2009-5.wpsep-oct

{ Volume XXIV, Number 5 } September & October 2009

A Publication of the Women’s Community Center of San Luis Obispo County

Photo by Monique Snow

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WCC Remembers Helen Bennett

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Casino Spirituality

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Creative Women

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Motherhood

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Day With Creative Women Thanks!

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Voices Around the Table:

Balancing Time

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Women’sPress

Women’s Press | September & October 2009 | [email protected]

Courtney’s Quill

With all the glory and chaos surrounding Fall— children returning to school, the days getting cooler, and the beginning of the holiday season—I often feel overwhelmed. As a single mom of two children, juggling working full time, volunteering, and trying to get a few minutes to myself each day, I often start my day off with a knot in my stomach. And by the time the sun recedes into the west, I fall in bed exhausted, wondering what happened to those late night writing jaunts I used to love so much. But as all our wonderful Women’s Press writers constantly remind me, I need to focus on taking one day at a time. Soon, my children will be grown, my work will be finished, and time (and writing) will return to me in a slower fashion. Those days will come. Now, however, I have beautiful and funny faces to wake up to each morning, eager students to teach, a good book to get back to, and angelic faces to kiss good night as the moon rises. I have a good life. I just need to remind myself of that every once in awhile. One of the great things about Women’s Press is our writers: the women who consistently write articles, sharing their wisdom and advice for any age group. I consider myself lucky to read these articles first and to really absorb their content before the first pages even hit the printing process. I feel connected when I read about the healing power of prayer (by Ruth Cherry), the funny anecdotes of carrying around a mom purse (by Jen Mowad), the amazing health care system in Japan (by Susan Goya), and the unsung heroes that help make our community better with every selfless endeavor they make (by Berta Parrish). All these articles keep my feet on the ground, my mind in the present, and my heart open even wider than it was the day before. And if you have some wisdom to share, don’t hold back. You may not think you’re a writer or that your advice isn’t pertinent, but that’s just not true. Don’t be dissuaded. You’d be surprised at how much your words can mean to another woman in our community! Send in your articles. Inspire me. And for the board members of the Women’s Community Center—Angie King, Robin Rinzler, and Sonia Paz Baron-Vine—thank you so much for another spectacular Day With Creative Women! The event was a huge success, benefiting not only the WCC’s bank account (helping to fund all those great resources they provide for women, but also our modest little Press), but also all the women, men, and children who attended! This is definitely an event to look forward to each year. Enjoy your Fall and all that choas and glory....

Drum Circle Magic Part Eight:

And the Beat Goes On

Photo by Kathleen Deragon

By Francesca Bolognini Welcome back to the circle. In previous columns, I have presented an overview of some important historical, practical, and spiritual aspects of drumming and shared various experiences which might be helpful to initiate or deepen your personal practice. This brings me to a key component of any successful approach, practice. We do not improve without it. For some, this comes easy. A bit competitive, they tend to use repetitions as a way of burning nervous energy. For others, it is a scheduled routine, not without pleasure, to accomplish a goal. But if you are like me, you sometimes need motivation. Translation: inspiration or fear. Either one will do nicely.

About This Issue’s Cover Artist

Monique Snow Proving that adversity is often the mother of creativity, Monique Snow’s interest in photography as an art form grew from a condition that developed during childhood—dyslexia. Since reading National Geographic was out of the question, she studied the amazing pictures found in that publication and realized she wanted to create her own. Linda Hamilton, a professional photographer, mentored Snow, and Stephen Curtis, well-known local black and white photographer, instructed her on the basics of “F” stops and depth of field. Snow’s work has been featured in many local establishments and earlier this year, she had a private show in San Luis Obispo at the Photo Shop. She recently expanded her print medium from the traditional photograph to unique glass cutting boards and canvas.

Inspiration, the preferred stimulus, can arrive in a number of ways, often from hearing a moving piece of music that makes you want to pick up your drum. I recommend exposing yourself to good music on a regular basis to keep this feeling alive. Put on hot CD’s, watch music clips on youtube, or go to concerts to see live musicians and watch their hands. With youtube you can replay and pause to study technique, but it is hard to beat the excitement of a live performance . The point is to connect to a source that makes you want to participate, even if only in your living room and your dreams. Just reading about a culture or a place will remind me how much I love the music and I will need to play.

The other force capable of stimulating some good, “cram for the exam” practice is fear. All you need is an upcoming event where you will be expected to play, possibly a bit better than you have in the past, perhaps with other more well rehearsed players and presto! You’re in business. I find myself in this position from time to time because I tend to accept or create performance challenges. At these points I am often employing techniques either beyond my normal skills or pertaining to a pattern or drum with which I am less familiar. Practicing may take more than one form. Playing along with a piece of music is a great way to get the feel , but usually this must be preceded by much repetition of a practice pattern to create a muscle memory. I frequently do this, like many musicians, while watching TV, a habit that can get on your partner’s last nerve. But it does yield satisfying results in the chops department, “chops” meaning technical skills. Getting together often with other players helps to both encourage these developing abilities and test your progress. Just play. The more you do, the better you will become. There are so many benefits to the act of drumming it becomes a win - win. So pick up that drum, give it a good work out and see how much better you sound and feel. And until next time, keep the beat!

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MAILING ADDRESS: Women’s Press Women’s Community Center PO Box 13659 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 805.544.9313 Managing Editor: Courtney Brogno [email protected] Layout & Design: Benjamin Lawless [email protected] Advertising Team: Renee Sante, Kathleen Deragon & Benjamin Lawless

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Articles, essays, opinion pieces, letters, artwork, poetry wanted & appreciated. The Women’s Press reserves the right to edit all submissions for content, clarity & length. Contact [email protected] or call 805-544-9313. Submissions will also be placed online. The opinions expressed in the Women’s Press are those of the authors & do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Women’s Community Center. The Women’s Community Center does not necessarily endorse products or services advertised in the Women’s Press.

Contributors

MaryAine Cherry Jeanie Greensfelder Laura Grace Judythe Guarnera Hilda Heifetz Lisa Pimental Johnson Lisa Jouet Angie King Evelyn Adams Barbara Atkinson Cassandra Carlson MaryAine Cherry Kathleen Deragon Bailey Drechsler Anne Dunbar Cynthia Fatzinger Ani Garrick Angela Henderson Margaret Hennessy Jane Hill Susan Howe

Heather Mendel Jen Mowad Berta Parrish Adele Sommers Jill Turnbow Jacqueline Turner Andrea Zeller

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LocalPerspectives

September & October 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press

How Big Is Your Bowl? By Adele Sommers Did you know that a goldfish can grow in proportion to the size of the container it lives in? Its dimensions are not limited to the size of the typical pet that you used to keep in a gallon aquarium. In fact, the greater the bowl, the grander the fish. And when you think of the scale of a pond or a lake, imagine how large your goldfish can become! Ask yourself: How do you communicate your passion, knowledge, wisdom, and interests to the people you wish to influence? What helps you extend your reach in your profession or industry? How do you create a rapport, even with people you don’t know, such as community members, prospects, clients, or customers? One way to do this is through a systematic article-writing campaign. Article-writing and publishing campaigns offer an ocean of possibilities for expanding your business, philanthropic, or professional influences well beyond your local “bowl.” With the advent of desktop publishing software and the Web, you can persuade and inform people far and wide just through the power of your keyboard! When we use article writing as a way to become well-known in our areas of interest, it represents a type of marketing. Even though these articles are typically unpaid, they have the power of helping us build authority, credibility, and name recognition in our local and global communities. You may be surprised to learn that you don’t need your own Web site or any funding whatsoever to conduct a viable article-publishing program.

Photo by Emin Ozkan

After writing one or more articles, you can plan to submit them to various online article directories. It’s ideal to get into the habit of doing this regularly. These directories will then make your content available for others to disseminate in their own publications. The rules stipulate that your articles retain full copyright under your byline, regardless of where they are republished. Be certain to include a “resource box” for the end of each article. This term refers to a few sentences that describe you, your business, or profession and contain a link back to your Web site, if you have one. To locate article directories, do an Internet search. Select a few that relate to your subject and sign up as an author. For example take a look at: • EzineArticles.com (for a variety of topics) • HowToDoThings.com (for “how-to” articles) • BestManagementArticles.com (for business management articles) In conclusion, your articles can help you, too, become a “big fish” in whatever size pond you choose to swim! Adele Sommers, Ph.D. is a business performance consultant who helps entrepreneurs align their life passions with their business purpose. She also guides organizations through “tactical tune-ups” and “strategic makeovers” in individual or group sessions. Contact her today for a free initial consultation at Adele@ LearnShareProsper.com, or 805-462-2199.

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Click Your Heels—Then Make Your Plans For Where , with Whom, and How You Will Live for the Rest of Your Life

Photo by BazzleStock at DeviantArt.com

By Kathleen Deragon Dorothy clicked the heels of her red shoes together and said, “There’s no place like home.” I agree with what she said, but she had pigtails and was able to go home to Auntie Em. I cut off my pigtails years ago, refuse to wear heels, and have no Auntie Em to go home to. I’m a single older woman (you decide for yourself how old “older” is; for me, it’s anyone over 50 – I’m 60) who is giving some serious thought to what home will mean for me in this last stage of my life. I know I’m not alone in admitting that occasionally fears of the “bag lady syndrome” have chilled my heart, especially given the recent economic crisis. But the Pollyanna in me believes there is enough to go around— we just need to come together and discuss ways we can ensure we will have roofs over our heads, ways to leverage our financial and personal resources, and how to connect to a community that will nurture us. And I hope to help you do that in an upcoming series of articles. When I moved here eight years ago, I met many older single women, especially after I started working as editor of the Women’s Press. Often these older women would talk about what life would be like when they left the workplace—would they be able to stay in their homes, still live in SLO County, what activities would they engage in, what would their support system

be when aging slowed them down and challenged them with health problems? Out of personal self-interest, I’ve been reading and researching options for myself. The biggest insight I’ve had is that to get what we need and want, we need to create it now before we are too infirm to do the work it will take. Who the “we” is here is important. “We” are women who understand the importance of human connections in both families and communities. To manifest a secure future for ourselves, we will be creating and re-imagining the role of community in our lives. We will explore how to share the caring about and for one another, in what kind of structures we will live in and with whom. The result of our work will be as unique as we are unique. Think about it. We are the first population of women in human history that had access to birth control during our childbearing years, which gave us the freedom to get educated, hold down a job, and have financial and personal independence unknown – though not unimagined – by our foremothers. So, of course, our waning years will also look different from those of the women who preceded us. How they will look is something we need to gather and discuss with one another now and take action soon so we will be sure we can live the life we imagine. I welcome your thoughts about this topic as I myself continue to explore it. Go to womenspress-slo.org and comment.

Another Good Reason Why I Don’t Have Children By Dorothy Segovia

Nurturing Magic Moments Photo by B. Lawless

By Jeanie Greensfelder On a stress-filled day driving between eucalyptus trees, lyrics popped into my head, “You’re in the magic zone.” Entering Montana de Oro, the day’s concerns faded and my sense of wonder bubbled up. The brisk breeze, stunning rock formations, and steady ocean waves opened a timeless reality. When a bunny paused on the trail I felt like Snow White, expecting animals and plants to converse with me. The rabbit told me that I thought I knew the world, but I didn’t know anything about her. Then she disappeared into the thicket, leaving me curious about where she lived and what she ate or feared?

I watched pigeon guillemot, black ocean birds with white wings and red feet, nesting in the cliffs. I love the reliability of their return each spring. Our world is magical when we remember to notice: we are travelers on spaceship Earth, and don’t need spacesuits. There are many entries into the magic zone. The natural world works for me from wilderness to plants in my backyard. Other times I close my eyes wherever I am and feel the wonder of being alive. Music is another portal. Thich Nhat Hanh says we are just a step away from the kingdom of heaven, and that the kingdom of heaven is here. What does your magic zone feel like? What transports you there? Plan some time in your favorite place at home or elsewhere. Take that step.

I am only here visiting overnight, yet I find myself bent over the kitchen sink, rinsing, scrubbing and scraping the dog doo from the bottom of my nephew’s fancy light-up sneaker. I don’t remember the grooves being this deep nor the patterns this intricate on the soles of my Keds when I was 11. I also don’t remember being as clever as Christian, aka [email protected] - when I was his age. The poop is almost gone and I’m searching for a tool narrow enough for the final dig when Cool Guy suggests a toothpick. I suggest that he go find Abuela and say “please shovel the rest of the shit from the yard,” feeling only slightly evil, knowing that Christian will be doing the shoveling when Abuela hears the ‘s’ word, I sure hope that Christian scoops fast. I don’t want there to be a queue of nieces and nephews: each holding a shoe, each child shorter than the other, all waiting for a tender moment with Aunt Dot before she’s had her morning tea. Christian is 11 and wanted to hose the crap off of his $62.50 Nike himself. I could teach him how to aim the hot water so that only the rubber part gets wet: but the fear that his solitary sole wouldn’t be clean enough in time for church grips my un-caffeinated heart, and I picture him following me through the chattering house, waiting for the others to return from Mass. I yank the sneaker out of his hand, “this is what a loving aunt is supposed to do,” I tell him.

