2020-06JunePerspective

June 2020 Perspective

June 2020 -- Volume 65, No. 10

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

See articles below for more information

Upcoming branch events
June 8 - Virtual branch program: Installation of new Board and announcement of Named Gift Honoree and this year's NCCWSL scholarship recipient

AAUW-related events
Aug. 26, 5:00 - 8:00 - Opening day reception for Suffrage Exhibit at the Petaluma Museum, Save the date!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

JUNE PROGRAM

Join Our Annual Year-End Celebration on Zoom !

The Petaluma AAUW Branch has always been a source of forward-thinking, resourceful women. Here we go again! Since state and county shelter-in-place orders prevent us from meeting in person, we will hold our Branch Installation and Named Gift Honoree announcement online!

On June 8 at 6:30 you can tune in to Zoom. You will receive the login information in an email blast close to June 8.

We know this is not ideal, but we refuse to let these important events go by without some fanfare! Unfortunately, we have missed some really interesting, well-planned events in March and April. Our planning for fall will have to take this pandemic and the restrictions into account. See the article below about Fall Programs if you need help on using the computer to access information. Reading our Perspective and following our branch on Facebook will help keep you informed.

Kris U'Ren. Program Chair

2020-2021 Dues

An email invoice for your 2020-2021 dues should have arrived in your email Inbox on Tuesday, May 26, around 5 pm

Look for an email from:

[email protected]

with the subject line:

AAUW Membership Renewal for Fiscal Year 2021

The easiest way to pay is to click through the link in the email (a personal link for you) and pay by credit or debit card.

Do not renew by signing in directly to the national website with your username and password. You cannot renew your branch membership in this manner. Use the link provided in the email invoice.

Your prompt payment is appreciated!

Eileen Simard, Membership Treasurer.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515

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

Outgoing President's Message

As this year winds down, I realize what an incredible experience I have had as President. Working with such a dedicated group of talented and caring women has been an honor.

This year began with a very social Fall Tea/Social. This progressed as planned through several interesting programs on volunteerism, cannabis and women’s health, the Holiday lunch, a Cinnabar Theater treat, and the Tri-Branch brunch. Then we entered the "new normal" of shelter in place and social distancing. Virtual platforms like Zoom have allowed some sections to continue and even increase the number of participants.

Special thanks go out to Corey Benjamin who adopted a new system for our finances; Kris U’Ren for being flexible as our program year required adding, then cancelling, programs and venues; Eileen Simard who worked with Corey to set up our newly required system for dues; Sandy Benson and Marilyn Bragdon for spearheading a very successful non-event fundraiser; Perspective Editors Anne Taylor, Barbara Guggemos and Sandy Smethurst who cheerfully weave together each edition; Patsy Knight for readying the program as camp Director of Tech Trek, which was also cancelled; Doris Tolks who notified us of happenings at SRJC Petaluma and helped select another NCCWSL candidate, though NCCWSL was also cancelled..Kathy Schmidt, our Member Concerns Chair, has been there to advise and help whenever needed. Patty Shribbs, together with section leaders, made it possible more members to attend several sections via Zoom. Stefanie Capps took over the Secretary position mid-year while handling publicity. Many others were behind the scenes ready with events and programs that unfortunately had to be cancelled.
A big THANK YOU to all of you.

Our branch elections were successfully held via email and/or phone-in balloting this year. The results were unanimous. To all who voted, thank you. We have a strong new board to lead us in this unusual and changing year.

Please join us on Monday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. for a virtual meeting to celebrate the installation of our new officers and the Honoree of our Named Gift award. You will receive a Zoom invite later this week.

With kindness and consideration our branch has found creative ways to reach out to all members, to include more members in some sections, and to find new ways to connect during this unprecedented time. Our caring is a hallmark of the Petaluma branch.

Hope you stay well, stay strong, and stay connected.

Michele Meyer, President

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

2019 / 2020 Season

Theater, musicals, opera, concerts,
and more!

707-763 8920 cinnabartheater.org

Incoming Presidents' Message

Who would have thought?

Four months ago making plans for travel, going out to lunch, doing things in the community, even just going to the grocery store, were pretty ordinary. So much has changed, but at least one thing hasn't changed: AAUW will continue to be a strong part of the community. We will have things to engage and enlighten you; “programs” to rouse you and make you want to do more for the community; and we willl always be a place of friendship and refuge.

You've learned that "ZOOM" is a noun, a verb, and an adjective, and that it has its frustrations and rewards. Together we are looking forward to the 2020–2021 AAUW year to learn and grow together. Come along with us.

Jean Reed & Rory Keller
Co-Presidents Elect

Branch Election Results

Our Branch is 65 years old, and in a record “turnout” (at least in recent memory), 46% of our members voted! The Pandemic "Stay in Place and “No Assembly” orders from Governor Newsom prevented our meeting in person, but we’re staying engaged: 68 members voted, unanimously approving the slate of officers as submitted:

Co-Presidents: Rory Keller & Jean Reed
Co-VPs Program: Kris U’Ren & Stefanie Capps
VP Finance: Corey Benjamin
Co-VPs Membership: Pat Riley and Dee Short
Co-VPs Funds: Sandy Benson & Karen Johnson
Secretary for the Board: Cathy Netz

Congratulations to our 2020-2021 Executive Board of Directors and THANK YOU for your willingness to lead our branch. Extra thanks to our continuing leaders Kris, Corey, and Sandy as well as our outgoing leaders, many of whom are continuing to serve on various committees. Let’s all think about ways to encourage newer members to participate and how to grow the membership for years to come!

