PEGGY'S MESSAGE
Greetings!
Many thanks to all of you for participating in our November service project – making 38 “Zonta Country Soup” mix jars
and about 50 Halloween treat bags for the families at Jeremiah Program in St. Paul. We decided to do this project
instead of preparing the dinner since we were not able to get a date that fit into our schedule. We will plan on
doing that project later in the spring.
Welcome to Linda, Margaret and Robin for joining us at our November meeting and helping make the soup mix jars.
Linda (Minneapolis Club President) presented the highlights of the district conference and presented two bronze
awards to our club – one for United Nations and one for Public Relations. Also congratulations to Sonja Jacobsen
who will be our new Lieutenant Governor for 2010-2012.
Evelyn-Connie-Carole-Lauraine-Shirley,
Zonta crew working assembly line
Dorothy-Lauraine-Robbin-Evelyn, Zonta Soup mix jar progress
Speaking of United Nations…. Did you know that the UN has an “Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender Equality
(IANWGE)” on its website? The website has a section labeled “Women Watch” and has a lot of good information
regarding women and equality for women throughout the world. Here are a few excerpts from their website:
Equality for Women in Morocco’s Family Law
The groundbreaking introduction of Morocco’s new Family Code in 2004 gave women greater equality and protection
of their human rights within marriage and divorce, as mandated by Article 16 of the Convention. The new law
embodies the principle of shared family responsibilities between the spouses. It was the product of extensive
public discussion of challenges women faced under the previous law, as well as analysis of the implications of
human rights standards and religious texts. To help ensure effective implementation of the new rights
that have been guaranteed, the legislative changes were also accompanied by the creation of dedicated Family Courts,
and the Ministry of Justice is enhancing the provision of support services and training for judges and court officials.
Women’s Right to Land in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
More women are now successfully claiming their right to own land and helping to avert the threat of feminized poverty,
due to comprehensive changes to the land reform processes in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The processes first put into
place were not intended to discriminate against women, but since the principle of equality was not met, the actual
impact of the processes left many women without any hope of land ownership.
Improvements are still continuing, but between 2002 and 2008, the proportion of women owning family farms in
Tajikistan rose from 2% to 14%.
UN and partners open new front in war on sexual violence against girls
The United Nations joined with other partners today to launch a new initiative in the fight against sexual violence
against girls, a scourge which affects 150 million victims in a given year and contributes to the spread of HIV and AIDS.
The program seeks to provide funding to expand surveillance of sexual violence against girls in developing and emerging
countries, develop a technical package of interventions for implementation at a country level to reduce the incidence
of such abuse, and launch a major media campaign to motivate social and behavioral change.
“These three intervention strategies are pillars of what is expected to emerge as a global movement to address
this devastating human injustice and public health problem,” the partners said in a joint news release.
The initiative brings together five UN agencies – the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Development Fund for Women
(UNIFEM), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization
(WHO) – with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private sector supporters via the
Clinton Global Initiative (CGI).
“Sexual violence against girls increases their vulnerability to HIV infection and must be stopped,” UNAIDS
Executive Director Michel Sidibé said. “AIDS responses must include initiatives to stop sexual violence as an
integral part of HIV prevention and treatment program.
Research demonstrates that such violence is a direct and an indirect driver of the HIV and AIDS epidemics,
with the risk of infection increasing following forced sex, especially among children. Gender inequity and
partner violence are associated with a substantial part of new HIV infections in Africa, and girls who have
experienced sexual coercion are less likely to use condoms and more likely to experience sexually transmitted diseases.
“Sexual violence is a major priority that must be tackled by all, through many interventions,” UNFPA Executive
Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said. “We hope our partnership in this initiative will help reduce such violence
through the concrete actions that it proposes.”
UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman called the scourge “a moral and ethical outrage and an assault on the
world’s conscience… Sexual abuse can lead to lost childhoods, abandoned education, physical and emotional problems,
the spread of HIV, and an often irrevocable loss of dignity and self-esteem,” she said.
