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Newsletter Archives Women’s History Council/Legacy 2000 Legacy 2000 Starts with Breakfast Women’s History Month will begin with a kickoff breakfast on Wednesday, March 1, 2000. Featured speaker Richard Norton-Smith, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Museum and Library, is scheduled to address the topic of “First Ladies of the United States.” The program will be at the Van Andel Museum Center of the Public Museum of Grand Rapids from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Thank you, sponsors!! Title sponsors have been identified for Legacy 2000, each making substantial commitments for the support of the project. The Nokomis Foundation, our Title Foundation Sponsor, and Irwin Seating, the Title Corporate Sponsor, are instrumental in making it all possible. The Wege Foundation is also helping by being the sponsor of the kick-off breakfast. A mailing went out to individuals explaining Legacy 2000 and its opportunities for involvement, resulting in a steady stream of in-kind and cash donations. The onset of the new millennium has generated lots of reasons to donate, and many people and companies are responding. Anyone interested in contributing should contact Mary McLoughlin at (616) 698-0748. Speaker’s Bureau The Legacy Speakers Bureau is now organized and available for use. Any organization that wishes to hold a free program open to all people (members or non-members) may obtain a speaker from the Bureau to address any number of topics. These include topics such as women in law, business, philanthropy, medicine, local theatre arts, or local women’s clubs, or topics that address women’s issues in estate planning, Grand Rapids history, mysteries, and other areas. A brochure has been prepared on the Speakers Bureau and will soon be distributed to hundreds of local clubs and organizations as listed in the Grand Rapids Public Library's Club file. Anyone interested in using the Speakers Bureau should contact Joan Bennett at (616) 956-5557 before September 30. WHC on the Web The Legacy website is part of the Women's History Council Website, currently being maintained on a volunteer basis by Ben Cossar, Grand Rapids Public Library communications assistant. The website may be accessed by going to www.grapids.lib.mi.us/whc or www.grpl.org/whc The latter reflects the Library's new, shorter address. To submit event information for both the print and electronic Legacy Calendars, visit the website and complete the electronic form, or call Sue Squire at (616) 456-3608 for more information. What is the Nokomis Foundation? The Nokomis Foundation exists to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. They advocate for women-friendly policies, celebrate women’s accomplishments, instill economic self-sufficiency and promote healthy choices. They also fund initiatives, underwrite research, and provide grants to women’s organizations. Twink Frey is the founder and president of the Nokomis Foundation, and Kym Mulhern serves as the executive director. By extending the application deadline to September 1, they have received 31 requests for applications for Legacy 2000 mini-grants, and now stand as the Title Foundation Sponsor for Legacy 2000. The Foundation is located at 161 Ottawa, at www.nokomisfoundation.org on the web, or call (616) 451-0267. Sept 30 Deadline for Promotional Materials At the heart of Legacy 2000 is a massive promotional effort to publicize the events celebrating Women’s History month. If your organization is to be included in these materials, information must be submitted to the Marketing Committee by September 30. Press kits are available by contacting Leslie Black at (616) 949-2904. Are You Historical? Any club or organization involved in Legacy 2000 that has some type of written history is asked to submit it to the Marketing Committee or Sharron Reynolds (616/243-0491) for inclusion in Legacy printed materials. If you don’t have a written history, perhaps now is the time to pull all those scattered bits of information together. It’s a worthwhile endeavor! March 2 Event Organized The Grand Rapids Downtown Rotary Club has scheduled Gordon Olson, Grand Rapids City Historian, to speak at their March 2 meeting at 12:00 noon. Few people have done as much research into the history of GR as Gordon has. His topic will focus on famous women in the area from 1600 to the 20th century. Legacy co-chairs Toni Turner and Susan Shannon will also be on hand. Rotary members and their guests can make reservations for the $15 luncheon. For more information, contact Joan Bennett at (616) 956-5557. Women from the Past: Constance Rourke Pioneered in Cultural History Constance Mayfield Rourke (1885-1941) conducted “living research” among ethnic groups, lumberjacks, minstrels, women and other ignored groups. Her work led to the American Studies movement, and her 1931 book, American Humor: A Study of the National Character, is still considered a classic. From her Grand Rapids home, she authored seven books and hundreds of articles documenting the value of America’s cultural resources. Her local gravesite is listed as a place significant to women’s history. History in the Making: Betty Zylstra Helps Young Girls and Others. (by Tim Gort) If you were to ask Betty Zylstra what she does for a living, she would probably say "I 'm a matchmaker." No, not a dating service. Betty manages eight social service programs in the Grand Rapids area for The Salvation Army's Booth Family Services to benefit people who are in need of "basic life skills." Her passion and faith help her explain about her job. "It uses the power of the human spirit and links people's needs and strengths with resources available. It is, to say the least, hope for everyone." She directs such programs as the Teen Living Center (TLC) and the Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program, as well as programs that provide goals and life management services to people who are involved in an emergency and need a hand. Dates to Remember Sept 30, 1999, Deadline for submitting program information for inclusion in the Legacy 2000 promotional materials Contacts
Arts, Music & Theatre: Marge Kuipers (616/454-7000) |
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