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

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?

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1115 SOUTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE • SUITE 202 • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48912
517,487.5436/PHONE • 517 371.4546/FAX • WWW.MILHS.ORQ
A UNITED WAY AGENCY

Political Forum Oct 16 7pm LRCR

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

"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

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.

Candidate Forum Oct 16. at LRCR

Voters are encouraged to attend a candidate forum that will be held at the Little River Casino Resort Three Fires Conference Center in Manistee Monday October 16th. A large number of political candidates are scheduled to participate in the forum. The Manistee League of Women Voter's will talk about ballot issues. There will be an opportunity for voters to ask questions of the candidates. This will be an evening forum. All are encouraged to attend to become more informed voters.

Learn about Mich Proposal 2

What can we do, as individuals who believe in the importance of affirmative action, to assure that Proposal 2 is defeated on November 7th? We can go to www.oneunitedmichigan.org, the website of the One United Michigan coalition, and learn all we can about this proposal. Then we can share that information with everyone around us. We cannot assume that they are aware of this vital issue and what the consequences will be if the proposal passes.

Remember to vote November 7.

Submitted by Sharron Lemmer

League of Women Voters meet Monday October 2

The next monthly meeting of the League of Women Voters, at which all public
are welcome to attend, will take place at 7 pm, Monday October 2 at 
Bear Lake Manor on Main Street, Bear Lake. Guest will be Glen Zaring
who will be discussing partnership with League of Women Voters on
November election information and education initiatives.

All Manistee County Clerks are invited to attend or send information
concerning any local proposals on their ballots. For more information,
or to become a LWV Manistee County member go to
www.lwvmanisteecounty.org or call 864 5030.

Anne Magoun, State League of Women Voters President will be the guest
speaker at the Ocotber 5 evening meeting of AAUW to be held at the Lake
Bluff Audubon Center where the topic will be the shared positions of
AAUW and LWV MI on Statewide Ballot Proposals.

In mid October Voter Guides will be available in print and electronic
format.

Sincerely,
Dendra Best. LWV Manistee County President.

WE-DO Tour coming to Manistee Oct 19 2006

PREMIER NETWORKING AND EDUCATIONAL EVENT FOR

WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS COMES TO MANISTEE, MICH.

* Fourth Annual Women’s Economic Development Outreach Tour provides tips, ideas, and advice.

* Country’s leading expert on women’s entrepreneurship is keynote speaker.

* In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

MANISTEE, Mich. – The national 2006 Women’s Economic Development Outreach (WEDO®) Tour is coming to Manistee, Mich. on Oct. 19. The only event of its kind for women business owners, the WEDO Tour is a half-day program packed with tips, ideas, advice and resources from the Small Business Administration and its local resource partners, business banking officers, and women who own successful companies. The Manistee event will be held at the Little River Casino Resort Three Fires Conference Center beginning at 8:00am and concluding with lunch. The cost is $25.

With 17 stops in four states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan, this year’s high-energy, fast-paced, information-packed program provides participants with an in-depth look at:

* The top ten strategies for financial growth
* Finding new customers in both the public and private sector
* Learning how to make key business decisions that impact your bottom line
* Making the most of your certification as a woman’s business enterprise

Experts will also share information regarding small business resources and contacts in the area. Each half-day program begins with networking and registration at 8 a.m. The program concludes at noon. The registration fee is $25 per person.

“The theme for the Michigan WEDO Tour is survival and success which addresses the business strategies presented and the challenges women face. Its fast-paced format delivers quick access to information of real value for women with growing businesses,” says Joni Purgiel, at National City, national sponsor of the WEDO Tour.

The Michigan WEDO Tour officially kicks off in Troy and continues throughout the state.
Oct. 16 – Troy, Mich.
Oct. 17 – Lansing, Mich.
Oct. 18 – Grand Rapids, Mich.
Oct. 19 – Manistee, Mich.
Oct. 20 – Midland, Mich.

The Keynote Speaker for the WEDO Tour is Julie Weeks.

One of the country’s leading experts on women’s entrepreneurship, Julie Weeks is CEO of Michigan-based Womenable – a research, program and policy development consultancy enabling women's entrepreneurship worldwide.

Weeks will offer her unique perspective on the globalization of women in business. “Today, women are customers, suppliers, and global partners, and whether you’re in Northern Michigan, Washington, or abroad, there are worldwide connections to be made.

There’s an international sisterhood of women business owners who can learn from each other, support each other and help to shape policy on women’s entrepreneurship. The faces may be different in Ghana, France, Australia, Korea, or Vietnam, but the issues are the same: access to capital, training, markets and networks – and being taken seriously as employers and contributors to economic growth.”

Weeks is the former executive director of Washington, D.C.-based National Women’s Business Council, a bipartisan policy advisory body, created by the U.S. Congress to serve as an independent voice of women’s entrepreneurship and advisor to the President, U.S. Congress and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Weeks was also managing director of the Center for Women’s Business Research, a nonprofit organization that conducts research among women business owners and their enterprises.

Supporting a Good Cause.