Kathy Schmidt
Chair, Member Concerns
Member, Governance Committee

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSERS

212 2nd Street, Petaluma CA 94952

707-763-2727

petalumacoffee.com

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO

[email protected]

AMENDMENT OF BRANCH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

At the virtual board meeting on May 26, the Board approved the following changes to our Branch Policies and Procedures, as recommended by Governance Committee members Kathy Schmidt, Michele Meyer, Jean Reed and Barbara Guggemos:
: :

New provisions regarding the issuance and use of a branch debit card for transferring national and state dues that have been paid locally by check (so that our branch will be in compliance with new National AAUW requirements).
Elimination of the appointed board position of Membership Treasurer and transfer of that position's responsibilities back to the Membership VP (so that the board member who accesses the national database is an elected officer rather than an appointed board member, as required by National)
Updated description of the Membership VP's responsibilities (to reflect current practices)

Fall Program Plans

In these uncertain and unusual times, we want to make sure our members are informed and prepared. Our Program Committee Chairs for 2020-21, Stefanie Capps and Kris U’Ren, are reaching out to the membership to find people who want to teach Zoom and other virtual platforms. We also want members to contact us if they need to learn how to navigate this virtual world. We will try to provide training to those who request it.

It appears that our fall programs may need to be computer and phone-based for a while. We will keep you updated as things change. We have a very important election this year and want everyone to be informed, so the fall focus will be on this topic. We, of course, will continue to highlight Women’s Suffrage and local events celebrating this milestone.

If you are interested in serving on the Program Committee or if you have ideas and suggestions for programs for next year, please contact Stefanie or Kris. We may need to think “outside the box” for ways to stay connected and engaged during the coming months.

We want to make sure all members feel a connection to the branch. Let us know if you can offer help or if you need it!

2020-2021 Program Committee Chairs
Kris U’Ren (email, 707-763-2529)
Stefanie Capps (email 707-769-7455)

SINCERE THANKS FOR PROVIDING OUR NEW BOARD MEETING SITE

LET’S CHANGE THE CONVERSATION!

How to get involved in the 2020 elections

Let’s get down to brass tacks, the nitty-gritty, the bare essentials, the basics - everyone should be able to answer these questions … and ask them of friends and family:

*Are you registered to vote?
*Do you know how/where to vote?
*Will you commit to vote?

And I’ll add one other question.

*Are you willing to help the AAUW Petaluma Public Policy committee promote voter participation in the November 3rd election?

Contact Pam to be on the team!

Pam Granger, Chair
Public Policy
[email protected]

Celebrating the Centennial of Women's Suffrage 1920-2020

“Suffragists left us a great gift – an empowering heritage of pride, momentum and purpose.”
The National Women’s History Project

Politicians and policy makers routinely make decisions about issues that directly affect women and families, including our paychecks, access to reproductive health care, and education funding. But more often than not, these conversations lack women’s voices.

To create real change, women must be part of the conversation, and the most powerful place for us to chime in is at the polls.

LET’S GET OUT THE VOTE 2020!

Petaluma Poll Workers Needed

Every registered voter in California will receive a mail-in ballot. Locations for in-person voting that are central and safe are still being identified.

Where to volunteer for working the polls?

Phone (707) 565-6800 or email interest to [email protected]

Poll worker information is here.

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.

www.phcd.org (707) 285-2143

NAMED GIFT HONOREE RECOGNITION

Our Branch always looks forward to the annual recognition of the Named Gift Honoree(s) at the May Program meeting.

Since, like everyone else, our Branch needs to adapt to the “new normal” of observing social distancing for the time being, the May meeting was canceled, and we will have the experience of a ZOOM Program meeting June 8, where, along with the installation of the new Board officers, we will honor this year’s Named Gift Honorees.

Please join us then to learn who is being recognized for their contributions to the Branch. This is a very special way of acknowledging those who help to make our Branch the wonderful organization that it is.

There will be a summer edition of the Perspective with the names and details of the Named Gift Honorees’ contributions to the Branch. But to be among the “first to know,” be sure to “ZOOM in” on June 8th.

The Named Gift Honoree Committee

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

AAUW NATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY

Save Title IX!

While we were sheltering …

What happened?

Last month, the Department of Education issued a long-anticipated but extremely harmful rule designed to substantially weaken Title IX, rolling back important protections for student survivors of sexual harassment and assault.

What does this mean?

The new rules make it easier for students accused of sexual assault to evade consequences, while making it harder for victims to get the help and resources they need. AAUW has vigorously opposed this change for more than a year as it certainly means that fewer victims will come forward.

What can you do?

Support the Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act (GEEA) of 2019 which helps address sex discrimination in education by providing additional resources, training and technical assistance to educational entities in order to ensure compliance with Title IX

Write to Senator Kamila Harris to thank her for co-sponsoring S 1964
Write to Senator Dianne Feinstein asking her to sign on as a co-sponsor of S 1964
Write to Congressman Jared Huffman asking him to co-sponsor HR 3513

Do all of the above in one-step by signing up to become a Two-Minute Activist. Staff in our legislators’ offices tally responses daily and use the data to support their positions advocating for legislation.

