First, here is some member news. Pretty impressive!

Liz Groothof Croddy: "I presented a session on Saturday at CCFLT, the Colorado Congress for Foreign Language Teachers. My session was about using technology in a foreign language classroom."

Kris Wells: "I'm a member of the Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers as is Liz. I was president in 2000 and there are over 1000 members, teachers of all languages, kindergarten through university level. Last Thursday, February 19th, I presented an all day workshop on my summer stay in Qaxaca in 2003. Then on Friday I presented a one hour session on a new video mystery series for which I wrote the student workbook. On Friday, February 20th, I was awarded the Teacher of the Year honor at the awards luncheon."

Mary Louise Clay: Mary Louise has made it back to the Springs into her house. She returned about a week or so ago and is reported to be doing okay. There is still a soft cast on the foot that was operated on but she is driving so gets around. She has made tremendous recovery strides and we wish her continued success!

Gail Piper: Gail is gaining on her asthma. She says when the weather is unsuitable for her to go out, she stays home. (I love that practical approach.!) Hopefully, it won't be too long before she will feel good enough to join us at a meeting, we miss her.

Legislative Update: Here are some recent actions on current bills before the legislature. "Take Action" means if you have a concern about this issue, please contact your legislative representatives in Denver. Don't know who they are??? Check the handout Kris Wells, Status of Women Chairman, provided at a recent general meeting. It lists websites for information.

1. Easing access to Unemployment Insurance for Domestic Violence Victims made it out of committee and is awaiting a vote on the House Floor. TAKE ACTION NOW!

2. A bill that would re-open the gun-show loophole (passed after the columbine murders) passed out of committee and was then pulled by the sponsor (killing the bill) after he and his colleagues were inundated by calls and letters from constituents in opposition of this measure.

(This information from the Women's Electronic Communications and Action Network. www.womensagenda.org)

Jillann Richardson-Rohrscheib is a member of the Jefferson County Club, and works for Women for Women International. The JCty president, Joanne Bass, keeps me informed on Jillann's activities, which are awesome. Thought I'd share a bit of her last email to Joanne. "I am currently in Jordan until the 04th of March where I will be training our Country Director, Manal, and planning our attack when we arrive in Baghdad. I will be working there for 3 months to start up a large CPA (Central Provisional Authority) program to provide services to socio-economically marginalized women and girls, and fledgling women's NGOs in nine Women's Opportunity Centers (WOCs) in each of the 9 Districts in Baghdad."

Traffic/Trade Update: You will remember that this is one of our three major ZI service project areas. On 2/24/04 the Gazette reported - Mexico hits sex-slave ring. "A gang that forced women into prostitution in Mexico and the United States has been crushed by a series of arrests, Mexican officials said Monday.
Federal agents arrested six people in Mexico and were hunting for at least six others, the federal Interior Department said. The department said the gang seduced or kidnapped girls and women ages 12 to 25, raped them and then forced them to work as prostitutes in the central Mexican cities of Puebla and Tenancingo. Some were later taken to the United States for prostitution."
A small step forward, but look at the issue in relationship to the US! Makes one wonder what else is going on. Guess "not in my backyard" doesn't apply here.

-Betty Edwards

Member Profile - Rosalie Dorland
Former Pikes Peak Area Zontian Returns

Most of all, she says she is very happy to be back in Colorado.

Kudos Kolumn

Here you have the opportunity to thank and/or praise your fellow Zontians for something above and beyond. Send all contributions to the newsletter editor - nulty@csdco.com.

Featured Links of the Month March 8, 2004 is International Women's Day! IWD by the United Nations Department of Public Information and A History of International Women's Day in words and images by Joyce Stevens, Australia

Dates to Remember . . .

Refreshment Schedule for Upcoming Meetings MONTH FOOD DRINK March Teri Hermans Renee Troppe April Kate Brewster Sharon Roggy May Installation Dinner June Earlene Herman Liz Groothof-Croddy July Ellen Slavitz Ava Heinrichsdorff Thank you ladies!