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On the Web February + March 2009

GFWC of Montana's A-Ha Archives Moment (10 Steps...)
»Read the whole story

Women's Issues are Everyone's Issues (Watching Washington)
» Find out what the Obama administration may focus on for women and families (PDF).
» Learn more about the National Council of Women's Organizations

Putting Passion into Practice (Programs Spotlight)
»GFWC offers several resources to assist all members in their heart's endeavors, including:

• www.WomenHeart.org  (WomenHeart)
• www.NHLBI.NIH.gov/Health/HeartTruth  (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute)
• www.AmHrt.org  (American Heart Association)

Don’t forget that GFWC clubs can receive free Heart Truth kits by calling 301/592-8463 or e-mailing NHLBIInfo@rover.NHLBI.gov. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of GFWC.

Volunteers in Action — Recipes from GFWC Ladies' Reading Circle (Morristown, Tenn.)
»GFWC Ladies’ Reading Circle Hot Chicken Salad
»Pretzel Jello Salad                                       

Volunteering Keeps the Doctor Away
Over the past two decades, we have seen a growing body of research that has established a strong relationship between volunteering and health: those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer. Not only do volunteer activities strengthen the social ties that protect individuals from isolation during difficult times, but the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self worth and trust. And it’s good for you! Studies show that those individuals suffering from chronic pain experienced declines in their pain intensity and decreased levels of disability and depression when they began to serve as peer volunteers for others also suffering from chronic pain! Learn more about the link between volunteering and health (PDF).

Working Hard in the Big Easy
Spring break used to mean beaches and boardwalks, but this year it means volunteering in the French Quarter with GFWC! If you’re thinking about joining the Federation for our first volunteer vacation trip (see page 6 for details), you might want to get a sneak peek at what’s in store for you in New Orleans. Check out our destination guide.

Share the Love
Want to impress your valentine this year? Volunteer for someone or something you love. No matter what your passion project, it’s easy to find a rewarding way to make a big hearted difference. Forget the chocolates— give back with community service this Valentine’s Day and support a cause that matters to you.

Paint the Town Red
Friday, February 6, 2009, is National Wear Red Day–a day when Americans nationwide will take women’s health to heart by wearing red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness. Join The Heart Truth on National Wear Red Day to help spread the critical message that “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear–It’s the #1 Killer of Women.” Everyone can participate in the national movement by wearing their favorite red dress, shirt, tie, or Red Dress Pin on Friday, February 6, 2009.

Getting Going on Going Green
Want to go green but don’t know how? Learn 50 simple, earth-friendly actions you and your family can take today, including #13: Practice environmentality with your family!

Find Your Niche
Not sure what your volunteering passion is yet? Why not try a little bit of everything and see what sticks? Get a list of 26 ways to delve into community service and try these projects on for size!

GFWC Ladies’ Reading Circle Hot Chicken Salad

¼ cup chopped onion  1 cup chopped celery
2 Tbsp. butter   ½ cup chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup 3 drops Tabasco 
 2 cups chopped cooked chicken  1 cup Chinese noodles
½ cup cashew nuts

Cook onion and celery in butter until soft.  Add soup, chicken broth, Tabasco and chicken.  Simmer 5 minutes.  Pour into buttered casserole and bake 20 to 30 minutes.  Add noodles and cashews the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
 
Pretzel Jello Salad                                       
 
Use a 9x13 inch pan
Make 3 layers:

Bottom Layer
¾ cup butter
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 2/3 cup crushed pretzels
Mix and bake 10 min at 350.  Let cool thoroughly before adding next layers.

Middle Layer
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup sugar
1 cup cool whip
Cream cheese and sugar together and then add cool whip.  Spread over pretzel layer.

Top Layer
1 large box strawberry jello
2-10 oz. boxes frozen, sliced strawberries, thawed
Dissolve jello in 2 cups boiling water.  Add thawed strawberries and mix.  Spoon on top of salad.  Refrigerate until firm.