Discussing Elder Abuse

The chairs were full around the table at the November 15th meeting as we listened to Carmen Castanada, a social worker with Hennepin County Adult Protection Services discuss the growing problem of vulnerable adult abuse and neglect.  In Hennepin County in 2011, the most common reports to Adult Protection Services were for self neglect, financial exploitation, other forms of neglect, followed by emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.  Carmen discussed the various forms of abuse and neglect, and offered a number of suggestions for prevention.

5 Days Until Election

 Election Day is just around the corner.  Here are a few tools to help you become familiar with candidates, voting records, and polling locations.

AAUW Congressional Voting Record: http://www.aauwaction.org/voter-education/congressional-voting-record/

Secretary of State:  What's on My Ballot? http://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/

Secretary of State: Where's My Polling Place? http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/



Minnesota Health Plan

Dr. David Dvorak presented an informative and thought-provoking session on the proposed Minnesota Healthcare Plan at the October meeting.  A resolution supporting this plan was introduced at the 2012 State Convention, and this program was designed to help members become familiar with the proposal.  There was a nice-sized audience, who asked many good questions.

Celebrating 40 Years

MetroWest celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding on September 22, 2012.  Nearly 40 people were present for the event at Medina Country Club.  They enjoyed a pork loin or chicken stir-fry entre', delicious squash soup, rolls, beverage, and a piece of anniversary cake.  The speaker for the day was John Gibbs, a commissioner on the Three Rivers Park District board.  Here are a few pictures we'd like to share.



The group enjoys a delicious lunch.  This picture was also posted on the MN AAUW Facebook page.

Gathering for a social time before lunch.

Charter members Betty Owen and Marty Elstrom.  A third member, Irene Helland, was unable to attend.

State Co-President, Teresa Sagen, brought greetings from the State Board.

Speaker, John Gibbs, discussed and answered questions about the Three Rivers Park District.

Lastly, but most important, the cake!

40 Years and Counting!

We will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Metro West AAUW at the kickoff luncheon on September 22 at Medina Country Club.  (It's hard to believe it's been 40 years!)  Our guest speaker will be John Gibbs, a Commissioner for the Three Rivers Park District; and we will celebrate our accomplishments.  Watch for the September newsletter with all the details, and make your reservation early. Bring a friend.

We're Going to the Races

Please join us for our summer outing on August 11 to Canterbury Park.  Members will have received an invitation with details.  In general, attendees need to meet at the entry at 11:50 a.m..  Carpooling is available from Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins at 11:15.  We will have lunch, meet with female jockey Lori Keith, get a tour of the facilities, and watch some races.  Post time is 1:30.  Please RSVP to Dorothy Mason.  Join us for a day at the races.

Potluck Concludes the Year

Members gathered on May 17 for our Spring Potluck Supper. Everyone enjoys this evening of good food, good conversation, and interesting program.  We are looking forward to next year when MetroWest will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Special Treat for Evening Book Group

Looks too good to eat, but this was the treat for Evening Book Group last evening.  Perhaps someone will add a comment and tell us the connection between the book and the beautiful cake.



State Convention Representatives

These Metro West convention goers pause for a few minutes in their busy schedule.

Spring is Time for Fresh Herbs

Eleanor Wagner (right), presented an informative program at our April meeting on the cultivation and use of fresh herbs.  She discussed approximately two dozen common and not-so-common herbs including parsley, sage, rosemary, basil, lavender, garlic, and lemon grass among others.

Freedom Firm information

If you missed the information at the March meeting, here is a link to the Freedom Firm website.  The video that was shown is available here on the right side of the page. You will also find more information about some of the questions that were asked here. (photo credit: 2011 Freedom Firm Annual Report)

Sonny Lacks to speak at UST

David 'Sonny' Lacks, son on Henrietta Lacks, will speak at the University of St. Thomas at 7PM on March 8 in the O'Shaughnessey Educational Center auditorium.  He will discuss how the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks has affected his family as well as bigger ethical issues including experimentation on African Americans, informed consent, and other bioethical issues that have arisen from what happened to Henrietta.

More information here: http://www.stthomas.edu/studentdiversity/events/Student%20Diversity%20an2.html.

"Half the World" author at UST

Sheryl WuDunn, co-author of the book Half the Sky; Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide will speak at the University of St. Thomas on March 7 at 7PM in the O'Shaughnessey Educational Center auditorium. The book makes a case for empowering women as a means of economic development and transforming the developing world.

more information about the program: http://www.stthomas.edu/bulletin/2012/03/01/pulitzer-sheryl-wudunn/

Coco's Diary Outing

If you would like to join the group attending Coco's Diary at the History Theatre on March 6, please let Louise Williams know this week.

Preserve and Share Your Memories

The February luncheon at RidgePointe included a delicious luncheon of roast beef and all the trimmings, and food for thought from Phil Johnson, Manager of the Peggy Kelly Media Arts Studio at the Edina Art Center.  He shared a number of strategies for preserving photos and other media that contain information that will be of interest to future generations of our families.  A few of his suggestions include:

• "Save the Good Stuff!" Separate the good things from the junk.  This is not quick or easy.
• Keep pictures of people, and fewer of scenery unless they will have special interest to succeeding generations.
• Show people at their best
• Organize whatever you have, including digital files.  Upload those little memory card files (from your digital camera) to your computer as soon as possible.

Here are a few pictures from the day.

Women in Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art

These are just two of the art works that were part of Mary Bowman's interesting presentation at the January Luncheon.  Her theme was "Women in Art", and included about 20 paintings and sculptures of women.  At the end she mentioned a couple women artists as well.

Executive Board Meeting Change

The date for the January executive board meeting has been changed to January 18 at 1:00 pm at Louise Williams home.