CJNBW February 2002 NewsLetter

5 Steering Committee

7 Women's Heart Day @ MCCC

12 Monthly
Meeting

15 Merrill-Lynch

Central Jersey Network
of Black Women
P. O. Box 217
Hightstown, NJ 08520
NEWSLETTER
February, 2002

**President's Message**
Dear Members and Friends: February is Black History Month, so let us celebrate our progress and determine how we can manage our future! As Clayborne Carson, Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project at Stanford University--said, "Community service that stops short of community organizing will always be insufficient." Join us on Feb. 12 to celebrate our heritage and strengthen our community service. How fitting that our next monthly meeting falls on Abraham Lincoln's birthday. We should reflect on the risks Lincoln took to declare emancipation for African-Americans and also heed the words of Vernon Jordan: "Black people have done wonderful things for this country (saved its soul, in fact), and we have been an example to the world in the process...If we did so much when we had so little, think of what we can do now that we have so much more." What can CJNBW do to make a difference in our community? Please come out on Tuesday, Feb. 12, to hear our speaker, Carine Toussaint, and catch up on CJNBW's news. Note that, because the library will be closed for Lincoln's birthday, we will meet at the Gloria Nilson Realtor office at 54 Princeton-Hightstown Road in Princeton Junction. Sincerely, Ruth Rainford Timins

IMPORTANT DATES

Tuesday, February 5, - 7:30 p.m. - Steering Committee Meeting at the Twin Rivers Library, Abbington Drive, Twin Rivers, NJ.

Tuesday, February 12 - 7:30 p.m. - Regular Monthly Meeting . PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN LOCATION for this month's meeting: Gloria Nilson Realtor office, 54 Princeton-Hightstown Rd., Princeton Jct. If you are coming from Hightstown area, the Realtor office is located just after you pass the Acme Supermarket (on the same side of Acme). This change is due to library closings for Lincoln's birthday. We thank Beverly Owens for securing this space for our meeting. Next month's meeting will resume at the Hickory Corner Road Library.

Our guest speaker will be Carine Toussaint, who made the presentation in October on her travels to many countries. She will concentrate on one country at this meeting. Please come out and bring a friend.

The meeting will be hosted by the Women's Issues (Illean, Lois and Jessie) and Sunshine Committees (Lois and Hattie). Other members, please feel free to bring refreshments.

Friday, Feb. 15 - Merrill Lynch has asked CJNBW to participate in a program to celebrate Black History Month. This will give us exposure and possibly new members. More about this at February's meeting.

Sunday, April 21 - 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Annual Award Luncheon will be held at "Fifth Avenue Bristro" (formerly Coach & Four), Rte. 33, Hightstown. Suggestions for candidates for the award have been requested over the past several months, and the name/s will be announced at the February meeting. Further discussion and plans for the luncheon will proceed at the monthly meeting.

OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES

The Book Club, now named, "Reading Between the Lines" has resumed. The next meeting is Friday, May 3 - 7:30 p.m. This meeting will be held at Ruth Timins. If you don't know how to get there, please call Ruth at (799-7143). At the January meeting, we had a very relaxing and enjoyable evening at Joyce's. These gatherings are the place to be as there is no pressure. We simply discuss books and hear each other's interpretations, etc. and just have a little fun. Let us know if you plan to attend, as we'd love to have you with us. Bring your suggestions for future readings.

The next book to be read will be announced in the next Newsletter

Steering Committee Corner At the meeting on 11/5/01 discussion continued on the awarding of scholarships to women in college or re-entering. One Book Award was given to Miranda Roach a student to the College of NJ. Another name, Linda Choice, was submitted by MCCC, however,

Noreen Duncan (contact person) was unable to get in touch with Ms. Choice. Her name will be put in the pool for next year. Ms. Duncan will again seek the assistance of the 3 local colleges to get names of potential candidates. CJNBW members remember to submit names also.

We plan to interview the candidates so we can get to know them a little bit before awarding scholarships.

At the present time, the criteria for Awards are: Mature, returning women students; preferably African American; demonstrated need; full-time status, and willing to be mentored by the CJNBW during the course of the year.

Alternative Meeting Location (when needed) - Beverly Hobbs, who is a Realtor at GMAC (General Motors Acceptance Corp.) advised us that we can use their office on Princeton Hightstown Rd. Of course, we would notify them in advance. Thanks, Beverly.

The above Steering Committee Notes are being repeated, as we feel it is worthwhile, since we didn't have meetings in Nov. and Dec. Updates will follow after February's meeting.

CONGRATULATIONS

Lorna Jones completed her graduate studies in December and now has a Masters in Public Administration. We extend our best wishes to Lorna and we want her to know how very proud we are. The long hours of travelling, papers and studying have paid off.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

(Noreen Lois Duncan, Beverly Hobbs and Regina Quince) - This committee should be prepared to up-date the Steering Committee on their progress regarding the next awardees for scholarships.

THANK YOU

We wish to thank Liston Abbott for his continued assistance with the Newsletter. We appreciate this very much.

RETIRED

Ann Kassahun has now joined the growing list of retired CJNBW members. This was effective Jan. 25 and we do wish the very best to Ann as she starts "the first days of the rest of her life". Enjoy, Enjoy!

BEST WISHES & CONTINUED Good Health TO: Arlene Banks, Louise Smith and Gloria Daniels; the mothers of Marcia Duhart, Lorna Jones, Louise Smith, Joan Tomlin, and Shirley Vassall's mother-in-law.

GET WELL: Louise Smith is doing quite well and feeling better and stronger each day. We do wish her continued good health..

Gloria Daniels is still at home and visits are welcomed. Her family extends their thanks to all those who continue to visit or phone. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Joan Tomlin's mother recently had surgery and we do wish her well. Keep Joan and her family in your prayers.

Ruth Timins' mother continues to improve after her surgery and we trust she is better each day.. Also, remember Ruth's daughter, Nicole.

It is our intention to remember all who are ill, lost a loved one or congratulate members and their families when achievements are made. However, you must let Joyce Abbott (448-4511 ) know so mention can be made in the Newsletter.

BIRTHDAYS
If your birthday has been overlooked, contact Joyce Abbott (448-4511).

February - 2 Jessie Weathers
28 Ann Kassahun
March - 2 Noreen Lois Duncan

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