April-May 2008—Volume 28, No. 2

Women's Committee Report
Women's Committee Annual Luncheon

by Marilyn Peay

If you missed the Women’s Committee Annual Luncheon, you missed a great event.

On Saturday, March 15, 2008 the Local 2166 Women’s Committee sponsored a luncheon in honor and celebration of Women’s History Month. Held at the Union Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. there was a variety of speakers and entertainment. Not to mention the great food prepared for us by caterer, Mary Ann Henson.

Marc Anthony Scroggins and Briana Richmond each performed a wonderful solo. The Praise Dancers from Greenwood Baptist Church #1 danced for us. Then representatives from the Christus Schumpert Health Systems began their presentations. Darla Cathcart discussed Women’s Specialty Therapy, Doctor Paula Rembert discussed various health issues including breast cancer, and Denise Hughes talked about school based health care.

There was a Deputy Sheriff from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office who showed us all how unobservant we sometimes truly are. Corporal Lifford Jackson had two young people enter the room and leave. The first was a young lady, she just walked in and handed him something and walked back out. The second was a young man who ran in, grabbed something then ran out. “POP QUIZ” - We were then quizzed on what the young people looked like, what they were wearing, and was there anything else that we noticed which might help the police apprehend a suspect. It sure got us to thinking. Thank you Corporal Lifford.

The Principal of Rusheon Middle School, Gisele Proby-Bryant talked to us about the trials and tribulations of running a middle school. She let us know that there’s a lot of responsibility in being principal. You have to be in charge of over a thousand people every day. Not only the children but the staff, teachers, bus drivers, etc…that’s a pretty big job. She also let us know that she is very proud of her job and the people she works with. Mrs. Bryant reminded us that we elect the people who make the changes in our schools so we should be participating.

Lady Carlson of the North & Central Interfaith Coalition let us know about a grassroots movement being formed in our community regarding educational reform. Mrs. Carlson told us that a number of churches are coming together to organize parents to become involved in their children and grandchildren’s education on all levels.

The keynote speaker for our luncheon was Catherine Browder Martin. Catherine is an International Representative from the National CAP Department assigned in Detroit but comes from Local 2166. She moved up through the ranks via the Local Union executive Board. Catherine talked about the importance of politics in our daily lives. With several references to the brochure our local CAP committee has in stock called “Whether you like it or not...you’re involved in politics around the clock”, she reminded us that every decision regarding our daily lives is governed by someone that we elected to office. Get to know your elected officials and know what they stand for before you put them in office. Then hold them accountable once they are in office.

With all the wonderful speakers, great food, and beautiful decorations, you wouldn’t have known all the hard work that went into putting together an event like this unless you were one of those putting it together. I want to thank all those whose hard work made this celebration possible and such a great success. I would ask that if you were unable to attend this year we hope you can make it next year. Mark you calendar and get ready for March 2009. March is Women’s History Month and Local 2166 Women are making history and celebrating our accomplishments. Please come join us.