Purse Sale!

In Muncie we have a really cool service for local teachers – a free store called the Back to School Teacher’s Store where community members donate school supplies and materials and teachers can “shop” there for free!

Well, this coming Friday you have the opportunity to contribute in a fun way – go shopping yourself for a new summer bag! That’s right, you can visit the purse sale on Saturday, June 11, 2011 taking place at Muncie Central High School. Women have been donating new or slightly used purses for the past several months and from what I’ve been hearing, the sale promises to be fantastic! All proceeds go to the BACK TO SCHOOL TEACHERS STORE.

For more information, contact Nancy Carlson at 765-282-5924.

Mission and Vision

According to the Pen Woman, the publication of the National League of American Pen Women, the mission and vision of this group is as follows:

Founded in 1897, the National League of American Pen Women is the oldest women’s arts organization in America. The League, recognized for its support and creation of art, music, and letters, is comprised of professional women artists, writers, poets, composers and arrangers.

The mission of the League, a not-for-profit 501 © (3) corporation, is to encourage, recognize, and promote the production of creative work of professional standard in Art, Letters, and Music, and through outreach activities provide educational, creative, and professional support to members and non-members in these disciplines.

The core values of the NLAPW are respect, knowledge, creation and preservation of the arts. 

My Kindle! My Kindle! My Kindle!

Excited is how I feel about my Christmas gift of a Kindle, Amazon’s electronic reader.

            Yeah, I’ve been a hold out on this electronic book craze, but now admit, it is not a trend, but is the future. We’ll always have printed books (thank God), but we may as well come aboard with the electronic publishing world.

            A writer friend just published her first novel with this new fangled book bindery. She wants me to write a review. Well, I needed a Kindle, didn’t? Did I mention I wanted one anyway? Her book was my first download. $5.99! I’ve paid way more for books in print version.

            I chose a spunky apple green cover for my Kindle and I advise you invest in a good leather cover. It’s protective, plus just fun and easy to find if mislaid.

            It took me gobs of time to read the user’s manual and I know I will have to go back to it many times. I was happily surprised at all the Kindle offers. You can link to blogs, newspapers and of course, the Kindle store. Many downloads are free. Yes, free. One of the best things is when you travel or when you just go to Starbucks, it is so, so easy to carry. Normally, when I travel, at least 3-4 books take up valuable space in my suitcase. Not any more.

            I received the $139 version and I’m sure that will serve me well.

History of Muncie and National Branches

by Judy Martin-Urban

History of Muncie and National Branches

of

The National League of American Pen Women

            The Muncie, Indiana Branch of the National League of American Pen Women began March 7, 1944. Susan Marsh served as first president. There were 20 members; 18 in letters and two in art.

            On the national level, the organization began June 26, 1897 through efforts of Marian Longfellow O’Donoghue (yes, William’s niece), Margaret Sullivan Burke and Anna Sanborne Hamilton. They desired to bring together ‘women journalists, authors and illustrators for mutual benefits and strength that comes of union.’

            Alice Morgan, a New York illustrator, designed the League insignia owl, symbolic of wisdom. The owl is placed in a triangle formed with a red pen, a blue pencil and a white brush, bearing colors of the American flag.

            The first national convention was held in Washington, DC, April, 1921 with 300 women in attendance. President Harding attended the convention with his wife, who was a distinguished member. Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Clinton have also been members.

            Our local branch has sponsored academic scholarships and creative writing contests as well as many other worthy activities connected with the arts.

            There are 135 branches in the United States.