Saturday March 1, 2008
2:30 – 3:15pm
Factory Girls Lament
Learn how striking workers used music to make their point and to foster solidarity. These songs were written, adapted and sung by striking women from the first turnout to the Bread and Roses Strike of 1912. Park Ranger Alex Demas will perform and interpret these historic songs used by textile workers in their struggle against management to improve working conditions. Ranger Demas will accompany his voice with banjo, guitar, dulcimer and fiddle. National Park Service
Visitor Center, 246 Market St.
Info: 978-970-5000 or www.nps.gov/lowe
Photograph credit Lowell NHP
Sunday March 2, 2008
2:30 – 4:00pm
Views of Lowell: Mill Girls,br. What would make a young woman leave her farm, family and home, and move to Lowell to work in the textile mills? Lowell offered women independence; both economic and personal. They became weavers and spinners. They opened bank accounts, wrote for the Lowell Offering and took advantage of all the city had to offer. This tour explores the reasons why countless women streamed into Lowell and the many benefits and opportunities afford them.
Info: 978-970-5000 or see www.nps.gov/lowe
Photograph credit Trustees of the Boston Public Library
Monday March 3, 2008
7:30 – 9:00am
Lowell Women’s Week Breakfast Celebration
Holy Ghost Park, 65 Village Street, Lowell
Celebrate the beginning of Lowell Women’s Week with a sumptuous breakfast and inspiring network of women. In case of inclement weather, listen to WCAP 980AM.
For tickets and information contact Maria Cunha at 978-656-3104. Tickets $20 (students $15)
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Working Women: Southeast Asian Experience
A panel of Southeast Asian women will share their immigrant stories. Their journeys have included the trials and tribulations of cultural shock, taboos and educational limitations. Come hear their amazing stories!
Middlesex Community College
F. Bradford Morse Federal Building, Assembly Room
Info: Tooch Van (978) 656-3254
5 – 7 pm
Braided Streams: Women of Faith Speak
Women panelists from diverse faith traditions reflect on their experiences of the intersection between religion and diversity issues in education.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
McGauvran Student Center, Room 410, UMass Lowell
Tuesday March 4, 2008
10:30 – 12:30 pm
Cambodian Cuisine and Culture
Members of Lowell’s Cambodian Community will host a discussion of Cambodian cuisine and provide a cooking lesson.
Lowell Alliance for Families and Neighborhoods, YWCA of Lowell;
41 Rock St.
Info and RSVP: Deanna Lima at (978) 454-5405 ext. 137 or dlima@lowellalliance.org
12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lesléa Newman: Heather Has Two Mommies
Please come to UML for a delightful presentation by Lesléa Newman brought to you by the GLBT collegiate club Spectrum and the Gender Studies Program. Newman is a prominent author of several children/teen/adult books including Heather Has Two Mommies and Heather’s Mommies Get Married. She will speak on behalf of gender and orientation issues that are at the center of her work. Newman is a popular guest lecturer who has traveled across the country to speak on college campuses such as Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oregon, Bryn Mawr College and Smith College.
University of Massachusetts Lowell - SPECTRUM
UMass Lowell South Campus Library, O’Leary 222
Info: 774 218 3508 or sarah_varnerin@student.uml.edu
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Lesléa Newman: Heather Has Two Mommies
Please come to UML for a delightful presentation by Lesléa Newman brought to you by the GLBT collegiate club Spectrum and the Gender Studies Program. Newman is a prominent author of several children/teen/adult books including Heather Has Two Mommies and Heather’s Mommies Get Married. She will speak on behalf of gender and orientation issues that are at the center of her work. Newman is a popular guest lecturer who has traveled across the country to speak on college campuses such as Harvard University, Yale University, University of Oregon, Bryn Mawr College and Smith College.
