Page 1

Women’s History

As we celebrate Women’s

History Month, in our

“politically correct” soci-

ety, we are faced with

what on the surface ap-

pears to be conflicting

concepts. However, in

practice, neither of the

adjectives nor the nouns

in the title of this newslet-

ter could stand alone!

Neither could be sus-

tained without the

strength found in all four.

National Women’s His-

tory Month was officially

proclaimed by President

Carter. The week of

March 8, 1980 was de-

clared Women’s History

Week.

In 1981, Rep. Barbara

Mikerlski and Senator

Orin Hatch co/sponsored

a congressional resolution

for National Women’s

History Week, 1981.

This co/sponsorship dem-

onstrated the wide rang-

ing political support for

recognizing, honoring and

celebrating the achieve-

ments of American

women.

A special Presidential

Proclamation is issued

every year which honors

the extraordinary achieve-

think of the many

women who were part of

the 100 year Women’s

Suffrage Movement.

My Uncle Carl, Dad’s

youngest brother, now

deceased, took great joy

in saying, “1920 was a

very good year for

women. They got the

right to vote and I was

born!”

On August 26, 1920, the

19th amendment was

ratified, giving women

the right to vote.

The Susan B. Anthony

Center for women’s

Leadership at the Uni-

versity of Rochester has

much to offer in the his-

tory of women’s suf-

frage.

A Mother’s Love After the March 2012

tornado outbreak, we

learned of a young

mother who sacrificed

her safety, giving her

children every opportu-

nity to survive. She said

her only thoughts were

that she must protect her

children. This special

woman lost part of both

legs. But seeing her chil-

dren without a scratch

made her declare she

was blessed.

Sharing love through support

Civility-Kindness-Security-Courage

November 12,

Steel Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group, Inc .

Lenora Johnson, Founder,

Editor, Exec. Director

P.O. Box 36

Jacksonville, AL 36265

www.steelmagnoliasinc.org

Lenora@steelmagnoliasinc.org

Marti Warren, President

Keither Zeimet, Vice President

Margaret Taylor, Secretary

Nancy Burnell, Treasurer

Office (256) 231-8827

Jim Wilson, RMC Chaplain

(256) 235-5146

Steel Magnolias Chaplain Ser-

vices: Marti Rogers & Sherry

Grinstead (256) 231-8827

Pinks Boutique: Marti Warren,

Manager (256) 239-0855

March 19, 2012

To all mothers who make this

world a better place, rearing chil-

dren who become responsible,

contributing adults, you are un-

sung heroines.

The first three verses of an old

poem was no doubt written with

such a mother as inspiration.

ments of American

women.

2012 Theme

Women’s Education—

Women’s Empowerment

Emma Hart Willard

1787-1870 Women’s Higher Educa-

tion Pioneer

Charlotte Forten

Grimke 1837-1914 Freedom Bureau

Educator

Annie Sullivan

1866-1936 Disability Education

Architect

Gracia Molina dePick

b.1929 Feminist Educational

Reformer

Okolo Rashid b. 1949 Community Development

Activist and Historical

Preservation Advocate

Brenda Flyswithhawks

b. 1950

American Indian

Advocate and Educator

With constant news of

Republican primaries and

caucuses for the selection

of a candidate to run

against President Obama

in the November 2012

election, I can’t help but

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The Dash

The Women of Steel Every woman who is an active part of the work of Steel Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group, Inc. has every reason

to think of themselves as a “Woman of History.” Our grassroots organization has founded several programs for breast

cancer patients, pushed legislation through the 2009 Alabama Legislature, for which David Pollay made Steel Magnolias

the first recipient of the International Law of the Garbage Truck Award. Margaret Taylor received the Community

Foundation’s Juliette P. Doster Award for the Steel Magnolias School Girl Awareness Program. The number of clients

being served through the Steel Magnolias Pinks Boutique and the number of people receiving the Steel Magnolias News-

letter in their Email boxes is continually increasing.

