality of family ties.
Women were excluded from the original Olympic Games, so in 776 B.C. they formed their own games, The Games of Hera, honoring the Greek goddess of women and earth. Women were formally allowed to join Olympic competition in 1900. Breaking Boundaries: The Sondra Van Ert Story is a documentary of female athlete’s determination and success by Director Jennifer Grace of Bozeman, Montana.
Movies, magazines, and commercial advertising tell women beauty is attainable through cosmetic surgery, lotions, and creams. Award-winning director Jesse Erica Epstein tells a male dancer’s comical story about his prominent nose and the effect it has on his career in The Guarantee.
The final film in the nine-film LUNAFEST Film Festival is only three minutes in length. Screened in Turkey, Australia, and Los Angels, Pockets is directed by Sophia Ohara. In this animated short film, a pocket becomes an abstract metaphor for the journey of motherhood.
Of the top 250 grossing films of 2005, only 17% of all directors, executive producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors were women. In 2005, only 7% of film directors were women. LUNAFEST highlights the contributions of women to film. To learn more about the films and the stories behind them, visit www.lunafest.org.
“This is the third LUNAFEST Film Festival we have held in Manistee,” said Crockett. “Each year, we are more impressed with the captivating intellect, humor, and story-telling of these short films. WERC is proud to sponsor this festival and celebrate the work of these writers, directors, and producers, and to bring a program of this quality to our communities. Men and women alike with appreciate this event.”
Tickets for the film festival are $25 and are available at Wahr Hardware, Goody’s Juice and Java, and Suvi Boutique in Manistee and at Closson’s Jewelry in Ludington. The cost of admission includes the film festival, as well as a cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres social following the films. Doors open at 6:30pm. The films begin at 7:00pm and the social follows at 8:30pm. The event will be held at the Historic Ramsdell Theater on Maple Street in Manistee.
LUNAFEST net proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Fund as well as the local Women’s Economic Resource Center Giving Circle Fund at the Manistee County Community Foundation.
LUNAFEST is a program of WERC. For more information visit the WERC website at www.manisteewerc.org. The mission of WERC is to support the professional development and leadership of women and girls.

Career- Mentoring Scholarships Awarded

2008-05-07T04:18:00.001-07:00

MANISTEE – Participants in the WERC Career-Mentoring program will be recognized at the Thursday May 15 Women’s Economic Resource Center netWork luncheon beginning at 11:45 at Manistee Golf and County Club on Cherry Street in Manistee. This program of WERC was created to match high school aged girls with women working in professional fields, giving the girls an opportunity to experience a career path before college.

Certificates of Completion, including the first $250 scholarships awarded by WERC, are being awarded to:
-Megan O'Brien
Mentoring Program: Public Service
Senior, Manistee High School
(She completed the program during her sophomore year.)
Mentor: Janice McCraner, Manistee County Commissioner
College: Central Michigan University

-Kathrine Russell
Mentoring Program: Architecture
Senior, Brethren High School/KND
(She completed the program during her sophomore year.)
Mentor: Kendra Thompson, Kendra C. Thompson Architects, P.C.
College: Grand Valley State University

The current mentor/mentee participant will be awarded a certificate of completion at the June luncheon. Attorney Jane Johnson was the mentor for student Ashley Fraley, from Brethren High School/KND. Ashley’s area of interest is law.

Past career-mentors included a nurse practitioner and a chemical engineer.

WERC is finalizing mentors for the 2008-2009 academic school year and will be notifying county school counselors soon. Applications will be made available to interested students in early September.

“Scholarship dollars for this program are from the WERC Giving Circle Endowment Fund at the Manistee County Community Foundation. This fund was started in December, 2005 with initial dollars raised by the Women’s netWork,” said Kendra Thompson, WERC Scholarship Chair. “We encourage the community to support this fund so that we are able to expand the scholarship program.”
In addition to the Giving Circle Fund, WERC will also build partnerships with other programs and organizations that are working to provide sustainable livelihoods, political and leadership opportunities and access for women and girls. More information about WERC can be found at the web site www.manisteewerc.org

LUNAFEST Film Festival Sat May 10 2008 Manistee

2008-04-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Women's Economic Resource Center will be hosting LUNAFEST Saturday May 10, 2008 at the Historic Ramsdell Theatre on Maple Street in Manistee. Everyone is invited to attend.

Filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance, LUNAFEST films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women. Our films include many off the traditional “festival circuit.” Collectively, LUNAFEST films captivate audiences, compel dialogue and arm those who participate with both the knowledge and the motivation to make a difference in their communities.

LUNAFEST’s films have won industry awards and audience accolades, and the films selected for 2007-08 LUNAFEST share this brilliance. From quirky animation to touching documentaries, the 9 selected films are incredibly diverse in both style and subject matter, united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling by…for…about women.

Watch the film trailers at http://www.lunafest.org/

Doors open at 6:30. Films start at 7:00pm and run until 8:30pm. Following the films, join us in Hardy Hall for complimentary desserts and cocktails and conversation.

Tickets are $25. They are available at the door, at Wahr Hardware, Suvi's and the CVB in Manistee or at Closson's Jewelry in Ludington.

Proceeds benefit breast cancer research, WERC, and the WERC Giving Circle Fund at the Manistee County Community Foundation.

RSVP NOW for April 17th Luncheon

2008-04-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

RSVP NOW for April 17th luncheon featuring

Elizabeth Thompson of the Michigan Women's Commission Topic: Status of Women in Michigan report update. Important information to help with better understanding women in several categories: employment and economic status; political leadership; health, rights, and demographics. Very good stuff....

Thurs April 17 11:45-1:15 $10 at the door Manistee Golf and Country Club Cherry Street Manistee

RSVP to manisteewomen@yahoo.com

Welcome Back!

2008-04-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

With so much going on with the Women's netWork and with formation of the Women's Economic Resource Center (WERC) ...some things...like this blog...took a backseat. It's time to reactivate the blog and to get conversations going about various topics and issues that impact women in our region. We invite you each to share your thoughts, ideas, programs, information...anything you think would be of value to women in the professional development and leadership arena.

Welcome Back. Upcoming Events:
We have lots of great programs the next few months to help you with your businesses and personal growth. Important Dates to Remember: Print and Save - - SHARE with others

Thursday April 17 11:45-1:15 Luncheon featuring Elizabeth Thompson, Michigan Woman's Commission - - Manistee Golf and County Club $10Elizabeth will provide important information about the status of women in Michigan...Women make most of the financial decisions in their household; they are important to your business...understand them better...attend this luncheon. RSVP manisteewomen@yahoo.com

Saturday May 3rd 9:00am-4:00pm Zonta's Zest for Living Day Devoted to Women - -WSCC Tech Center Atrium - -Keynote Speaker: Denise Ann Taylor - -Denise was a very popular speaker at the netWork luncheon last year - - - Breakout session, booths

Monday, May 5th 5:30 pm - - -SBA Financial Round Table Tuscan Grille - - River Street, Manistee - - $35 included dinner -- RSVP manisteewomen@yahoo.com Space is limited so that you can receive personal attention and have your questions answered.

Wednesday May 7th Noon - - Athena Luncheon $15 Manistee Golf and County Club - - poster attached Saturday

May 10th 6:30 pm LUNAFEST - - film festival, cocktails, desserts, social, Ramsdell Theater tickets $25 includes everything Poster attached Sponsorships available. This makes a great date night or gift for Mom. Take a preview look at the films at http://www.lunafest.org/

Thursday June 19 Luncheon -- 11:45 - 1:15 Our own Roz Jaffe will talk about her experiences taking a big chance and stretching herself. Manistee Golf and County CLub $10

Thursday May 15 Luncheon 11:45 - 1:15pm featuring Pat Travis - - inspirational, motivational...educational Pat has been one of the lesser know or seen inspriational women in our county....Manistee Golf and County Club $10

Friday July 11 Rally for a Cure Golf Outing at Manistee National....would you like to be a hole sponsor? Sponsors are encouraged to have an activity and personal contact on the hole they sponsor - - that's good for your business!

