Women of the World Luncheon was successful again

Friday, April 18, 2008

Held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Prince Frederick on Saturday, March 29, this event has become a must for many women in Calvert County in celebration of national Women’s History Month in March, says Kathleen Riley, League of Women Voters President.

The League of Women Voters extends special thanks to the following groups that worked together to make the event special: Calvert Commission for Women, Community Mediation Center of Calvert, Project ECHO, the AAUW (Association of University Women) Patuxent River Branch, Catholic Charities, Circle of Angels, Women in Harmony and United Way’s Women’s Initiative.

These organizations honored people who deserved recognition for their outstanding work in the county — Pat Pease of the Crisis Intervention Center for her work in prevention of family violence, anti-bullying efforts, sexual assault prevention, anger management strategies and the beginning of the Women’s Center of Calvert County and the idea that became Safe Harbor; Kathryn Marsh from the Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office, who is a victim⁄witness advocate in domestic violence and sexual assault cases; Elizabeth Hubbard, owner of EmbroidMe, as a small business owner for her leadership in effective business practice and active support of community organizations; Jean Wagner, representing the Women’s Mentoring Ministry of Catholic Charities; Sue Hu of AAUW for her volunteer work with Calvert Marine Museum; CHESPAX; United Way Board of Directors and Women’s Initiative; the Calvert County Mentoring Partnership; Anne Lusby Harrison for her peace building efforts with the Interfaith Council and Community Mediation Center, as well as volunteer work with Calvert Marine Museum, AAUW, LWV and Safe Nights Program; Bill Stanton of Project ECHO for his leadership through teamwork and fundraising for a new shelter and organization of the Safe Nights Program; and the Calvert Board of Elections, represented by Administrator Gail Hatfield, for its high level of customer service and dedication to all voters.

Del. Sue Kullen (D-Calvert) was on hand to personally thank each of these outstanding individuals with a proclamation from the Calvert County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly.

These people are true examples of unselfish leadership and commitment to causes that help Calvert County be a better place for all.

Laura Martin, Calvert County’s first woman state’s attorney, charmed the gathering as the main speaker. She is the first local woman to address this group and did so with class and a strong message on empowering women and girls through mentoring and mutual support. She demonstrated that ‘‘Mother Earth Rocks” is truly possible.

The excellent buffet offered by Mom’s in the Kitchen, entertaining music of Patuxent Baroque Trio and Pieces of Eight, lovely dance performance by the Liturgical Dancers of St. Edmonds Church, elegant table decorations by Anne Harrison, powerful ‘‘women of the world” posters made by art students at Huntingtown High School and informative community organizations’ displays made this women’s celebration one to remember.

For certain, put Saturday, March 21, 2009, on your calendar for next year’s event.

Finally, the LWV and the WOW Planning Group want to thank the Global Democracy Program of LWVUS and Friends of Calvert Women for their financial support, Garner and Duff for flowers and Chesapeake Garden Supply for the raffle basket. Proceeds from the raffle were donated to the AAUW ‘‘Dare to Dream” and Friends of Calvert Women’s women’s scholarship programs.

Anne F. Mychalus, Prince Frederick

The writer is the Calvert County League of Women Voters Event and International Chair.