Stillwater Domestic Violence Shelter Expansion

The Donald W Reynolds Foundation has provided a grant for $4.85 million to expand the women's shelter in Stillwater. Read more by clicking here.

Woman of the Year

Want to be selected "Woman of the Year" someday? Criteria that the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce uses to pick their 2008 "Businesswoman of the Year" (award to be presented Feb 6, 2009) include:

Made achievements in the professional field
Exhibit leadership in their profession
Act as a mentor and role model to other women
Dedicate significant time and effort to philanthropic activities
Exhibit leadership in the community

Larkin and the Blues Brothers

Here is Larkin trying to fit in with the Blues Brothers at Midway Airport in Chicago. That is one amazing little airport!

Bahai House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois

Have I mentioned that I went home to Chicago last month for a memorial service for my brother Tom? I stayed with my step-sister and her family (Bette and her husband, Phil, are pictured above). They live near the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette so we dropped by to look around and offer prayers for Tom. Thanks, Phil and Bette, for making us feel so welcome.

Portrait of US District Judge Robin Cauthron Unveiled

On November 26, 2008, a wonderful portrait of US District Judge Robin J Cauthron was unveiled as part of a recognition ceremony marking the completion of her term as chief judge of the US District Court for Oklahoma's western federal court district. Congratulations, Robin!

Incarceration: State Names Laura Pitman Prison's Chief of Women

Oklahoma ranks #1 in the USA at incarcerating women, per capita (over 2,700 at present). In fact, we lock up more women per capita than any developed nation inthe world! So it is wonderful that the state has hired a deputy director of female offender operations. She is Laura J Pitmanand she begins her job December 15. Her long-term goal:

reduce the number of women in Oklahoma’s prisons and implement programs inside the system to help women deal with mental health and trauma issues.

Read Oklahoman article here.