Carol Atkins' Book Featured at NOW Conference

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.