According to WHO, in 2002 some 150 million girls experienced some form of sexual violence with physical contact.
Peggy
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“
Ha
pp
y B
ir
th
da
y !!!”
Pat - November 3rd
Dorothy - November 21st
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"Web Sites to Remember"
Zonta International
http://www.zonta.org
Zonta District 7
http://www.zontadistrict7.org
The Jeremiah Program
http://www.jeremiahprogram.org/
Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency Club 100
http://www.mvna.org/club_100.htm
Women's Advocates, Inc.
http://www.wadvocates.org
Minnesota Women's Consortium
Minnesota Business Women
Neighborhood House
"http://www.neighb.org/default.asp"
American Association of University Women
http://www.aauwstpaul.org/
Women's Prison Book Project
http://prisonactivist.org/wpbp/index.html
Minnesota Department of Transportation Aviation Education
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/aved/index.html
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Dinner Attendance Rules
Members are to call Dorothy if they are unable to attend no later than the Friday
before the monthly meeting date. If you do not call, it will be assumed that you are attending and you will be
billed for those meetings in which the standard meal fee is charged. The meetings have a meal charge,
which is meant to cover the cost of the host's chosen menu and beverages. We hope that, in some cases,
there will be extra money leftover for our service projects.
If you are register for a meeting, and are unable to attend due to last minute circumstances, you will be
billed for that meeting.
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Tentative Calendar of Meetings for the Upcoming Year:
- Mid-November — Mid-December - Annual Poinsettia Sales Fund Raising Event
- November 17, 2009 - Blanket making service project; Cost
will be $20.00; Phyllis has graciously offered to host this event at her party room.
- Late November-Early December - Holiday Bags
Service Project Details will be provided later.
- December 8 or 15 16, 2009 - Holiday get-together — Becketwood; Details will
be provided later.
- January 26, 2010 - A service project to be determined at Janet’s Details will
be provided later.
- February 2010 - Joint meeting with Minneapolis; Details will be provided later.
- March 23, 2010 - Program and meeting location tentatively set for the Landmark Center;
speaker on preservation of Minnesota historic sites
- April 27, 2010 - Making jewelry for mother’s day bags (for a service organization)
at Romelle’s. Details will be provided later.
- May 26, 2009 - Year in Review; Cost will be $20.00; tentative scheduled for Shirley’s;
Details will be provided later.
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November Meeting
Our November meeting will be in the Ridge Room at 334 Cherokee, St. Paul, MN 55107-2647. Phyllis and Erma will
be hosting this meeting and we will be making fleece blankets. Plan on arriving around 3 p.m. to start working
on the blankets. We will also be making soup mix containers (pint size) for the Holiday bags for MVNA at this
meeting. We think we will have enough ingredients to make enough for all twenty bags.
Dinner will be around 5:30. The meeting date is one week earlier (November 17th) than our usual meeting date –
so be sure to note it on your calendars!
If you have scissors, please bring them. We have materials to make about 8 warm fleece blankets.
Cost for the November meeting will be $20, with any proceeds going towards Service projects.
Don't forget! We will also be collecting holiday goodies at this meeting for the Holiday bags that we plan
on giving to MVNA Club 100. Cookies, candies, fancy soaps, shampoos, crackers, games, etc. are some suggestions.
Any money donated will be used to purchase additional items for the bags. This year, it is even more important
to provide these bags in light of our economic climate.
Call Dorothy by Friday, November 13th.
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December Meeting:
Our December meeting will be at Dorothy’s complex again this year and will be Tuesday, December 15th.
More details later… Dinner will be at 6 p.m. In the dining room after which, we have been invited back
to Dorothy's for a social time. Cost will be $20. Dorothy will need to know if you are coming, and if you
are bringing a guest by Friday, December 11th.
Both the November and December meetings would be good opportunities to invite friends and potential members.
