2020-01JanuaryPerspective

January 2020 Perspective

January 2020 -- Volume 65, No. 5

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

See articles below for more information.

Upcoming branch events
January 25 - Deadline for reservations for Jan. 30 dress rehearsal at Cinnabar
January 30 - AAUW Fundraiser at Cinnabar Theater, 6:45 p.m.
January 31 - Deadline for Named Gift Honoree nominations
February 29 - Tri-Branch Brunch in Novato, 10 a.m.

Other events of interest
January 18 - Women's March, Santa Rosa Courthouse Square, 10 a.m.
January 18 - League of Women Voters Ballot Measures Forum, 2 p.m.
April 17-19 - CA Convention in No. CA, at Westin, San Francisco Airport, Millbrae. Plan to attend. Volunteers will be needed. (TBD)

UPCOMING PUBLIC POLICY EVENT

We will be heard!

WOMEN’S MARCH 2020

January 18 – Santa Rosa
Courthouse Square
10:00-1:30pm

Let the celebration continue

100 Year Anniversary of 19th Amendment, August 18, 2020

WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

Keep the tradition alive! The AAUW Petaluma branch has been represented since the beginning.

Contact Pam Granger to coordinate carpools. (707) 318-9138

For more information, click here to access the Women's March Santa Rosa website.

Planning to Participate in the Women's March?

Consider wearing an AAUW T-Shirt celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage

"A Woman's Place Is in the Polling Booth"

Crew-neck and v-neck t-shirts with this wording are offered by Petaluma AAUW and the League of Women Voters.

To purchase a t-shirt, call Pam Granger at 707-318-9138 or email her at [email protected].

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the Southern Sonoma County community through leadership, advocacy, support, partnerships, and education.

ww w.phcd.org

(707) 285-2143

Upcoming January Program:

Fundraiser for Tech Trek and Local AAUW Schoarships at

Dress rehearsal for RIPCORD on Thursday, January 30

3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma
Pre-play Social: 6:45 PM
Performance: 7:30 PM

Join a fun-filled evening for AAUW members and their guests at the preview of Cinnabar Theater's presentation of Ripcord, a high energy situation comedy about adversarial roommates living in a retirement home.

This event is the perfect anecdote for the January blahs. Enjoy wine and treats available before the performance.

Proceeds from the event are shared by AAUW Petaluma and Tech Trek with Cinnabar Theater. By attending this event, you support our Branch’s commitment to education opportunities for girls and women through scholarships and Tech Trek.

Please send your check for $25.00,
made out to Petaluma AAUW,

to
Sandy Benson, 14 Chrisdumar Lane, Petaluma, 94952
by Saturday, January 25.

It's preferable to send a check by the deadline, but if you call Sandy (707-763-1629) to confirm your attendance at the play, you may pay at the door.

Cinnabar offers handicap parking and access.

We hope to see you there.

Sandy Benson /Marilyn Bragdon, VP Funds

President's Message

Hope you all had wonderful holidays.

Our Holiday Luncheon was well attended by around 60 members and guests. We were treated to a truly interesting program by Paula Freund, one of the curators of the Petaluma Historical Museum’s exhibit on Women’s Right to Vote, to be held in summer 2020. She spoke of Petaluma’s strong involvement in America's suffragist movement (suffragette was a British term). We learned that California, always a leader, passed the women's right to vote law in 1911, before the federal law passed in 1920.

Please refer to the monthly Perspective for upcoming programs and events. We may need volunteers with the upcoming Convention in No. California in April, so check out that section as well.

Looking forward to a very busy Spring. Hope to see many of you at our events.
Michele Meyer

Michele Meyer

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

FUNDS

Name Gift Honoree Nominations Due January 31, 2020

It is that most special time of the year when nominations for Named Gift Honoree are being accepted. This is the Branch’s opportunity to recognize a member for her outstanding service to the Branch.

Nominations should be made in writing and submitted to Funds VP.
Your Nomination Letter should include examples of their contributions to the Branch and must be signed by at least one current member.
Any outstanding community service and professional activities should also be listed but are secondary in importance in the selection process.
Nominating a past honoree is permissible when appropriate.
Letters must be received by January 31.