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Women’sCommunityCenter



Women’s Press | September & October 2009 | [email protected]

The mission of the WCC is:

WCC Update

• TO maintain an accessible center to collect and exchange information of interest and concern to women • TO organize and facilitate workshops, clinics, seminars, classes, and support groups on subjects of interest and need • TO engage in and facilitate interaction among local, state, and national agencies and organizations working to benefit women

From left: Robin Rinzler, Angie King and Sonia Paz Baron-Vine. Photo by B. Lawless at DWCW 2009

Supreme Court Update By Angie King With the new Supreme Court term beginning October 5 (first Monday in October) the Court will have its hands full and a new face on the bench. Congratulations to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina and only third woman to sit on the Court. For the first time since Justice O’Connor retired in 2006, there will be two women on the court! The liberal-conservative balance hasn’t changed, however. Souter, whose place she takes, was considered one of the four liberals. The Roberts/Scalia/Alito/Thomas conservative bloc is still formidable, with Justice Anthony Kennedy still often the swing vote. According to scholar Erwin Chemerinsky, in the term just ended, the court decided almost one-third of the 75 cases decided by 5-4 votes. Kennedy was in the majority in 18 of those. In the 16 of those cases Chemerinsky identifies as splitting on ideological grounds, Kennedy voted with the conservatives in 11 cases, cases that drastically changed the shape of American jurisprudence. One such case was the New Haven firefighters’ case, where the Court found that the city violated the rights of white firefighters when it did not use the test results of a promotion exam because

the effect of promoting those with the higher scores would result in discrimination against the non-white candidates, a reverse discrimination claim. It was race in this case, but it could just as easily have been gender. Even before the term officially starts, the full court will consider new arguments in a case about whether sections of the McCainFeingold Campaign Financing Act passed in 2002 are constitutional. The case turns on the prohibition in the Act against ads aired within 60 days of an election which come from corporations (including nonprofit corporations, like NOW) and which support or oppose a named candidate. The case arose when TV stations refused during the last primary election to air a movie, submitted by a conservative non-profit group, which was derogatory toward Hillary Clinton. The group, Citizens United, sued the Federal Elections Commission claiming the section of the law they cited to ban the movie is unconstitutional. The case is important because it may gut hardfought bipartisan legislation designed to curb electioneering excesses. Let’s hope the wisdom of a Latina helps shift the Court’s balance. Let’s hope she makes friends with Kennedy and convinces him to join her and become the 5th vote for a more liberal position.

By Robin Rinzler, Chairperson Day With Creative Women 2009 The Women’s Community Center offers an instructional, informative divorce seminar on the third Wednesday of every month. Jan Potter shares her personal insights from her own difficult and complicated divorce and the many valuable lessons she has learned. Robin Rinzler is a divorce mediator and addresses the pros and cons of mediation vs. litigation. At the end of these round table discussions, evaluations from those in attendance often state that this seminar is informative and helpful. Call The Women’s Community Center to sign up at (805) 544-9313. Whew! Another year of hard work and here we are, basking in the glory of another successful Day with Creative Women. Our 35th to be exact! Reading the evaluations that were completed by the vendors who had booths at Day with Creative Women always puts a smile on my face. The question posed to them was, “What did you like about the day?” The answers include: the people, the music, great energy, well attended, everyone positive, a great event, very organized, helpful staff and volunteers, we loved it all! And the list goes on.

With my sisters

Helen Bennett, 1921-2009 By Angie King San Luis Obispo lost another of its outstanding women when Helen died this year. She was actively involved in a number of community activities. As her obituary so rightly stated: she was always interested in music, architecture, art, dance, religion, politics, and psychology; she was a Mother for Peace; she was dedicated to political fairness and honesty. Her commitment to the welfare of women and the women’s movement led to her involvement with the Women’s Resource Center. Helen Bennett is synonymous in my mind with the Women’s Resource Center. In a compilation of the Center’s history printed in 1995, the Center was successful “because it fulfills a need in this community and because dedicated volunteers have staffed the phone, listened empathetically and have been there when they were needed.” I hope that’s still true today. Helen first became active with the WRC about 1987, when she and her husband Bruce retired to the area from Ohio. She was the group’s treasurer, represented WRC at public functions, and was in charge of the food booth at DWCW. And in the years since, until her retirement from active involvement with the WRC, Helen did a little of everything – continued to serve on the board, as president in later years, volunteered in the office, helped coordinate the Day with Creative Women, and represented WRC at various community functions. In the year 2000, those involved with WRC, includ-

ing Helen, reached out to a new wave of activists for renewed energy. This group reorganized under the present name, Women’s Community Center, and incorporated as a non-profit tax-exempt organization, but it has continued to provide that need in the community to “give women a place to come for support, referrals, information and to learn a little more about who they are. It is a refuge for those not yet ready to take a hard line feminist stand,” again, according to the history of WRC. Her obituary noted her kind and generous nature and her genuine concern for the welfare of others. When I remember Helen Bennett, I get a warm feeling; she was always a comforting presence, calm, caring, understanding. Apparently I’m not the only one. Nancy Castle writes of Helen: “Ah, Helen. Memory comes back of a gracious lady, kind to the core. She was very aware of the foibles and challenges that confront humans, the continuum of brutality to sweetness that is the potential of all humankind, and choose to do what she could to make life better for the ones she could reach. Her reach was long with the Women’s Resource Center, serving those women who were boxed into blind corners, calling in, desperate for help. Helen made sure that help was available, serving the Center in so many roles: volunteer answering the phone, board member, president. She was the mainstay for many years, along with others, it is true, but Helen in so many ways held the helm steady and true.” It was always a joy to see Helen. There was a sense of give and take, although now

But Day With Creative Women could not happen without the help and support of many people, and I would like to take the opportunity now to thank some of those people, starting with the musicians that donated their time to perform. A huge thanks to: Nu Monet, The Celebration Chorus, Café Musique, the Women’s Drum Group, Poetry in Motion, Flute Fun, Chick Tuesday, and Hear the Darlings Roar, and special thanks go to Renee Sanpei for putting it all together!!! Also, I’d like to thank the companies that gave us our raffle items. They include Baileyana Winery, Tigerlily Hair Salon, The Palm Theatre, Novo Restaurant, Pizza Fusion, Taste of San Luis, Growing Grounds, and Obispo Wills, Ltd. The raffle was a fantastic success, and we truly appreciate their generous donations! We received gift certificates from Vons, Starbucks, and Costco in order to purchase the delicious food and drinks that we sold at our booth. And finally, but very importantly, thanks to the women from Gate Help Inc. and the many volunteers who were instrumental in selling food, raffle tickets, (wo)manning our barricades, and assisting our wonderful vendors. Thanks to you all!!!

Sonia Paz Baron-Vine WCC Board Member The summer morning is perfect arriving from near and far sisters of all ages, fill the Mission Plaza with colors and laughter....

From left: Melody DeMerritt and Helen Bennett. Photo taken at Day With Creative Women 1992

as I think back, I, as an upstart, self-important college kid, might have taken more in some ways, as I really can’t recall hearing much about Helen’s life and or possible problems. But the exchanges were caring, and the time together was very appreciated on both sides, as she supported and encouraged me, and recognized my efforts on the behalf of the Center. At one point, I found that she had a number of magazines from a Gnostic organization. She gave me a few, and I found them light filled and inspiring. I think that she found resonance with her core values within this philosophy. As Nietzche said: “There is enough for all. The earth is a generous mother; she will provide in plentiful abundance food for all her children if they will but cultivate her soil in justice and in peace.” I think Helen knew this to be true, and worked to do her part to help spread that word, along with the words of compassion and love that are core to the movement. I have no doubt that she continues to be a force for good.

Sisters hugging and smiling setting up their booths and sharing their art. The sound of the drums in the air the smell of coffee and chocolate buns, young girls running around with colorful painted faces, and volunteers in bright yellow shirts like sunflowers helping everyone.. Day with Creative Women music, art, poetry, fun, and sisterhood I sit under the ancient eucalyptus trees and listen to the Mission bells ring, a bride like a fairy in white walks on the lawn and we smile to each other both happy, both surrounded with joy I look around and see my sisters laughing, sharing, dancing, all is well, all is peace.

Family Law Action Committee Call 788-2491 for more information

Dealing With Divorce

3rd Wednesday of each month – 7 PM Sept 16, Oct 21 and Nov 18 $10 donation

Self-Represented Litigants’ Clinic 4th Tuesday of each month – 5:30 PM Upcoming: Sept 22, Oct 27 and Nov 24 Reservations required. $40 donation

Motherhood

September & October 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press

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Liberated Stay-AtHome Mothers

The Children’s Bookshelf By Lisa Pimental Johnson Smiles are blooming on mother’s faces, panic laced with excitement is plastered on children’s faces, teachers strategic planning has been going on for weeks: A new school year is on the crest of waning summer days. Here are a few books to get in the mood for another successful school year. They called her Camilla Crayon in school because she would change colors and shapes all over her skin, faster than changing channels on a T.V. A Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon is a colorful story of a little girl named Camilla Cream who was afraid of being herself and literally turned herself into the person she thought others would like. She morphed into purple polka dots, checkerboard squares, and big bold stripes. She even sprouted roots, berries, crystals, feathers, and a long furry tail. After feeling miserable and lonely, she decided she really wanted to be just herself and ingested lima beans to transform back. Lima beans may be the perfect first day of school food! Ruby the Copycat, by Peggy Rathmann is a charming tale of a desperate little girl try-

ing to win approval from her peers in her new school. Ruby copies her new friend, Angela, in every conceivable way from her red hair ribbons, daisy patterned purple sweater, and rainbow colored sneakers. Angela grows resentful of the imitation and responds in a hurtful way. Wounded, Ruby dries her eyes and switches her focus onto the teacher, Miss Hart, and begins the same pattern. Gently and patiently, Miss Hart encourages Ruby to express her own individuality. Ruby finds acceptance and true friendship by being herself in her own funny, unique way. It’s the first day of school and Cassie is all set to go and her dog, Marely, thinks he is going too! In the book by John Grogan, Marely Goes to School, this is every child’s dream of having their dog at school with them. Marley digs a tunnel out of the backyard and sniffs his way to school. As he roams the halls, he concocts lots of trouble: releasing mice in the science lab, stealing the basketball in gym class, and wolfing down hot dogs in the cafeteria. Marely eventually finds his best friend, Cassie, as well as action and adventure in an academic setting too!

A Bottomless Pit of Goodness By Jen Mowad Sterile bandages? Check. Hand wipes? Check. Trail mix? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Antibiotic ointment? Check. Water? Check. Extra pair of underwear and socks? Check. No, sadly this is not my camping or hiking checklist, this is an inventory of the items in my handbag, and yes, these can be found in my monstrous Mom-purse any ol’ day of the week. It’s my keeper of goodies, my stash of distractions, my satchel of secrets, and my warden of sanity. I have the ultimate Mom-purse, and I’m beyond proud of it. I’m a sure-thing if you’ve got items to check off on a scavenger hunt; hunt me down and I guarantee I’ve got a bobby pin or nail clippers in my bag. And don’t think my toddler and preschooler are unaware of the adventure awaiting them just by emptying the contents of my voluminous bag. You can see the gleam in their eyes as they part the openings and extend their chubby little arms into its depths, the unknown treasures buried deep within call for them to explore and expunge. Now, if you’re picturing my Mom-purse a beat-up version of your Grandmother’s purse, think again. There is no faux tan leather here, no brass buckles or massive zippered compartments. Nowadays, every designer and house of couture has a line of oversized handbags, and every celebrity and her sister sports a purse the size of carryon luggage. After searching stores and websites and finding nothing that fit my needs, I discovered a website of all things handmade, Etsy.com, and spent hours creating my perfect Mom-purse with one of the designers. I had a list of necessities that correlate with my maternal lifestyle such as numerous inner and outer pockets, a strap that can be long or short, and washable fabric that will withstand the inevitable sippy cup leakage. The handbag I ultimately chose meets all my requirements and is reversible, so I get to enjoy a funky cream and orange bird print or a cream and brown damask print depending on my mood. Between the

hip print of my bag and the fact that sixteen year old celebrities parade around with handbags the size of their torsos, I feel like my bag fits both my early-thirty-something age and my busy-mom lifestyle. Now you may be wondering who benefits the most from this massive bag of goodies and necessities, and most would assume it would be my kids. And to some extent, I do think they get the most use of my purse. It carries snacks and water, along with sunhats, diapers, hand wipes and the occasional sweatshirt, all which see consistent weekly use. But the person who most enjoys my Mom-purse is my husband. When we’re out and about, it has the ability to hold his wallet, cell phone, and sunglasses so his pockets can feel light and unencumbered. Never mind my lilting, numb shoulder, but hey, that’s another story. I should’ve known my husband would enjoy my graduation to a Mom-purse, as he’d mentioned more than once how muzch he adored his own mother’s purse when he was a boy. And honestly, my mother-in-law’s purse puts my purse to shame, even today, so I can appreciate the renown of her infamous purse. She may not have toddlers, but her handbag contains everything that anyone from her grandchildren to her ninety year old father could ever possibly require. That woman is a walking emergency kit and you’d better hope you’re near her in the event of a real emergency. As I clean out my Mom-purse this afternoon, I am led to recall the events of my past week. Ticket stubs to the county fair, a crayon drawing made while in the doctor’s office waiting room, six and a half goldfish crackers, and a ball of twist-ties made by my toddler during our last trip to the grocery store (which diverted a screaming tantrum and allowed for a quieter experience for all shoppers, for which you can thank me later), and I realize that my mom bag is not only full of all the things that make my life with kids easier, but it holds the things that remind me how full my life is with kids. And it occurs to me that maybe that’s why my mother-in-law still carries around her Mom-purse.

