netWork Update

Lots has been happening with the netWork in the past several weeks - - here is an update:

We have raised over $6,000 to date towards the Women's Empowerment Giving Circle fund we formed with the Manistee County Community Foundation. What an incredible amount to raise so quickly. Thanks to all who gave. We have a long way to go until we are able to grant dollars - - so don't stop giving. Please give more if you can; please ask someone else to give. It's simple - - - 100 women give $100 each - -we have the $10,000 we need to start the granting portion of the Giving Circle. Thanks to all so very much.

The December meeting luncheon was one of our best. Each woman who came to lunch brought a book on a women's issue or an issue of importance to women. Over 55 books were donated to the Manistee County Library System on behalf of the Women's netWork. We also had door prizes: Thank you to the Hollyhock, Hulls of Manistee, the Book Mark, Lake Michigan Broadcasting, Inc, Tuscan Grille, Goody's Juice and Java, the Little River Casino Resort, and Closson's Jewelry of Ludington. Our speaker was the wonderful Camille Kocsis who prepared us for the new year with a dynamite goal setting session. Thank you Camille!

A PowerPoint presentation is now complete. "The Status of Women in Michigan" is based on recent studies. Judy Ouvry did the first presentation January 17 to the evening Rotary in Manistee. We would like all of our governmental decision makers and leaders in the community to see this presentation. If anyone is interested in the presentation please contact the netWork manisteewomen@yahoo.com for details.

After the January luncheon - we all feel a little better equipped to protect ourselves. Thanks to Manistee City Police Det. Sgt. John Riley and Officer Kirsten Goodspeed who presented self defense and self protection information and tips. Trust your intution when faced with potential danger. Have a plan. Work the plan. Call the Manistee City Police Department if you would like a copy of their tip sheet. Thank you!

Watch for the list of speakers the netWork has put together for 2006 - - so far! Yo won't want to miss a single luncheon.