RSVP events: manisteewomen@yahoo.com

New Events Coming Up

2007-02-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

Nomination forms for the third annual Manistee County ATHENA Award are now available at the Chamber office and on the website at http://www.manisteecountychamber.com/ATHENANominationForm2007.htm. The deadline is March 31 to nominate someone who has impacted Manistee County by demonstrating excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; providing valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in Manistee County ; and assisting Manistee County women in reaching their full leadership potential. The ATHENA Award program, part of the Celebrating Women Festival, will be held at noon on Wednesday, May 9 at noon at the Manistee Golf and Country Club. In this photo, 2006 keynote speaker Lyn Myers, former head of General Motors’ Pontiac-GMC Division, admires the ATHENA sculpture received by Betty Noteware.

Make plans now to get together for the second annual LUNAFEST to be held Saturday May 12th as part of the Celebrating Women Festival. Check out all the films online that will be shown during this film festival. The festival will be held at the Ramsdell Theater. Tickets will be $25. Jo Hall from Ron Ringel Real Estate is this year's Chair.

MARCH LUNCHEON: Camille Kocsis will host the March 15th Women's netWork luncheon at the Tuscan Grille from 11:15 - 1:15. She will be talking about the "Laws of Attraction" and she will get us prepared to view the DVD "The Secret" The netWork will host a free showing of "The Secret" on Friday evening, March 23rd at the United Methodist Church on First Street in Manistee. This will be a family event...not for women only!

More details about all these events will follow.

Be your best - -

Salute to Andrea Parhamovich

2007-01-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

A heroic American woman who worked to expand democracy in Iraq was killed in Baghdad last week. Andrea Parhamovich, a 28-year-old from Ohio who traveled to Iraq to work for the National Democratic Institute (NDI), had just finished leading a training seminar for Sunni politicians, when her armed convoy was ambushed. She and three bodyguards were killed. Andi, as she was known by her friends and colleagues, will be remembered for her idealism, bravery, and positive spirit.

We bring you her story because in a matter of months, Andi was slated to take on the new role of training Iraqi women to increase their political involvement. A tragedy like Andi's makes us realize how much we take for granted when we talk about gender-parity and advancing women's leadership in America. Andi risked her life doing work that we talk about every week.

Last summer, several Iraqi government officials who were in the US to learn about democracy, came to our office. Out of a group of eight, there was one woman, and we learned that during the legislators' three-week visit to the states, not a single meeting had focused on women. Halfway through the trip, she requested a tutorial on women's leadership, which led the group to The White House Project. Over the course of an afternoon we presented the case for women's leadership to a largely skeptical audience. Although quotas in Iraq now guarantee women's involvement in government, in the years since the Gulf War, women had very few rights at all. At the table sat one very brave woman who epitomized what it means to step up and lead.

Andi worked so that Iraqi women like the one that came to our office could lead in her community and in her life. Here and abroad, work is underway to change the status quo so that women can have a greater stake in government. The White House Project would like to honor Andi by bringing you her story, and by reminding you how important it is for women to lead—both because we have the freedom to do so, and because strong women, as consensus-builders, collaborators, and listeners, are much needed during a time of war.

We admire Andi's belief that she could create change in such a violent and unstable environment. We hope you will remember her fearlessness and courage as a young woman leader.

Sincerely,
The White House Project

Denise Anne Taylor to Speak January 18 2007

2007-01-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
The Women's netWork is busy lining up incredible speakers for 2007.

Jan 18th 2007 11:30 - 2:00pm Tuscan Grille Downtown Manistee $10
Yes! This is longer than usual! Mark your calendar now.

Speaker:
Denise Anne Taylor/CEO/Owner
Competitive Advantage, Inc.
www.passportforsuccess.com
Sponsored in full by Members Credit Union THANK YOU!!!!!

Professional Development Skills-Business Etiquette
"Your bottom-line is a result of your frontline...who is on your frontline?

Business etiquette is simply another tool that will empower an individual
to move with ease and confidence in any business setting.
An excellent program for anyone looking to set herself apart from the competition.

Learning outcomes from this speaker:
1. Project a more professional image
2. Offer more refined customer service
3. Communicate more effectively
4. Project increased confidence in business situations

Overview:
1. Refine you business communication skills
2. Demonstrate appropriate business behaviors
3. Conversations skills
4. Non verbal/eye contact
5. Total Quality Issues in the business arena
6. How to make an entrance and work the room
7. The fine art of the handshake

Thank you MEMBERS CREDIT UNION for sponsoring this speaker.
What a great way for the netWork to kick off the new year!