The latter part of February, I received a phone call from Morgan Whetstone, a manager at the Oxford Exchange’s Old

Navy store. Ms. Whetstone asked if Steel Magnolias could help in celebration of Women’s History Month. I told her

that I didn’t know there was a Women’s History Month. Ms. Whetstone replied, “I didn’t either until a customer asked

what we were going to do during the month of March, in honor of Women’s History Month.” Steel Magnolias are very

grateful that we were invited to share, on Saturday March 10, 2012, information about the great services Steel Magnolias

provides patients in Calhoun and surrounding counties. Call (256) 231-8827 or contact lenora@steelmagnoliasinc.org

Below are pictures of our wonderful time at The Old Navy Store:

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth,

And now only those who loved her

Know what that dash was worth.

A minister stood to speak

At the funeral of his friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth,

And spoke of the second date with tears

Group picture

courtesy of Mor-

gan Whetstone.

All other pic-

tures courtesy of

Elizabeth

McCabe.

Thanks!

Great

Pictures

Page 3

All I Really Need To Know

I’m sure that most everyone over the age of forty remembers the widely popular book, All I Really Need to Know I

Learned in Kindergarten, written by Robert Fulghum. Mr. Fulghum’s book stayed on the New York Times’ Best Seller

List for two years!

While researching Robert Fulghum, I read many of his well know quotes. It pleases me to share a few with you:

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge…That myth is more potent than history..

That dreams are more potent than facts….That hope triumphs over experience...That laughter is the only cure for grief...And I believe that love is stronger than death.

The World does not need tourists who ride by in a bus clucking their tongues. The world as it is needs those who will love it enough to change it with what they have, where they are. Share everything. Don’t take things that aren't yours. Put things back where you found them.

Learn more about Robert Fulghum by logging onto www.robertfulghum.com His latest book, “Third Watch,” is avail-

able in print from Amazon or Kindle.

Civility

In the March 2012 issue of the AARP Bulletin, there is an article, “Why Civility Matters” by Sara Hacala,. The article is

an excerpt from her book, Saving Civility: 52 Ways to Tame Rude, Crude and Attitude for a Polite Planet, published by

Skylight Paths Publishing. Ms. Hacala says, “Changing the current course of incivility is a challenge for our times.” No

one can argue with this statement! All one has to do is occasionally watch the news to hear of school violence, domestic

violence and violence in the work place. Learn more by logging onto www.savingcivility.com

There are currently many new books that deal with civility in the business world. We celebrate with David Pollay that

on Amazon.com, The Law of the Garbage Truck is once again rated #77 in “Top Business Life Books.”

In his introduction, “My Intention” David Pollay makes a statement on page 5, that is very relevant to dealing with some

situations and individuals. YOUR COMPASS THIS BOOK IS NOT AN ENCYCLOPEDIA. IT IS NOT MY INTEN-

TION TO OFFER tailored responses to every difficult situation you may encounter. Instead, I want to offer a guide that

you can use throughout your life. For more about David Pollay, log onto www.davidpollay.com

While we know how important civility is for a non-profit organization, whose pledge it is to provide comfort and hope to

cancer patients, we also know the importance of security and courage. Finding a civil solution for situations where an

individual intends to behave dishonestly, is truly challenging.

Matthew 10: 16

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as lambs.

This admonishment was given to the disciples who would be carrying the Good News to a sometimes hostile world. The

Life Application Bible commentary: “We may face similar hostility. Like the disciples, we are not to be sheep-like in

our attitude but sensible and prudent. We are not to be gullible pawns but neither are we to be deceitful connivers. We

must find balance between wisdom and vulnerability to accomplish God’s work.”

Thanks For Filling The Gap A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to every person who has kept Margaret Taylor’s important work going while she recov-

ers. You are STEEL Magnolias and much appreciated!