Make your voice heard!

Submitted by Jean Reed, incoming Co-President

COLLEGE PARTNER NEWS

At the upcoming June 8 branch meeting via ZOOM, Doris Tolks, our College Liaison for SRJC Petaluma, will announce the recipient of this year's scholarship to attend AAUW's National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. Although the 2020 conference has been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all students selected this year will have the option to attend next year's conference.

See the upcoming mid-summer issue of the Perspective for photos and an article about this year's honoree.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

SECTION HIGHLIGHT - WALKING GROUP CHALLENGES

After social distancing took effect this spring, Walking Group section leader Rory Keller came up with an idea to encourage section members to continue exploring the east and west sides of town on their own:

Each week section members are presented with a Weekly Challenge: An email includes a photo of some view that they would encounter on a walk, along with some hints about the location. Members who discover the location take a selfie there to show that they have met the challenge.

Challenge 7 turned out to be on the new SMART trail that runs from Payran, just behind the Lucky’s shopping center on the west side, to Southpoint close to McDowell on the east side.

This path is temporarily closed for a short stretch under the freeway, due to construction overhead, but you can still see this lovely view of the river from the west end of the trail.

SECTION HIGHLIGHT - CRAFTS GROUP KITS

On May 7, Crafts Group members drove over to Corey Benjamin's house at pre-scheduled, 15-minute intervals to pick up kits for at-home assembly of four greeting cards. Corey sent directions by email and also provided examples of finished cards for group members to see when they picked up their kits from the very well organized social distancing setup in her garage.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS
In honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

SECTION HIGHLIGHT - MORNING LIT GROUP

The Morning Lit group had their first ZOOM meeting in May. From left to right

Row 1: Patty Shribbs, Jean Reed, Anne Trujillo (co-section chair)
Row 2- Stefanie Capps, Barbara Crandall, Nancy Henry
Row 3- Maureen Sheridan Scott (co-chair), Shirley Gross

SECTION HIGHLIGHT -
MONDAY EVENING MODERN LIT

On May 25, at their second ZOOM meeting, the Evening Modern Lit group discussed The Soul of an Octopus, selected by Jeannette Anglin.

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE EVENT - PETALUMA MUSEUM

The Women's Suffrage exhibit has been rescheduled for August 26 to November 8.

An opening day reception will be held at the Museum on August 26 from 5 to 8 pm. Our own Teresa Barrett will be opening the exhibit. More info as we get closer.

Kris U'Ren, VP Program

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

SECTIONS

MOST SECTION MEETINGS IN JUNE HAVE BEEN CANCELED DUE TO THE CURRENT SHELTER-IN-PLACE DIRECTIVE. CONFERENCE CALLS ARE PLANNED FOR SOME GROUPS.

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 (ON HOLD)
Meets 3rd Fridays

Chair: Mary Ann Kendall

[email protected], 318-7050

New and Prospective Members (ON HOLD)
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: 06.13.20

Time: 7:00

Place: ZOOM

Play:“Under Papa’s Picture” by Joe Connelly and George Tibbles
Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or 981-7171

Modern Literature
Meets 4th Monday
Date:06.22.20

Time:7:15 p.m.
Place: ZOOM
Book: City of Thieves by David Benioff

Chair: [email protected] or 781-3722

RSVP to Hostess:

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesdays
Date:06.09.20

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place:ZOOM

Organizational meeting to pick books for the year

Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo and Maureen Sheridan Scott ([email protected] or [email protected])
RSVP to Anne Trujillo.

Evening Dining Section “Eclectic Gourmet”
(ON HOLD)

Please contact Chair if interested.
Chair: Anne Taylor
Contact info: [email protected] or 774-6586

Out to Lunch Bunch (ON HOLD)
2nd and 3rd Tuesdays
Chair: Laurie Leary at [email protected] or 364-3095

Walking Group - Fridays after work
(ON HOLD)
Chair: Rory Keller, [email protected] or 763-2072

Hiking Group
Date: TBD

Time: 9:15 a.m.
Chair: Anna Taylor, 763-7952
[email protected]

New Garden Section
(ON HOLD)

Contact chairs for futher info.
Co-Chairs Patricia Souza, 762-4173 [email protected]
& Diana Brown, 774-4968, [email protected]

New Travel Section (Around the World)
(ON HOLD)
Co-Chairs: Wendy Porter, 795-9354, [email protected]
& Cathy Burton, 763-9082, [email protected]

Afternoon Bridge (intermediate) (ON HOLD)
Meets 2nd Fridays
Chair: Claire Pass, 763-9075 or [email protected]
Please RSVP with chair.

Thursday Bridge (ON HOLD)
Meets 3rd Thursdays
Chair: Paula Cornyn, 762-0301 or [email protected]
Please RSVP with chair.