Photo by Mary R. Vogt

By Gina Carmen Turley Today, a woman has many choices when she decides o be liberated. Back a few years ago a woman’s “liberation” may have come from having more jobs available to her than a mom and wife. Maybe the choice to get out of her marriage may have been a fight worth fighting for and still may be. In today’s world, the new women’s movement has some of the olden ways and some of the new. It is the movement of the new “stay at home mom with a more balanced partnership in marriage.” Although a woman may have had some negative experiences back in the day with being a mom and a wife, she did have the respect as a mom or wife that today women must ask for. It is true, many women have come far in having choices in their career world. Yet the other truth we don’t hear about is many women do or want to choose motherhood and the art of homemaking as a career. The woman who chooses to be a mother and educator and homemaker while also finding a way to provide for her family is limited and looked down upon in our society today. The words “is that all you do” are common words from people who talk to moms these days. And yet more

and more children are turning to drugs, sex, and crime and/or becoming little adults with their packed schedules so mom or dad can work and the kids can get “socialized”. Nature is less of an option for children and socialization is more about how many people your kids are around in a day than how much they are really learning and dealing with emotions, relationships, and getting along. Motherhood has been replaced by an overworked woman who has pressures to find a way to occupy her child other than nurture her child and find ways to co-operatively work with her husband or partner so they find time to maybe see one another sometime during the week. And everyone is too busy to get to know themselves or one another. For those women who are looking to be “liberated” from the career that takes their life away and keeps them busy looking for a class or workshop on relationships or how to talk to their teenager, there is hope. I, among other women in San Luis Obispo county, are among the many mothers in the country who are standing proud for our life as mothers, wives, and homemakers. Motherhood and being a wife is not a Christian

Continued in LIBERATED, page 11

Onset By Kathy Bond My stomach plummets to the floor when my daughter tells me over the phone, shattering my peaceful Sunday morning that she needs cancer surgery. I thought “Take me.” Why is she the one who got the gene? Her grandmother, who she looks like, died from this 50 years ago-at the same age--mid 40’s. I tell my self that modern medicine’s found some answers in the interim. But, it still kills, and she’s our child, with children of her own and this disease doesn’t respect family needs and dreams. Fear freezes respirations and I can barely breathe.

She has surgery. Her port site infects. We visit and the priest, surgeon, microbiologist and discharge nurse appear. One of the doctors, also a survivor, relates that she lost 30 lbs. and her hair on chemo. They leave and I bathe her; I soak her feet and we share a joke about men. Our granddaughter answers the phone at home and tells a telemarketer--she spits the words out with the rattle of a machine gun-her mother can’t come to the phone because of breast cancer-her way of coping. Now, three years later, our daughter receives good checkups. You know it’s changed everyone’s way of thinking about life and death.

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Body&Soul

Women’s Press | September & October 2009 | [email protected]

Spirituality Matters

Casino Spirituality

It Is All About Choice By Heather Mendel Having just returned from an enjoyable and enlightening trip to the Balkan Peninsula, I am conscious of the importance of choosing to let go. Visiting the countries of the former Yugoslavia, the hope and aspirations for a better future were as tangible as the physical evidence of past conflicts, recent and ancient. The wounds from the recent homeland war in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Albania were still fresh, both in the physical landscape and the hearts of the people. Geopolitical boundaries are permeable and shift while ethnic divisions remain deeper than any marks on a map. As visitors, we are reminded of the ethnic pain suffered over the globe in faroff lands and close to home. Whatever our own ethnic background, we feel each other’s pain and are reminded of our own familial stories. What do we do with our own historical and ethnic pain? What to we pass on to the next generation? With the blessing of an education, we realize that we have choices. We can teach our children not to forget and at the same time to for-

give, as we forge a new pathway forward. Our challenge is to find ways of releasing the past instead of living in it in the present moment. The Balkans are a complex interweaving of histories, ethnicities, and cultures. Visitors marvel at medieval walled cities, now vibrant with internet cafes and people sipping coffee and chatting on cell phones. Museums are filled with ancient weaponry and swords— instruments of death, irrespective of their beautiful mother-of-pearl and inlay designs, for those deemed different. Just as buildings of ancient stone, partially destroyed by earthquake or human greed and fear of the ‘other’ can be left to accent the landscape, they are also used to rebuild new lives and start anew. Can we each learn to take past memories, remnants scattered over the terrain of our individual inner landscapes, and build something new, creative, and hope-filled? By letting the past go, we can become conscious in the present moment and build a new and different future of mutuality, respect, and celebration of diversity. It is challenging, possible, and worth our striving.

The Greatest Prayer

By Ruth Cherry, PhD Some say our greatest prayer is “Thank you.” It’s a prayer available to us when we are overwhelmed. It’s a prayer we can choose when we feel hopeless. It’s a prayer which thrusts us from a perceived position of victim to one of partner. Saying “Thank you” empowers us. We actively choose to engage in the current situation knowing that God works beneath the surface. We willingly cooperate although we can’t say how or with what. We simply declare, “I am available and I trust.” And then we pay attention. We always know that we are protected. We prefer to move to the level of solution rather than wallow at the level of problem. Power lies in that choice, and we own our power when we say, “Thank you.”

Choosing to align with the flow in the Universe reflects our awareness of our oneness. We are one, but when we say “Thank you,” we acknowledge it consciously. We release our struggle and any resentment or frustration. We relax and exhale and let it be. “Thank you. For whatever is right now, thank you.” Ruth Cherry, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in San Luis Obispo, CA. Her specialty is midlife when psychological and spiritual dynamics merge. The power of the unconscious at midlife to heal and to transform is tapped in meditation. Besides writing about meditation, Ruth leads guided meditation groups weekly. Her web site is midlifepsychology.com.

Knowledge Is Power… Unless It’s Not By Jill Turnbow I used to love the expression, “once you know better, you do better.” It opens a floodgate of forgiveness opportunities and justifications for the past. But I find it not always true. In the last several years, I’ve learned a lot of things. My knowledge has grown by leaps and bounds. And now that I know better, I don’t seem to be doing better. For example, I KNOW Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia is not good for me, yet I continue to seek it out. I know that a nice walk in the sunshine can brighten my mood, yet I crawl back into bed. I know getting angry doesn’t help a situation, and yet sometimes I seethe. And when depressions strikes, nothing I know seems to bring light to the dark corner I’ve created for myself.

Being self-aware does not seem to rouse me into action. Knowing is not doing it for me. And I am normally a “doer,” probably because keeping busy leaves no time to contemplate. When given time to ponder and muse on life’s circumstances and my inner being, I crater. And then “doing” is not possible. It’s as if my brain has created its own off/on switch that requires a secret code. And the trouble is, I know the code, I just can’t throw the switch. Throughout the years, I’ve read enough self-help books to realize I’ve only helped the authors. But I did learn a few things I hold dear. I learned I can make a choice to face each day with joy and a smile. I know I create my own universe and consequences. I know the solution is within me. And I know the next person that reminds me of that fact is going to get a verbal smackdown. That much, I do know. Maybe it’s hormones.

Part 2

By MaryAine Curtis If you’ve been practicing all these years to be conscious and aware, the time has come to know the dress rehearsal is over. We are on stage now, and if you’ve forgotten your lines, you will have to wing it. Marianne Williamson is one of my personal mentors and has inspired me for many years. I wanted to meet her in person, so I drove to a big Reno casino. Her familiar opening prepared me for inspiration; however this message was about world affairs, religious wars, and hunger and had a bit of an edge. Marianne’s message was crisp, to the point, and commanding. Grow up and stop fighting about what doesn’t really matter. Whether you are being passive or aggressive makes no difference. Get over yourself. Collectively we have lowered the bar on education, values, integrity, morality, and ideals. We’ve come so far we are going backwards. How many workshops have you been to that raised your vibration exponentially and then a month or so later, you’re back in the same place? It’s an inside job so let’s commit to action. If you want something to change, initiate the change in yourself first. “Be the change you wish to see” (Gandhi). We agree about getting into action and out of complacency. Complacency is a cancer of the soul. Isn’t it time to release denial and let go of the band aid? It’s time to stop going ‘lalalala’ and sticking your head in the sand. It’s time to stop justifying unacceptable actions and using proverbial crutches to stay tuned out of life. We have people starving in America. We have working people that have lost their homes and are living in parking lots and tents while they maintain their jobs. Some are not so lucky and the company closed and took their retirement. Do they even have a tent? We as a nation have to come out of any trance that has enabled us to ignore the hard facts of what is happening in our country and world. The time of the 60’s

through the 90’s and practicing to be functional is past and any comfy, idealistic American dream story has shifted. When we get out of the trance and face our fears, say it like it is, then we are less vulnerable to the terrorism that is undermining our life. It’s internal. We terrorize ourselves and we see it outside of us as a group vision perpetuated by the media. Notice if the things that you resist just happen to be the things that keep showing up in your life. “It’s not up to you whether you learn, it’s up to you whether you learn from joy or pain” (Course in Miracles). The question is: how do we all mature in our life and communicate consciously even if we are scared to speak up? Try it.. Can we be aware that we all really want the same thing? The need for food and shelter for our family is universal. It’s time to move beyond our fears and take action within ourselves first and discover who we are. What are my values and am I living them? When we know this, then we can take it to those in this world. I was simultaneously applauding and also wanting the warm and fuzzy everything is gonna’ be ok feeling. This was a call to action, a demand to grow up and quit pretending everything is ok. It’s not. We have to mature, be accountable for our fellow man, and take care of the children’s need for food for the mind and body. We have to stop waiting for someone else to take care of it. We have to make what we need to happen together, now. Say yes. One person can make a difference; a hundred people can move mountains. A thousand people….miracles. If you’ve been practicing for years then you are ready to show up fully expressed allowing your full light to shine for all of us. That’s how we learn from joy. The curtain is up. MaryAine Curtis (Cherry) Emissary of Change www.return2joy.com Now in San Luis Obispo.

