|
BPW London February/March 2009 Newsletter- Making a Difference Our Way
In This Issue:
Click a title to move to an article
Feature Article: BPW Welcome New Members
President's Message • Anti-Trafficking Event • New Member Special • Gender Bender Analysis Symposium • Young BPW Event • The Almond Tree • Summary 2009 Federal Budget • BPW Canada News • Executive Meeting Minutes • Notices • Upcoming Events
Welcome New Members: Winn Barnett and Nancy Kirwin
BPW London is proud to announce two new members: Winn Barnett and Nancy Kirwin. Both will be inducted into BPW at the March 2009 General Meeting.
Winn Barnett
Winn is a Sr. Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. Winn's philophy about her business: "I take the frustration and mystery out of the purchasing of skin care and cosmetics by taking a teaching approach. Celebrate the women you are! "
She has lived in London for the past 16 years and is married with 4 teenage children. She has a University degree in Mathematics.
Welcome Winn.
Nancy Kirwin
Nancy is a general insurance agent for Townsend Mutual Insurance and has been in the insurance business for nearly 20 years. She provides excellent customer service to all her clients and takes the time to assess their needs and develops customized plans for her clients. Her clients include residential, commerical and farms.
Nancy has two children who are currently in University. She travels across Southern Ontario for her business.
Welcome Nancy.
Congratulations Nancy & Winn. Stay tuned to the Member Profiles page for the upcoming bios.
Return to "In This Issue"
President's Message by Carole Orchard
February we held our BPW Candlelighting Ceremony, one of the most beautiful events in our membership year. This ceremony helps us to commemorate the more than 79 years of the association’s existence and almost 67 years for our own club allowing us to focus on those who have and continue to shape the work of BPW and what we as members of BPW London see as important issues affecting women at all levels in society. To date this year we have listened to speakers talking about the ‘Snatch Sisters’ and its impact on Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, about the London initiatives to address poverty and its impact on children and youth, about the ‘Chilly Climate’ in many workplaces, about the struggles of women in Africa to help their families to name a few. Each of our speakers provided us with enhanced insights into areas where we, as BPW members need to direct our energies. Actions will be transformed into preparation of future resolutions, others stimulating further discussions within and beyond our club, and still others result in our members volunteering their time to assist in efforts to address learned inequalities. The Candlelighting Ceremony also provides a time to remind ourselves what our association is all about. Specifically to:
- work for high standards of service in business and the professions
- encourage women and girls to acquire education, occupational training and advanced education, and to use their occupational capacities and intelligence for the advantage of others as well as themselves
- stimulate and encourage in women, awareness and acceptance of their responsibilities to the community, locally, nationally and internationally
- work for equal opportunities and status for women in the economic, civil and political life in all countries, and to work for the removal of all discrimination and promote world-wide friendship, co-operation and understanding between business and professional women.
Please ask yourself what should we direct our energies to address this year. Then come to a dinner meeting and help us to begin shaping our resolutions for next year’s National Converntion.
Return to "In This Issue"
London Anti-Trafficking Event - March 15, 2009 - by Doris E. Hall, International Chair
The London Anti-Trafficking Group which has invited David Bastone, author of Not for Sale, to come to London on March 15th (click here for poster and further details). At this event, he will lead a workshop to explore the attitudes and behaviours underlying the commodification of people that allows us (as a society) to treat people as objects which can be traded. Human Trafficking treats people like they are a trade commodity. Many of these attitudes are not very conscious and so are ignored.
There may be a small door fee and/or passing of the hat for donations to cover the cost of bringing this speaker from California. RSVP is not required but come early as the room only holds 125-150 people.
Return to "In This Issue"
New Member Special - Spread the Word..
Membership Special: Join BPW London between January 2009 and April 30, 2009 and save $30 on your membership fees. Special fee of $165 will cover your membership until April 30, 2010! (Regular pricing for the same period normally is $195).
Contact Helen Lomax:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for further details.
Return to "In This Issue"
Gender Budget Analysis Symposium - It Is Time to Recognize That Women Are Missing In Our Government Budgets - March 30, 2009
Return to "In This Issue"
Young BPWL Event - March 25, 2009
Megan Popovic, London's Young BPW VP is holding a YBPW gathering on March 25, 2009 7 - 9 p.m.
If you are 35 or under this is a great opportunity to meet with like-minded women. Pass this information onto women who are 35 or under.
Registration:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Click here for more information and a poster to forward to others.
Return to "In This Issue"
The Almond Tree by Joanne Humphrey, Canadian Crossroads International (CCI) volunteer
Joanne was the February BPWL speaker and the following is a recap of some of the information she provided as well as contacts.
The Almond Tree is a united group of men and women living with HIV in Accra, Ghana.· This group believes that with solidarity, equality, mutual support and economic independence they will reclaim their freedom and have control over their destiny.· Taken from their website - www.almondtreegroup.com
A few years ago a group of patients from the West Africa AIDS Foundation (WAAF) and International Health Care Center (IHCC) (www.waafweb.org) in Accra, Ghana gathered under the shade of an almond tree on WAAF property to make beaded necklaces.· They laughed, shared their worries and discussed their future while making jewellery.· Staff recognized the value of their time together and the idea of an income generating project was born.·· Canadian Crossroads International (www.cciorg.ca) and the AIDS Committee of London (www.aidslondon.com) stepped in to offer their support.· Within months, a group of 15 HIV positive men and women started a journey towards economic independence.