University of Massachusetts Lowell - SPECTRUM
UMass Lowell South Campus Library, O’Leary 222
Info: 774 218 3508 or sarah_varnerin@student.uml.edu
6:00 – 8:00pm
Your Family Tree May be Telling You Something
With genetic testing we can learn more about a woman’s predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. Knowing your family history can provide you with important information about your personal risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer at some time in your life or your children’s lives. Genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 is a promising and useful tool. The decision to undergo testing is an important personal choice. Join us to learn more about this latest method to proactively minimize your risk for these cancers. Presented by Gabriele Southgate, MD
Saints Medical Center
First Floor Conference Room
Wednesday March 5, 2008
10:30 - 11:45 am
I Still Smell the Fire in my Grandma’s Hair
Middlesex Community College presents theatrical vignettes highlighting women's issues that raise questions and create awareness. Powerful stories of sexuality, discrimination, intimate relationships, and the fight for equal opportunity. Middlesex Community College
Cafeteria, 33 Kearney Sq.
Info: Jean Trounstine 978-656-3121 -or- Karen Oster 781-280-3939
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Liz Walker: Journey to Darfur
Award winning journalist and humanitarian activist, Liz Walker speaks of her experiences traveling to Darfur and thoughts about the future of this region and its people and what the United States can do.
Middlesex Community College
Doubletree Riverfront Hotel, Lowell MA
Info: Please call Rebecca H. Newell at 781-280-3763, or email at: newellr@middlesex.mass.edu
6:30 - 8:00pm
Positive Outlook = Positive Outcome!
Join Julia Fox Garrison - motivational speaker, author, and stroke survivor - as she shares her uplifting story of how humor, a positive attitude and inner strength helped her to triumph over adversity. Author of the book Don’t Leave Me This Way (or When I Get Back on My Feet You’ll Be Sorry), a personal memoir of her struggle to regain control over her life and body after a devastating stroke, Fox Garrison has appeared on numerous shows, including Good Morning America, Fox 25 News, NECN, BBC, Martha Stewart Living Radio, and Oprah & Friends radio, and was featured in People magazine.
Lowell General Hospital
Clark Auditorium (first floor)
Info: (978) 788-7078
Thursday March 6, 2008
9:30 – 1:30pm
Women's Health Fair: Celebrating the Cultures of Lowell
Community healthcare and human services agencies representing the diverse cultures of the Lowell area will provide a morning of health screenings, information on healthcare and domestic violence services, and referral information to assist women in caring for themselves and their families. Also, try Hula Hooping for Health with newly designed hoops that are easy to do. Allyson Makiej M.Ed. of Full Motion Family Empowerment will introduce you to a fun innovative whole body workout for all ages bringing family together for fun and fitness.
Sponsored by Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, MCC, the Lowell Community Health Center and many other local community organizations.
Middlesex Community College
Cafeteria, 33 Kearney Sq.
Info: Please contact Dorothy O'Connell, 978-656-3235
10:30 – 12:00pm
Roots of Strength: Trees and Leaves for Quilts
Join us to assemble quilt blocks for Lap quilts to be distributed to area charitable organizations. NEQM staff and volunteers will share basic machine piecing and appliqué techniques. Sewing experience NOT required!!
New England Quilt Museum
18 Shattuck St.
Info: Please call Rhonda Galpern at 978-452-4207, ext 17
12:00 – 1:00
Voices of Working Women at UMass Lowell
All women employees at UMass Lowell are invited to a free luncheon to discuss balancing work with our lives – with family responsibilities (child care/elder care), continuing education and other interests, or enjoying free time without stress. UMass Lowell: Labor Extension Program & Center for Women and Work
Alumnae/i Hall, North Campus
Info: (978) 934-3256 or Susan_Damore@uml.edu
12:30 – 1:30 pm
The Traditions of Trees and Leaves in Quilts
See how 19th century women incorporated the themes of trees and leaves into useful quilts. Lean how traditional patterns grew into contemporary quilts.
New England Quilt Museum
18 Shattuck St.
Info: Please call Rhonda Galpern at 978-452-4207, ext 17
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Roots of Strength: The Traditions of Tea Time
Join NEQM staff and volunteers for Afternoon Tea. We will discuss some teas’ history and ask participants to share their personal stories of tea’s cultural significance and family tradition.