Wed. Evening Bridge (beginning bridge)
Meets First Wednesdays (ON HOLD)
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 and Dee Short
Secretary: Stephanie Capps

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, Kathleen Garvey, Patsy Knight

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

AAUW Petaluma July Perspective

July 2020 -- Volume 66, No. 1

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

See articles below for more information

Upcoming branch events
July 14, 2:00 pm - Virtual branch program: Managing and Maintaining Good Mental Health Despite Covid-19

August 20 - Virtual branch meeting celebrating the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote

AAUW-related events
July 9 - Women's Suffrage Exhibition scheduled to open at Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa

Aug. 26, 5:00 - 8:00 - Opening day reception for Suffrage Exhibit at the Petaluma Museum, Save the date!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515

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

JULY PROGRAM

Join us for a Branch Meeting via Zoom

Managing and Maintaining Good Mental Health
Despite Covid-19

Tuesday, July 14 at 2:00 pm

Lesa Pascali. MA, MFT

Mary Frances Walsh, MHS

These are difficult, often confusing times! But help is on the way. Lesa Pascali, MA, MFT, and Mary-Frances Walsh, MHS, Executive Director of The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Sonoma County will address our concerns and provide suggestions and resources to help us deal with issues such as isolation, anxiety and dealing with the uncertainty of living in a pandemic. Mary Frances Walsh will tell us a little bit about NAMI and resources available in our county. And Lesa Pascali will provide suggestions for managing anxiety and isolation as well as other concerns members may have.

We are interested in answering your questions and concerns. It would be helpful to know these ahead of time. Please email questions or topics of interest to:Stefanie Capps at [email protected] or Kris U’Ren at [email protected]. Tell us what you’re interested in hearing more about.

In order to access this program:
On Monday, July 13, you will receive an email blast that will provide the link and password for our July 14th meeting at 2:00 PM. Plan on joining the meeting a little early so that you can chat with friends and we’ll be able to start on time.

Want to attend, but still need help with Zoom?
Call Stefanie Capps at 707-769-7455 or email her at the above address.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

2019 / 2020 Season

Theater, musicals, opera, concerts,
and more!

707-763 8920 cinnabartheater.org

Z00M now available for branch committees and sections!

Through September and possibly longer, the branch is making ZOOM available for our branch committees and sections to stay connected.

Call me if you’d like assistance in scheduling a ZOOM meeting that does not “time out” after 40 minutes. Book groups and the board of directors have all used it successfully. Our general meeting will be a ZOOM, so now is a good time to go on the website: www.zoom.us to see how it works. You can sign up for a free, basic account which will make it easier for you to join our ZOOM meetings. Stay connected and involved. It’s an election year!

Kathy Schmidt

2020-2021 Dues

An email invoice for your 2020-2021 dues should have arrived in your email Inbox on Tuesday, May 26, around 5 pm

Look for an email from:

[email protected]

with the subject line:

AAUW Membership Renewal for Fiscal Year 2021

Dee Short, [email protected], Membership Treasurer.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSERS

212 2nd Street, Petaluma CA 94952

707-763-2727

petalumacoffee.com

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO

[email protected]

President's Message

Connected in Place

Are you surprised to get the Perspective in July? I know that AAUW usually slows down in the summer. But, come on, it’s already slow! About my only outing (after grocery shopping) has been walking -- exploring Petaluma by finding the weekly Challenge from the Friday Walking Group and locating and documenting the Petaluma Art Center Art Apart installations to share with my house-bound mother. I’m tired of doing things alone and I desperately miss the friendly hugs. But while some businesses have opened, it remains my job – and yours -- to stay well. You know what you need to do: limit contacts, keep your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands.

But while I’m stuck at home, I cannot ignore the world outside. The protests and our June program on Showing Up For Racial Justice have re-opened my eyes to the unearned privileges I enjoy simply by being white. Read a book or watch a documentary from one of the many resource lists. Be alert to the threats to Title IX. As schools reopen, are opportunities for girls as available as those for boys? Healthcare is again under attack and rules to protect the environment and to limit climate change are being reversed. Voting rights may be restricted through limited access to mail-in ballots or polling places. Oh no, all of this on top of worrying about the coronavirus?! It’s just too much, you say. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming; you don’t have to do it all. Choose just one issue. Keep informed and act. Find ways to connect described in the articles below.

You chose me as your co-President without knowing me very well and here I am, a new voice, sending a message full of imperative sentences. Maybe I’m talking to myself. But I do believe that action helps us through difficulties. Here’s one more thing to do. Plan to attend the ZOOM program on Mental Health during the Pandemic on July 14 for advice from experts on how to handle isolation and fear. Do not be afraid of ZOOM! It’s a tool that will help us keep connected, and connection is what we need. Let’s use AAUW to stay "Connected in Place".

Co-President Jean Reed

AAUW Stands Against Racism

The June program presented by Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) challenged us to recognize advantages built into our society based on race. AAUW Equity Express outlines Three Actions You Can Take to Fight Racism (click here).

Read the AAUW Statement on Racism (click here), tell Congress to pass the Equality Act, understand the impact of racism on women, and review the AAUW resource list of anti-racist articles, books, movies and podcasts.

Listen, Learn and Speak Up. These are actions that all of us can take.

Co-President Jean Read

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

AAUW WEBINARS

2020 Vision: Marking a Momentous Year

Click here to access webinars in the AAUW 2020 Convening Series at your convenience.

Topics include Using Tech for Good, Education & Equity, Social Media 101, Getting Out the Vote During a Pandemic, and more.

Save the Date!

August 20 is the next opportunity to
connect with members at a branch meeting.