The Funds Committee will meet and decide our honoree and submit her name to National by February 15.

Please send written nominations to:

Sandy Benson – 14 Chrisdumar Lane, Petaluma, 94952.

Funds Committee Composition: Funds CoVPs, Current President, Immediate Past President, Finance VP, one past Named Gift Honoree, and one other member.

Thank you.

Sandy Benson/Marilyn Bragdon. Co-VPs Funds

UPCOMING PROGRAM -- SAVE THE DATE !

ANNUAL TRI-BRANCH BRUNCH

February 29, 10 a.m.

February’s meeting will be our Annual Tri-Branch brunch in Novato on February 29 at 10 a.m.. At this meeting, we join two Marin branches, eat a yummy brunch, mingle, and listen to a speaker.

No details at this time, but there will be more information in the next issue of the Perspective.

Kris U'ren, Program VP

Upcoming Pros and Cons Forum on Ballot Measures

Santa Rosa City Council Chambers
Jan. 18, 2 p.m.

In advance of the upcoming March 3 election, the League of Women Voters of Sonoma County will be sponsoring a Pros and Cons forum on ballot measures such as the fire prevention tax measure and SMART train issues.

This forum will be held at the Santa Rosa City Council Chambers (100 Santa Rosa Avenue) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18.

When we get closer to the election, check out the League's "Voter's Edge" website (www.votersedge.org). On this website, you can get in-depth, non-partisan Information about ballot measures and candidates applicable to your specific area.

Pam Granger, Public Policy Chair

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Free AAUW program on salary negotiation
for AAUW members and the general public

WORK SMART

AAUW continues to offer the FREE online “Work Smart” program on salary negotiation for pay equity and economic security. Participants learn to use objective research to negotiate for a raise or a new job.

Please share this gift with relatives, friends, and co-workers. For more information click here.

DECEMBER HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Over 60 branch members and guests attended our annual Holiday Luncheon at Cattlemen's Restaurant on December 7. Before sitting down to lunch, members had a chance to drop off toys for the Christmas Cheer program, catch up with longtime friends, and meet new members and guests.

Following a short business meeting, guest speaker Paula Freund from the Petaluma Historical Museum gave a slide show presentation on the women's suffrage movement in California and National AAUW's contribution to the achievement of women's right to vote in 1920.

For additional information about Paula's presentation, see the President's Message above.

Many thanks to Kris U'Ren for these delightful photos!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

In honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

Public Policy Message from State

Get Ready for 2020!

2020 is nearly upon us, and it is going to be an eventful year… we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote, as well as the most important election in our lifetime where issues that matter the most to us are at risk. Primary elections are coming up March 3. Now’s the time to begin planning at the branch level how to address these activities in our communities. Women who vote can influence the outcome of an election!

What opportunities should be considered?

Voter Registration. AAUW CA is well positioned to undertake voter registration, especially with our college/university relationships. Millennial women are an important target group. Research shows that a lack of information on the candidates and a lack of policy debates on issues of importance is the main reason some millennial women don’t participate in the election process, and may not even register to vote. Get involved by organizing a voter registration drive in your community or on your local college campus. Don’t forget: a successful voter registration drive must be a compliant one! Be sure to review the AAUW Guide to GOTV Dos and Don’ts on the national website.

Voter Education. AAUW aims to increase women’s political influence and educate voters on issues that are important to women and girls. These targeted efforts help increase the number of women voting. Consider sponsoring nonpartisan issue forums, perhaps collaborating with another organization such as the League of Women Voters. Perhaps you have a vacancy to be filled in the primary election, so consider a meet-the-candidate event or debate, and invite all candidates to give their positions on AAUW’s key issues: Equal Pay for Equal Work; Investing in Education; Reducing Student Debt; Strengthening Social Security; Implementing Paid Leave. And certainly consider doing this before the November election.

This is just a start…but early planning will ensure greater success! Don’t hesitate to ask our AAUW CA Public Policy Team for assistance!