From November 2006 - March 2007 Joanne Humphrey, with the help of fellow CCI volunteers Emily Beam and Janet Scott, established the foundation for the Almond Tree Group.· Despite enormous barriers, all 15 members designed business plans and were granted loans from ECLOF Ghana (www.eclofghana.com) to start their businesses. Some worked together in groups (the bead group and sewing & batik group) while others ventured into independent trades (farming, selling slippers at the market).
Deemed a success, WAAF, ACOL and CCI worked together to generate additional funds for a second group to join the Almond Tree.
The article continues by clicking here.....
Joanne can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Return to "In This Issue"
What's In It For Me....Summary Highlights of Proposed 2009 Federal Budget by Rose Kuchynski, CGA, CFP, TEP
The following are some of the changes that may affect your personal financial position and present some opportunities for you.·
- Your first $10,320 of earnings in 2009 will be tax-free. This is a small increase on what was already in place.
- Tax brackets will be raised such that those with lower income levels can earn more at a lower tax rate, which will also affect qualification for child tax benefits.
- Age Credit for our seniors (over age 65) has increased and for those affected by phase-out due to their income levels, this can mean an extra $150 in 2009.
- First time home buyers who qualify can obtain a non-refundable income tax credit based on $5,000 (potential for this type of credit also for those acquiring homes for the disabled). Note that this is not a tax refund; it is a tax credit that will reduce taxes owing or create a refund.·
- Home renovation tax credit of 15% on expenditures paid to third party suppliers in excess of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. Tax savings could be $1,350. This tax credit ceases January 31, 2010. Renovations must be of an enduring nature i.e. not routine maintenance.
- Estate Planning: Under the old rules, the full amount of the RRSP or RRIF would be included in the taxpayer’s final return at the market value as of their date of death, if there was no surviving spouse. If the asset had lost in value by the time it was distributed to beneficiaries, there was no ability to claim the loss to reduce the tax that was paid in the final return. This could be a substantial amount, given market declines. For example, a $50,000 decline in value on a $200,000 RRSP would have had $23,000 in taxes paid in the final return. If this occurs after 2008, it could be recovered for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
- While no specific details have been given, the working income tax benefit program for lower income families has been approximately doubled in funding. Perhaps this is the government’s recognition that Canada is in a recession and the U.S. economic downturn has had its inevitable effect on our country, with more job loss potential.
- There is a plan to review the potential of the government providing an unemployment insurance program to those who are self-employed. This would be a welcome initiative for individuals who may have concerns regarding their ability to continue to earn income from their businesses due to economic conditions.
These are just a few highlights that I thought you may have an interest in or that may affect you and your families. There were several other provisions relating to corporations, which are not included. This is the proposed budget for 2009 however, from all media reports; it should be passed by parliament. If you need anything clarified further, you can contact me or visit our website at www.johnstonandco.ca for more complete budget information.
Return to "In This Issue"
BPW Canada News - Blogging
- BPW Canada President, Sue Calhoun, has set up a "President's Blog" - click here to view the blog and leave Sue a comment. She always interested in hearing from members across the nation.
- Click here to read the·No. 6 February 09 Club Mailing. Highlights·include: Message from BPWC President, BPWC Annual General Meeting (June 20, 2009 in Toronto), New Clubs in Ottawa and Fredericton, Members Only Page on BPWC web site, Sample Press Release for Club Meetings, ·etc.
Return to "In This Issue"
Executive Meeting Minutes
Below is a summary of the January 2009 and February 2009 London Executive Minutes. At the end ofthe summary there is a link to the complete version of the minutes.
January 2009
Business Arising
- Doris Hall reported that the Salvation Army will be holding an all day event on Human Trafficking in May or June.
- Megan Popovic has set up a draft outline for the upcoming YBPW gathering.
- The article change and the BPWL's Regulations regarding the new policy for guests at dinner meetings will be posted to the BPWL web site.
- Mary McBrearty presented several ideas on smoothing out the process for payment at future silent auction events.
- Laura Noble reviewed the emblem inventory list and will update after receiving complete information from members. The inventory will be posted to the website once complete.
- Doris Hall has reworded the CRTC resolution and the resolution was accepted by the Executive.
- Doris reviewed the criteria for the volunteer awards for the Ontario government.
Dinner Meeting
- Updates on Bosnia, mentoring program, new member promotion and fund raising updates will be included in the February general meeting agenda.
Reports
- Treasurer: Current financial reports were accepted.
- Membership: 27 members. A review of the new member's kit.
- Public Relations: Laura Noble recommended that a new area on the BPWL web site be set up for "Board Only" access. This area would contain copies of forms, job descriptions etc used by the Board. The Board approved this recommendation.
