2020-10OctoberPerspective

AAUW Petaluma October 2020 Perspective

October 2020 -- Volume 66, No. 3

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming AAUW Petaluma events via ZOOM (see articles below for more information)

Oct. 1 - Candidates Forum, Petaluma City Council, 7 pm

Oct. 6 - Connected in Place, 10 am

Oct. 6 - Candidates Forum, Petaluma City Schools Board of Education, 6:30 pm

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 - Get Out The Vote (GOTV), 4 pm

Oct. 10 - Informational meeting on branch effort to support Petaluma students and teachers
in collaboration with PPSC & Mentor Me, 10 am

Oct. 15 - Art & History section on "Helen Putnam and the Supreme Court." 7 pm

Oct. 20 - TED Talks section, 7 pm

Nov. 12 - November program: "Schooling during the Pandemic," 7 pm

Dec. 5 - Holiday Luncheon via Zoom, 12 pm

Other AAUW events via ZOOM (see article below for more information)

Oct. 10 and/or Oct. 24 - Funds event: AAUW Fellows Luncheon, 1 - 3 pm

COVID-19: A Continuing Threat

As we enter another season during the pandemic, it’s worth reiterating that AAUW’s top priority is keeping our members safe. In-person meetings are not sanctioned at this time. Please continue to pay close attention to your governor and city for specific instructions. Wear your mask, wash your hands, keep your distance.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Leah DeBerardinis, D.D.S.

511 Hayes Lane
Petaluma, CA 94952 hillcrestdentalgroup.net
(707) 763-2654

Save the Date!

Petaluma City Council Forum
Meet the Candidates!

Thursday, October 1st, 7pm via ZOOM

After 65 years of hosting forums every election year, the Petaluma Branch of the American Association of University Women is inviting you to our first ever Zoom candidate forum the evening of Thursday, October 1, 7-8:30 pm. (NOTE: see information for our second ever Zoom candidate forum below) We plan to record the event for rebroadcast.

Since we can’t use the Council Chambers this year, the City of Petaluma has generously provided their Zoom Webinar platform for our forum. The League of Women Voters of Sonoma County have offered to post the recording on their YouTube account when we get them the information. Click here to access the League's web page with the link to YouTube recording. Petaluma Community Access (PCA) is expected to stream live and record as well.

The Forum is an opportunity to meet the eight candidates vying for 3 open seats on the City Council. This event is open to the public. Help spread the word so that we have an informed community. Please tell your friends, family and neighbors about the forum and share the Zoom link with them.

Two ways you can get the Zoom link:

Go to the home page of our branch website today (click here and scroll down a bit)
Check your email inbox the day before the forum (Sept. 30) for an email with the link.

Due to popular demand we have added a second event!

Petaluma City Schools Board of Education Forum
Meet the Candidates!

Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm via Zoom

The Forum is an opportunity to meet the four candidates vying for 2 open seats on the Petaluma City Schools Board of Education. This event is open to the public.

Since we can’t use the Council Chambers this year, the Petaluma City School District has generously provided their Zoom Webinar platform for our forum. Help spread the word so that we have an informed community.

Please share the Zoom link with your friends, family and neighbors!

Two ways you can get the Zoom link:

Go to the home page of our branch website on Oct. 5, the day before the forum (click here and scroll down a bit).
Check your email inbox the day before the forum (Oct. 5) for an email with the link.

Pam Granger, Public Policy

[email protected]

President's Message

Ruth Bader Ginsberg. For all of my adult life, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was there, doggedly working to advance women’s rights, my rights. I have to confess that for many years, I was largely unaware. But she was there, working: advocating for pay equity and maternity leave in the 1960s; working to prevent discrimination based on gender in the 70s; ensuring that “equal protection” applies to women as well as to racial minorities; and on the Supreme Court saying “I dissent” with arguments that she hoped would serve to persuade a future court.

Today I’m filled with deep sadness … and gratitude for this inspiring woman who was there for me, for all of us, changing our lives.