One hundred years ago on August 26, 1920, women gained the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment, a milestone worthy of celebrating!

We will use several Ted Talks to springboard a conversation around the progress women have made towards full equality. Watch for more information in August.

Stephanie Capps, Co-VP for Program

SUMMARY OF JUNE 2020 GENERAL MEETING

Zoom meeting June 8, 2020, 6:30

Reports given by each of the committees.

Kris U'ren notified us of a meeting on racial injustice, June 17 at 2 p.m. .

Named Gift Honorees are Barbara Ryan, Eileen Simard, and Michelle Meyer.

Officers installed were Cathy Netz, Secretary; Sandy Benson and Karen Johnson, V.P. Funds; Pat Riley and Dee Short, V.P. Membership; Corey Benjamin, V.P. Finance; Stefanie Capps and Kris U'ren, V.P. Programs; and Rory Keller and Jean Reed, President.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30.

Cathy Netz, Secretary

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.

www.phcd.org (707) 285-2143

Sonoma County Museum Exhibition

From Suffrage to #MeToo:

Groundbreaking Women in Sonoma County

Good news! The Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa is planning to reopen to the public on July 9. You can check out this exhibition in person until September 20. Click here for information on the reduced times the museum is open and the measures the museum is taking to protect visitors' health.

There are also two ways you can check out the exhibition from your home. Thanks to Kris U'Ren for providing information about these options:

Online Exhibition

Click here to read the stories and see the photos of the groundbreaking women featured in the exhibition.
(Not compatible with Microsoft Edge. Google Chrome is recommended).

Virtual Experience

Click here to explore the exhibition through 360° imaging. Enjoy a close-up view of the objects and content from the gallery exhibition.

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE EVENT - PETALUMA MUSEUM

A separate Women's Suffrage exhibit in Petaluma has been rescheduled for August 26 to November 8.

An opening day reception will be held at the Museum on August 26 from 5 to 8 pm. Our own Teresa Barrett will be opening the exhibit. More info as we get closer.

Kris U'Ren, VP Program

2020 NCCWSL AWARDEE
Amy Granados Dominguez

Each year AAUW Petaluma chooses an SRJC student to attend the National Conference of College Women Student Leaders, sponsored by our national AAUW. Our third awardee is Amy Granados Dominguez.

Amy graduated May 20, 2020 from Santa Rosa Junior College, Petaluma campus, with a degree in sociology and social and behavioral sciences. She has 56 transferable units +6 units of advanced placement from high school. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Amy will be attending University of California Berkeley, August 24 for the fall 2020 semester. Her major will be social welfare with a minor in public policy. Her plans are to continue for a master’s degree in social work. She wants to work with immigrants. Her fall housing will be at Mills College. There is a special dorm for UCB students with a shuttle to campus. She qualifies for the federal work study program and plans to get employment on campus.

Because NCCWSL was canceled this past May due to the Covid virus, she will be attending the May 2021 conference.

Doris Tolks, SRJC Liaison

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Where Are They Now?

Lina Miguelina Mendez, 2018

Doris Tolks followed up with our previous NCCWSL awardees and found that each of them has wonderful achievements.

Lina Mendez, our first NCCWSL participant, graduated from UCLA this June 2020. She earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in sociology with a minor in education and labor studies. Currently she is working as a legal assistant at the Employee Justice League Group in Los Angeles. Lina plans to take the LSAT in October and apply for law school in November.

Leticia Garcia Arango, 2019

Leticia is now a senior at UCLA with a 3.9 GPA, majoring in Sociology. She lives in a co-op at UCLA and says she was privileged not to have to work this past year. She just focused on school and said it made a big difference. She wants to teach at the community college level and do research. At UCLA she joined The Underground Scholars Initiative (a program to help formerly incarcerated people or system impacted students). She was chosen to fly to New York for a conference held at Columbia University. (Now she may apply for her masters at Columbia).

She is surrounded by people who motivate her. This summer she is back in Petaluma and works for California Human Development - Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants.

NCCWSL NETWORK

Our second NCCWSL participant Leticia met with our first NCCWSL participant Lina Mendez at UCLA. They even had a gender studies class together. Leticia also plans to put in a request to attend next year’s NCCWSL through UCLA. She still keeps in contact with past participants.

Last month Leticia met with Amy Dominguez, our current NCCWSL candidate, to share her experience. They discussed graduate school, including PhD programs.

Doris Tolks, SRJC Liaison

NAMED GIFT HONOREES

Congratulations and Gratitude were extended at our June General Meeting to our THREE 2019-2020 Named Gift Honorees: Michele Meyer, Barbara Ryan, and Eileen Simard. Fifty-three members participated in our branch annual meeting via Zoom on June 8 where the newly elected officers were installed and the named gift honorees announced.

Michele Meyer

Barbara Ryan

Eileen Simard

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

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.

PUBLIC POLICY

The top priority from now until November 3 is our national election.

Click here to see National AAUW's suggestions for Three ways to help motivate civic engagement, even in a time of lockdowns and social distancing.

Pam Granger, Public Policy

COLLEGE PARTNER NEWS

PETALUMA CAMPUS

Almost all classes will be online this Summer and Fall 2020.

Construction News: The new chemistry building will open Spring 2021.The Regional Construction and Trades Training and Employment Center and the new Student Services addition are both in progress.

