SSWBN – Pay It Forward – July, 2011
Janet LaBerge
Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
There’s a party going on right here…
I always think of that song by Kool and the Gang during our Celebration! event because it’s such an upbeat, fun song and we have so much FUN at this event. If you missed it, I’m going to summarize some of the highlights -- but it’s not like being there. Make sure you register for the Gala, coming up on November 3rd, because that will be a night to remember as well. Now for the highlights:
I wore a dress. That’s right, a dress with all the fixin’s: hair styled, pedicure, manicure, facial, eyebrows waxed. There are pictures to prove it on the website. I wondered how I could top last year’s entrance, with the ripping off of the prom gown. Tough to do since I was the emcee for the whole night this year, so a grand entrance was not possible. What better way to surprise a group that is used to seeing me in muscle shirts and shorts, than to actually dress like a girl? I don’t think it will happen again though, as it was a lot of work. For those of you who dress like that on a regular basis, my ball cap is off to you because it’s a time consuming process. Was it worth it? Check out the pictures and you be the judge. For me? Anything for a laugh.
(Okay, so if enough of you come to the Gala, I’ll promise to keep the dress and wear it again. But no more stinkin’ pedicures!)
I told a joke. Well, I told a few of them. If you missed the Queen and Dolly joke or heard it and would like to re-create it for your friends and family, ask me and I’ll e-mail it to you. Did you know that SSWBN can also stand for: Southie Surrenders Whitey Bulger Now? I’m pleased to say I thought of that one in the car ride on the way there. If you’re ever looking for the room an SSWBN event is in, just listen for the laughter. There is always lots of laughter at our events and laughter does the soul good.
The Massachusetts Education Foundation (great new name) gave out four scholarships to four women who are improving their lives through education. It is always interesting to get feedback from people who have never been to one of our events. Each one came up to me afterwards to say how much they had enjoyed themselves and how impressed they were with our group. Music to my ears.
We thanked those who have helped us grow: our partners, our team chairs, our staff and our outgoing Board of Directors. Loraine Fields of the Flower Mill put her creative talents to work in crafting container gardens for each with a personal touch. As President, I understand that we have a small budget and a small staff. We would not be where we are today without the financial support of our partners or the hard work of our volunteers. My thanks to all of you.
We welcomed six new members to our Board of Directors: Loraine Fields, Christy Kendrick, Stacey Mafera, Marguerite Salvucci, Alison Schirone and Terri Martini. They join current board members George Boerger, Adam Cupples, Jackie Hurstak and Judy Walsh Rodriguez. This group, selected by the members, commits their time and talents to help this Network thrive.
We thanked you, our members. Katie and I are always so proud of our members. We have seen your businesses grow. We have seen you help the Network. We have seen you volunteer at our charity events. I am proud to be the President of this organization. I promise to always give you my best effort and to always leave you laughing.
Happy to lead with fun and humility,
Janet
Dirty Deeds, Done Dirt Cheap
Dirtydeedsddc04@hotmail.com
Pay It Forward Tip for July: I see lots of people out walking now that the sun seems to be coming out on a fairly regular basis. When you go on your usual walk, take along a plastic grocery bag to pick up the trash that you see along your route. Your neighborhood will look better and you might encourage others to do the same by your example.