Financial Report

February

03 (+) 204.00

08 (-) 100.00

14 (-) 10.00

17 (-) 133.16

17 (-) 19.50

21 (-) 52.73

23 (-) 190.00

Balance Brought Forward

Memorial contribution for Elizabeth Williams, RAJ

Lenora Johnson—Monthly Expense

Joyce Gulden—Pans for Pinks Boutique

Margaret Taylor—Sally’s for 45 wig forms

Kyuka Waters—Anniston Oncology

Postmaster—100 stamps—Care pkg. postage

Shahinian Ins. Services—Mall ins. for April 7 Bake & Jewelry Sale

$8,578.55

8,782.55

8,682.55

8,672.55

8,539.39

8,519.89

8,467.16

8,277.16

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Steel Magnolias & Men of Steel Meeting

The Steel Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group, Inc., met on Tuesday, February 28 at 5:00 pm, in suite 403 of the

RMC Physicians Center. Marti Warren welcomed everyone and introduced Chaplain Sherry Grinstead.

Sherry’s devotion was taken from Nehemiah. She illustrated with a necklace that had 5 stones. Each stone represented

an event in the journey of life. Birth, childhood, teenage years, adult and golden years. Sherry gave each person in at-

tendance a daily devotion booklet. Those with colored stickers received daily devotional books. After prayer for those

on the prayer list (first names only) and thanks for our food, Steel Magnolias and Men of Steel enjoyed potato soup,

made by Marti Warren and Margaret Taylor, chili made by Keither Zeimet and Lenora Johnson and a fruit and cheese

tray provided by RMC. Desserts and other side dishes were provided by other group members.

Lenora Johnson brought a short DVD of Christian Comedian, Zenus Windsor’s humor. The performance was recorded

over ten years ago but Mr. Windsor’s humor left the entire room laughing. Mr. Windsor will be special guest at the July,

24, New Beginnings Banquet.

Executive Director, Lenora Johnson gave the dates of upcoming event, that each person made note of on their 2012

RMC calendar. Those dates are: March 10 at Old Navy Store—March 27, Group Meeting—April 7, Bake and Jewelry

Sale—April 21, Lea Fite Memorial Golf Tournament—April 24, Group Meeting—May 22, Group Meeting—June 26,

Group Meeting—July 19-20, Dining Voucher Bazaar—July 24, New Beginnings Banquet—August 28, Group Meet-

ing—September 25, Group Meeting—October 23, Group Meeting—November 27, Group Meeting—December 1,

Christmas Party. As events are scheduled, they will be included in our calendar. The before mentioned events are con-

firmed.

Jimmy Taylor reported on the progress of the Lea Fite Memorial Golf Tournament, encouraging everyone to continue

working to get contributions of door prizes and hole sponsorships. Jimmy gave each person a polo shirt, pink for Mag-

nolias and Maroon for Men of Steel. Steel Magnolias, Nancy Gillespie donated her time and supplies to embroider the

Steel Magnolias name and logo on each shirt.

Paul McCabe thanked everyone for their prayers during his time in the hospital and difficult recovery.

There being no further business, meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Margaret Taylor, Secretary

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Remembering Matt

Saturday, March 10, 2012,—30 year old,

2nd Lieutenant Matthew Alexander Blount,

who served in active combat in Iraq in 2003,

changed his address from Jacksonville, AL

to Heaven. He will be missed by all who

knew him. He was a man of character and

faith. He left a devoted, loving wife, a pre-

cious baby girl, two brothers, and parents

who were constant in their care for him,

walking every step of his difficult journey

with cancer. Matt took brave and longsuf-

fering to another level! He leaves a legacy

of what it means to love, to be committed,

to be faithful—to God, family and country.

Because of CaringBridge, and Terrie, Matt’s mom’s faithfulness to post

current updates, I followed Matt’s valiant battle with Ewing Sarcoma and

Leukemia. In 2010, upon my request, Matt gave permission to use any-

thing from his journal that would help another cancer patient.

The Steel Magnolias and Men of Steel are grateful that Matt and Melinda

attended our July 26, 2011, 8th Annual New Beginnings Banquet. Matt

touched our group in a special way and will always be remembered.

For anyone wishing to contribute to Melinda, as she rears little Audrey

without Matt, an account has been set up at Regions Bank.

Page 6

Correspondence Steel Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group, Inc.