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January Meeting:
Our January meeting is yet to be decided, but will be hosted by Janet. The meeting date is Tuesday,
January 26th. If you have any suggestions, please let Romelle, Judy or me know.
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February Meeting:
Our February meeting will be hosted by Minneapolis Zonta and will be at Aaegesen Clinic on
February 25th. They are planning on showing the film Amelia as part of the Amelia Earhart program.
More info to come.
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Jeremiah Program in St. Paul:
Jeremiah Program in St. Paul celebrated its first college graduate in December 2008 from the University of
Minnesota with a degree in child psychology and a minor in youth studies. She has been accepted at Hamline
University Law Degree program.
If you have an interest in learning more about Jeremiah Program, experiencing their campus community first-hand and
find out how you can become involved in the organization, there will be a series of open houses this fall which
will be held at the St. Paul campus location at 932 Concordia Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104-5419.
Saint Paul Campus Open House Dates
- Nov 9, 2009 5:45pm - to Nov 9, 2009 6:45pm
- Nov 25, 2009 12:15pm - to Nov 25, 2009 1:15pm
- Dec 7, 2009 5:45pm - to Dec 7, 2009 6:45pm
Please RSVP to Stephanie Payne or call her at 612.259.3038 if you wish to attend one of the open houses.
We can talk about organizing a group from Zonta at our October meeting.
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The St. Paul Library System
has the following event which is sponsored by The Friends of the St.
Paul Library.
Wednesday, December 2, 7 p.m. "Frontrunner" at Arlington Hills Branch Library,
1105 Greenbrier Street; Frontrunner” tells the heroic story of Massouda Jalal, a medical doctor and mother of
three, who defied the Taliban regime and ran for President of Afghanistan in that country’s first democratic
election – ever – in the aftermath of 9/11. Amidst death threats and bomb attacks, Jalal doggedly campaigns
from the back of a taxi, in mosques, in homes, in busy markets and in the streets. Her courage shows that
it’s the dangerous work done by ordinary Afghans that will determine the fate of a newly born democracy.
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Holiday Poinsettia Sale:
Orders can be picked up starting November 15th; we passed out the information at the October meeting and
for those who missed that meeting, it is included in with the newsletter mailing. Remember that some of the colors
sell out quickly, so if you have someone who wants a special color, get your order in early.
Linder’s prices are the same as last year, so we will not be increasing our prices. We are adding Christmas cactus,
two table arrangements with greens, ribbon, pinecones and decorations, and a 24” Swag. Pixies - $6.00; Singles - $13.00;
Doubles - $22; Candy Canes - $22; Triples - $30.00; Cyclamen - $13.00; Amaryllis Bulb Kits - $13.00;
Delivery charges will be $35.
Judy and Peggy will be working together on the Poinsettia sales this year. Judy will be our main contact
with Mariah from Linder’s. If you need more order forms or flyers, please let me know and I will get them to you.
Let’s all work toward making this a great event for funding our service projects.
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Dates to Remember:
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- November 8th - Zonta International Day
- November 25th - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
- November 25th - December 19th ? 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
- December 1st - World Aids Day
- December 10th - Human Rights Day
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Minneapolis Holiday Luncheon
BRIGHTEN YOUR STAR - 2009 Zonta Minneapolis Holiday Luncheon Fundraiser - Edibles, Elegance & Empowerment
Minneapolis will hold their annual fund raising event on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at International Market Square,
starting at 10:30 and ending at 3 p.m. Tickets are $40 each. The location is International Market Square, 275
Market Street, Minneapolis.
There will be a silent auction, boutiques, raffles and cash bar. The proceeds will be going to their service projects,
a portion of which will benefit Wayside House. The silent auction is open at 10:30 a.m. and will close at 12:30,
at which time lunch will be served.
This year's program will feature a brief presentation by Ellie Skelton, Executive Director of Wayside House, followed
by live music and a fashion show. Raffle tickets are $5 and can be purchased prior to the event.
