Political pundits say the austerity cuts that kicked in in April are likely to be permanent – with just a few band aid fixes like the quick Congressional response to outrage over flight delays after cuts to the FAA. Meals on Wheels, Head Start, unemployment, food safety – they're all facing similar cuts. Terry O'Neill, the president of the National Organization for Women – NOW – argues many of those cuts target women and
families. And she warns that cuts without job stimulation is a recipe for disaster.
We've heard what National Organization for Women president Terry O'Neill has to say about the impacts of austerity measures on the nation's women She discussed the growing divide between rich and poor, the disappearing middle class and the fact that women carry a disproportionate share of the load – both through cuts to social programs aimed at helping women and families, and cuts to jobs are where women predominate – teaching and social services. As we continued our conversation, O'Neill talked about grooming a new group of women leaders – and encouraging more women to get involved.
Now, let's mix a little high society and springtime planting. If you're anywhere near Northwest Connecticut and you love to garden, there's an event coming up that you'll find hard to resist. Interior designer Bunny Williams and her gardening pal, Naomi Blumenthal, started Trade Secrets eleven years ago. It's now known as the Garden Party event of the year. It's much more than a plant sale – and it's become an annual event that draws the likes of Martha Stewart. It's a chance to rub elbows with the rich and famous, and help a worthy cause at the same time. It's done for the benefit of Womens Support Services, known as WES.
BunnyWilliams is an interior designer and founder of Trade Secrets, a charity plant and garden sale that's coming up the weekend of May 18th in Sharon, CT.
That’s our show for this week. Thanks to Katie Britton for production assistance. Our theme music is by Kevin Bartlett. This show is a national production of Northeast Public Radio. Our executive producer is Dr. Alan Chartock.