New England Quilt Museum
18 Shattuck St.
Info: Please call Rhonda Galpern at 978-452-4207, ext 17
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Creating Alternatives to Violence against Women: The Lowell V-Day Campaigns
Vagina Warriors of diverse cultures and ages will share stories and creations illustrating how
Lowell V-Day Campaigns (2002-2008) and the arts are creating awareness, funds, and alternatives to violence against women locally and globally. V-Day participants, local artists and representatives from Alternative House, Rape Crisis Services of Greater Lowell, UMass Lowell, and the UTEC Young Womenz Program will lead an open discussion of the power of art to challenge violence against women and girls, encourage healing, and foster safe and affirming communities for all members. Examples of V-Day and related arts projects will be on display.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
O’Leary Library Room 222, UMass Lowell South, 61 Wilder Street.
Info: 978-934-3965 please ask for Anne Mulvey
6:30-7:30 pm
Mother and Daughter Persian Dance Night
Persian Dance is a wonderful chance for mothers and daughters to explore their strengths and femininity through classical & folk Persian dance. Get ready to have some fun, while embracing the woman in you! No dance experience necessary. (20 spots available, please call to reserve a spot)
Julie Ferrazzani and Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell
220 Worthen St.
Info: Jennifer Demers at 978-458-6529 or jdemers@girlsinclowell.org
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Guerrilla Girls on Tour presents “Feminists are Funny”
Join us for a FREE performance that challenges and engages the audience via music and slides as the Guerilla Girls on Tour takes you on an energetic romp through humorous historical moments in feminist history as well as the history of Guerrilla Girls On Tour. The show provides an up-to-date account of the performance art group’s latest actions in politics, art and the entertainment industry and ends with a lively discussion with the audience on the current trends for women and artists of color. UMass Lowell and Guerrilla Girls on Tour.
Comley-Lane Theater, Mahoney Auditorium. 870 Broadway St.
Info: 978-934-4191 or Julie_Nash@uml.edu
7:00 – 10:00pm
Mothers of Rock Concert Part IV
This student-run, FREE production is presented by the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association (MEISA) of UMass Lowell. This is the fourth year that the university hosts a tribute to women in the music industry. Students and faculty both male and female will perform songs made famous, written, and performed by women icons of the rock industry such as Janice Joplin, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, The Pretenders, Jefferson Airplane, and others. Some performances will also include original works written by aspiring young women of the UML community. Suggested Donation of $5.00.
UMass Lowell – MEISA
Durgin Hall; 61 Wilder St.
Info: (978) 877-7413 or mothersofrock@gmail.com
Friday March 7, 2008
8:30 - 9:20 am
because equity is still an issue™
When women faculty and staff on college campuses challenge discriminatory practices based on gender, they pay dearly. Hear some of their gripping stories via a readers’ theater format or see them on video clips talk about their experiences. Hear what the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund is doing to help them.
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Middlesex Community College
City building room 305
Info: 781-862-5811 or florencebaturin@verizon.net
Friday March 7, 2008
1:00-3:00pm
Helping Working Women Succeed
CTI combines a lively, expert-driven panel discussion featuring Lifestyle and Eating, Mindfulness Stress Reduction and Lifelong Learning with Fashion-on-a-Budget and Nutrition-on-the-Run exhibits. All attendees entered into raffle for an Afternoon at the Spa. Also, try Hula Hooping for Health with newly designed hoops that are easy to do. Allyson Makiej M.Ed. of Full Motion Family Empowerment will introduce you to a fun innovative whole body workout for all ages bringing family together for fun and fitness.
Community Teamwork, Inc.
Head Start Facility, Phoenix Ave.
Info: 978-459-0551, ext. 281 or sshelton@comteam.org.
