The September 2009 Kickoff Brunch at the Union
League Club brought out members and visitors eager to get
acquainted and to hear all about the year ahead. Elizabeth Dickey
got the super networker prize for getting the most names on
her “scavenger hunt” list, which was one of David Clark’s books
on Route 66.
The 2010 NFPW conference co-chairs Suzanne Hanney
and Cecilia Green reprised much of the presentation made at
the Texas conference to promote “Face 2 Face in Illinois” at the
Union League Club in Chicago, August 26-28, 2010, including
a video on Chicago and a PowerPoint on what those attending
can expect. Three days of pre-tours all around Chicago and
two days of exciting keynote speakers and workshops on the
theme of “Reinvention, Innovation” make this a conference not
to be missed.
Cindy Cruz, post-tour co-chair, in a poodle skirt and
saddle shoes, demonstrated how we’ll get our “kicks” on the
three-day Route 66 tour in Illinois, August 28-30. As the other
co-chair Marlene Cook said, “Get ready to take a journey back
in time. This is a one-time opportunity to see Americana at
its very best. Our custom designed journey promises sites the
average tourist is not even aware of, led by an award winning
guide who knows all the nooks and crannies and secrets of the
famous road.” She promises that we’ll eat only at mom and
pop dinners, drive-ins and dives and spend the first night in
Pontiac where the locals will perform “Route 66, The Musical,”
followed by a sock hop, and a Hula Hoop and costume contest.
Then on to Springfield to the Lincoln Museum, with all costs
except what you buy along the way included in the $340 price
– meals, admissions, hotel and transportation.
Cook also gave an inspirational glimpse back into time
to begin IWPA’s 125th birthday celebration. She said, “…We are loyal descendents of some of the boldest women in Illinois.
[We are here] because we want to share our trades, learn more,
network, rub elbows with those we think have achieved what
we only dream of, and to see old friends. That was pretty much
the same thoughts of our founders 125 years ago. Some things
don’t really change.
“Sometimes we tend to think that the women in 1885
didn’t have many choices, couldn’t infl uence anyone and didn’t
work, except for pleasing a husband and children. That couldn’t
be farther from the truth. They were hard-headed, bold, forceful
women who got things done.
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