In early February Senator Elizabeth Warren was giving “a lengthy speech” on the Senate floor in opposition to the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general. Eventually Majority Leader Mitch McConnell intervened to silence her. In his own defense for this dubious action McConnell said “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” This condescension by Sessions struck a note with many women and has become a galvanizing mantra not to be silenced. It seems to me there are many ways American culture tells women to sit down and be quiet. Regardless of your politics, we who can, must stand-up and speak out for all women.
The theme for this year’s Auction is “nevertheless we persist” and I am so proud that we do! Anyone who has ever been involved in the execution of our primary annual fundraiser knows it is a big production that is dependent upon us all. The auction needs volunteers to set up and decorate, check everyone in, sell tickets, work at the bar, and later to help break it all back down. We need donations to be auctioned: art, services and experiences are always big sellers. Your participation in the auction itself is also fundamental to the event. It’s an opportunity for a fun or useful purchase while helping us fund our grants program. Let us know where you can help this year.
I consider our events this last month, including the Pride Party and the First Friday Friends get together at A’Lure, as great successes — both financially and in ongoing community-building. At each event I was thrilled to meet individuals who were new to nfwfwf. These ladies had learned of our events either from our website, Facebook page or a member-friend had forwarded our periodic email to her. In the year 2017, digital and social media are how outreach is achieved. I am pleased with the progress on our web page this year and grateful for the professional and informational news-blasts that Barb Pfanz sends out to our membership.
Recently I have had interactions with many from our membership who have told me they had either been to the emergency room, critical care, or physical therapy just in this last week! Stitches from a ‘kitchen wound’, fingers slammed in doors, infections, knee surgery – the list goes on. In addition I am aware that we have members convalescing from more serious circumstances and a few continuing to work through their breast cancer diagnoses with admirable resolve. Health is our issue in all of its forms. Please let us know if you need help. Finally, I would like to give a ‘welcome back to the North Fork’ shout out to my longtime pal Diane Bratcher.
Please join us this Friday, August 4th, 6 p.m. at American Beech.
Kathleen Bresnan
NFWFWF President