In the Get Out The Vote letters that I’ve been writing, I add a personal note. I talk about how by voting we choose the people who make the decisions that affect our lives every day. Mostly I have been thinking about our local officials, the ones who decide if we can eat in a restaurant or when our children can go back to school. But, of course, our votes also decide who will choose those serving at the highest levels, who make decisions that define our very rights.

The most important thing we can do to honor Justice Ginsberg is to elect leaders who share our values and who will confirm fair-minded appointees who believe in equal justice under the law at every level, from our city right up to the Supreme Court. VOTE – and encourage everyone you know to vote..

Co-President Jean Reed

MEMBERSHIP

For 2020-2021 there are currently 136 members in good standing, including 10 Honorary Life Member and one National Life Member. We have three new members this year.

Dee Short, Co-VP of Membership-Treasurer

Did you forget to renew?
There is still time to get in the Gold Book - Renew by Sept. 30!

National dues: $59, State dues: $20, Branch dues: $18

TOTAL: $97
(Note: $56 of the national dues are tax deductible as a charitable contribution.)

Two easy ways to renew:

Mail your check for $97 (payable to "AAUW Petaluma Branch") to Membership VP Dee Short, PO Box 2537, Petaluma, CA 94953-2537
Pay online by clicking on the personalized link in the email you received from [email protected] on August 5, 2020 (subject line: "AAUW Membership Renewal for Fiscal Year 2021") or ask Dee (click here) to regenerate the email from National for you.

UPCOMING ZOOM MEETING

Practical Options for Supporting Petaluma Students and Teachers

Informational meeting on branch collaboration with

Petaluma People Services Center and Mentor Me

Saturday, October 10, 10:00 am

It appears that many branch members would welcome information on safe, practical ways to help Petaluma students and teachers in this difficult time of virtual instruction.

According to initial feedback from teachers and school board members, the greatest need right now is help for students who are having trouble engaging in online learning and who are falling behind in their work.

In their comments at the virtual Fall Social on September 13, Wilson School Principal and Superintendent Sheila Garvey, Petaluma School Board member Mady Cloud, and Old Adobe Union School Board member Patsy Knight agreed with this assessment and suggested that we work together with PPSC and Mentor Me, which have effective pre-existing programs to help Petaluma students in all school districts in the city.

On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 am, there will be a Zoom meeting in which you can hear about options for assisting students directly through various kinds of online mentoring, and indirectly through financial support for a wide range of programs.

The Zoom link will be sent to all members the day before the meeting.

Committee to Support Petaluma Students and Teachers.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Note on ZOOM meetings

For security reasons, ZOOM links are not included in the Perspective.

PROGRAMS - The ZOOM link will be sent to all members in an email the day before the event.
SECTIONS - Sections will send the link directly to section members. Be sure to RSVP so that you get the ZOOM link.
NEW MEETINGS – Contact Kathy Schmidt to set up a new ZOOM meeting.
ZOOM BY PHONE – For audio only, call 669-900-9128, enter Meeting ID and Passcode when prompted.

UPCOMING ZOOM MEETING

CONNECTED IN PLACE Oct. 6, 10 am

Meet with AAUW members to visit and catch up.

Contact October host Jean Reed (click here) for the ZOOM link.

UPCOMING ZOOM MEETINGS

GET OUT THE VOTE
Tuesday Oct. 6, 13, 20, 17 at 4 pm

Join AAUW members to write letters using a template letter and address lists.

Contact Jean Reed ([email protected]) if you have questions or would like the ZOOM link.

UPCOMING ZOOM WEBINARS

Funds Report
AAUW California Fellowship Luncheons
Oct. 10 & 24, 1-3 pm

AAUW for more than 130 years has funded the educations of women so they could follow their dreams. Over the years the recipients of AAUW’s Fellowships represent nearly every imaginable field of endeavor..

This month, you will have the opportunity to meet: AAUW California’s Fellows/Grant recipients for 2020-21 in two virtual luncheons and learn about the studies and goals of these remarkable women.

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear the stories of exceptional women and the studies they are pursuing, and also to see one of the ways your donation to AAUW Funds is put to work.

The Luncheons will take place on October 10th and October 24th from 1:00 to 3:00.

This year there is no fee, but registration is required to join the Zoom Webinar.