Saturday March 8, 2008
2:30 – 4:00 pm
Evelyn Longman: Forgotten Master Sculptor
Evelyn Beatrice Longman Batchelder was one of the most respected and honored sculptors in American history. Her works can be seen in almost every state and major museum. Evelyn Longman contributed to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. and provided the defining image of Thomas Edison. Evelyn worked closely with Daniel Chester French on many of his projects. She became the first woman sculptor elected a full member of the National Academy of Design. Join Park Ranger Jim Roberts for this lecture and walking tour which includes seeing the two works by Evelyn Longman in the Lowell Cemetery: the Louisa Wells Memorial and the Storey Memorial.
National Park Service
Tour meets at Lowell Cemetery, 77 Knapp Ave.
Info: 978-970-5000 or www.nps.gov/lowe
Sunday March 9, 2008
2:30 – 4:00 pm
Views of Lowell Tour: Boardinghouse Keeper Learn about the daily lives of the Boardinghouse Keepers Amanda Fox and Lois Larcom. They cleaned, cooked three meals every day for all of their boarders, they were the “Mom away from home,” and they enforced the corporations’ regulations, among other duties. Join Park Ranger Tess Shatzer on this walking tour to gain insight into these women, the nature of their work and the challenges they faced every day.
Lowell National Historical Park
Visitor Center, 246 Market Street
Info: 978-970-5000 or www.nps.gov/lowe
Photograph Lowell NHP
After Women’s Week
Friday, March 28th and Saturday March 29th
7:00 – 8:30pm (pre-performance events begin at 6:00pm)
V-Day College Campaign 2008
UMass Lowell students present two performances of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues as part of the V-Day College Campaign. The goal of V-Day is to raise awareness and money to end violence against women. Pre-performance events include informational tables from various campus and community organizations, sale of refreshments, and a display of creative projects designed to challenge and change violence against women. Tickets are $10 (general public) and $5 (students). Proceeds benefit Rape Crisis Services of Greater Lowell and Alternative House.
UMass Lowell
Comley-Lane Theater, Mahoney Hall, 870 Broadway St
Info: 978-934-3963 or Ivy_Ho@uml.edu
Thursday, April 3, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm (lunch to follow)
10th Annual Gathering at the Well Forum: “Reframing Homeland Security: Building an Agenda for Justice and Care at Home, at Work, and in the Community”
Cynthia Enloe, a noted feminist, political scientist, and author of many books examining militarism through the lens of gender, race, class, and ethnic identity, will be the featured speaker for this 10th-anniversary event, hosted by the Center for Women and Work (CWW). In her presentation – “Re-envisioning Local, National, and Global Security as if Women Mattered” – Enloe will challenge listeners to think about security broadly as justice and care for all. The morning will also feature the research of CWW faculty associates around the theme of security, as well as a number of other activities, presentations, and opportunities for discussion.
University of Massachusetts Lowell – Center for Women and Work Alumni/ae Lounge, Lydon Library, University Avenue,
Info: 978-934-4380 or www.uml.edu/centers/women-work (for info and online registration)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
1:00 – 2:30 pm
13th Annual Day Without Violence: “A New Vision for Peace: Creative
Responses to Gang Violence in South Africa & Lowell”
As the UMass Lowell Peace and Conflict Studies Institute (PACSI) celebrates its 13th annual Day Without Violence, an event honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the members are pleased to present Linda Biehl, a world-renowned peace and reconciliation expert, Director of the Amy Biehl Foundation in the U.S. and the Amy Biehl Foundation Trust in South Africa, and the University's first Dana McLean Greeley Scholar for Peace Studies. Focusing on Biehl's experiences with youth gangs in the Cape Flats and prisons of South Africa, this program will also draw parallels to the issues of gang violence experienced in the City of Lowell, half a world away. New and effective strategies addressing issues of gang violence, being developed by Linda Biehl in South Africa and through University and community resources here in Lowell, will be shared. Biehl will be joined in this discussion by Allan Roscoe, Visiting Instructor in the Criminal Justice department, and Linda Silka, Professor in the Regional Social and Economic Development (RESD) department, and Director of the Center for Work, Family and Community.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
O’Leary 222, UMass Lowell South (Wilder Street, between Broadway & Pawtucket)
Info: 978-934-5014 or Imogene_Stulken@uml.edu