This year, WEDO Tour participants will also contribute to a worthy cause. In recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, $10 of the $25 registration fee will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and its Michigan affiliates.

For one founding member of the WEDO Tour, the partnership with the Komen Foundation strikes close to home. Pamela Valentik, senior business counselor with the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, lost both a grandmother and mother to breast cancer.

“My sister and I were only six and eight years old when our mom lost her battle with breast cancer,” said Valentik. “As a mother of two young daughters – ages two and three – I’m keenly aware that breast cancer can devastate an entire family. My hope is that we find a cure in my daughters’ lifetime.”

She added, “I’m thrilled that our statewide network is once again sponsoring the WEDO Tour to help women business owners thrive and raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.”

Space is limited and registration will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to register for the WEDO Tour, visit www.we-do.net or call toll-free at 888-NCB-4BIZ (622-4249).

National City is the exclusive lead sponsor of the 2006 WEDO Tour. Additional sponsors include: Derderian, Kann, Seyferth, and Salucci, CPAs; Davenport University; Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Centers – an SBA-funded program; the National Association of Women Business Owners; Crestmark Bank; UPS; and Classic Printers.

About WEDO®

Established by National City Women Business Advocates and women’s economic development organizations in 2002, WEDO® has provided thousands of women business owners with access to ideas and information on business financing, market research, sales strategies, certification, e-commerce and other topics designed to fuel business growth.

WEDO is dedicated to providing smart business solutions and resources for women-owned and managed businesses. By creating connections and building business, WEDO empowers, enlightens, and engages women in business and is committed to sharing information and access to the people and tools women in business need to succeed.
CREATING CONNECTIONS. BUILDING BUSINESS.

The Rise of the College Woman

The Rise of the College Woman

by Tamim Ansary

Last February I went to a community college in Arizona to deliver some lectures about Afghanistan. Every classroom I visited had about 20 women and 10 or fewer men. I wanted to know what this was about: Were my topics keeping men away? Had extra women flocked in from other classes? Was it my movie-star good looks?

The professor shook her head. None of the above, she declared. "You're simply looking at the demographic reality of today's colleges. A lot more women are signing up than men. We don't know why, but these days, young men are tending to go right into the workforce after high school. They want to start earning money and don't feel they need college. It's a concern."

Her revelation reminded me of something. After a column I wrote recently about the benefits of college, I got a spate of e-mails from men disputing my assertions. They claimed they had gotten perfectly good jobs without college. One was a chef. Another was a car mechanic. Both were making more money than classmates who had opted for college. Another said he was making less, but he wasn't carrying a load of debt, either. He figured he'd use the money he might have spent paying back college loans to invest in real estate and thus come out ahead in the end.

These were not aimless slackers who skipped college 'cause they forgot to apply. These fellows made a deliberate and considered choice not to go.
College admissions experts have been aware of this trend for some years now. I'm told unofficially that they've been casting about for ways to attract more male applicants. That's right: affirmative action for men. You'll never hear the phrase spoken out loud, of course, but the buzz is there.

Look at the numbers
Women first outnumbered men in colleges and universities in the mid-1970s. By 1997, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, this country's total college population stood at 44 percent male, 56 percent female.

In the 1990s, the number of B.A.s earned by men rose by 8 percent. The number earned by women rose by 28 percent. In that same decade, the number of men enrolled in graduate programs went up 22 percent, but the number of women increased 66 percent. The number of part-time college students went up 1 percent among males, and 17 percent among females.

Since 1997, the trend has only accelerated. By 2009, predicts the National Center for Education Statistics, the male-to-female ratio within the college population will reach 39 to 61 percent.

Wow. The downstream consequences of this demographic reality seem obvious to me. After all, research unrelated to gender proclaims the following formula quite definitively:

More College = More Money + More Power.

If that's true, 30 years from now women will be making most of the money and they'll be running society.

That would certainly mark a turning point for civilization. Despite Greek legends about Amazons and anthropological reports of the occasional matriarchal tribe such as the Iroquois, no major society in recorded history has seen true parity of money and power between men and women. The United States would be the first.

On the other hand ...
Women have outnumbered men in college for almost 40 years now, yet they still earn about 75 cents for every dollar earned by men in comparable jobs. Obviously there's a gap between what college enables and what society allows.

Personally, I think that gap can't last. Still, social change is a tricky business. Cause-and-effect predictions are difficult because dozens of causes, most of them hidden, operate in every situation.

For example, studies show that high-status women prefer to date even higher-status men. Guys who skipped college in their youth might swell the herds heading back to school in middle age. You know--just so they can get dates.

And there's another monkey wrench rattling around in the works. When people talk about all the extra money and power a college degree can get you, they're mostly talking about technical or business degrees--about scientists and engineers. Or they're comparing the earnings of business executives who have M.B.A.s versus those who don't.

Women, despite their enthusiasm for college, are not going into technical fields. They earn, for example, only 20 percent of the engineering degrees conferred in this country each year. And they're way underrepresented in M.B.A. programs.

Closing two gaps with one blow
That famous engineering gap between the United States and certain Asian countries, the source of so much handwringing in the United States, may simply boil down to a gender gap within this country. Close the second gap and the first may disappear.