See you on the 18th
RSVP to manisteewomen@yahoo.com

Bob Proctor Friday Story - The Secret

2006-11-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

Here is your Friday story,

Your Wish Is My Command!

I am gong to take a little idea from The Secret - and expand upon it - and also introduce a principle to those of you who haven't yet seen The Secret. I recommend that you do see it as soon as possible!

OK - here's the principle: That each and every thought you have is actually heard by your very own genie!

Stick with me here - because I do understand just how challenging this suggestion might be to some of you. I'm asking you to look at this light-heartedly - as it doesn't have to shake your foundations completely - it can be absorbed in a light-hearted way - and used in the same manner.

We've all been getting told for years to "be careful what you ask for - you just might get it"!

Some of us have been told this in a light hearted way; some in the form of a joke; some in the form of reference to prayer in a religious sense; and some in a very serious way. Whichever way we tend to view this - it is in itself part of the relationship we have with our genie... our thought processes.

The Law of Attraction which is the main focus of The Secret, is about owning what we create within our lives - and taking responsibility for our thoughts and understanding just how powerful they can be.

OK - the genie principle.

I truly believe that if each of us can embrace the simple idea that we have a friendly genie paying attention to each and every thought we have - then we will learn to grasp in a light-hearted way that we do actually create our own results in life.

If we can imagine that each thought (and our verbalizing of those thoughts) is being heard, and responded to like this; "OK - your wish is my command"! "I'll get right onto that for you"!

Whether the thoughts and words we use are positive - or negative - the results will be in alignment with those thoughts and words. Too many sages down through the ages and into the present have been agreeing on this for too long for it not to be true!

Remember - the votes have been unanimous for centuries!

What we think - we will manifest!
What we think - we will become!

What we think - we will continue to think - unless we take action to change our habitual thinking.

Thinking that has been put there by life; by our experiences in life; by other people who have had the same thought patterns put there by life; by their experiences in life; and by other people in their lives... and so it goes. Generations of thoughts which have created reality for millions of people - have been passed down to us.

Right now we all have a choice: To continue living under other people's opinions passed down to us about life; or to embrace change here and now and begin to create our own positive thoughts based upon a few pinnacle principles...

Unconditional Love; Abundance; Forgiveness; Spiritual Awareness; Inner Peace (which will spread to your community, then to your state, then to your country, and eventually globally); Deserving; Kindness; and Mind/Body/Spirit balance.

Of course there are other pinnacle principles on which to base new thoughts and ideas - but those just given above are some of the main ones necessary for each of us to manifest abundance, good health, a balanced lifestyle, peace and happiness in our lives.

I am very aware that many of you reading this will already be relating to your own genie as being God, and of course I encourage and respect that thought process, and the feelings surrounding those beliefs. My reasoning in writing this is to encourage a light-hearted aspect to our relationship with our thought processor.

A genie is something that most of us can actually visualize - so being capable of visualizing someone taking notes - then acting on those notes - is one slightly different way to view the importance of how our thoughts turn into reality!

May you and your genie have a sensational week together.

Remember: "What others do or say is their stuff; how we react, or not, is our stuff"!

Phil Evans is a Motivator, Business Coach and Inspirational Writer based in Australia. You can visit his website at: www.peoplestuff.com.au or feel free to email Phil with your comments on his story at: phil@peoplestuff.com.au

League of Women Voters Position on Proposals

2006-10-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

League Opposes Ballot Proposals 2 and 5
The League of Women Voters (LWV) has taken positions opposing both
Proposal 06-2, the anti-affirmative action proposal, and Proposal 06-5,
known as the "K-16" school funding proposal. Although the LWV never
supports or opposes candidates for elected office, it does take
positions on selected public policy issues.

Proposal 06-2:  The LWV continues to support affirmative action. It has
become clear that the term "affirmative action" is widely
misunderstood.  It is NOT the selection of an unqualified female or
minority over other candidates who are qualified.  In fact, federal
regulations explicitly prohibit that. Affirmative action addresses this
question: Who gets the job (contract, placement) among a number of
qualified candidates when there are more QUALIFIED applicants than
positions? Affirmative action is about expanding options for women and
minorities; it is about inclusion, not exclusion. It is a tool to
promote fair decision-making, not about unfair preferences.