Thank you so much for the breast cancer care pkg., I received today. It was a very pleasant surprise! May God continue

to bless your group and your efforts to help others and put a smile on their face and in their heart like it did mine—

Thanks again, Michelle.…..Bay Minette, AL

Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts you sent to me. I will always be grateful for your love and kindness at this

time in my life. May God continue to bless your organization.

Nadine…..Ashland, AL

(NOTE) On March 5, Faye Roberts sent this email concerning the package she requested for Nadine)

Lenora,

I just have to tell you about a phone call I just received. It was from the lady whose mom’s name (Nadine) I gave you a

week or so ago. At that time she was facing surgery for recently diagnosed breast cancer. She was raving about what a

tremendous blessing Steel Magnolias’ Care Package was to her mother. She said they both sat down and cried when

they received the pkg. I personally just want to thank you all! How marvelous the Steel Magnolias are for reaching out

to this special lady! You have ministered to her like nothing else could have. They are strong in their faith in God and

know Steel Magnolias was their “angels unaware” put in their path at the very time they needed them most. Thanks

again for being there! I am so very proud to say I know God is using you all in a marvelous way! I passed your Email

address along to the daughter and told her you were the “go-to-lady” for anything her mom might need.

U R Loved, Faye Roberts…….Alexandria, AL

Hi, Well my surgery is over. I will know more after Pathology report. Have to have drains removed Tuesday, so maybe

I’ll know more then. The doctor told my husband that everything went well but because of the size of the cancer, chemo

was a given—-just have to wait and find out but at least it is OFF of me. He said there wasn’t as many lymph nodes as

he expected but he took some more because he didn’t like the looks of them. Thanks for always being here when I need

to talk/write about this.

Tangela…..Blountsville, AL

(Note) Tangela first contacted Steel Magnolias concerning her breast cancer on Dec. 9, 2011. Her mother had a heart

attack on Dec. 22 and died Dec. 29. Because of www.steelmagnoliasinc.org Tangela was able to contact me. Since the

first email on Dec. 9, Tangela and I have continued to communicate.

I am deeply grateful to WideNet Consulting for our website! Tangela of Blountsville is only one of many newly

diagnosed patients, facing an unsure future, who found encouragement through the Steel Magnolias website.

Thank You Junior League

Almost two months ago, Julie McGathy, a niece and member of Junior League of Anniston, contacted me about how this

club could help Steel Magnolias. A few weeks later she called to say that the membership had voted to name Steel Mag-

nolias the recipient of February’s Done in a Day project. I gave her a list of suggestions, highlighting what I thought

most important. Monday, March 12, Julie brought a large contribution of items collected and contributed by the mem-

bers of the Junior League of Anniston, AL. Thank You for helping Steel Magnolias as we work to meet the needs of

breast cancer patients and the people who love them.

Thank You To Caring Individuals

In memory of Harry Burnell and Molly Grogan, Steel Magnolias and Men of Steel have received loving contributions.

From the bottom of our hearts thank you!

Thank you to Bill and Andrea and Michael and Camilla for your contributions of items to be sold at the July 19-20

Dining Voucher Bazaar. All proceeds go to buy meals for 2 family members of cancer patients in surgery at RMC.

….…...Mark Your Calendar……….

Tuesday, March 27, 2012: Steel Magnolias & Men of Steel Meeting, 5:00 p.m., RMC Physicians Center,

Suite 403. RMC will provide Turkey Croissant Sandwiches. Steel Magnolias bring salad, chips or dessert.

Saturday, April 7, 2012: Bake and Jewelry Sale, 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m., Quintard Mall, near Bath and Body

Works. Steel Magnolias bring lots of baked goods and be at mall at 8:00 a.m. for set-up.

Page 7

Joggin’ Inside

Questions That Haunt Me? *How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

*Why is it that people say they ‘slept like a baby’ when babies wake up—like every two hours?

*Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

*Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They’re going to see you naked anyway…… *The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your

three best friends—-if they’re okay, then it’s you.

Courtesy of Gerald….Moore, Oklahoma

Trooper A Florida senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he

pushed it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. “Amazing,” he thought as he flew

down I-75, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw the state trooper behind him, blue

lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, “What am I doing?

