View from a Broad

Oh what a week. I had a training opportunity, and missed our February BPW meeting, held Tuesday Feb 20, and the Keep West Monroe Beautiful board meeting also held Februray 20. I had a great training trip to Atlanta this week. I was fortunate to have been sent to the NeighborWorks Training Institute. This institute provides intensive education in Affordable Housing Asset Management Community Building and Organizing Community Economic Development Commmunity and Neighborhood Revitalization Construction and Production Management Homeownership and Community Lending Management and Leadership Rural Development I took a two day training on Community Building Principles and Applications, and a one day training on How to Raise Money. I had the extraordinary luck to have had three super instructors who imparted their wisdom with wit and compassion. People who work in neighborhood development and community building benefit from broadening their vision and finding new solutions to old problems. I b...

This is the week that was. Incredible. I met deadlines for two grant applications today. That is yooge for me, as I have never completely written a grant myself. Rewritten, yes. I had help and support from some great proof readers, three pairs of critical eyes who made the challenge more doable. Both applications have something to do with work, and supporting the mission of Keep West Monroe Beautiful. I am hoping to hear something good in two weeks or so. Keep your fingers crossed. The Great American Cleanup is March 3. Sign up your team soon so we can be prepared for your group. There has been a lot of talk about how trashy our region looks. It's because people litter. Yes I'm looking at you, guy with a truck bed full of Styrofoam cups, fast food wrappers, and crap. You ever wonder why it isn't there by the time you drive all the way home? It's because when you drive down the road that stuff blows out and litters our roadways! How dare you! It makes us all look bad ...

This is bordering, no wait a minute, today has become the most surreal day. First I saw the report of the auntie who objected to the title of a play "The Vagina Monologues", and the marquee now reads "The Hoohaa Monologues". She complained that she didn't like having to explain to her niece what a vagina is. An eleven year old girl does not know what a vagina is. I weep. They are clearly missing the point. Do we need to discuss this further? The following just showed up on the online edition of "Pine Bluff Commercial," www.pbcommercial.com ERA ratification resolution stalls in House committee By ANDREW DeMILLO LITTLE ROCK - A resolution to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment stalled in a House committee Wednesday, despite a plea from former Arkansas Gov. David Pryor who urged legislators to approve the measure. Pryor, also a former U.S. senator, spoke in favor of the measure before the Arkansas House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affa...

February Program Meeting Topic: Healthy Heart and Healthy Finances- Our presenters are LaTonya Williams, Jerold Munson and Edna Haden. We will meet at the Atrium, 2001 Louisville Avenue, Monroe (Madison Room) on February 20 at 6:00 p.m. Attendees will be able to order from the menu at their own expense. Please RSVP by February 13 so that we can get a headcount for seating. And, if you need 3-5 minutes on the meeting agenda, please RSVP no later than February 14. RSVP your meeting intention to: Peggy Wells Monroe/West Monroe BPW Vice-President mmwells@dow.com peggywells@jam.rr.com (t) 318-665-5516 (work) (t) 318-651-8934 (home) Happy Anniversary Armenda Sims Thank you for saying “Yes” to BPW Take some time today to share with another woman what BPW can do for them – Each One Recruit One. Membership is up to 22. Upcoming event: SW Central District Meeting March 24 in Alexandria Watch for more details via email Community Outreach: Send One Suit Week Mark your calendars! March 1...