Affirmative action programs counteract continuing injustice caused by
discrimination in education, hiring and contracting.  Will such
injustice disappear if affirmative action disappears?  No, rather, one
way of addressing inequality will be lost. The LWV believes that
Proposal 2 supporters are not acting in the best interests of
Michigan's citizens.  We urge a NO vote on Proposal 06-2.

Proposal 6-05:  The League of Women Voters has traditionally supported
adequate funding for education and recognizes the serious financial
problems faced by our public education system.  However, LWVMI 
believes that Proposal 5 is not the appropriate solution.

LWV opposition to Proposal 5 is based primarily on the premise that
earmarking revenues or prioritizing expenses in the state's
constitution for specific purposes is unwise. The League opposed a
similar proposal in 2002 that would have earmarked the tobacco
settlement revenue for health care programs. Senate Fiscal Agency
analysis shows that if this proposal passes, there would be an
immediate mandated increase to the overall state education budget of
$566 million. The recent state budget included an increase to schools
without this proposal. The question is whether school funding levels
should remain within the control of the Legislature as they adopt the
state budget from year to year, or whether school funding increases
should be taken out of their control.

LWV is not abandoning support and advocacy for adequate funding and
better schools.  However, the mandated increase will mean less money
for everything else unless the Legislature raises taxes.  Either state
money will be shifted from non-mandated school programs (such as adult
education, school readiness or middle school math grants), or other
areas the state supports such as social services and public safety will
be cut, or perhaps both will be required for the Legislature to balance
the state budget.

Sixty-eight percent of the projected first year increase would be a new
mandated state funding of the teacher retirement system (MPSERS).  The
mandate in what the state will be obligated to pay to the MPSERS will
make that growing expense a priority over other state budget items for
the foreseeable future.  Adequate support for schools and state budget
priorities are issues that must continually be addressed.  Creating
mandates without creating mandated revenue is not fiscally
responsible.  The League urges citizens to vote NO on Proposal 6-05.

************************

Michigan League For Human Services

Candidate Questions 2006

1. Medicaid is a state/federal partnership that provides health care
services to 1.5 million persons
in Michigan, 1.1 million of whom receive no cash benefits from the
state, they simply need
health care coverage. The Medicaid program has become the health care
program for low-
income families, disabled persons, and the elderly who do not have
access to, or cannot afford
private medical care coverage. Polls find strong support for the
program time and time again.
Would you be willing to advocate for resources, and if so, what
specific actions would you take
to maintain and strengthen this critical program.

2. There are currently between 800,000 and 1.1 million uninsured
persons in this state. Families
USA, in 2005, issued a report that indicates that employers in Michigan
pay $274/individual
and $730/family in increased premiums to offset the cost ofhealthcare
for the uninsured. Do
you believe it is in Michigan's best interest to pursue programs that
reduce the number of
uninsured in the state and reduce the added burden on businesses? Would
you actively support
the Governor's proposed Michigan First Healthcare Plan to reduce the
number of uninsured
people in Michigan? Specify why or why not. What other approach(es)
would you take to
reduce the number of uninsured in Michigan?

3. Between 2000 and 2004, child poverty in Michigan escalated by 29
percent, according to the
latest national Kids Count report. Roughly one of every five children
in the state lives in a
family with income below the poverty line - under $20,000 for a family
of four. Please outline
at least three strategies you would recommend to respond to the
increase and level of child
- poverty in Michigan.

4. Every day three babies die in Michigan. In the latest Kids Count
national report, Michigan
ranked 43rd among the 50 states with one of the ten highest infant
mortality rates in the country.
Recognizing the seriousness of this situation, please outline two
appropriate policy responses to
improve the state's infant mortality rate.

5. The rate of children confirmed as victims of abuse or neglect rose
by 43 percent in Michigan
between 1995 and 2004, according to the Kids Count in Michigan data
book. Most child
victims suffer from neglect rather than abuse. What role should the
state play in preventing
child abuse or neglect? What three policy options would you promote to
address prevention?