RSVP by October 23rd to Sue Keirstead at 651.644.6346. They will also accept donations for their
silent auction if you have anything that you wish to donate to Zonta Minneapolis, contact Sue at the number above.
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Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day:
Thanksgiving is presently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, has been an annual tradition in the United
States since 1863. It did not become a federal holiday until 1941. Thanksgiving was historically a religious
observation to give thanks to God, and is still celebrated as such by many families, but it is now also considered
a secular holiday as well.
Most Americans celebrate by gathering at home with family or friends for a holiday feast. Though the holiday's
origins can be traced to harvest festivals which have been celebrated in many cultures since ancient times,
the American holiday is tied to the deliverance of the English settlers by Native Americans after the harsh
winter at Plymouth, Massachusetts and that event has become the pre-eminent foundation story for English North America.
The traditional Thanksgiving menu consists of turkey, pumpkin pie, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and so on.
We may eat these foods on modern day Thanksgiving, but the first feast did not consist of these items.
On the first feast turkey was any type of fowl that the pilgrims hunted. Pumpkin pie wasn't on the menu because
there were no ovens for baking, but they did have boiled pumpkin. Cranberries weren't introduced at this time.
Due to the diminishing supply of flour there was no bread of any kind. The foods included in the first feast
included duck, geese, venison, fish, lobster, clams, swan, berries, dried fruit, pumpkin, squash, and many more vegetables.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Peggy
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Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band:
will host their annual Holiday Concert at Bethel University’s Benson Great Hall on Saturday, December 12th, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The band maintains an active concert schedule, including the Holiday
concert and one in the spring, along with performing at area community celebrations. Members of the Band also mentor
young people through the White Bear Lake Counseling Center.
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Bethel University Theatre Arts Program :
offers theatrical performances this coming year – The Clearing will be performed November 4, 5, 11, 14th at 7:30
and November 8 at 2:30.
The Clearing deals with a 17th-century forerunner of 'ethnic cleansing,' that period in Ireland when Cromwell
planted the seeds of the troubles that still afflict the country today… The play centers on the dilemma of
Robert Preston, an English landowner's son, who has married an Irish woman, had a son and is beginning to
develop his small estate. Though passionately in love with his wife, he decides he loves his home more,
refusing to support his wife when she goes in search of their servant girl who has been snatched for
transportation. It is a story of romance, passion and treachery.
The Imaginary Invalid will perform November 6, 7, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Laughter is the best medicine. But not if you are Argan whose obsession with physicians and medical
treatments helps him gain some order over his life which is spiraling out of control mercilessly.
His daughter has fallen in love and his second wife is plotting to take over his finances. There is no
shortage of doctors who will provide services for Argan's imagined illnesses and assist him in discovering
more reasons for their assistance. This brilliant French comedy, written in the 17th century by Moliere, is
at heart a celebration of human folly. No character goes unscathed as Moliere continues his attack on
individuals and institutions which embrace a flexible and self-serving moral standard. Come ready to laugh
but don’t be surprised if you leave with a new appreciation of life.
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Great American History Theater:
The Sisters of Swing will once again be presented at the History Theater with performances scheduled from
November 21st to December 20. The Sisters of Swing (the Andrews Sisters – LaVerne, Maxene and Patricia)
will sing big band favorites from the 1940’s. Tickets are $28-32 for adults, $25 to 30 for seniors and
are available on line or by calling the ticket box office at 651.292.4323.
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Minnesota History Center :
Mambo Italiano – Supper and Song with Dan Chouinard
November 5, 2009, 7 p.m. Fee is $55.00
Enjoy an intimate, one-night performance featuring dinner, conversation and song with local musician and
storyteller Dan Chouinard. Start the evening with a classic Italian-American meal, and mingle with Dan as
he works the room, accordion in hand. After dessert, guests will take in a program of great Italian-American
songs and stories featuring Dan’s spin on classics by Dean Martin and Connie Francis, who proclaimed their
Italian heritage in songs like "Volare," "Mamma" and "Buona Sera."