Body&Soul

September & October 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press

7

The Cycle of Fasting By Tricia Wolanin

Is There Time to Listen to the Messages? By Judythe Guarnera Important messages are coming at me as fast as a toddler can get into trouble. My recent birthday unceremoniously dumped me into the next decade of my life – the seventies. So, as I sit at my computer on this coastal Sunday afternoon, I am busy planning how I want to spend the last trimester of my life. I very much value the volunteering I do­—ten years as a mediator for Creative Mediation and RSVP and six years as a Senior Peer Counselor. At this time of major program cuts for non-profits who serve our community, volunteering is critical to maintain services for people in need. I would be remiss if I did not point out that volunteering has as many rewards for the volunteer as it does for the recipients. One benefit is the friendships I have with my fellow volunteers, outstanding, talented people. Another is the opportunity for gaining new information and skills that add to my goal of connecting through communication. Several months ago our Senior Peer Director gave us an article on joyfulness. In a study of one hundred people who described themselves as happy, some had major health problems, others had grave financial problems. The author of the article indicated that we are born with a certain type personality, with some of us being more or less joyful by virtue of birth. That’s not all of it, though. Each time we react joyfully (or not), we imprint a neural pathway in our brain. The more frequently we respond cheerfully or joyfully, the more we strengthen that neural pathway. If the joyful pathway is stronger than the negative pathway, the individual will more and more frequently, as the pathway strengthens, respond in a positive or joyful manner. Now, I consider myself a positive person, and I think most of my friends and my family would say that I respond positively more often than not. But, when I told my husband, Steve, that I wanted to become more joyful, his response was not particularly positive. He indicated that lately he had noticed me responding in a negative manner more frequently than usual. I jumped right in with a challenge—“Give me some examples.” Steve jumped right on that challenge. “Remember last night when we sat down to dinner and you complained that you kept finding cold spots in the casserole. I offered to reheat it in the microwave for you, but you preferred to sit there and be unhappy.” He was ready with one more. I have always been a worry-wart about money. Someone had given us a shredder, more expensive and far superior to our old one. The first time I used it, I missed some staples and stripped the gears. I was angry at my carelessness. Steve replaced the shredder, but I couldn’t let go of my unhappiness about wasting money and adding to the waste at the landfill. I appreciated Steve’s examples, as the importance of working on positive thinking took on more meaning. The message from the article on joyfulness and his observations convinced me that I had

another important goal for my last trimester. I know it will take time to strengthen the positive/joyful reaction pathway in my brain. It helps to realize that positive thinking will increase my ability to communicate and connect with people. For several years I have been looking for positive connecting opportunities. Most of the time these take as little as a minute or two. One day I had just parked my car when I noticed an older gentleman in the parking lot struggling to get a large box into his trunk. A young woman got out of her car, approached him and offered to help. He responded abruptly, “No, I’m fine.” Her face fell and she hurried back to her car. I approached her open window and said, “I really appreciate you offering to help that man. You must feel sad that he didn’t respond well.” Her face lit up and she uttered an appreciative “Thanks.” That connection made both of us happier. My photographer friend, Dennis Young can’t walk out his front door, enter a room, or walk down the street without connecting with those in his path, with his warm and charming personality. He is always in the business of making friends, although he enjoys those encounters too much to call them work. I am convinced he is an excellent photographer because he genuinely likes and is interested in people. Seeing his happiness and how it impacts others, I realized that he was giving me another message I needed. It was time to ramp up my connecting activities. Today I had some lab work done. By the time I left the room, the two technicians and I were all smiling broadly, and I believe, genuinely feeling happy. We knew each other’s names, felt supported and appreciated and all it took was a few minutes of “Dennis behavior.” When I see how little effort it takes, it is fun to try to create at least a small oasis of happiness in the day of those with whom I come in contact. Sometimes, though, just like with the older man’s curt rejection, my efforts seem to have no effect. I feel sad when the other person doesn’t show any acknowledgment. My sensitive and caring big brother (also in his last trimester) gave me the cure for that one. He suggested that I just pat myself on the shoulder and say, “Good girl, Judy.” He’s right; my body/brain doesn’t care whether it is the other person or me who responded. Once that little act of validation occurs, I can go a step further in positive thinking. Since I don’t walk in anyone’s shoes but my own, I have no way of knowing what it going on in that other person’s life. Recently, my good friend, Donna had a “Juicy Crone” party to acknowledge my 70th birthday. The wonderful and caring people in my Senior Peer Counseling group and their significant others helped celebrate. This event was another time when I was served another serious dollop of joy and a sense of awakening. My friends and I in our mid to last trimesters are not dried-up old crones. We are seasoned, experienced, educated woman who choose to spend our remaining years loving, communicating, connecting, learning to be more joyful and more positive and hopefully enriching the lives of those with whom we interact. No matter how busy you are, take the time to listen to those messages.

I have started a 10 day cleansing, currently at Day 3. It was a tradition I started four years ago, though not always fulfilled to completion. Cleanses have existed for me as a means to mark the end of a phase and progression towards the next goal. This current cleanse will mark my return towards being a pescatarian (only a seafood omnivore). At a recent wedding, as I ate Filipino pork filled lumpia and General Tso chicken, an old roommate asked “You eat meat now?” As I devoured the meal, I answered quickly “Yes, for the past year.” I could not help but think “Why am I still eating meat?” For the past fifteen years of my life, ten have been pescatarian. I have identified myself by my dietary constraints, but there have been cycles where I strayed. Previously I had eaten meat because I could not afford the pescatarian lifestyle. Most recently I had begun to add meat to my diet because of becoming frequently ill with colds and flus. I thought my protein dosage could be supplemented easily by meat. The push from my chef fiancé was also a driving force to become an omnivore. As this simple ques-

tion was asked, I realized if we have strayed from our goals, it does not mean that those goals cannot be reestablished. I knew that I had accomplished this previous lifestyle, and I could return to it. I knew that if I started my 10 day fast, my body and mind would be prepared to be pescatarian again. In preparation for my return to pescatarian life, I felt a fast would scrub away the omnivore’s cravings. I have seen fasting as a metaphor for cycles in life. Prior to starting a fast, one needs a reason to begin. Generally this is because a behavior/lifestyle had increased to the point of gluttony. A goal was then set. A fast occurred, which entailed a limited period of sacrifice that is endured in hopes to attain a goal. Yet, most people who fast generally do not engage in this cycle once. The fast cycle is repeated. We have fallen or strayed from our goals temporarily, due to the fact we are human, but we can return stronger. Fasting is a metaphor of the cycle of straying from who we are, to what we have become, to where we want to be. What is your goal? What type of fast will you engage in to achieve your goal?

Going to the Source Photo by Julia Freeman-Woolpert

By Inglis Carre’-Dellard, M.F.A. As we go through our daily lives, we are bombarded with images, colors, scents, sounds, and textures. We hurry along, our minds elsewhere, our senses registering huge amounts of information which is edited out if it is not immediately useful. This treasure of original experience that constitutes our worlds is the raw potentiality that could transform a muted creative output into something that really sings. Magic is all around us and also within us. Our inner self is like a huge storehouse of images, symbols, feelings, archetypes, and memories. This archive contains elements of our lives all the way back to our birth and back further in the form of genetically imbedded information. What happens to this abundance of raw materials when we enter our studio or workshop with the intention of creating “Art” or “The Great American Novel,” or some other great thing? Do we use them as fuel for our creative fire, or do we leave them outside the door? Do we end up with work that is a soaring aria about the elements of our world and how they deeply touch us? Or is the result of our labors more like a little jingle about the work of another artist, or another period of art history, or an exercise from art school ? There is much we can do to increase our absorption and utilization of sensory materials from our physical surroundings. We can begin by making notes about the multitude of large and small things we encounter every day. These notes can be written descriptions, or sketches, or pictures torn from magazines and pasted into a notebook. In addition to visual samples, we can

collect information about interesting sound effects, music, scents, weather, and lighting conditions. We can change our point of view by looking very closely at tiny things. By making a window with our hands we can isolate a particular view in the distance, or by moving up close we can isolate parts of large things and uncover exciting possibilities for new subjects and compositions. This process will require a slowing down and focus of concentration—something most of us would welcome in our lives. The more difficult, but also more rewarding part, of our journey of discovery is the exploration of our inner landscape. This is where thoughts and feelings live that are triggered by elements of our environment and subconscious. How do you feel when you see a torn piece of paper scurrying along in front of the wind? Or a flock of white gull catching brilliant sunlight off their wings as they turn and wheel in the sky? What do you think is the meaning of the people and animals that populate your dreams? When we create from a need to express our feelings and question the discoveries we have made from encounters with our world, we create something that has a quality of freshness. This compelling presence prompts a new awareness in the viewer and a new way of seeing. We have created art. Inglis Carre’-Dellard, M.F.A. is a Los Osos artist and teacher whose teaching style emphasis individuality and self expression in a nurturing environment. For more information on individual counseling or her fall creative process classes in Los Osos, San Luis Obispo, and Pismo Beach contact her at ingartist@yahoo. com or (805)534-9693.

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LocalPerspectives

Women’s Press | September & October 2009 | [email protected]

By Berta Parrish

Unsung Heroine

Marie Brinkmeyer Matching People with Opportunities

Japan: Where the Public Option Works Great

I left the interview with Marie Brinkmeyer singing, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match. Find me a find. Catch me a catch,” a popular song from Fiddler on the Roof. Not only do the lyrics describe her lifework, but the upbeat rhythm and unflappable optimism describe her philosophy of life. What keeps her so hopeful in these troubling times? As the Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Central Coast, Marie is constantly witnessing successful partnerships, connecting over 1500 volunteers to the needs of 300 organizations, agencies, and nonprofit groups in San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara Counties. Not surprisingly, the approximately 200,000 hours annually contributed by RSVP members result in millions of dollars for the community. Marie’s greatest pleasure is marrying the desires of the person to those of the organization. “I enjoy the openness of this effort,” she says. “We are open to anyone over 55, no particular skills or experiences are required. We’ll find the site and the activity that’s best for their availability, talents, and interests. We’re here to help both the volunteer and the organization thrive.” Three life experiences in particular make Marie the best match to direct RSVP’s mission. She brings administrative expertise from working over thirty years in human resources in hospital and business settings throughout California. Additionally, she developed patience and empathy from raising ten of her own children plus six stepchildren and from keeping up with thirty

SAN LUIS OBISPO

grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Nevertheless, she believes that her grandmother was the most influential in her career choice. “My grandmother’s house was known throughout the Hobo Jungle as a place to go for a good meal. She shared soup and bread with whomever came to the back door.” From her grandmother’s example, Marie learned that it feels good to help others. Sixty years later, she is still benefiting from this lesson, just like the RSVP members who discover that those who volunteer live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Our local RSVP is part of Senior Corp, a national volunteer recruiting and placement agency conceived during Kennedy’s presidency. It currently links more than 500,000 Americans to service opportunities through its three programs—Foster Grandparents, RSVP, and Senior Companions. Along with AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America, Senior Corps is under the newly formed Corporation for National and Community Service which provides Americans of all ages and backgrounds opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. Marie’s daily tasks of helping others make a difference in their community while helping the community make a difference in the lives of its citizens would make anyone feel good and hopeful. She is indeed a Matchmaker who, like the marriage broker in the song, will look through her book and make a perfect match. If you’re interested in volunteering with RSVP, call (805) 544-8740 or visit http://www.rsvpcentralcoast.org/.

Near Downtown Deluxe Continental Breakfast Pool & Spa Fitness Room Guest Laundry Suites

2050 Garfield Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Toll Free: 800.544.7250 805.549.9911 Fax: 805.546.0734 SUPPORTERS OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS!

Photo by Asif Akbar

By Susan Goya Could it be? Was I really listening to the pleasant song of birds? Looking around the hospital, I saw birdcages affixed to the walls every twenty feet or so. Well, that’s different. So began my first visit to a Japanese hospital. Over the years I would visit general practitioners, optometrists, dentists, obstetricians, and pharmacists in public, private and church-run facilities, but that was the only time I listened to finches singing while waiting to see the doctor.. The media is full of assertive statements based on unexamined assumptions about what a “government -controlled” plan must certainly imply. Government administration is not necessarily bad. I lived in Japan for nearly twenty years. Patients in Japan, even foreigners like myself, can choose to be privately insured or join one of the two public options available. I started out with a private health insurance company, but I joined the Japanese National Health Insurance plan as soon as I could. All Japanese citizens automatically qualify. Japanese National Health Insurance is affordable. Self-employed people pay the monthly premium out of pocket. Employers withhold the premium from employees’ salaries at around 4%. Considering a median $50,000 salary, the premium comes

to about $166/month for a family. The insurance covers 70% of the bill; the patient pays 30% out of pocket. Patients happily pay 30% of a far smaller total bill than they would in America. In the case of childbirth, the local city hall reimburses families that 30%. In fact, on April 14, 2008, National Public Radio wondered if health care in Japan was too cheap. Because health insurance premiums are withheld from income, Japanese people naturally pay slightly higher taxes than what they would without premiums. Even so, most Japanese people do not consider the additional tax to be burdensome. In fact, most people pay total income tax of no more than 20% (about 15% for the sum of national, prefectural, and municipal taxes) plus the 4% for health insurance). A rate of 19% compares favorably to American tax rates. Think of it. For approximately the same tax burden Americans bear, the Japanese have their health care premiums included. The American public option would likely increase American taxes, but that increase would be more than offset by the elimination of punitive health insurance premiums. Furthermore, medical bills would decrease because there would be

Continued in JAPAN, page 14

DayWithCreativeWomen

September & October 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press

9

presents

A Monthly Series of Spiritual Workshops

Save the World Temple Beth David, 10180 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo Third Thursday of Each Month • 7-9 pm • $20 Contact [email protected] or (805) 541-6874 for more information.

