FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

For Information Contact:
Mayor, Joanne Cocchiola 973 284-4972

The Women’s Initiative of Nutley announces its programs for Women’s History Month 2006.

Programs for elementary, middle school and high school students will occur throughout March. Once again, panels of successful women will visit each elementary school to speak to girls and boys about career opportunities and life choices. Selected High School students can participate in a hands-on math and science workshop co-sponsored by the Nutley Branch of the American Association of University Women at HOHOKUS RETS NUTLEY SCHOOL of BUSINESS, MEDICAL AND TECHNICAL SCIENCES entitled “It’s Her Future: Electrified and Calculating.” The workshops will offer hands-on experience in computer technology, medical assistance and electronics. The AAUW wants to encourage young girls to continue their studies in the mathematics and science courses while they are in high school. Nutley High School 10th grade girls should contact Mrs. Kehayes for more information about the April 20th event.

Nutley women artists will display their work throughout the month of March in the Library. These ladies are accomplished, professional artists who have received many awards for their work throughout New Jersey. In addition, on March 2nd and 6th, the Library will sponsor a book discussion of “The Black Madonna” by Louisa Ermelino. The book features a trio of mothers and sons residing in Little Italy. The Library has copies of “The Black Madonna” available for borrowers.

Nutley women are celebrated in an exhibit prepared by WIN at the Nutley Public Library.

Throughout March, quilts by local women will hang for the North and South mezzanines at the Nutley Public Library. Small quilts and quilted accessories will be featured in the exhibit area. The quilt show and exhibit were created by Nutley resident, Joan Rubino, a member of the CIifton Quilters Guild.

On March 9, 2006, WIN along with the New Jersey Division, will co-sponsor on Civil Rights, the League of Women Voters the AAUW and the Association of Black Women Lawyers of NJ a conference “Discrimination vs. Women: A Conference on Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights.” The conference will take place at the Parks and Recreation Building, Senior Citizen Annex, Room 300 from 9:30am to 4:00pm. Admission is free.

On March 11, 2006, from 10:00am – 12pm, local resident and 9th grader, Samantha Huey will present “What does it mean to be beautiful?” a program for young girls to address the dangers of eating disorders. The program will take place at the Parks and Recreations Building. Admission is free.

At 1:30pm, Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Duo will present “A World of Music at the Public Library. Dixieland, polka, rock ‘n roll, and swing will be featured.

On March 13, 2006, The Library will host the “Legend of the Freedom Quilts,” a talk by historian Trish Chambers at 7:30pm.

On March 15, 2006, the Library will host “Ladies Night Out” from 6:00 to 9:30 PM. Registration and workshop selection forms are available at the Library. Participants may select three workshops from the five offered, which include “What’s a Megapixel? – Dominique Dowsing; “Color Me Beautiful,” – Susan McCue; “Yoga & Your Creativity” – Mary Anne Griese; “Remedies from the Kitchen” – Judith Krall-Russo and “Woe into Wow” – Cathy Comins. The evening will begin at 6:00pm with wine and cheese in the Library Lobby. The cost of the evening is $10.00 payable by check to the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. Please register in advance.

The month long celebration will conclude with an evening panel presentation at the Nutley Public Library on Monday, March 27, 2006 , 7:00pm which is free and open to the public. This inspirational program will feature:

     Hedy DiCarlo, Reigning Mrs. New Jersey, USA 2005;
     Honorable Valerie Vanieri Huttle, 37th District Assemblywoman & Licensed Funeral Director;
     Cristine Lancellotti, FBI Special Agent;
     Maria Lisa Pepe, First girl in the country to play Little League baseball in 1974;
     Janet Taylor Pickett, Professional Artist

The women will discuss their lives, careers, motivations and inspirations. Janine Strafaci, News Anchor on News 12 will moderate the panel discussion.

For more information please contact Mayor Cocchiola at 973-284-4972 or any of the members of the Women’s Initiative of Nutley. The committee includes: Maria Alamo, Lucy Anello, Erlinda Arellano, Ruth Bedford, Sandra Carella, ChrysAnne Carlo, Flo Carpenter, Rose Cioffi, Mayor Joanne Cocchiola, Rev. Jill Fenske, Michele Fleitell, Gertrude Frey, Sally Goodson, Nancy Greulich, Janet Halchak,Mary Ann Lauber, Kim Lewis, Barbara Martin, Loren McCreesh, Annmarie Nicolette, Eileen Poiani, PhD, Kathy Rempusheski, Theresa Ruffo, Sue Scavonne, Brenda Sherman, Rosemary Teeple, JoAnn Tropiano, Jeanne Van Steen, Julie Viola and Patricia Williams.