Mambo Italiano is inspired by Dan’s European bicycle travels, a love for popular songs and a Minnesotan’s
lingering wish that he were just a little bit Italian. The show will also include stories and other highlights
culled from the Minnesota Historical Society’s archive of oral histories and other contributions by Italian-Minnesotans,
as well as first class support from friends like Prudence Johnson, Jordan Sramek, Jim TenBensel and more.
Tutti a Tavola!
A Radio Holiday – Songs, Stories, Singalong with Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard
December 5 2 p.m. Tickets $15; Enjoy a concert of classic holiday standards. Johnson and Chouinard share holiday
interpretations of timeless standards of the 30’s and 40’s in voice and piano. Join the fun and sing along.
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Lakeshore Players Theater:
The family holiday show features “The Adventures of Stuart Little” and runs from December 11th to the 20th.
Ticket prices are $12 for adults, with $10 for seniors and students. The weekday matinee ticket price is $5.00.
The theater is located in an historic renovated church located at 4820 Stewart Avenue in White Bear Lake.
This endearing classic “tail” by E.B. White celebrates a mouse named Stuart, the second son in an otherwise
ordinary human family. Adapted by Joseph Robinette with all the charm, wisdom and joy of White’s story, the
play follows mild-mannered Stuart’s many adventures as he tries to survive in a “real people’s world.” (Family Friendly)
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Minnesota Jewish Center :
Ticket prices range from $18 to $25 depending on time and date. Call 651.647.4315 for tickets.
Moonlight and Magnolias – Through November 15th - When legendary producer David O. Selznick
decides that the filming of Gone with the Wind is not working, he stops production, yanks esteemed director Vic
Fleming from the set of The Wizard of Oz, brings in famed screenwriter Ben Hecht, and locks himself with these
two men behind closed doors for five days to rewrite the screenplay on a diet of bananas and peanuts. This nearly
unbelievable, yet true, farce reveals what happened behind-the-scenes of the making of one of the most successful
and beloved films of all time. Don't miss this tantalizing play on the 70th anniversary of Gone with the Wind.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
December 5th to the 22nd
Hershel of Ostropol has been walking long and hard with growing anticipation for the Hanukkah holiday.
Tired and hungry, he imagines the smell of latkes and the bright lights of the menorah. But when Hershel
arrives in Helmsbergville, the village is silent. Goblins have been preventing Hanukkah in Helmsbergville
for years. Can this visitor help bring Hanukkah back? Enlisted by the townspeople, Hershel agrees to spend
eight nights in the old synagogue to try to defeat the goblins. This delightful, interactive play with
puppetry brings to life the enchanting storybook Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins!
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Landmark Center:
The Landmark Center offers free public tours on Thursdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 12 p.m. The tours focus on
the building’s history, architecture, restoration, preservation and famous and infamous personages. It is located
at 75 West 5th Street in downtown St. Paul.
On November 10th, there will be a FREE Ballet Tuesday “Air and Simple Gifts” at 12 noon. The St. Paul City
Ballet presents this production with music by John Williams.
November 11th, Evergreen String Quartet will perform at 12 noon. FREE. This is a group of experienced
professional musicians who specialize in providing high quality live music for special occasions in the twin cities.
November 12th – The Schubert Club Courtroom Concert – a Taste of Vienna at 12 p.m. FREE.
It features local performing artists of the highest caliber from the Twin Cities and surrounding
metropolitan area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. The audience is welcome to bring
a lunch or purchase a sandwich at Anita's Cafe on the ground floor of Landmark Center. Complimentary coffee is served.
November 15th - Rose Ensemble performance of “The Last Queen of Hawaii – Music from the Soul of the
Hawaiian Saga” at 1 p.m. FREE. Through music, movement and narration, Hawai'i Revealed honors the
Hawaiians' struggle to keep alive the rich musical traditions nearly eradicated by the arrival of Captain
Cook and American missionaries.
