Alabama Women's Commission

The Alabama Women's Commission is in place to improve and advance the lives of women in the State of Alabama through research, education, and public awareness. They work to influence legislation, policies, and programs that related to lives of women.

Today, First Lady Dianne Bentley attended the first luncheon of the Alabama Women's Commission. This luncheon was called Impact: Celebrating Alabama Women. The honored guests were the two women in Alabama's Congressional Delegation, US Representative Martha Roby and US Representative Terri Sewell. Mrs. Bentley introduced these two women before they opened the floor for a panel discussion. Economic issues were discussed as well as how Alabama compares to other states.

Mrs. Bentley was proud to be among so many outstanding women from the state of Alabama and hopes that the Women's Commission will be able to continue positively affecting the lives of women in the state.

Below are photos from the event. The first pictures Mrs. Bentley with US Representative Roby, US Representative Sewell, and the leadership of the Alabama Women's Commission.

Gadsden Woman's Club

Yesterday First Lady Dianne Bentley traveled to Gadsden to speak to their Woman's Club over lunch. She was featured in an article by the Gadsden Times which can be seen below.
Thank you to the Woman's Club for hosting the First Lady of Alabama and thank you for your generosity and kindness during her time there.

Alabama's First Lady Speaks in Gadsden

by: Lisa Rogers, Staff Writer

Dianne Bentley said she was encouraged by the outpouring of support she saw across the state less than 100 days after her husband became governor of Alabama and she became the first lady.

On April 27, the state was hit by devastating tornadoes, and Bentley found herself at her husband’s side as they crossed the state, seeing the damage with their own eyes.

“We were blessed with the stories of survival,” Bentley said when she spoke Tuesday at the Gadsden Woman’s Club luncheon.

“In every town, every day, every person brought new stories, and we cried with them,” she said.

She said the storms could have crushed everyone’s spirit, but said God prevailed.

“God conquers all,” she said. “We can’t dwell on the negative when we’re blessed.”

Bentley chose to promote volunteerism across the state as one of her roles as first lady. However, she said after seeing all the volunteers across the state after the tornadoes, she knew she would not have a lot of work to do on that project.

“After I saw all the great work from so many volunteers, I was so proud of Alabama,” she said.

“I saw everyone helping before government help arrived.”

She said when President Barack Obama visited Alabama, he expressed similar sentiments.

“He said, ‘Alabama will take care of itself,’” she said.

She said as she has been at her husband’s side, she tries to do the things he can’t do.

“I believe he called us for this,” she said. “No matter where the future leads, I’m with my husband to make a stronger Alabama. I want to thank everyone for electing my husband as governor as we continue to lead Alabama."

www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20110927/NEWS/110929817/1017

Fall Favorite: Grape Salad

First Lady Dianne Bentley loves seasonal recipes. With fall in the air and tailgate parties every weekend, this next recipe from her kitchen will be sure to impress all. Her secret hint is to make sure the grapes are sweet and at this time of year, they are just right.

1 (8oz) sour cream
1(8oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
4 c seedless green grapes
4 c seedless red grapes
1/2 c chopped, toasted pecans

Mix sour cream, cream cheese and white sugar. Fold 1/2 of mixture into grapes. Pour into 9x13 dish. In a small bowl, mix pecans and brown sugar. Spread reserved 1/2 mixture over grapes then top with brown sugar and pecans. Cover and refridgerate overnight.

Inspiration

The following is from a Turning Point Devotional by David Jeremiah:

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” Psalm 37:23 An unknown author once described his journey of giving God control of his life as a tandem bike ride with Christ in the front. He said, “When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring but predictable. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long trails up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on. Even though it looked like madness, He said “pedal!” I was worried and anxious and asked “where are you taking me?” He laughed and did not answer, and I started to learn to trust. And I am beginning to enjoy the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ. And when I am sure I just can’t do anymore, He just smiles and says, “Pedal.” Though we may fear and doubt where He is taking us, when we give Him control, our life will never be the same. We will begin to find adventure in the midst of adversity, and peace during times of pain. All we have to do is let Him steer our life while we simply pedal. “Give your life to God; He can do more with it than you can!” Dwight L Moody

Retirement of Corporal Cynthia Hardy

Today First Lady Dianne Bentley attended the retirement of Corporal Cynthia Hardy. Corporal Hardy, better know to the First Lady as Cynthia served the state of Alabama for twenty five years as a state trooper. Her service on the road and in her role as Dignitary Protection for the First Lady will never be forgotten.