I’m too old for this,” and pulled over to wait for the trooper’s arrival. Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the

Corvette, looked at his watch and said, “Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a reason

for speeding that I’ve never heard before, I’ll let you go.” The old gentleman paused, then said, “Years ago, my wife ran

off with a Florida State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back.” “Have a good day, Sir,” replied the trooper.

Courtesy of Gerald…..Moore, Oklahoma

What is A 710 A few days ago I was having some work done at my local garage when a young woman came in and asked for a seven-

hundred-ten. We all looked at each other and another customer asked, “What is a seven-hundred-ten?” She replied,

“You know, the little round piece in the middle of the engine. I lost it and need a new one.” The mechanic gave her a

piece of paper and a pen and asked her to draw what the piece looked like. She drew a circle and in the middle of it

wrote 710. He then took her over to another car just like hers which had its hood up and asked, “Is there a 710 on this

car.

If you’re not sure what a 710 is…….

Courtesy of Pokey…….

Anniston, AL

Monday, April 16, 2012: Newsletter mailing day, RMC Physicians Center, Suite 406...Stuff Envelopes!

Saturday, April 21, 2012: Lea Fite Memorial Golf Tournament, Pine Hill Country Club. Steel Magnolias &

Men of Steel be at golf course at 10:00 a.m. — We need to display door prizes and Lunch for golfers at 12:00.

We have to really pull together because of Margaret Taylor’s unexpected illness.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012: Steel Magnolias meeting, 5:00 p.m., RMC Physicians Center, Suite 403. RMC will

provide Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard and Ranch dipping sauce. Steel Magnolias bring side dishes

and dessert.

OIL

Sorry ladies!!!

It is funny!

The Blind Date After being with her all evening, the man couldn’t take another minute with his blind date. Earlier, he had secretly ar-

ranged to have a friend call him to the phone so he could have an excuse to leave if something like this happened. When

he returned to the table, he lowered his eyes, put on a grin and said, “I have some bad news. My grandfather just died.”

“Thank heaven,” his date replied. “If yours hadn’t mine would have had to.” Courtesy of Pokey….Anniston, AL

Holy Communion Being a new pastor to an aging congregation, I told them I would be serving them prune juice in Holy Communion.

When asked why I would dare entertain such a thought, I said, “If the Holy Spirit won’t move you….the prune juice

will!” Courtesy of Gudrun…..Piedmont, AL

Hot Air Hand Dryers My pastor friend put sanitary hot air hand dryers in the rest rooms at his church and after two weeks, took them out. I

asked him why and he confessed that they worked fine, but when he went in there he saw a sign that read, “For a sample

of this week’s sermon, push the button. Courtesy of Gudrun….Piedmont, AL

Page 8

3rd Annual

Lea Fite Memorial

Golf Tournament

Swing for a Cure

Pine Hill Country Club

Saturday, April 21,2012

1:00 p.m.

Lunch served at 12:00 p.m.

Steel Magnolias Breast cancer

Support Group, Inc.

2 Mulligans/Throw/Skirt

At registration $15

After registration $20

Registration

For Players

Steel Magnolias Bake & Jewelry sale

Saturday, April 7, 2012 Quintard Mall

9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Look for Steel Magnolias near Bath and Body Works! Choose that special goodie to complete your Easter Dinner! Find just the right accessory to complete your Easter outfit!

Mom will love a gift of jewelry from Marti’s 2012 collection!

Prizes Based on full field

1st Flight 1st place team $300

2nd place team $200

3rd place team Gift Certificate

2nd Flight 1st place team $300

2nd place team $200

3rd place team Gift Certificate

Hole in one: $10,000 towards purchase of

new or used vehicle from Buster Miles

In Heflin

Shot Gun Start

Hole Sponsorship

$100

For more information

Contact

Jimmy Taylor

(256) 463-7620

Captain:

Phone___________________

Captain

__________________________

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

Entry Fee $50 per player

4man scramble $200

Tee off time 1:00 pm

Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m.

Mail completed form

and Entry Fee to:

Jimmy Taylor

1015 Co. Rd. 13

Heflin, AL 36264