December 3rd, 10th and 17th – The Schubert
Club Courtroom Concert – Seasonal Sounds at 12 p.m. FREE
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January and February Meetings:
Our January meeting will be at Janet's home on Tuesday, January 26th. Program/project to be determined.
Our February meeting will be hosted by Minneapolis Zonta and will be at Aaegesen Clinic on February 25th. More info to come.
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Hill House Parlor Concerts :
24th Season – dates are November 9, February 1, 2010, May 3, 2010 and May 10, 2010.
The Hill House Chamber Players begin their 24th season with concerts performed in the restored art gallery of the
James J. Hill House. Complimentary refreshments are served during intermission and admission includes a tour of the
Hill House following the performance.
The November concerts will include Georg Phillipp Telemann, Don Quixote Suite, Overture No. 10 in G
"Burlesque de Quixote"; Antonin Dvorak, Terzetto, in C major Opus 74, for two violins and viola; Michael
Dougherty, Viola Zombie; and Brahms, Viola Quintet No. 2, Opus 111, in G major. Guest artists include
Catherine Schubilske on violin, Nathalie Cruden on viola and Craig Johnson, narrator.
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Alexander Ramsey House:
December 3rd and 4th 7 p.m. A little Steinway Music
Tickets are $17. Call 651.296.8760 for tickets. Enjoy a musical comedy performed in the Ramseys'
elegant parlor decorated for the holidays. The play is an original short story produced by Walking Boxes
theatre group and inspired by Victorian life, with dramatic readings and music played on the 1872 Steinway piano.
A first floor tour of the house is included. Not recommended for children under 6.
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Upcoming Events in the St. Paul area October 2009 to March 2010:
Here are some upcoming events in our area that you might be interested in:
The History Theater
Sisters of Swing - The Andrews Sisters - November 21 to December 20, 2009 at The History Theater.
Sister Kenny's Children - January 23 to February 14, 2010 - story about Sister Elizabeth Kenny who is remembered as a
lifesaver by thousands of Minnesota families who faced polio during the 1950s epidemic.
Hiding out in the Open - February 27 - March 21, 2010 - Story of Sabina Zimering, a successful eye doctor
who was growing up in Poland when Hitler and the Nazis came to power.
Bethel University - 53rd Annual Festival of Christmas - presents a festival of
familiar carols, tunes you know and love arranged and performed with excellence!
- Thursday, December 3 - 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $12 (student/child)
- this is a special opportunity for
families with children.
- Friday, December 4 - 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 and $15
- Saturday, December 5 - 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 and $15
The Friday and Saturday performances are not intended for children under the age of 6.
Tickets can be ordered at Benson Great Hall Ticket Office; 651.635.1999
Lakeshore Players Theater
Working - October 23 to November 22nd 2009.
It is based on Studs Terkel's best selling book of interviews with American Workers. Tickets can be ordered by phone
at 651.429-5674. The theater is located at 4820 Stewart Avenue, White Bear Lake.
Park Square Theater
Othello - October 16 to November 8, 2009
Of Mice and Men - November 17 to December 18th
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol - December 3-20th
Rosetown Playhouse Community Theatre
Santa Claus - December 4 - December 13th; Discover the origins of everyone's favorite hero in the new holiday adventure!
Filled with rich mythology, traditions from around the world, strange characters, enchanted animals, song, dance, and
holiday cheer, Santa Claus is a holiday tale for the entire family. For tickets call 651-792-7414 extension 2.
Friends of the St. Paul Library
Films:
"La Americana" follows an undocumented immigrant's journey from Bolivia to New York City and back, as she struggles
to save the life of her ailing daughter. At Riverview Branch Library, 1 East George Street, St. Paul, Tuesday,
November 10th 7 p.m.
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AS ALWAYS
If you have anything that you would like included in the newsletter, please let Peggy know.
I know we would all be glad to hear what is going on with you!
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Hope to see everyone on the 17th for Blankets and
Zonta Country Soup.
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Zonta Paul
Volume 83
Issue 6
Zonta Club of St. Paul