Maxine Westaway, the Executive Director of TIAW, and her husband Allan, arrived first to finalize the preparations for the conference. Peggy’s home office became the temporary TIAW office for a few days. Maxine and Peggy met Haifa Al-Kaylani, conference speaker, and Diane Morris, TIAW second Vice President, at the airport. Peggy was delighted to host them for dinner that evening. According to Peggy, “I have found that when you host people in your home, they become friends, not just acquaintances.”
Though Kathy Wilson-Chu of Georgia Executive Women’s Network (GEWN) hosted Nina Noeva and her daughter Srebriana, Peggy picked them up from the airport. For her, it was great to see Nina again because she had attended the TIAW 2005 International Meeting in Bulgaria that Nina hosted. As can be expected from the TIAW community, Peggy decided to treat Nina and Srebriana to a southern brunch at The Original House of Pancakes. She suggested that they try the grits and they asked her, “What are they?” Not knowing how to explain what grits were, Peggy simply responded, “They are a breakfast food, you put butter, salt and pepper on them and eat with a spoon.” Nina tried the grits and really liked them, but Srebriana, as most teenagers would do, said, “If you like them, I know I won't.” They persuaded her to try them. The grits turned out to be a hit with both mother and daughter.
The next trip to the airport was to pick up Dr. Amelou Benitez Reyes another conference speaker who had come directly from the Philippines where she is President of the Women's University and Chairperson of the National Council of Women in the Philippines. Since Dr. Reyes arrived on a 6:00 am flight, she asked Peggy if there was a church near the hotel. Peggy was delighted to take her to morning mass at a nearby church and shared a wonderful experience.
Another “two for one” airport pick up was for Donna Heivilin, this year’s Mandy Goetze 21st Century Award winner, and Chihiro Inda, a Japanese violinist who was also staying with Peggy. Chihiro was slated to perform as the guest soloist, a movement commissioned by Peggy for the Ludwig Symphony Orchestra concert on Sunday. Because of her willingness to help others, Peggy was able to call on her friends to transport Chihiro to and from her rehearsals, while she attended the 2006 Global Forum.
Patricia Hinnen, Margie Armen and Donna Heivilin decided to stay for the concert on Sunday evening so Peggy hosted the Microenterprise Program Committee Meeting at her home. After the concert, they had a party for several guest artists and Maestro Tom Ludwig. That night her home was full of overnight guests followed by two more days of driving people back to the airport. In her own words, “My home seems empty now, but I know I will be seeing more of my "old" and "new" friends.”
TIAW is much stronger because of members like Peggy who are so generous with their time, their many skills and donations. Being involved and sharing the “experience” in turn enriches them.
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