Day With Creative Women

Thanks for a Beautiful Day! September Workshop

Clare B. Lowery L.Ac. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle Guidance San Luis ObiSpa 4115 Vachell Lane San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-541-6772

October Workshop

Hula

Heart: Open

Hula is the soul of Hawaii expressed in motion. No one knows its exact origins but Hawaiians agree that the first hula was performed by a god or goddess which makes the dance a sacred ritual. Some believe the hula was only danced by men, but legend and historical sources tells us both men and women danced. Hawaiian hula is unique and totally different from other Polynesian dances. Although it began as a form of worship during religious ceremonies, it gradually evolved into a form of entertainment. Kumu Hula (teacher of Hula) Sylvia Hambly and Andrene Kaonohiokala KaiwiLenting, members of Hula Halau Na Mele O Ke Kai Halau (hula school), will share history and evolution of this expression of aloha as well as give basic instruction in hula.

Come experience yourself in a new way and allow gentle guidance along a pathway of your creativity, delight and innocence. This is the ‘heart open’ play space where one remembers play, wonder , fun and joy. A lesson, poem, visualization and coloring wands will be part of the adventure. All that is required: • Desire. • A copy of a picture of your young self under 10 yrs. if possible.

Sylvia Rodriguez Hambly began the study of hula as a pre-teen in southern California and began performing professionally at the age of 15. Sylvia has been very involved with halau Na Mele o ke Kai (Song of the Sea) as an instructor, business manager, and now, director of the halau. Her instruction is dedicated to proper hula technique so that the tradition of hula is not lost and can be enjoyed for years to come.

MaryAine Curtis (Cherry) Emissary of Change, internationally known presenter has recently relocated her office to Toro St. in SLO. Guiding people to be “fully expressed, actively being in life”, is her calling and joy. For info check out www.return2joy.com. Release, Believe, Inspire.

Andrene Kaonohiokala Kaiwi-Lenting, of Hawaiian-Portuguese-Chinese decent, has danced hula for most of her life. While growing up in Southern California, her main kumu (teacher) was her mother. Fortunately, Andrene’s parents immersed her into the Hawaiian culture, encouraging music and dance even when so far away from their home, Hana, Maui. Andrene traveled throughout California performing at cultural festivals and events prior to moving to San Luis Obispo in 1984. Dancing on occasion for family functions only, she recently joined Na Mele o ke Kai in Morro Bay and has reunited with the Hawaiian language through mele (song) and hula.

Bring a friend! “What surprisingly wonderful experiences I’ve had with your work.” G.S. “She was such a joy to listen to and work with I found myself using what I learned immediately and I’m very happy with how things are changing for me.” R.A.

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CreativeWomen

Women’s Press | September & October 2009 | [email protected]

Angelo’s Spaghetti By Phibby Venable I am here for donuts, but today Angelo is pushing spaghetti. He is ill with the waitress, the appliance man, the wife, and mostly himself, for cooking too much spaghetti, so that now he is cooing it like a common hawker, words falling from his mouth like a forgotten language, his rage held behind the windshield of his deep eyes. His father is coming for lunch, passing through a city of window seats, his long face ready with judgment. Already he has placed Angelo in exile. It was the white wine yesterday. His father suggested he donate it to the synagogue for the dead, they had no preference in taste. Suddenly, there is a buzz at the back door. It is a young driver, asking where he should back his truck. Angelo suggests several unusual parking positions, most of them bodily impossible. He swears a dozen curses on the boy’s future and implies canine concoctions on his ancestors. The driver has no way of knowing that he is the one person Angelo had hoped to see. He is the white wine bought at a bargain and the narrow contempt of a father’s eyes. He is the rush hour on a bad day & a wife that refuses to come near the kitchen. Later Angelo offers him free spaghetti, as he whistles a love song his mother brought from Italy.

Mountain Women By Phibby Venable In the mountains women stash their grief in dough bowls and knead it on down to a comfortable size to be softened & beaten into cathead biscuits eaten and stored near the heart.

Where to find Women’s Press

Travel Safety Tips For Women Travelers

Choosing a Hotel By Dianne Tuttle, CTC Smaller is smarter: you want the staff to be familiar with guests and with you. The smaller the lobby, the more noticeable the loiterers. Aim for a well-trafficked street (neighborhood restaurants and late-night stores mean traffic, corporate offices mean darkness). Affluent residential areas tend to have more reliable transportation and fewer threatening street people. Room numbers should be written on the key envelope, not mentioned aloud or inscribed on the key--this way, anyone finding your key won’t have access to your room.

Look for a parking lot that is well lit and secure. Find out if there’s valet parking and if it will be available when you need it. Use it, even it costs a little bit more. Does the hotel gym have an attendant? Being alone and semi-dressed in the basement is not good for your health. Dianne Tuttle has been in the travel field over 30 years and owns Academy Cruises & Tours and Academy Travel School “In The Creamery” 570 Higuera St. #225 in San Luis Obispo.If you have a travel question send an email to: [email protected] or call 805-781-2630 I’ll try and answer it in my next column.

All Libraries and the following exceptionally fine establishments! • NORTH COUNTY: Atascadero – The Coffee House and Deli, Starbuck’s at Von’s Plaza, Green Goods, Player’s Pizza, Harvest Health Food Store, North County Connection, Senior Center, Women’s Resource Center/Shelter Office, Curves. Paso Robles – Cuesta College North Campus, Café Vio, Curves, DK Donuts, Panolivo French Cafe, NCI Village Thrift Shop, Paso Robles Health Foods; Templeton – Twin Cities Hospital, Templeton Market & Deli, Affinity Chiropractic, Kinship Center, Jobella’s Coffee; Santa Margarita– Santa Margarita Mercantile. • NORTHERN COAST: Baywood – Coffee & Things; Cambria – Cambria Connection, Cambria Pines Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Gym One, Azevedo Chiropractic, Lilly’s, Alloco’s, Cambria Drug and Gift, Bob & Jan’s Bottle Shop, Linn’s, Donna’s Nail Salon, Cookie Crock, Rainbow Bean and Coffee Shop; Cayucos – Cayucos Super Market, Kelley’s EsPresso & Dessert, Ocean Front Pizza, Chevron Station, Mobile Balloons; Los Osos – Starbuck’s, Baywood Laundry, Cad’s, Carlock’s Bakery, Chamber of Commerce, Copa de Oro, Garden Café, Los Osos Deli Liquor, Volumes of Pleasure; Morro Bay – Backstage Salon, Coalesce Bookstore, Coffee Pot Restaurant, The Rock, Southern Port Traders, Sunshine Health Foods, Two Dogs Coffee, La Parisienne Bakery. • SAN LUIS OBISPO: Broad St. Laundry, Cool Cats Café, La Crepes, Edna Market, Booboo Records, Creekside Center, GALA, Marigold Nails, Palm Theatre, Susan Polk Insurance, Utopia Bakery, Unity Church, Zoe Wells, Naturopath, Cal Poly Library and Women’s Center, Center for Alternatives to Violence, Chamber of Commerce, Cuesta College Library, EOC Health Services Clinic, HealthWorks, Healing Alternatives, Laguna Laundry, Linnaea’s, Monterey Express, Natural Foods Coop, New Frontiers, Nautical Bean, Outspoken Beverage Bistro, Phoenix Books, Planned Parenthood, West End Espresso & Tea, San Luis Obispo Housing Authority Office, SARP, The Secret Garden, SLO Perk Coffee, Spirit Winds Therapy, The Studio Fitness for Women, Uptown Cafe, Yoga Centre, Ahshe Hair Salon, Apropos Clothing, Soho Hair Salon, Hempshak, YMCA, KCBX, Salon on Monterey, Jaffa Café, Med Stop (Madonna Plaza), World Rhythm and Motion, Steynberg Gallery, Correa Chiropractic, High St. Deli, Sunset N. Car Wash, Jamaica You, United Blood Services. • SOUTH COUNTY: Arroyo Grande – Mongo’s, Act II Boutique, Central Coast Yoga, CJ’s Restaurant, Curves-AG, Cutting Edge, EOC Health Services Clinic, Girls Restaurant, Grande Whole Foods, Chameleon; Avila Beach– Avila Grocery, Custom House, Sycamore Hot Springs, Inn at Avila, Joe Mamma’s; Grover Beach – Back Door Deli, Cindi’s Wash House, Nan’s Pre-owned Books, Therapeutic Body Center, 30-minute Fitness; Halcyon – Halcyon Store; Nipomo – Anna’s Creekside Coffee House, Healing Touch Spa, Curves, La Placita Market, Healthy Inspirations, World Gym, Trendy Sister Salon, Senior Centers; Pismo Beach – Honeymoon Café, Pismo Athletic Club, RETurn to JOY!; Shell Beach – De Palo & Sons Deli, Seaside Cafe, Steaming Bean. • SANTA MARIA: Café Monet, Hunter’s Landing, Library, Curves on Main and on Broadway, Lassen’s. • ORCUTT: Loading Dock, Oasis Spa.

Central Coast Book & Author Festival Book lovers from around the county are eagerly awaiting this year’s Central Coast Book & Author Festival, which takes place October 4th in San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza. The festival is a fund-raiser for the Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries and benefits library programs such as the county-wide Children’s Summer Reading Program. The event will feature free author presentations including workshops, panels and readings, at several venues in and nearby Mission Plaza. A complete event schedule will be posted at www.ccbookfestival.org two weeks prior to the event. Over 50 exhibitors are booked for this year’s event, including publishers, nonprofit organizations, and authors from a broad range of genres including historical non-fiction, women/gender studies, mystery, cooking, self-help, children’s, and young adult. There will also be children’s story time, live entertainment, and a raffle for a $500 cash prize. A highly-anticipated event at this year’s festival is the action-packed multi-media show featuring comic book super-hero, Spider-Man, which is made possible by Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab. There will be two shows at the San Luis Obispo City Library, where the famous web-slinging hero will share his love of books and reading with children and teens. The show is free, but tickets are required and are available at all county public library branches. A new art show will feature original art by approximately 20 local book illustrators and authors. The pieces, which will be on

display during the month of September at various county public library branches, will be available for viewing and for sale at the San Luis Obispo City Library on the day of the festival. There will also be an exhibit showcasing the art of bookmaking. The Central Coast Book & Author Festival features authors with books addressing a range of women’s issues. Heather Mendel is author of Dancing in the Footsteps of Eve: Retrieving the Gift of the Sacred Feminine for the Human Family through Myth and Mysticism. It is a contemporary mythic and mystical reading of biblical Eve which reveals her to be the hero who moves the human story forward. Berta Parrish, Ed.D is author of Wise Woman’s Way: A Guide to Growing Older with Purpose and Passion. The book stimulates and guides older women through the life-changing experience of turning 60, a resource that our youth-obsessed society lacks. B Lynn Goodwin’s book You Want Me to Do What? offers caregivers a means of self-care through journaling. According to Goodwin, journaling allows us to process stress and celebrate what is right. The book gives readers open-ended instructions on spilling your guts in the safety of a private journal and offers two hundred sentence starts to help you begin writing The Central Coast Book & Author Festival takes place Sunday October 4, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza. The event is free. For more information, visit www.ccbookfestival.org, call (805) 546-1392, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Voices

