On July 12, Centralia Business & Professional Women’s Club members and guests dressed in their finest attire met at the Centralia American Legion to enjoy an evening filled with fine dining on delicious and elegantly displayed appetizers prepared by Covered in Chocolate and desserts by Stephanie House, Becca Deomes and Mary Jones. Pictures were taken under an arch of lavender balloons and a gold lame backdrop complete with props provided by the Centralia Historical Museum. Then the bingo games began, complete with bingo cards and daubers provided by the Legion. The games were hosted by Wayne Sensel and the amazing bingo caller George Macz who announced every game with much enthusiasm, complete with bingo quips. This young man definitely has a future in entertainment.
On July 11, members Michelle Garrison, Sylvia Mahle, Sally Tiemann, Lorraine Bassett, Dawn Cleary, Traci Macz, Mary Jones, and President Stephanie House continued the BPW Community Outreach program by volunteering with the Centralia Community Youth Center to assist with the STEM learning Legos program for the young children attending the center’s summer programs. It was a fun event for the young and the “seasoned” members.
Legislative Co-chair Sylvia Mahle informed the membership that the Illinois General Assembly achieved a significant milestone in promoting equal pay by passing a pay transparency bill. This legislation, an amendment to the Illinois Equal Pay Act, mandates that businesses with 15 or more employees must include pay ranges and benefits when posting job openings. This action aligns Illinois with the increasing number of states and municipalities across the country that are actively working towards closing the gender and racial wage gaps through similar measures.
The August 9 meeting will be held at the First Christian Church, 205 S. Elm, Centralia and will be catered by Baldy’s Catering. Menu is pulled chicken and pork, potato salad, apple slaw and various desserts. The program “Women’s Self Defense Demonstration” will be presented by Tim Prodyma.
If interested in attending a meeting or wanting more information, please contact Stephanie House at 618-533-5758 or Karen Walsh at 618-967-3919 or any BPW member.
