"Potato in a Rice Bowl"

 



(appologies for being a little quiet over the holidays)

MetroWest gathered on January 19, 2013 for a luncheon featuring Peggy Keener, author of "Potato in a Rice Bowl", an account of her life in several countries of Southeast Asia, especially Japan.  She related a number of stories from her experience as a young wife with small children, living on her own in an unfamiliar culture.  She also described how the role of women in Japan has changed over recent decades.

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.