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Pajama party kicked off WAC conference at lakeside resort

May 22, 2006 - Following the usual Friday evening registration, OCSEA activists enjoyed a slow, relaxing start of the annual Women's Action Committee Conference. Event planners encouraged participants to join a "pajama party" reception dressed in comfy in PJ’s (optional) and ready to be pampered.

This year’s theme was “Dealing With Life’s Ups and Downs.” The event was hosted May 19 - May 21 at the Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio.

OCSEA Secretary-Treasurer and State WAC Chair Kathy Steward remarked:

"'Anxiety' comes from the Latin word anxious, which means a condition of agitation and distress.  When stress and agitation arises repeatedly and persists over time, it is called chronic – which is the state our government has put us into..."

The recent federal House Budget Bill provides $7.2 billion less in funding in FY 2007 for discretionary programs than is needed just to maintain current services.  This will undoubtedly lead to major services cuts in domestic job training, services for the elderly and many health programs. At the same time, the House budget proposes a whopping $338 billion additional tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the very rich... As the budget shrinks, we will see more privatizing of our jobs. We have seen the closures of two prisons, one DYS facility and two MRDD facilities. Rumors are circulating within the Ohio Veterans’ Home about privatizing housekeeping, laundry, dietary and maintenance.  Is your department next to be privatized?  Is your job next?"

My dear sisters, now do you get the picture?  Who we elect to office on both the federal level as well as on the state level affects our daily lives, as well as our families. Now do you understand how important your vote is?  Only you can change the future – not by cooler talk or ignoring the problems – but only by exercising your right to vote.  Sisters, become informed voters.  Sign up to get the AFSCME Legislative Report, read our OCSEA website.  Stop the madness of letting other people make decisions for you.  I beg you on November to get out and vote.  Vote for candidates that have your interest at heart.  Don’t vote for candidates that sell their sincerity and their personal family values, instead vote for candidates that share your interest and positions on issues."

Workshop Topics included:

• Tai Chi, an internal Chinese martial art
• Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate: A guide to passing on personal possessions
• Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

Saturday morning's keynote speaker was Nykita Riley on the "Women in War" topic. Eddie Parks, OCSEA Vice President, delivered the dinner keynote address.

On Sunday morning, conference participants wrapped up the weekend following "Laugh for the Health of It" presented by Cea Cohen-Elliot, Speakers Unlimited.

OCSEA leaders delivering remarks throughout the weekend included: President Ron Alexander, Vice President Eddie Parks, Secretary Treasurer Kathy Stewart and Executive Director Andy Douglas.  

Check the website later for speeches and photographs.

Pictured below with President Ron Alexander (center) and Vice President Eddie Parks (far right) is the state WAC committee. Members include: (front) Donna Westrick and Cindi Bobbitt, (back) Laura Morris, Kathy Stewart (chair), Angela Wallace, and Theresa Haddix.Not pictured: Quida Higbee and Pat Russell-Campbell. Enlarge image.

If you have any questions regarding the conference, please contact Gina Ison at 614-865-4706, (toll free) 800-969-4702, ext. 4706 or email her at glamarca@ocsea.org.

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Friday PJ Party Reception

Saturday General Session

Saturday Workshops & Exhibits

Saturday Dinner Banquet

Sunday General Session

See Related

Prepared Remarks of Kathy Stewart, WAC Chairwoman

Prepared Remarks of Ronald C. Alexander, OCSEA President

Sawmill Creek Resort

WAC 2006 Conference Agenda