The "Gateway to College" program which was a charter high school on the Petaluma campus (that so many of you graciously supported) will end after this year.

SRJC FUN FACTS

Santa Rosa Junior College has the highest transfer student acceptance rate to the University of California among all large community colleges in California.
The most common degrees: business administration,psychology nursing.
The most common certificates; EMT, law-enforcement, nursing assistant, firefighter, assistant teacher.
Nearly half of local high school graduates rely on Santa Rosa Junior College for affordable higher education in Sonoma County.

Doris Tolks, SRJC Liaison

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS
In honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

SECTION HIGHLIGHT - WALKING WHILE SHELTERING

The Friday afternoon Walking Group has been “challenged” to find specific spots in Petaluma during the weeks that we have been sheltering and unable to walk together. This photo is the first challenge that was sent out, we are now on 16! If you would like to join the section for these challenges, send your request to Rory Keller, [email protected], and you will be added to the list.

If you want to try to find this first challenge, here is a clue: this 47’ tall statue can be seen from both sides of the river and also up close from a sidewalk in Petaluma. Her name is R-evolution, and she was originally built for the Burning Man festival, around 2015.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Member Concerns

Our heartfelt condolences were extended to the family of Roberta Musser who died on May 2. Roberta was a founding member of the Petaluma branch of AAUW and an honorary life member of AAUW. Her obituary is available here. Our Branch has donated $50 to AAUW’s Start Smart program in memory of Roberta.

Speedy recovery wishes go out to Joan Cattalini and to Kitty Hayes. Feel free to send cards and notes to them!

Kathy Schmidt.

SECTION HIGHLIGHT

TUESDAY MORNING MODERN LIT GROUP

Below is the Morning Modern Literature Section's meeting and book schedule for the next fiscal year. All meetings will be Zoom meetings. New members should contact Anne Trujillo or co-chair Maureen Sheridan Scott to get information and to be added to the Zoom invitation list.

7/21/2020, Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson
8/11/2020, Convenience Store Woman, Sayaka Murata
9/8/2020, Home Baked, Alia Volz
10/13/2020, News of the World. Paulette Jiles
11/10/2020, Joan of Arc, Mark Twain
12/8/2020, Persuasion, Jane Austen
1/12/2021, Life at the Dakota. Stephen Birmingham
2/9/2021, Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng
3/9/2021, The Dutch House, Ann Patchett
4/13/2021, The Silent Wife, A.S.A. Harrison
5/11/2021, (still to be decided)
6/8/2021, Organizational Meeting for 2021-2022 book picks

Anne Trujillo, [email protected], 707-585-2091
Maureen Sheridan Scott, [email protected], 707-584-0586

SECTION HIGHLIGHT - MONDAY EVENING LIT GROUP

In non-Covid times, the Monday Evening Lit Group gets together in July for Movie Night, watching a movie made from a book we've all read. The July movie this year will be Emma, the 1996 version with Gwyneth Paltrow, available on Hoopla, through the Sonoma County Library.

Hoopla is free if you have a library card. Click here to read all about it there and use the link to go to Hoopla. You'll need a library card, password for same (usually the last 4 digits of your phone number) and an app downloaded to a mobile device (e.g., a laptop works, or smart TV). Hoopla has a free app in the Google play store. You'll have just 72 hours to watch the movie.

The discussion will be on Monday, July 27th. Details to follow as we near that date.

MaryAnn Kendall, Section Chair l

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

SECTIONS

MOST SECTION MEETINGS HAVE BEEN CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19. ZOOM MEETINGS ARE PLANNED FOR SOME GROUPS.

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 (ON HOLD)
Meets 3rd Fridays

Chair: Mary Ann Kendall

Time: 7:00

Place: ZOOM

Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or 981-7171

Modern Literature Group
Meets 4th Monday
Date:7.27.20

Time:7:15 p.m. (Meet and Greet before discussion at 7:30)
Place: ZOOM (Rory Keller)
Movie: "Emma", 1996 version (available on Hoopla, through Sonoma County Library)

Chair: [email protected] or 781-3722

RSVP to Rory Keller: [email protected] or 763-2072

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesdays (3rd Tuesday this month)
Date:07.21.20

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: ZOOM (Stefanie Capps)

Book: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (movie also encouraged)

Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo and Maureen Sheridan Scott ([email protected] or [email protected])
RSVP to Stefanie, [email protected].

Evening Dining Section “Eclectic Gourmet”
(ON HOLD)

Please contact Chair if interested.
Chair: Anne Taylor
Contact info: [email protected] or 774-6586

Out to Lunch Bunch

Date: Wednesday, July 15

Time: 11:30

Place: Bear Republic, Rohnert Park
Please rsvp to Laurie by Sunday, July 12th

.Chair: Laurie Leary at [email protected] or 364-3095

Walking Group - Fridays after work
(ON HOLD)

Weekly walking challenges posted by email)
Chair: Rory Keller, [email protected] or 763-2072

Hiking Group
Date: TBD

Time: 9:15 a.m.
Chair: Anna Taylor, 763-7952
[email protected]

New Garden Section
(ON HOLD)

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

ELECTED OFFICERS
Co-Presidents: Rory Keller and Jean Reed
Co-VPs, Program: Kris U'Ren and Stefanie Capps
Co-VPs, Membership: Pat Riley and Dee Short (Membership Treasurer)
Co-VPs, Funds: Sandy Benson and Karen Johnson
Vice President, Finance: Cory Benjamin
Secretary: Cathy Netz