Sue Miller, Co-Chair AAUW-CA Public Policy Committee

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

GOLD BOOK UPDATES

Updated home address for Barbara Crandell:

2432 Penbrooke Ave., Santa Rosa 95403

New member Jean Read will be moving to Petaluma at the end of January.

New home address: 1286 Ramona Lane, Petaluma 94954
Updated cell phone number: 408 655-9616
Updated email: [email protected]

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU, OUR MEMBERS

What would make you feel more connected to AAUW? Is there a section, event, or social, or are there other ways to attract new members?

Of course, a great way for you to meet other members is to join a new section group or volunteer to help at an event. Check out our "Sections" column!

All ideas from you are welcome. You can send your ideas directly to me: [email protected].

Michele Meyer, President

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

SRJC NEWS

Get a Santa Rosa Junior College GOLD CARD

The Santa Rosa Junior College Gold Card is FREE and is available to (1) all residents of Sonoma County, (2) 60 years old or older, and (3) who have a Student ID number. This plastic, photo ID card entitles the user to benefits similar to those of a CubCard Premium member (see SRJC website). The office of Student Life & Engagement Office (on the Petaluma Campus in the Richard Call Building, Room 608, 707-778-4141) can help you obtain a Student ID number. The Gold Card will allow you to use the library and computer labs and provide free admission to home athletic events and a reduced semester parking fee permit as well as many other discounts and benefits.

If you have any questions, call Doris Tolks at 953- 5758.

Fun fact:
Our own AAUW member Judy Koehler was the first person to get a Gold Card on the Petaluma Campus.

Doris Tolks, SRJC Liaison

Volunteers Needed

GET INVOLVED!

We need a President-Elect to succeed Michele Meyer. We'd like to see a seamless leadership transition for the next AAUW year!

Public Policy Chair Pam Granger would like to work with a "shadow", an "intern", or whatever you'd like to call yourself to take on Public Policy reporting for the next AAUW year.

TECH TREK HELP

Volunteer request- We need someone to follow up with the Tech Trek campers to see what and how they are doing. This would be an annual check in, for five years after they attend camp. If you would be able to do this, this year please contact Michele Meyer. [email protected]

Great ways to get more involved with our organization! Please consider . . .

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515 Fax: (707) 765-0256
Email: [email protected]

Want to support AAUW, but unsure how to direct your donation?

Consider giving to
AAUW's GREATEST NEEDS FUND

Formerly called the "AAUW Fund," the Greatest Needs Fund gives AAUW the flexibility to use donations where they are needed most.

To make a donation,

Go to the national website (www.aauw.org) and click on "Donate" in the upper right corner or

Mail your donation to AAUW, PO Box 98045, Washington, DC 20090-8045

Small Donations to AAUW via AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com.

If you shop on Amazon, you can enter your orders through AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) and specify AAUW as the charity of your choice. Amazon will then donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to AAUW.

AAUW can accept such donations because it is a tax-exempt non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

2019 / 2020 Season

Theater, musicals, opera, concerts,
and more!

707-763 8920

cinnabartheater.org

Facebook Reminder

Please follow our AAUW Petaluma Facebook page. You will be automatically updated on events. If you "like" and/or "share" the post, it will go out to a wider audience!

Kris U'Ren

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

212 2nd Street

Petaluma CA 94952
707-763-2727
[email protected]
petalumacoffee.com
Sheila Bride
Founder & CFO

IF YOU SEE ONLY ONE COLUMN FOR "SECTIONS", CLICK ON "VIEW THE NEWSLETTER IN YOUR BROWSER" AT THE TOP OF THE NEWSLETTER.

SECTIONS

Please contact Patty Shribbs with general questions or ideas for new sections: [email protected], 769-8961

Please contact individual Section Chairs for locations, details, and/or to RSVP for specific meetings.

