Sojourner Project is February Focus

The Glenn in Minnetonka was the setting for the February luncheon.  Judi Nelson, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Sojourner Project, spoke to us about their programs.

Sojourner is a shelter agency for battered women and children in the western Hennepin County suburbs.  Services include a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, safety planning, legal advocacy, individual and group therapy, support groups, and life skill groups.  Judi encouraged us to be sensitive to those we come in contact with, to recognize the signs of physical or emotional abuse, and to help the person seek safety and shelter.  As a service project, members brought donations, mostly baby items, and Judi graciously accepted them on behalf of the women currently housed at the shelter.

MAKERS coming to PBS

A special program will be aired on PBS on February 26.  It is a new documentary called MAKERS: Women Who Made America.  It tells the story of the women's movement through firsthand accounts of the leaders, opponents, and trailblazers who fought valiantly for women's rights in the last half-century.  Click this link for a short preview.  Preview here.

"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!