'Empowering Women' luncheon July 23 in Groton

Groton - A television anchorwoman, an attorney and the founder of a regional women's network will speak at an "Empowering Women's Luncheon" on July 23.

Featured speakers include Irene O'Connor, who anchors the morning news at Channel 3 WFSB; Stacey Honowitz, a 22-year veteran of the Florida state's attorney's office, and Millie Devine, founder of the Southeastern Connecticut Women's Network.

Honowitz is the author of "My Privates are Private," a book for both parents and children dealing with child abuse. She has provided legal analysis for the Larry King Live Show, CNN Headline News, Good Morning America and more.

Devine is also the owner of Devine Planning, a consulting firm specializing in estate planning, planned giving and grants advisement serving individuals, for profit businesses, and nonprofit organizations. She is a certified trust and financial adviser and an accredited estate planner.

Each of the speakers will talk about their own area of business expertise, from television reporting to the legal issues surrounding child abuse and the history of networking for women, said Claire Silva, executive director for the Bethsaida Community Inc., which is hosting the luncheon.

Bethsaida provides housing and supportive services to homeless women, is hosting the luncheon, which will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Groton Inn & Suites on Route 184.

"We are always looking for new ways to empower and support our residents," said Silva. "The luncheon will be a great opportunity to hear from professional women who are experts in their field. They have made great strides in helping and empowering women."

Tickets are $50 a person, with a 10-percent discount for registering eight people at once. Checks may be sent to Bethsaida Community, Inc., P.O. Box 913, Norwich, CT 06360. For more information, visit www.bethsaidact.org or contact Linda at ldbethsaida@yahoo.com or at (860) 886-7511, extension 202.

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