Art and History
NEW CHAIR!
Events being planned for February and April. Contact chair if you have an idea for January
Chair: Mary Ann Kendal, 318-7050
[email protected]

New and Prospective Members
Open to all new and long-time members and interested in meeting each other and learning about AAUW activities
Chair: Patricia Souza, [email protected]

Saturday Night Drama Reading
Meets 2nd Saturdays
Date: 01.11.20
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Home of Rory Keller
Play: “How the Other Half Loves” by Alan Ayckbourn
Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or 981-7171

Modern Literature
Meets 4th Monday
Date: 01.27.20
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Home of Patti Schofler
Book: “The Alice Network” by Kate Quinn
Chair: [email protected] or 781-3722
RSVP: with chair

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesdays
Date: 01.14.20
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Home of Patty Shribbs
Book: “The Snow Child” Eowyn Ivey
Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo and Maureen Sheridan Scott
([email protected] or [email protected])
RSVP to Anne Trujillo.

New Evening Dining Section “Eclectic Gourmet”
Please contact Anne if interested
Chair: Anne Taylor
Contact info: [email protected] or 774-6586

Out to Lunch Bunch
Date: 01.14 and 01.21.20
(Tuesdays)
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Place: Gohan Japanese Restaurant (1367 N. McDowell Blvd.) Kohl’s Shopping Center
RSVP to Chair who will make reservations.
Chair: Laurie Leary at [email protected] or 364-3095

Walking Group - Fridays after work
Meets most Fridays
Time: 4 p.m. (note time change during standard time)
Chair: Contact Rory Keller, [email protected] or 763-2072

Hiking Group
Date: TBD
Time: 9:15 a.m.
Meeting Place: 124 Howard St. (Bring packed lunch and any gear needed, esp. water)
Confirm attendance with Anna
Chair: Anna Taylor, 763-7952
[email protected]

NEW GARDEN SECTION
Date: TBD
Contact Chairs for further info
Co-Chairs Patricia Souza, 762-4173 [email protected]
& Diana Brown, 774-4968, [email protected]

NEW TRAVEL SECTION (Around the World)
Date: 02.04.20 (Tuesday)
Time:1-3pm
Place: Home of Theresa Haire (note taker-Patty Shribbs)
RSVP with Chair
Co-Chairs: Wendy Porter, 795-9354, [email protected]
& Cathy Burton, 763-9082, [email protected]

Afternoon Bridge (intermediate)
Meets 2nd Fridays
Date: 01.10.20
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Contact Chair
Chair: Claire Pass, 763-9075 or [email protected]
Please RSVP with chair.

Thursday Bridge
Meets 3rd Thursdays
Date: 01.16.20
Time: 1 p.m. (or 7 p.m. if hostess chooses)
Place: Contact Chair
Chair: Paula Cornyn, 762-0301 or [email protected]
Please RSVP with chair.

Wed. Evening Bridge (beginning bridge)
Meets First Wednesdays(except this January)
Date: 01.02.20
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Contact Chair
Chair: Diana Brown, 707-774-4968 or [email protected]
Please RSVP with chair.

The following sections have
reached capacity:
Craft Group

Several Dining Groups

E x e c u t i v e B o a r d

Elected Officers
President: Michele Meyer
VP - Program: Kris U'Ren
VP - Membership: Diana Brown
VP - Funds: Sandy Benson, Marilyn Bragdon
VP - Finance: Corey Benjamin
Membership Treasurer: Eileen Simard
Secretary: Linda Mills

Committee Chairs:
Facebook: Kris U'Ren
Hospitality: Norma Jean Walsh
Institutional Memory: Pam Granger
Parliamentarian: Barbara Guggemos
Publicity/Social Media: Stefanie Capps
Public Policy: Pam Granger
Sections Coordinator: Patty Shribbs
SRJC Liaison: Doris Tolks
SSU Liaison: Patricia Webb
Tech Trek: Sheila Garvey, Aylin Atilgan

Membership
Database: Rory Keller
Membership Concerns: Kathy Schmidt
New Members: Patricia Souza

Communication
Email contact: Rory Keller
Gold Book Editor: Shayne Miller
Perspective Co-editors: Barbara Guggemos, Sandy Smethurst Anne Taylor
Publication Sponsors: Barbara Madick
Webmaster: Ray Hendess