6. Many children in Michigan do not have access to quality early
childhood education programs
even though research has resoundingly demonstrated the critical and
long-term impact of the
environment and relationships in a child's early years. In some states
universal preschool
programs for four-year-olds have been instituted. What are some of the
strategies you would
use to improve access to quality early childhood programs for all
children?

7. Because the value of the federal minimum wage has eroded
substantially over the past ten
years, the Michigan legislature recently voted to raise Michigan's
minimum wage. Please
explain your philosophy on minimum wage. How often should it be
increased in order to keep
pace with inflation? Should Michigan enact a higher minimum wage when
the federal one
becomes inadequate? If you do not believe in minimum wage at all, what
else can the state do
to ensure that workers are paid adequately for their work?

8. The federal earned income tax credit has been shown to be an
effective poverty-fighting tool,
allowing low-income Michigan residents to pay less in federal taxes and
giving a boost to local
economies. Yet many of those same Michigan workers pay far more in
state taxes than do low-
income workers in many other stales. Would you support a state earned
income tax credit for
Michigan's low-income workers, even if it means foregoing some tax cuts
for wealthy
Michigan residents?

9. Most people agree that the best way for individuals and families to
escape poverty is by having
a job that pays them enough to meet their needs. Yet many full-time
workers remain in poverty
because they do not have the skills necessary to progress to higher
paying employment. Given
that skill-building is a key to leaving poverty, what strategies would
you use to make it easier
for welfare recipients to access training that would give them
marketable skills? In what
situations should welfare recipients be allowed to substitute such
training for work?

10. Many poor and low-income workers live far from where they work, and
lack of adequate
transportation makes it difficult from many of them to get and keep a
job. This is the case in
many rural areas, and also in the city of Detroit. Please discuss
specific ways you would
address this problem.

11. As you know, there is an array of state-funded public services for
Michigan's low-income and
poor families. These services provide an important safety net for such
families; they have
dramatically improved outcomes for children and have even saved lives.
When state revenues
are low, as they are now, would you be willing to cut the funding for
any social services
programs in order to balance the budget? If so, which program funds
would you cut, and by
how much?

12. The Headlee amendment to Michigan's constitution limits state
revenues to no more than 9.5
percent of personal income. The proposed Stop OverSpending (SOS)
constitutional
amendment, if adopted, would effectively replace the Headlee revenue
limit with a spending
cap starting at approximately 7.5 percent of personal income
(approximately $5 billion below
the Headlee cap), and over time, given the inflation plus population
growth limit, would assure
that the percentage of personal income supporting state services
continued to decline.
Do you support the Stop OverSpending initiative and if so, what
programs would you cut to
offset rapidly increasing health care costs and other public service
costs associated with an
aging population that will clearly outstrip the inflation plus
population growth limit that would
be established under SOS?

PKc:sfai\Candidates Questions 2006.doc/am

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Political Forum Oct 16 7pm LRCR

2006-10-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Be sure to attend the Political Forum Monday Oct 16 2006 at 7pm at the Three Fires Conference Center at the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee. The newly formed Manistee League of Women Voters will present information on the five ballot proposals - - Come and be and informed voter! In addition, a number of candidates for office will each make a presentation and will answer questions. The public will have the opportunity to present written questions for the candidates.

The Women's netWork encourages political leadership and participation - - thank the women who worked hard before us to get women the right to vote....honor those women by voting November 7. Be an informed voter and attend the forum to learn about each ballot proposal and each candidate.

Two Good Thoughts for the Day

2006-10-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

"Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working 24 hours a day for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force."
Tom Blandi
Author

“Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you’re ready or not, to put it into action.”

– Napoleon Hill, writer

Register Now for WE-DO

2006-10-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

There is still time to register to participate in the Women's Economic Development Outreach WE-DO Tour October 19th to be held at the Three Fires Conference Center and the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee. This half-day program will take the place of the Women's netWork regular luncheon. It kicks off at 8:00am. WE-DO is a MUST-DO to give you the information, contacts, and resources you need to take your business to the next level. It is packed with high level information, tips and ideas for top experts and executives. Sign up on line at www. we-do.net Cost is $25 Learn more on line. This is an incredible opportunity for women in our community.