In order to keep the mood light, Mrs. Bentley shared some funny memories and personal stories with the crowd. If you do not know Cynthia personally, they will not mean as much but for the many of you that do, please join the First Lady in wishing Corporal Cynthia Hardy a happy retirement.

David Letterman’s Top Ten Reasons we are going to miss

Corporal Cynthia Hardy better known to us as the “Blue Light Special.”

10. I will miss her fashion statement vest. It was months before I learned she wore that

 to cover her weapon.

9. Who will take us to the best, good, local, Mexican restaurants? OOPS- forgot I

cannot go to those anymore anyway.

8. Who is going to give me advance notice that Dillard’s is having its

 70% off sale?

7. Who will give Heather lessons on how to buy “chocolate ice cream” at

the Exxon?

6. I will miss all of her “kin” folks in Montgomery. We never went anywhere

that she did not know someone she was related to.

5. That special laminated parking pass that she put in the wind shield that

allowed us to park any place.

4. Who is going to lead my singing of “This Little Light of Mine” when I go to

 the schools to read.

3. I cannot find that secret source of ribs and hamburgers that are

in the areas that I am not allowed to go.

2. She can get to Tuscaloosa in one hour and thirty minutes instead of the

 two that it takes me.

1. Who is going to direct all those people who need directions at Dillard’s

 and Wal-Mart?

BONUS: personally from the First Lady...

We will miss her SMILE!

Remembering September 11

Yesterday on the tenth anniversary of September 11th the Governor and First Lady of Alabama joined others across the nation to remember the events of 2001. Governor Bentley spoke a few words then joined his wife in a moment of silence and prayer.

First Lady Dianne Bentley reflected on where she was ten years ago and remembers watching Charlie on Good Morning America. She said GMA was her morning routine and all of the sudden they broke to news of the terrorist attack. She was riveted by what she saw on her television. She thought it had to be an accident but as she sat, glued to her tv, she watched the rest of the days events unfold. Mrs. Bentley soon realized it was truly an act of terror. The Governor was still practicing medicine at that time and had to hear from patients about the attack. He came home for lunch and the couple ate in silence as they watched the news.

The thoughts and prayers of the Governor and First Lady are with those who lost loved ones in the attack and are thankful for the lives of the survivors and first responders.

Sweet Surprise

First Lady Dianne Bentley received a surprise in the mail yesterday from an Alabama author. Faye Gibbons, the author of Emma Jo's Song, found out that Mrs. Bentley had been sharing her book with children around the state. She thoughtfully packaged two more of her books and shipped them to Montgomery. These books are Night in the Barn and Mountain Wedding.

As soon as the First Lady reached her living room, she took a break to read the stories. She was like a child again, anxious to learn about the characters, their lives, and their adventures. Since the books are similar to the way Governor Bentley was raised, she can really relate to them. The first book she intends to share with children is Night in the Barn because she likes that can be a little scary. She said that it will allow her to have a little fun with her audience.

One of Mrs. Bentley's favorite jobs as First Lady is reading to children. They are honest, ask interesting questions, and just enjoy spending time with her. She is looking forward to meeting students across the state and will continue to promote Alabama authors like Faye Gibbons.

A special thanks to Faye Gibbons for beautiful stories that are full of imagination.

Scholastic Book Donation: Huxford Elementary

Last week, First Lady Dianne Bentley traveled to Huxford, Alabama for her last scholastic book donation. She was greeted by the principal and students leaders in the front office as she waited for students to assemble into the auditorium. These students told her about life in Huxford and shared their favorite things about school.

At the start of the assembly Mrs. Bentley spoke about reading and answered questions from students. One boy asked if the Governor's Mansion had a hot tub, this just got the First Lady laughing but she soon replied no. She also participated in a school competition. They had voted on if she was an Alabama fan or Auburn fan and had two rocking chairs at the front of the room for her to choose from. The First Lady had them cheering as she chose to sit in the Alabama chair, although she told everyone that she and the Governor represented them all. Then she read a story.

At the end, the school gave her a standing ovation and welcomed her back anytime. She also was able to see their library which is made from a converted FEMA trailer. It is always encouraging to see a school maximize its resources and the First Lady hopes to make another trip back to Huxford in the future.