APPOINTED OFFICERS, GENERAL

Hospitality: Norma Jean Walsh

Institutional Memory: Pam Granger

Parliamentarian: Barbara Guggemos

Public Policy; Pam Granger
Sections Coordinator: Patty Shribbs

SRJC Liaison: Doris Tolks

SSU Liaison: Patricia Webb

Tech Trek Coordinator: Michele Meyer

APPOINTED OFICERS, MEMBERSHIP
Database: Rory Keller
Membership Concerns: Kathy Schmidt
New Members: Patricia Souza

APPOINTED OFFICERS, COMMUNICATION

Facebook: Kris U'Ren

Gold Book Editor: Shayne Miller
Perspective Co-Editors: Anne Taylor, Barbara Guggemos, Sandy Smethurst
Publications Sponsors: Barbara Maddick

Publicity: Stefanie Capps
Social Media: Stefanie Capps
Webmaster: Ray Hendess

Copyright © 2020 AAUW-Petaluma; all rights reserved.
You receive this because you are a member of AAUW.

Our mailing address is:
AAUW
P.O. Box 7054
Petaluma, CA 94955-7054

AAUW Petaluma July Perspective

July 2020 -- Volume 66, No. 1

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

See articles below for more information

Upcoming branch events
July 14, 2:00 pm - Virtual branch program: Managing and Maintaining Good Mental Health Despite Covid-19

August 20 - Virtual branch meeting celebrating the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote

AAUW-related events
July 9 - Women's Suffrage Exhibition scheduled to open at Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa

Aug. 26, 5:00 - 8:00 - Opening day reception for Suffrage Exhibit at the Petaluma Museum, Save the date!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515

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

JULY PROGRAM

Join us for a Branch Meeting via Zoom

Managing and Maintaining Good Mental Health
Despite Covid-19

Tuesday, July 14 at 2:00 pm

Lesa Pascali. MA, MFT

Mary Frances Walsh, MHS

Want to attend, but still need help with Zoom?
Call Stefanie Capps at 707-769-7455 or email her at the above address.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

2019 / 2020 Season

Theater, musicals, opera, concerts,
and more!

707-763 8920 cinnabartheater.org

Z00M now available for branch committees and sections!

Through September and possibly longer, the branch is making ZOOM available for our branch committees and sections to stay connected.

Kathy Schmidt

2020-2021 Dues

An email invoice for your 2020-2021 dues should have arrived in your email Inbox on Tuesday, May 26, around 5 pm

Look for an email from:

[email protected]

with the subject line:

AAUW Membership Renewal for Fiscal Year 2021

Dee Short, [email protected], Membership Treasurer.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSERS

212 2nd Street, Petaluma CA 94952

707-763-2727

petalumacoffee.com

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO

[email protected]

President's Message

Connected in Place

Co-President Jean Reed

AAUW Stands Against Racism

Listen, Learn and Speak Up. These are actions that all of us can take.

Co-President Jean Read

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

AAUW WEBINARS

2020 Vision: Marking a Momentous Year

Click here to access webinars in the AAUW 2020 Convening Series at your convenience.

Topics include Using Tech for Good, Education & Equity, Social Media 101, Getting Out the Vote During a Pandemic, and more.

Save the Date!

August 20 is the next opportunity to
connect with members at a branch meeting.

One hundred years ago on August 26, 1920, women gained the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment, a milestone worthy of celebrating!

We will use several Ted Talks to springboard a conversation around the progress women have made towards full equality. Watch for more information in August.

Stephanie Capps, Co-VP for Program

SUMMARY OF JUNE 2020 GENERAL MEETING

Zoom meeting June 8, 2020, 6:30

Reports given by each of the committees.

Cathy Netz, Secretary

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.

www.phcd.org (707) 285-2143

Sonoma County Museum Exhibition

From Suffrage to #MeToo:

Groundbreaking Women in Sonoma County

There are also two ways you can check out the exhibition from your home. Thanks to Kris U'Ren for providing information about these options:

Online Exhibition

Click here to read the stories and see the photos of the groundbreaking women featured in the exhibition.
(Not compatible with Microsoft Edge. Google Chrome is recommended).

Virtual Experience

Click here to explore the exhibition through 360° imaging. Enjoy a close-up view of the objects and content from the gallery exhibition.

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE EVENT - PETALUMA MUSEUM

A separate Women's Suffrage exhibit in Petaluma has been rescheduled for August 26 to November 8.

An opening day reception will be held at the Museum on August 26 from 5 to 8 pm. Our own Teresa Barrett will be opening the exhibit. More info as we get closer.

Kris U'Ren, VP Program

2020 NCCWSL AWARDEE
Amy Granados Dominguez

Each year AAUW Petaluma chooses an SRJC student to attend the National Conference of College Women Student Leaders, sponsored by our national AAUW. Our third awardee is Amy Granados Dominguez.

Because NCCWSL was canceled this past May due to the Covid virus, she will be attending the May 2021 conference.

Doris Tolks, SRJC Liaison

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Where Are They Now?

Lina Miguelina Mendez, 2018

Doris Tolks followed up with our previous NCCWSL awardees and found that each of them has wonderful achievements.

