Local leaders share ideas in open house

Thursday, August 28, 2003

"I can't believe how much I've learned here today," said Carol Parmenter, Vernon County University Extension 4-H specialist. She was addressing a group of women attending an open house for the female leaders of area organizations, conducted at the Center for Women's Leadership last week. Many in the room shared her sentiment, commenting that the open house and information-sharing meeting had been a valuable experience. Kay Kuhlman, director of the center, noted that it was a unique opportunity for women to network, to disseminate information and to learn more about what local groups are doing to benefit the community. About 20 women attended the event, representing about 24 groups. Juanita Cragin represented the YMCA, and shared a brief history of the organization, noting that the group still offers an version of the after school children's program that became popular a few years ago when the YMCA's facility was on the Square. "This program serves kids who would otherwise be latch-key kids," she said. Terry Ramsey represented the Bushwhacker Museum and the Vernon County Historical Society. The historical society is assisting the Sesquicentennial committee with efforts to create a comprehensive history book. Ramsey also noted that the Bushwhacker Museum has added many features and is worth a visit, "especially if you haven't been there since the Bushwhacker Jail." Ramsey said the museum will soon offer a new feature -- a kiosk showing short educational videos about prominent local figures from the past as well. Marilyn Johnson represented the Domestic Science Club, which conducts bridge tournaments, with funds going to local service projects. Dorothy Foster, representing the Tri-City Genealogical Society, said that group's name is self-explanatory. It's an organization designed as a resource to help people track down their ancestors -- especially those who are long-since deceased. Parmenter is also involved with Wonderful Animals Giving Support, a group whose mission is "to educate, promote growth and enhance healing to the spirit and body through the use of animal assisted activities and therapy." Kuhlman, who also represented WAGS, said the healing power of contact with animals is sometimes truly amazing. WAGS volunteers take animals to nursing homes for visits, among other activities. Some women's groups, like the Good Neighbor Club, the Dianas, the Athenas, PEO sisterhood, AAUW, Soroptimists and so on, are groups with a social element as well as a philanthropic purpose. Some -- the Dianas, Athenas and PEO are invitation-only, but the women work diligently on fund-raising events to benefit the community. The Dianas, for example, have an interest in local park development. The PEO sisterhood works to promote educational opportunity for women, sponsoring the education of many -- including women whose education has been interrupted for some reason and those pursuing advanced degrees. Still other groups represented at the open house aren't strictly women's groups, or are the women's branch of a fraternal organization, such as the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Community Council on the Performing Arts, Vernon County Diversity Committee, and others. Most noted that, in addition to the efforts supporting interests such as veteran's services, fine arts, or social unity, scholarship opportunities and grants are often available through these organizations, but are often overlooked by the community. Darlene Tweten, representing the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, urged students and parents to check with school guidance counselors and local organizations about volunteer and scholarship opportunities. Volunteering, she said, can help students meet community service requirements for certain school programs, and can open doors to scholarships.

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