September & October 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press

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Mid-Life Psychology Life, work, children, friends, spouses, free time: How do you do it all? Sonya Ohhhh how do I do it? Not taking things too personally, smiling at my boss, taking a deep breath when things do not turn out like I want, and allowing life to flow around me. L ike I tell my six children: surf with life, go with the flow, and do not go against the current. By Ruth Cherry, PhD In our 20’s and 30’s we worked to develop competence in the world. We wanted to establish a place for ourselves and to prove our worth. We earned degrees, created and organized a home, and developed an identity around our roles. We were what we did. Our inner worlds may have been a bit fuzzy and incomprehensible but we focused on polishing our outer world facades and that was sufficient. But now in our 40’s and 50’s, it’s no longer enough. We have achieved some measure of success but, strangely, we’re dissatisfied and we can’t explain why. Nothing is wrong exactly, but nothing is quite right enough. We must have more and we must have it now. First we repaint the house. Then we buy that red sports car we’ve wanted for three decades. We may even quit our jobs and sail around the world. But something is gnawing at our souls and no matter what we “do,” we can’t assuage the restlessness. Very slowly it dawns on us that it isn’t a matter of “doing” at all. It’s time to “be” in a different way and we can’t willfully manufacture that. Then the enormity of this shift hits us and we realize that we’re not “in control” of anything any longer. We worked so hard in the first part of our lives to be “in control”—to push away those niggling doubts that we weren’t quite up to snuff, that we harbored some despicable vulnerability, and that not only did we not want to be known in all our nakedness, we didn’t even want to look at what lived inside us. By our mid to late 40’s, we’re way past choosing what we do or don’t want. The decision is out of our hands. Life has confronted us with the truth about who we truly are in the depths of our hearts. And it’s not pretty. We are not what other people see and we are not who we want to believe we are. Those demons that have been living in the shadows inside roar and demand that we acknowledge them now. We must feel the hurt from the childhood loneliness which we’ve pushed away with our life-ofthe-party act. We can’t escape the anger that still smolders. That seemingly bottomless pit of need and want waits for us and will not be covered over. Now is the time and our inner world is the place. Healing is finally possible. When we sit with those feelings that were terrifying fifteen years ago, we notice

that they are not as large as we had thought and not as long lasting and not as hardy as we are. In all these years we have developed a maturity and strength of character that allows us to confront our demons. And when we do, we see that in reality they are children­—babies who need to be nurtured, toddlers who want to be encouraged, and adolescents who deserve to be heard. We have made monsters out of our childhood wants and fears by ignoring them! But now in mid-life we can allow them to heal by seeing them, listening to their wants, and holding them while they cry. We will not be destroyed by these feelings now after we have cultivated our personal reserves of maturity and patience and trust. Now we can surrender to the Life process. Surrender is the key mid-life term. Through surrender—feeling whatever feelings come and accepting whatever situations arise—we find resolution. Our lifelong conflicts seem to melt away as we release our resistance. The crippling self doubt (and perhaps self hatred) loses its force. We are not kids any longer looking up to a bigger world. We are on top of our lives and not because of our efforts, but because we have relinquished efforting. The surrender we experience in mid-life opens us to partnership. We don’t have to be religious or think of ourselves as mystical beings. This process of integration that occurs (without our conscious assent) is a basically spiritual one. We reunite with parts of ourselves we have distrusted or feared and disowned and through this integration we find peace. We realize a creativity and an aliveness that we have not before known. We see opportunities that had been hidden when we relied upon our logic and suddenly we sense a loosening of limits. This process of integration happens only through surrender and only at mid-life. From that point on, this partnership with the larger whole, which we have established through listening to our inner worlds, guides our days. We are not alone. The oneness we experience inside is reflected by the oneness we experience with the world. And all this magic happens during midlife. Ruth Cherry, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in San Luis Obispo, CA.  Her specialty is midlife when psychological and spiritual dynamics merge. Her web site is midlifepsychology.com.

Jen Mowad Seriously? Who does it all and maintains their sanity? I do my best and meet the basic needs of my family. In a good week I get a lot accomplished and feel good, and in a bad week, at least we’re all wearing clean underwear and have decent food in our bellies and I can feel good about that too. Dorothy Segovia Instead of doing it all - I’m the single Aunt Dot who drops in and out of the kid scene at my discretion! Hooray for the women’s movement— and my lovely choice! Tricia Wolanin Over the years I have found it is difficult to balance these roles simultaneously. When all of these roles are juggled in the moment, they receive a frazzled me. I have learned to focus and dedicate time to each role ,so I can be fully present. I no longer answer every phone call, but return calls when I can truly be there to listen. Mindfulness is key. Jill Turnbow “Pretty simple. I started by not having spouses or children, and I work part-time. That leaves friends and free time. And that is my life. So I should stop complaining.”

Liberated Continued from page 5 value-- it’s a way of life for anyone no matter what religion they are. Work is also a part of the stay at home mom. The question of is that “all you do” can be answered with a no. Most of us believe in satisfying all of our life and go to school as well as homeschool our children and/or have a job that we do at home or away from home while we co-operatively work with our husbands or partners to raise our family. We also look to how we can improve our marriage and do not look for ways out of our marriage when it gets a bit tough at times. Although in the past many women needed a way out of their marriage, today many women need more support on how to keep their marriage strong while raising a family. Many women and men are taking the plunge into both being a part of their kids life and dealing with less money if they have to in order to have a more balanced life. The more support these families get, the more balanced our society is as a whole. It takes a village to make this happen and you cannot pay for this village. You have to create it. Life with family, children, and in marriage does not mean we are living in the stone-age as some may believe. In this day

Laurel White Drink lots of wine. Terry Brogno It’s important to recognize that you can’t do it all. Having said that, you need to prioritize what’s most important for you and your family. Nothing in life is perfect and no one should expect perfection, so ask for help and know that organization and good communication make life easier. At different stages of life, some things are more important than others. Younger children need more attention and time then at other ages, so their needs come first. Don’t neglect your relationship with a partner and never forget that friends are your lifeline. Women tend to overextend themselves. We should all find thirty minutes in a day to do something for ourselves. We may be having a cup of tea, a glass of wine or taking a bubble bath at midnight, but it’s important to find some time each day to breath deep and relax. Somehow we all do what we have to do, but there is a very old and dated saying that still stands true, “If mama’s not happy, nobody’s happy!” Jenny Ashley I don’t do it all. (I rarely cook, I barely clean. Family, job, friends and fun come first). Denise Gibbons I don’t. Unfortunately, the free time and friends get pushed to the back burner.

Next issue question: What are you most thankful for? E-mail responses to [email protected]

and age, it takes people looking for balance, commitment and family to stick together and work together to create a beautiful way of life. It is possible to still honor the woman you want to be and the mother you want to be. You do need support. Don’t let the “liberated woman” confuse you. A “liberated” woman is a free woman. If you want to stay at home or find a way to work and still educate your children, you can. It takes a village and we are a village when we believe in what we want and talk about it. It doesn’t take a second mortgage to be the mother or wife or part-time worker that you want to be. It takes courage and belief that whom you are as a woman is important and sacred no matter what the T.V. and magazines say or what you thought it meant to be strong. Strength is following what you know is right for you and your family. If that means wearing a dress and cooking and home schooling your children, then do it. Join me and others who are creating a co-op school in the fall where we all work together to teach our children in classes at people’s houses. You can choose 1 day a week or up to 5 days a week. We also are going to set up a support group for women who want support as a stay at home mother or home school mom. So e-mail or call today and let us know you need us because we all need a village!

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NOWNews

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Women’s Press | September & October 2009 | [email protected]

National Organization for Women The purpose of NOW is to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society NOW !

Coordinator’s Corner By Angie King I hope everyone saw the Tribune on August 26th last month – Women’s Equality Day! We took out a whole page ad, with the help of 2 AAUW branches, San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, and Code Pink, and celebrated 89 years of women voting. We have made a difference! The 19th Amendment passed in 1920, when the legislature in the last state needed to ratify it, Tennessee, passed the measure – by one vote! Think of all the changes women voters have made – better working conditions for women, an end to child labor, equal pay, equal inheritance rights, and the list goes on. And just last year, almost a woman president. But I ask, with 89 years of voting behind us, why don’t we have the ERA? The Equal Rights Amendment was first offered by Alice Paul in 1923 to codify women’s equality in the federal system, and it was reintroduced every year until 1972 when it passed Congress and was sent out for state approval. The ERA is the only US Amendment with a time limit for passage, and only 35 of the required 38 states did so by the deadline in 1982. There are some activists who feel the best chance of success is a clean start, and they have re-introduced a new ERA. In recent years, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) continues to re-introduce the ERA in Congress. However, there are others—those who cite considerable legal grounds for accepting later ratifications of the original Amendment as still timely. Fortunately, the two groups support each other’s position. Therefore, resolutions are also introduced each year to mandate this result, to encourage those states that have not yet ratified the ERA to do so. There has been some movement in some of the unratified states to complete the process. The fifteen states that have not ratified the ERA are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia. California ratified the ERA early on; after all, we had a state ERA in place that was the envy of feminists in many other states. However, we saw where that state protection went – out the window with

Prop 207! Whichever tactic you think better, I think we should insist the people we vote for support passage of either or both of these Congressional resolutions. See the statement by our new NOW president on this issue. The other topic I wanted to mention deals with self-esteem and the glass ceiling. We all know the stereotypical trait ascribed to women - that we underestimate our own abilities. The reasons are legion: from not being encouraged to think well of ourselves as children, to belittling parents, partners, or friends, to not wanting to outshine a potential “boyfriend,” or for any other of a million reasons. We fail to develop confidence and initiative, conflict management, teamwork, and other skills that translate into the workplace, according to a study at the University of New Mexico School of Management which was reported in the Tribune. It found a gender difference in reviewing the results of an industry standard assessment tool, where over 250 male and female managers from all over the country were asked to rate their own job performance, to ask supervisors and subordinates to rate them as well, and then to predict what ratings those people would give. Women were 3 times more likely than men to underrate their supervisors’ assessment by an average of 11% lower on the study tool. According to the study, the 11% figure shows a distinct gender difference in how women perceive how others perceive us, which researchers say could indicate why many women don’t rise to head companies or why there is the wage disparity between men and women (currently 78 cents to the dollar). The study concluded that managers should find better ways to communicate to female employees that they are valued, and women may need to learn how to better seek positive and critical feedback. Is this another view of the glass ceiling? October brings the Harbor Fest and our fundraising activity. We volunteer to handle one of many jobs that make the festival a success, and we get paid for it from the proceeds. If you would like to spend a couple of hours helping NOW at Harbor Fest on October 3 and 4, email us ASAP!!! You get into the festival free both days. And Morro Bay has perfect weather in October.

NOW Hails Reintroduction of the Equal Rights Amendment NOW President Terry O’Neill The National Organization for Women welcomes the reintroduction of the Equal Rights Amendment H.J.Res. 61. Lead sponsors are Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL). We applaud Rep. Maloney for her dedication and commitment in working tirelessly to help women achieve constitutional equality. Throughout the history of this country, women have faced systematic and purposeful discrimination. Women were conspicuously absent from the U.S. Constitution when it was drafted more than 200 years ago, and today, women still have no explicit legal guarantee of equal protection. While the 14th Amendment to the Constitution is commonly believed to be a source of protection for women, the amendment was not drafted to ensure legal protection from sex discrimination, and the 14th amendment does not provide women with sufficient legal remedies for sex discrimination. As such, we know the ERA must be ratified to ensure meaningful and lasting equality for all women. Women have been and continue to be

the disadvantaged subjects of a privileged male system. As a result, we face many more hurdles in the fight to attain consistent and non-prejudicial applications of justice in the legal system. The recent appointments of conservative judges throughout federal courts have compounded these difficulties. We hope that progressive leaders will join NOW to begin in earnest an important dialogue among our elected representatives, legal scholars, women’s rights advocates, and the public. This national dialogue should seek to determine the many ways in which an application of an equal rights amendment can resolve sex-based discrimination -- as it is much more than a problem of unequal pay and bias in hiring and promotion. In fact, the broadest possible application of this constitutional amendment is critically important as we go forward. The National Organization for Women has a long and intimate history with the ERA, having mobilized one of the largest grassroots advocacy campaigns in history in support of ratification during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. We can and will undertake the same effort as we believe that the time is long overdue for a constitutional guarantee of equality between the sexes.

NOW News Acceptance Remarks by Incoming National NOW President, Terry O’Neill: I am honored and humbled to begin serving you as president of the National Organization for Women with my sister officers. We take our charge seriously: We are here to serve you, the grassroots arm of the women’s movement. I share your vision of full equality and justice for all women and girls, and I pledge to modernize the women’s movement by tapping into the energy around the country and bringing more women to the sidewalks, statehouses and in-person and online forums where feminist dreams become reality. I will work tirelessly to strengthen the grassroots, collaborating with you every step of the way. I will support, empower and amplify the change you’re leading in your own community. I will also lead cutting-edge national action campaigns to demand the equality we deserve. Up immediately on the docket are campaigns to: • Build the feminist case for single-payer health care, including coverage for the full range of women’s reproductive services, so that every woman and girl, no matter her race or immigration status, has access to the health care that is her human right • Achieve equal marriage and full lesbian and queer rights nationwide, implementing a state-by-state, community-by-community strategy alongside national efforts to immediately repeal the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” • Pass the Equal Rights Amendment and ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) without the addition of harmful reservations, understandings and declarations (RUDs) I am committed to not just implementing, but also building, these campaigns with your input, expertise and vision for justice. Soon I will reach out with my team to tap your ideas and solicit your feedback. We are putting together new ways to communicate and connect with you, because we believe in the power of NOW, we believe in the power of you and we know your voice gives feminism the power to achieve full equality for every woman and girl! In sisterhood, Terry O’Neill

Do You want this Man Running the Army? On August 4, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved Obama’s nomination of Rep. John McHugh as Secretary of the Army with no opposition. McHugh represents New York’s 23rd Congressional District, which includes the large Fort Drum Army base, as well facilities owned by the nation’s largest defense contractor, Lockheed Martin. McHugh has typically received large campaign donations from Lockheed Martin employees, as well as from employees of other defense contractors, including Boeing and General Dynamics. However, he also worked to reduce women’s opportunities in the military by attempting to exclude women from positions where 17,000 Army women already were serving. He also opposed providing funds for abortions for military women and even voted against the Ledbetter (equal pay) bill. We were alerted to this nomination by Charlene Suneson, member of NOW since 1967 and currently the Military Women’s Issues Representative for Hollywood NOW, who points out: Since the National Organization for Women’s decision to support the Equal Rights Amendment in 1967, it has stood for equal rights and responsibilities for women. NOW has been on record since 1990 as explicitly opposing the exclusion of women from combat. This position was reiterated on December 23, 2008 when the National Organization for Women submitted Executive Action Proposals for Women to President-elect Obama which included “Remove the combat exclusion for women, permitting commanders to assign qualified troops where they are most needed without regard to gender, and permitting female service members who are in fact serving in combat (although it is not called ‘combat’ because of the exclusion) to receive the pay and benefits related to combat service.” Action: Contact Boxer and Feinstein and oppose this nomination for the above reasons.