- Professional Development: Sheila Crook mentioned that the Pay Equity module for BPWO was being updated.
- National: National survey on membership was discussed and it was decided the London is following their suggestions. Form will be forwarded to National.
- International: Doris reported that she has completed the criteria for attending the 53rd Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Complete January 2009 Minutes
Return to "In This Issue"
February 2009
Business Arising
- Carole Orchard has received all the reports from the BPWL annual report for 2007 - 2008.
- Doris Hall reported on the Human Trafficking meeting she attended in January.
- Megan Popovic reported that she has met with Doris and they are planning a YBPW event on March 25, 2009.
- Laura Noble announced the BPW Canada News page has been added to BPWL web site.
Dinner Meeting
- Dinner meeting will begin with the annual Candlelight Service. Doris Hall, Mary McBrearty and Robyn McArthur will be conducting the service.
- A raffle will be held for 2 breakfast tickets to the London Abused Women's Centre event in March.
- Jeannette Veenstra will be contacting one restaurant for a mircrophone and requesting a "cash" bar in the dining room.
- Linda Davis will email her mentoring contacts. Laura will be adding a mentoring page to the web site.
Reports
- Treasurer: Current financial reports were accepted. Mary and Laura will meet regarding setting up of the draft budget. Mary also requested the Executive email her for input on the budget.
- Membership: 29 members. Nancy Kirwin and Winn Barnett we accepted as new members. Laura will remove the Executive position section on the membership form and replace with "how you found out about BPW".
- Public Relations: The new Board only page on the BPWL web site has been setup.
- Programs/Projects: It was agreed BPWL would continue with the Bosnia project.
- Professional Development: Sheila Crook announced that the resolution database on the BPWON website has been updated and slightly revised.
- District/Provincial: Linda and Sheila attending a BPW Kitchener meeting.
- Mary has the form for the BPWON conference. Early registration discount deadline is April 1, 2009.
- National: Doris Hall reported that AGM will be held in Toronto the weekend of June 20, 2009. A workshop will be held on the Friday evening. A delegate and alternate will need be selected.
- National Convention 2012: Linda and Sheila have agreed to co-chair the Convention.
- International: Doris reported that her and Kathyn Munn will be attending the CSW meetings in New York. They will attend the BPW caucus meeting, a panel discussion on pay equity and the UNIFEM luncheon.
New Business
- Carole Orchard presented information on the London Abused Women's Centre annual breakfast. It was approved by the Executive to sponsor the event at the "friend" level.
- The login for the BPW Ontario website for new members was discussed. It was decided that the President or Vice President would provide new members with this information.
Complete February 2009 minutes
Return to "In This Issue"
Notices
- Winn Barnett, BPWL member and Mary Kay Consultant is inviting members and friends to a Dinner and Makeover March 25, 2009 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. RSVP by March 20, 2009. Click here for more details.
- Recession-proof yourself: Fundamentals of Mediation at Munn Conflict Resolution Services (owned by Kathryn Munn, BPWL member)
Learning how to mediate is an asset whether you are exploring a career option related to mediation services or whether you are developing skills for your current job. In addition to positions specifically for mediators, job roles such as human resources, management, and customer service all benefit from the application of mediation skills.
This spring is your opportunity to get the mediation training you want in beautiful downtown London, Ontario.
Fundamentals of Mediation is an intensive 40 hour course approved by the ADR Institute of Ontario and completion of the course qualifies for application as a mediator member of the ADR Institute of Ontario. The 5 days of the course are May 11, 12, 13, 25, 26, 2009.
Discounted early payment deadline is April 9, 2009.
See www.munncrs.com for more information.
As a BPWL Member, if your business has an upcoming event or notice,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for inclusion in the next newsletter by the last day of the month. It's FREE and great way to promote your business' workshops, upcoming events etc.
Return to "In this Issue"
Upcoming BPW Events
- March 17, 2009 BPWL Dinner Meeting- Conflict Resolution: Speaker: Kathryn Munn, Munn Conflict Resolutions Services. Kathryn will discuss "How to Deal with Difficult People. Click here to download the flyer.
- March 23, 2009 BPW Kitchener-Waterloo Dinner Meeting. A Changing Ontario. Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Witmer, MPP Kitchener-Waterloo. 5:45 - 8:00 p.m. Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
by March 18, 2009 for reservations. Click here to download the flyer and learn more about this meeting.
- March 25, 2009 YBPW London Gathering: 7:00 -9:00 pm. Click here for further details.
- BPW Ontario 63rd Annual Conference: Step Up! - May 29 - May 31, 2009.
All members are invited to the annual Ontario Conference in 2009, to be held in Sault Ste. Marie.
Click to download registration form.
Click here for more info.
- BPW Canada National AGM June 20, 2009, Toronto, Ontario. Stay tuned for details or contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Return to "In This Issue"
Newsletter submissions deadline is the last day of the month. Submissions are to be emailed to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Monthly BPWL's newletters are usually posted mid-month. Click to read past newsletters.
BPW London is a member of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs
Member of The Business and Professional Women's Clubs of Ontario
|
BPW News 
Membership Benefits