In other words, maybe we can't end our engineer shortage by pouring thousands of new science and math teachers into classrooms where half the students have no interest in science or math. Those kids won't get interested just because they're surrounded by teachers throwing homework at them.

We might do better to explore strategies for getting girls interested in hard science at an early age. Do certain instructional strategies work better with girls than boys? Do we need more mentoring programs? Or more role models? Perhaps we should coax female engineers out of the field and into education. Maybe we need TV shows about heroic female engineers. Agent 00101001. License to Drill (for oil). Software Barbie? (I'm just thinking out loud.)

The point is to draw more females into technical fields--not drive, herd, or force them, but draw them in, lure them in, intrigue them in, inspire them in. If we do, demographics might yet prove to be that force that transforms society.

LRCR Charity Golf Outing a Huge Success

On Friday, July 21, 2006 the Little River Casino Resort held their annual Charity Golf Outing. It was a full house at Manistee National Golf and Resort and the weather was perfect. The Women's Empowerment Giving Circle Fund created by the Women's netWork at the Manistee County Community Foundation is one of five recipients of the proceeds from this event.
Several women from the netWork volunteered to work at the outing and participate in events. This was a tremendous opportunity to educate others about the Women's netWork and the Giving Circle. Thanks to all who helped and donated to this event.
Please extend your thanks to the Little River Casino Resort staff and coordinator Karl Waitner. The monies we expect to receive will go a long way toward supporting the mission of the Giving Circle. Thank You!

August 17, 2006 Luncheon

The Women's netWork monthly luncheon will be held at the Tuscan Grille in downtown Manistee. The cost is $10 payable to the Tuscan Grille and it includes lunch and beverage. Time: 11:45-1:15pm. Janice Mc Craner and Kendra Thompson will report on their work with the two student mentees they began working with earlier this year as part of the Women's Empowerment Giving Circle Career Mentoring Program.
In addition, we will hold a discussion about forming a non-profit organization for the Women's netWork and creating a few teams to help with the processes we need to go through to formally organize ourselves. When the netWork was first started in May 2005, we never expected it to grow to the size it is today and we never expected so many great projects to develop as the result of the work of the netWork.
Forming a non-profit will be a wonderful opportunity to expand the programs we have started. It will open many doors to opportunities that will benefit all women and girls. Please come to the meeting prepared to share ideas and expertise. RSVP notices will be sent in early August.

Think PINK

Think PINK Watch for PINK Magazine. It is a magazine that focues on intelligently supporting women's professional development which leads to overall personal growth and fulfillment. Please check them out online at www.pinkmagazine.com The August/September 2006 issue was filled with great information. You will want to subscribe to this magazine.

Judy

Your Help is Needed.

To all of our Women’s netWork friends:

It’s been just over one year since the Women’s netWork began in Manistee County. It’s a great time to CELEBRATE!
* We have monthly networking luncheons - -with as many as 147 participants. We meet the third Thursday of each month and have delicious food along with great speakers ranging from a Michigan Supreme Court Justice to a Laugh Therapist
* We have an information-filled blog. Check it out at http://womensnetwork.blogspot.com You can find our entire history on the blog.
* We have entered the world of philanthropy by establishing the Women’s Empowerment Giving Circle Endowment at the Manistee County Community Foundation.
* We engaged in our first career-mentoring experience in Spring 2006 with mentors in the area of architecture and politics.
* With donations from area women, there is now a large Women’s netWork section of books at the Manistee County Library with titles of interest in the professional development and leadership of women.
* There are over 400 women on the Women’s netWork email list encouraging networking among women and providing resources to each other.

As we look forward to our second year, we need your help!

We are ready to become an official not-for-profit 501( c) 3 organization, and we will need your help in creating articles of incorporations, by-laws, policies and procedures.

In Fall 2006, we will be receiving a grant from the Little River Casino Resort Charity Golf Outing that will allow us to offer our very first career-based scholarships through the Women’s Empowerment Giving Circle. We will need your help in creating a process for administering the scholarship program.

We are revamping the mentoring program and we will need an advisory board. We will need to develop a strategy for selecting and screening mentors and students.

A fund development strategy needs to be created to cultivate the Giving Circle to be able to maintain scholarship programs, speakers series, mentoring opportunities and more.
Are you web-site savvy? We need YOU!!!

These ideas and more will be explored in a brainstorming session at our August 17, 2006 luncheon at the Tuscan Grille in downtown Manistee. We need your expertise, your professional experience and your enthusiasm to move the Women’s netWork to the next level.
Please plan to attend the August 17 luncheon and be sure to bring YOUR ideas. This is about YOU. How do YOU want to move this organization? We have a great thing going. We need YOU to keep it moving forward. Be sure to be prepared to sign up for an area to lend your expertise.
Please e-mail manisteewomen@yahoo.com with your thoughts and ideas…let us know how you can help.

We’ll see you at the July, 20th luncheon at the Tuscan Grille featuring guest speaker Cindy Novak and we look forward to your ideas and suggestions.