Get Involved — Join NOW! San Luis Obispo Chapter National Organization for Women Every woman doesn’t have to join NOW, just the 142 million who are discriminated against! Name: _ ______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ City/St/ZIP: ___________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Regular Dues ….$40, Sliding Scale…..$15-39

Send your check and this form to

PO Box 1306 SLO, CA 93406 Chapter # CA 565 [email protected]

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September & October 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press

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Demand Health Care Reform NOW!

NOW Chapter # CA 565 PO Box 1306, SLO, CA 93406 SLONOW @ kcbx.net http://groups.myspace.com/~slonow

General Meetings 11573 Los Osos Valley Rd, #B, SLO

Single Payer Option: The House of Representatives’ health care bill (America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, H.R. 3200) still has a single-payer option although the Senate caved and took it out. The Education and Labor Committee approved an amendment offered by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, (D-Ohio) that would allow states to pass and implement single-payer plans. The amendment provides for automatic waivers from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which might otherwise prevent states from enacting single-payer plans. Now the challenge is to keep single payer in the bill when it goes to a floor vote. Your calls and emails to House members are critical to support retention of a state single-payer option in health care reform legislation. The Kucinich amendment must be retained in the final version of the House bill, H.R. 3200, and perhaps made even stronger. There is no time to waste. Pressure is needed directly on those members who have the ability to act in support of the amendment’s retention. The National Organization for Women adopted a resolution in 1993 that supports a single-payer type approach (Medicare for all) as the best way to control costs and cover everyone. Women, especially, will benefit from a single-payer system because all medically-necessary services are covered and the single-payer system’s approach is the only way to bring costs under control. No up-front deductibles would be required

and no exclusions for reproductive health care services would be allowed. Further news: An amendment to be offered by Rep. Anthony Weiner in committee that would establish a national single-payer system (H.R. 676) may take place before the floor vote, though we are not sure when and if this may come up. Insiders believe that the national single-payer plan has little chance of being adopted in a floor vote. Inclusion of Abortion Services: In mid-July, fifteen anti-abortion rights amendments offered by Republicans were narrowly defeated in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee as the committee marked-up health care overhaul legislation. One, offered by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), would have prohibited abortion coverage in a health care exchange for participants who receive government subsidized coverage. Another, offered by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), would have specified that federal health reform legislation could not override state laws on parental notification when minors seek abortion services. A second Coburn amendment was rejected that would have advanced a broad version of socalled “conscience” exemptions for health care providers with moral or religious objections to reproductive health care. On the House side, amendments that sought to prohibit health care plans— including a public plan—that participate in the proposed health insurance exchange from covering abortion services was defeated. The House Ways and Means Committee also approved H.R. 3200 after spurning dozens of Republican amendments, including several attempts to exclude abortion coverage from the essential benefit package created in the bill.

The topic of abortion coverage in health care reform has become red hot in recent days as abortion rights opponents have pressed the Democratic leadership to accept restrictions against abortion services in House legislation. A campaign of disinformation has been mounted by these groups, claiming the policies the Obama administration are pursuing “will result in massive public subsidies for abortion and result in a massive increase in the number of abortions.” Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), co-chair of the Pro-Life Caucus, has said that health care reform legislation should maintain restrictions on federal funding of abortion. Stupak was among a group of 19 conservative Democrats who sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in June threatening to vote against any reform legislation that does not specifically prohibit federal funding from being used for abortion services. Some observers believe that this heightened campaign against abortion rights has an ultimate goal of prohibiting private health insurance plans from covering abortion. A 2002 study found that 87 percent of employer-based health insurance policies covered ‘medically necessary or appropriate abortions’, while another study found that 46 percent of workers with health insurance had coverage for abortion. So, if abortion rights opponents win on prohibiting private insurance from including abortion coverage, millions of women will be affected. Anti-abortion rights groups are flooding members of Congress with thousands of calls, opposing any provision in health care reform that would permit the use of government funds to pay for abortion care as well as trying to stop private insurance coverage of these services. Please call or mail your representative and senators right away. Take action now!

Here’s some possible language to use:

Where to Write and Call

I appreciate your colleagues’ and your recent efforts to reform our nation’s failing health care system. But women’s reproductive health care coverage must be a part of any reform plan. Please do not bend to extremist pressure to prohibit coverage in a public option and to restrict private insurers’ current coverage for abortion services. This is the time to demonstrate courage and stand up for women’s fundamental human rights to receive needed and appropriate reproductive health care services. The campaign of intimidation of women, health care providers and elected officials over abortion and contraception must stop. Like all other health care services, decisions about women’s reproductive health care should be made by professional health care providers and their patients—not politicians. Please do not deny coverage of any reproductive health services, especially contraception, emergency contraception and abortion services.

Senator Barbara Boxer 112 Hart Senate Office Building, District of Columbia 20510-0505 Phone: (202) 224-3553 Fax: (202) 224-0454 Senator Dianne Feinstein 331 Hart Senate Office Building, District of Columbia 20510-0504 Phone: (202) 224-3841 Fax: (202) 228-3954

Reproductive health care is an important part of women’s health care; federal assistance for low-income women to access this care is crucial. I ask that you support a woman’s right to access all health services in any health care reform bill you support. Sincerely, Your constituent

Representative Lois Capps 1110 Longworth House Office Building, District of Columbia 20515-0523 Phone: (202) 225-3601 Fax: (202) 225-5632 Representative Kevin McCarthy 1523 Longworth House Office Building, District of Columbia 20515-0522 Phone: (202) 225-2915 Fax: (202) 225-2908

3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm

Calendar September 1: • Birthday Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii, 1838 September 4: • 1995, fourth UN world conference on women, Beijing, China September 6: • 1971, NOW adopts lesbianism as “a legitimate concern of feminism;” first national organization to do so September 15: • Four girls killed in Birmingham church bombing, 1963 September 15: • NOW regular meeting, 6 PM • Birthday Karen Horney, first to challenge phallocentric psychologists, 1885 September 20: • 1884 Equal Rights Party nominated women candidates for US president and vice president October 4-5: • Morro Bay Harbor Festival, NOW Fundraiser October 7: • Congress authorizes women in military academies October 10: • California women win vote, 1911 October 11: • Birthday of Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884 • National Coming Out Day October 15: • Love Your Body Day October 16: • Margaret Sanger opens first birth control clinic in US, 1917 October 17: • Birthday of Mae Jamison, 1st black woman astronaut, 1956 October 20: • NOW regular meeting, 6 PM October 26: • Birthday of Hillary Clinton, 1947

NOW Goals • Support reproductive choice • Work to eliminate ALL violence against women • Fight against sexual harassment • Encourage tolerance and diversity • Promote feminist issues • Commemorate Roe v Wade (January 22) • Celebrate Women’s Equality Day (August 26) • Participate in Farmer’s Market • Support feminist politics

14

CommunityBulletins

Bulletins K9s For Felines Walk Around The Lake The North County Humane Society invites you and your dogs to Canines for Felines in Atascadero. Saturday, October 3rd, from 7:00am to 1:30pm, bring your dog to the Atascadero Lake Bandstand for a walk around the park. Registration is $30 and includes a T-shirt and dog bandana. All pets must be on a leash. All proceeds benefit the North County Humane Society. For more info, call the NCHS at 466-5403.

Pet Bereavement Support Group

Detoxify Wellspring Health Services and Longevity Healthcare is offering a Wellspring Detoxification Workshop, Oct, 20th and 27th. These informative sessions are presented by Sandy Muran, a nutritionist and health educator. Both Tuesday sessions will be held at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort in Avila Beach from 6-9pm. Cost is $65 and reservations are required. A light dinner is included. Call 548-0987 by Oct.16th to register. For more info on toxin detoxification, visit www.longevityhealthcare.com.

Leap! The Movie To Be Screened in Atascadero Wendy McKenna, holistic healer and founder of the Global Alliance for Balance and Healing is hosting a screening of Leap!, the movie, Tuesday, September 15 at 6:00pm at the Atascadero Library. A discussion period will follow. Admission is $10.00 per person at the door with 100% of the profits donated to Global Alliance. For more information about Leap! visit www.leapmovie.com.

Blessing Of The Animals The North County Humane Society invites you to bring your pets to the Blessing of the Animals Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 10th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The NCHS is located at 2300 Ramona Road in Atascadero, just off the Del Rio Rd. exit. For more information, contact the NCHS at 466-5403 or visit the web site at: www. slonchs.org.

Book Publishing 1-2-3: From the Writer’s Fingers to the Reader’s Hands Curious about publishing? Join us for this “behind the scenes” glimpse at how a manuscript actually becomes a printed book. Led by longtime editor, Laurie Gibson, this talk will also include practical tips to help writers increase their chances of getting published, such as ideas for finding literary agents. The workshop will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7:00 p.m. in the conference room of the San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., SLO. The cost is $10 (no RSVP needed). Each attendee will receive a free professional evaluation of 10 pages of writing (hard copy). For more information, call (831) 6464610 or email [email protected].

The Global Alliance for Balance and Healing is offering free energy balancing sessions on Saturday, September 19, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. The free clinic will be held at Sierra Vista Hospital in the Auditorium, 1010 Murray Avenue, San Luis Obispo. Sessions are 25 minutes in duration and no appointment is necessary. All are welcome. Visit www.globalalliance.ws or call 805438-4347 to learn about energy balancing or other offerings from the Global Alliance for Balance and Healing. To coordinate a clinic in your area, e-mail Wendy McKenna at [email protected].

Classifieds Reiki Koki Ho Therapy Deep Relaxation Stress and Pain Relief Reiki Usui Certified Level 1, 2, and 3 Classes Julie McKenna RP/RMT 805-235-6283 [email protected] CCY 900E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande

SoulCollage Judy Mandler, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified SoulCollage Facilitator, will be presenting an exciting workshop in Arroyo Grande on Saturday, October 24. SoulCollage is a powerful combination of imagination and intuition using basic collage techniques to create a deck of cards. Your personal collages form a kind of visual journal and invite you to explore your inner self. No art experience is necessary! For further information about the October workshop, contact Judy Mandler at 805-927-2585 or email [email protected].

Living The Eternal Way: A Spiritual Training Course What is it we seek? We naturally want to be happy, to be successful, and to make a useful contribution to life. The “Living the Eternal Way” course, taught by Reverend Nancy Ballinger, provides the spiritual tools for turning our lives around in the direction of true fulfillment, and demonstrating how to prosper from the soul level in every area of our life. This course, based in the tradition of Kriya Yoga, is about discovering the best of who we are and being it. Classes are Thursdays, Sept. 3rd thru Nov. 19th, from 6:30pm-8:30pm, at the Awakening Interfaith Spiritual Community, 1130 Napa Ave. in Morro Bay. For more info, call 772-0306.

Calling All Highly Sensitive People - HSP’s I wanted you all to be aware of a large movement that is forming around HSP’s spearheaded by Dr. Elaine Aron (who did the research on HSP’s) and Jacquelin Stickland, LPC, HSP who has held many HSP gatherings here and in England. Go to www.lifeworkshelp.com/newsletter/ summer-09/index and scroll down to “Featured Highlights” to learn about HSP Gathering Retreats, a new HSP magazine (Tribe), and the HSP World Network that puts you in touch with HSP’s worldwide for conversation and travel. (Some of you may remember I prefer the term Highly Sensitive Nature because HSPerson suggests that it completely defines you; I’m using HSP here because that’s how it’s commonly known.) Barbara Atkinson is a spiritual and HSP mentor and can be reached at blisspapers@ gmail.com

Opportunity to Volunteer! Women’s Press is desperate for volunteers in San Luis Obispo and North County! We need a few people to committ to distributing papers in designated areas. This is a job that requires you to pick up papers at the WCC in San Luis Obispo and then distribute them in designated places in your area. You will need to restock papers usually twice a month (or more, depending on how popular the location is). It’s such a rewarding job: you get to distribute WP to your community, you get to meet local merchants, and you are helping a great organization. We are also looking for someone with a van/truck/large automobile to pick up Women’s Press at Cal Poly and deliver the papers to the WCC. This is a volunteer job that needs to be done only once every two months! That’s only 6 times a year!!! Please let Courtney Brogno know if you are interested by emailing [email protected]

Photo by Áron Balogh

If you’ve recently lost a cherished pet, the North County Humane Society invites you to a Pet Bereavement Support group offered at the Shelter the last Thursday evening of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The group is free to the public and lead by a professional Bereavement Counselor. The Shelter is located at 2300 Ramona Road in Atascadero, just off the Del Rio Rd. exit. For more information, please contact the Shelter at 466-5403 or visit the web site at: www.slonchs.org.