Leticia Garcia Arango, 2019

She is surrounded by people who motivate her. This summer she is back in Petaluma and works for California Human Development - Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants.

NCCWSL NETWORK

Last month Leticia met with Amy Dominguez, our current NCCWSL candidate, to share her experience. They discussed graduate school, including PhD programs.

Doris Tolks, SRJC Liaison

NAMED GIFT HONOREES

Michele Meyer

Barbara Ryan

Eileen Simard

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

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.

PUBLIC POLICY

The top priority from now until November 3 is our national election.

Click here to see National AAUW's suggestions for Three ways to help motivate civic engagement, even in a time of lockdowns and social distancing.

Pam Granger, Public Policy

COLLEGE PARTNER NEWS

PETALUMA CAMPUS

Almost all classes will be online this Summer and Fall 2020.

Construction News: The new chemistry building will open Spring 2021.The Regional Construction and Trades Training and Employment Center and the new Student Services addition are both in progress.

The "Gateway to College" program which was a charter high school on the Petaluma campus (that so many of you graciously supported) will end after this year.

SRJC FUN FACTS

Santa Rosa Junior College has the highest transfer student acceptance rate to the University of California among all large community colleges in California.
The most common degrees: business administration,psychology nursing.
The most common certificates; EMT, law-enforcement, nursing assistant, firefighter, assistant teacher.
Nearly half of local high school graduates rely on Santa Rosa Junior College for affordable higher education in Sonoma County.

Doris Tolks, SRJC Liaison

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS
In honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

SECTION HIGHLIGHT - WALKING WHILE SHELTERING

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Member Concerns

Kathy Schmidt.

SECTION HIGHLIGHT

TUESDAY MORNING MODERN LIT GROUP

7/21/2020, Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson
8/11/2020, Convenience Store Woman, Sayaka Murata
9/8/2020, Home Baked, Alia Volz
10/13/2020, News of the World. Paulette Jiles
11/10/2020, Joan of Arc, Mark Twain
12/8/2020, Persuasion, Jane Austen
1/12/2021, Life at the Dakota. Stephen Birmingham
2/9/2021, Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng
3/9/2021, The Dutch House, Ann Patchett
4/13/2021, The Silent Wife, A.S.A. Harrison
5/11/2021, (still to be decided)
6/8/2021, Organizational Meeting for 2021-2022 book picks

Anne Trujillo, [email protected], 707-585-2091
Maureen Sheridan Scott, [email protected], 707-584-0586

SECTION HIGHLIGHT - MONDAY EVENING LIT GROUP

The discussion will be on Monday, July 27th. Details to follow as we near that date.

MaryAnn Kendall, Section Chair l

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

SECTIONS

MOST SECTION MEETINGS HAVE BEEN CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19. ZOOM MEETINGS ARE PLANNED FOR SOME GROUPS.

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 (ON HOLD)
Meets 3rd Fridays

Chair: Mary Ann Kendall

Time: 7:00

Place: ZOOM

Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or 981-7171

Modern Literature Group
Meets 4th Monday
Date:7.27.20

Time:7:15 p.m. (Meet and Greet before discussion at 7:30)
Place: ZOOM (Rory Keller)
Movie: "Emma", 1996 version (available on Hoopla, through Sonoma County Library)

Chair: [email protected] or 781-3722

RSVP to Rory Keller: [email protected] or 763-2072

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesdays (3rd Tuesday this month)
Date:07.21.20

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: ZOOM (Stefanie Capps)

Book: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (movie also encouraged)

Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo and Maureen Sheridan Scott ([email protected] or [email protected])
RSVP to Stefanie, [email protected].

Evening Dining Section “Eclectic Gourmet”
(ON HOLD)

Please contact Chair if interested.
Chair: Anne Taylor
Contact info: [email protected] or 774-6586

Out to Lunch Bunch

Date: Wednesday, July 15

Time: 11:30

Place: Bear Republic, Rohnert Park
Please rsvp to Laurie by Sunday, July 12th

.Chair: Laurie Leary at [email protected] or 364-3095

Walking Group - Fridays after work
(ON HOLD)

Weekly walking challenges posted by email)
Chair: Rory Keller, [email protected] or 763-2072

Hiking Group
Date: TBD

Time: 9:15 a.m.
Chair: Anna Taylor, 763-7952
[email protected]

New Garden Section
(ON HOLD)

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

Hospitality: Norma Jean Walsh

Institutional Memory: Pam Granger

Parliamentarian: Barbara Guggemos

Public Policy; Pam Granger
Sections Coordinator: Patty Shribbs

SRJC Liaison: Doris Tolks

SSU Liaison: Patricia Webb

Tech Trek Coordinator: Michele Meyer

APPOINTED OFICERS, MEMBERSHIP
Database: Rory Keller
Membership Concerns: Kathy Schmidt
New Members: Patricia Souza

APPOINTED OFFICERS, COMMUNICATION

Facebook: Kris U'Ren

Gold Book Editor: Shayne Miller
Perspective Co-Editors: Anne Taylor, Barbara Guggemos, Sandy Smethurst
Publications Sponsors: Barbara Maddick

Publicity: Stefanie Capps
Social Media: Stefanie Capps
Webmaster: Ray Hendess