Free Energy Balancing Sessions in SLO

Women’s Press | September & October 2009 | [email protected]

Japan Continued from page 8 considerably less infrastructure to support. A public option is simply much leaner than what we have right now. More than 40% of premiums go to cover an insurance company’s overhead plus profit. Medical care costs are also higher than they need to be to cover the health care provider’s cost of dealing with private insurance companies. Clearly, health care consumers would realize substantial savings with a public option. The government of Japan does not stand between the doctor and the patient in any way. In fact, there is no feeling of government presence at all. Patients go to the doctor, the doctor orders treatment, patients pay their 30%, and go home all done with it. The closest thing to government intrusion is the government’s requirement that doctors and dentists participate in the government preventative health program by conducting free physical and dental screenings once a year in every elementary school, kindergarten, and preschool. The government also sends new parents reminder notices for free well-baby clinics. That’s the extent of government “interference.” The government never contradicts the doctor’s order or refuses to pay its portion for services or prescriptions. Although most health care facilities are privately owned, there are some public facilities. Doctors usually do not work for the government. They may be sole proprietors of their own hospital which may be quite small, sometimes with as few as four beds. I saw no dedicated out-patient facilities; every facility had the ability to take admissions (except optometrists and dentists). Wait times for service are about the same as in America. While many of the large hospitals offer comprehensive care, some hospitals are specialized. For example, a patient with heart disease may go to cardiac hospital. My maternity doctor had one of those little four-bed hospitals, several nurses, and a cook. His patients gave birth in the same familiar environment where they received

prenatal care. Doctors may also work for large hospitals. Patients may go to any doctor or specialist they choose anywhere in the country. A patient’s own residence is of no consequence. There is no such thing as a preferred provider network. Thus there is far more consumer choice in Japan than with America’s HMOs and PPOs. Hospital are generally full service, at least from the patient’s point of view. Patients do not go to a separate facility for labs or x-rays. If a doctor sent, for example, a biopsy sample to a pathology lab, the patient doesn’t receive a separate bill from the lab. There is no subcontracting of health services generating bills from all sorts of random providers. In the example of the pathology sample, the pathology lab bills the doctor directly who bills the patient. In the case of x-rays, there is no bill for taking the x-ray separate from a bill for reading the x-ray. If a hospital wants a second party to read an x-ray, the hospital pays for it, not the patient. It is crazy that an American hospital signs a contract with an outside radiologist committing a third party, the patient, to paying the contract. If a patient goes to a Japanese emergency room, the patient pays one bill, not multiple bills. Ditto for surgeries. One reason why the Japanese public option works is the lack of profit motive. Whether health insurance should ever be a for-profit business is a matter of debate. The profit motive creates an inherent conflict of interest; the higher the premiums and the less the company pays out, the greater the profits. It is in the company’s interest to collect premiums but deny benefits. American private insurance companies are fond of the current system because the patient must pay for decisions made by health care providers and insurance companies. In Japan, people can self-pay, participate in the public option or purchase private health insurance, as they choose. This is something that all Americans should consider.

Resources

September & October 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press

ABUSE

Adults Molested as Children Support Group (AMAC) Rape Survivors Support Group, SLO Support Group for Sexual Assault Survivors

Project Lifesaver

Planned Parenthood

Safe and Sober Support Group

Stroke Support Group

548.0909 www.projectlifesaverofslo.org 473.6507

545.8888

St. Barnabas (Depression/Divorce/Grief)

781.6406

Talk/Listen - Emotional support

(inc. domestic violence support groups) 461.1338

Transformations Counseling Center

Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence

489.2990 www.stbarnabas.ag.org

North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center,

489.5481

SARP (Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention)

545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673) Women’s Shelter Program of SLO

781.6401 www.womensshelterslo.org

ADDICTIONS AA Meeting

541.3211

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)

498.2176 Al-Anon

534.9204

Cambria Connection (12 step support)

927.1654

Casa Solana

Women’s Recovery Home 481.8555 Chemical Dependency intensive outpatient program

Free monthly workshops 541.7908

GAY & LESBIAN

Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast

541.4252

PFLAG.Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays

438.3889

SOL (Single Older Lesbians)

Mostly socializing! Call 474.9405

HOSPICE

Hospice of SLO County, AIDS Bereavement Group

544.2266 and 434.1164

Hospice Partners of the Central Coast

782.8608

788.2643

Narcotics Anonymous

549.7730 and 800.549.7730 Overeaters Anonymous

541.3164

SCA, SLAA & SAA (Sex, Love & Romance Addictions)

461.6084

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

929.1789 www.tops.org Women for Sobriety

534.1101

Women’s Healthcare Specialists

544.4883

Code Pink

Commission on Status of Women

545.8412; Dawn Williams

Democratic Women United

541.4252

League of Women Voters

543.2220

NOW (National Organization for Women)

www.kcbx.net/~slonow/ [email protected]

READERS/WRITERS Adult Literacy

541-4219

Creative Writing Group

748-2676; contact Gloria Nightwriters

549.9656; contact Shirley Powell

Cal Poly Foundation

http://SinC-CCC.blogspot.com

Cal Poly University

Adult Day Care

Sisters in Crime

Jobline 756.7107 www.calpolyfoundation.org

SENIORS

http://calpolyjobs.org 756.1533

489.8894 (Arroyo Grande); 434.2081 (Templeton); 927.4290 (Cambria)

Cuesta College

http://www.cuesta.edu Jobline 546.3127 The Creekside Career Center

788.2600 or 237.3014 www.slocareers.org Department of Rehabilitation

549.3361

215.536.8026 www.womenforsobriety.org

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Private Industry Council (PIC)

546.3755 www.bbrn.org

Women’s Support/Therapy v (general)

AARP

Mission Community Services Corporation Women’s Business Partners

Birth and Baby Resource Center

544.2266 (SLO)

www.codepinkslo.org; [email protected]

546.1178 www.ceahow.org 781.4275

Caregivers of Stroke Survivors

800.540.2227

JOBS/CAREERS

Drug & Alcohol Services

471.8102 (SLO)

POLITICAL

541-9113

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, H.O.W. Concept

SLO 549.9446

FINANCE/BUSINESS

Consumer Credit Counseling Services

595.1357 www.mcscorp.org www.jobhunt.org 788.2601

Adult Protective Services

781.1790

Computerooters:

Computer help: 489.6230

Department of Social Services:

In-Home Support 781.1790 Nursing help for the terminally ill 781.5540

Elder and Dependent Adult Advocacy and Outreach – Victim Witness Assistance Center

781-5821

Elder Law, Geraldine E. Champion, Attorney

Childcare Resource Connection

LEGAL

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

544.6334 [email protected]

Foster Grandparents.Senior Companions

781.5821

Senior Ballroom Dance club

788.3418

Senior Peer Counseling

541.2272 or 800.727.2272

“A child’s voice in Court in SLO County” 541.6542 Children’s Services Network

781.1847

First 5: Children & Families Commission

781.4058; ask for Susan Hughs

Homeschooling in SLO County (HSC)

462.0726; ask for Barbara

La Clinica De Tolosa 238.5334 La Leche League

489.9128

Core Mediation Services

473.4747

District Attorney’s Office – Victim Witness Center

782.9200

Family Law Facilitator

489.5481 [email protected]

Lawyer Referral and Information Service

541.5502

Free, trained in.home counseling for 60+ 547.7025 ext. 15

Pro Per Divorce Workshop

544.9313

SPIRITUAL

Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment

Senior Legal Services

543.5140

541.1963; www.spiritualcircle.org

Awakening Interfaith Spiritual Community

544.4355 and 466.3444

ALS Support Group (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Meditation Monday evenings 7-8 pm Open to all. 772-0306 awakeninginterfaith.org

473.2548; www.southslomomsclub.org

Alzheimer’s Support

RC liturgy with womanpriest 546.8672

Migrant Childcare Program

MEDICAL SUPPORT/SERVICES

MOMS Club of South SLO county

227.4785 or 674.4162

Hungry Hearts Spiritual Community

Partnership for Children

547.3830, 534.9234 (SLO/Los Osos) 888.488.6555

Meditation Group

541.8666; ask for Beth

Real F.A.C.T.S. (Forum on Abused Children)

American Cancer Society

Mondays, 7:30–8:30 PM; 772.0306 New Beginnings Church

Every Sunday, Coalesce Bookstore, MB

Social Services

San Luis Obispo 543.1481, 238.9657 Templeton 434.3051

Support for Kids Coping with Domestic Violence

541.9113

WOMEN’S CENTERS/SHELTERS

892.5556

781-3993

460.9016 781.1600

473.6507

EMERGENCY/CRISIS Hotline

www.slohotline.org 800.549.8989

Sexual & Rape Prevention (SARP)

545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Temporary Restraining Order & Victim Witness Program 781.5821

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

A.D.A.P.T. (Aid in Divorce Adjustment Problems Today)

543.0388

Alzheimer/Dementia Resource Center

800.443.1236

Alzheimer’s Association

547.3830

CALL–Concerned Agoraphobics Learning to Live

543.3764

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA)

542.0577 (SLO) 481.5093 (Grover Beach) 927.1654 (Cambria) 466.8600 (North County)

Self-Realization Fellowship

Anorexia Nervosa & Bulimia Support Group

Sunday Services 995-1599

Arthritis Foundation

Homeless Shelter

Cancer/ Breast Cancer Support Groups

543.1481 ext. 3 for information

Caregivers of Aging Parents

543.7969

Celiac Disease Support Group

226.9893

Endometriosis Association

www.endometriosisassn.org

Enhancement, Inc. (for breast cancer survivors)

771.8640 www.enhancementinc.com EOC Health Services Clinics

no or low cost reproductive health services 544.2478 (SLO); 489.4026 (Arroyo Grande) Healthworks of the Central Coast

No or low cost reproductive health services 542.0900 Hearst Cancer Resource Center

542.6269

IC Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome

15

Housing Authority

543.4478

North County Women’s Resource Center, Shelter

461.1338

Prado Day Center (for the homeless)

786.0617 www.pradodaycenter.org Women’s Community Center, SLO

544.9313

Women’s Shelter Program of SLO

549.8989 (crises), 781.6401 (business) www.womensshelterslo.org

OTHER WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS Altrusa International, Inc.

481.1039; Cici Wynn, President

American Association of University Women

781-0922 Karen www.aauw.org Camping Women

440.2723 www.campingwomen.org

Community Counseling Center

3rd Thursday, SLO, 7 -9 pm 464-0564

Dealing With Divorce

785.0132

Depresson and Bipolar Support Alliance Group

2nd Monday, 4-5 pm, 782-9300

Central Coast Peace and Environmental Council

466.7226 (Atascadero/Templeton) 481.7424 (Arroyo Grande) 541.8633 (SLO)

Compassion & Choices (or Final Exit)

Hadassah.SLO

543.9452

543.7969

Long-term Care Ombudsman Services of SLO County

544.9313

Lymphedema Education & Support Group

OTHER GROUPS & GATHERINGS

927.3703

Parkinson’s Support Groups

544.3399 or 783.2383

Divorce Discussion Group

489.2990, [email protected] Eating Disorders Support Group

546-3774; free, meets weekly in SLO

800.247.7421 or 489-5481

Please send additions, corrections or deletions to: [email protected] or leave a message at the WCC: 805.544.9313. Last update 9/9/09.

... looking for a spiritual change? The Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment is an interfaith community dedicated to celebrating diversity and honoring the spirit that connects all things.

Spiritual Leader: Laura V. Grace Sunday Services 10:00am

Please join us for meditation at 9:30am each Sunday before the service Sunday School Provided: Educational and Fun 1500 Lizzie St., Room J-2, Adult School, San Luis Obispo

For more info: 805.541.1963 Website: www.spiritualcircle.org E-Mail: [email protected]

Please join us for a celebration of expanding consciousness and love.

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