To register, go to the AAUW-CA web page for the AAUW Fund Luncheon (click here).

This is a another way to be involved in our dynamic organization, learn about the women whose educational goals are supported by our donations to AAUW Funds, and while not sharing an actual lunch, you can do this all from the comfort of your own home.

We encourage you to join us in one or both of these informative programs.

Sandy Benson/Karen Johnson – Co VP Funds

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSERS

212 2nd Street, Petaluma CA 94952

707-763-2727

petalumacoffee.com

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO

[email protected]

UPCOMING ZOOM WEBINAR

ART AND HISTORY SECTION – October Meeting via ZOOM
Thursday, October 15, at 7 p.m. / RSPV deadline: October 12

Helen Putnam and the Supreme Court

Presented by local historian John Sheehy
Organizer: Nancy Henry
Open to all members of AAUW

Helen DuMont Putnam (1909-1984) was elected as Petaluma’s first female mayor in 1965. She held this position until 1978. In 1979, she joined Helen Rudee as the second female member of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. There is much to be shared about Ms. Putnam’s accomplishments as an educator, mayor, and supervisor.

On February 8, 1984, the headline of the social page of the Argus Courier was “AAUW Throws a Party to Celebrate Helen Putnam.”

In 1990, the Petaluma Branch joined with the Santa Rosa Branch to complete an endowment known as the Helen Putnam Named Unit.

Interest earned by the endowment was used on an annual basis for Research and Project Grants awarded by the AAUW Educational Foundation.

Helen Putnam was not just the first female mayor of Petaluma, she helped lead Petaluma through one of our most trying times.

Who determines a city’s future growth, the marketplace or its citizens? How Petaluma led by mayor, Helen Putnam, battled developers all the way to the Supreme Court to decide that question for the country in the 1970s.

Petaluma Historian John Sheehy discusses the groundbreaking case that put Petaluma on the map with the slow-growth movement. John Sheehy is the co-author of the book On a River Winding Home: Stories and Visions of the Petaluma River Watershed.

RSVP by October 12. You must RSVP for this event so that you receive the ZOOM link prior to that evening. Please RSVP to [email protected]

UPCOMING ZOOM MEETING

TED Talks Discussion Group

Tuesday, October 20, at 7 PM via ZOOM

Mary Ann Kendall and Stefanie Capps will host a new section utilizing TED Talks to spark conversations on topics of interest to members of the group. There are thousands of TED Talks on every conceivable topic and the best part is, they are available and free to everyone.

We will meet the third Tuesday of the month via ZOOM to connect with each other around a topic and ideas presented in selected TED Talks. Our topic for October 20 is Resilience.

If you wish to join this section, please email Stefanie Capps at [email protected] to get links to TED Talks on the topic and as well as the ZOOM link to the meeting.

BRANCH BUDGET ADOPTED

At the virtual Fall Social on September 13, the general membership approved the 2020-2021 Budget reviewed by the board and presented by Finance VP Corey Benjamin.

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

PUBLIC POLICY

AAUW CA PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE POSITIONS

ON NOVEMBER BALLOT MEASURES

The AAUW California Public Policy Committee has reviewed the 12 propositions that will be on the November ballot and is making a SUPPORT/YES recommendation on 7 that relate to our priorities and mission:

Prop 14 – Stem Cell Research (access to quality health care)
Approves a bond for $5.5 billion to support continued stem cell research
Prop 15 – Property Taxes (funding for education)
Large commercial properties over $3 million will be assessed at current market value.
Prop 16 – Affirmative Action (educational opportunity; social justice)
Reinstates race, ethnicity and country of origin as considerations for school admittance and government employment.
Prop 17 – Voting for Parolees (expansion of voting rights)
Allows people on parole to vote once their prison sentence has been completed
Prop 18 – Voting at 17 (encourages voting)
Allows 17-yr olds to register and vote in primary if they will be 18 by the general election
Prop 21 – Rent Control (affordable housing)
Authorizes local governments to place rent control measures on houses older than 15 years
Prop 25 – Cash Bail (social & economic justice)
SB10 relies on risk assessment in determining if a suspect will be held in custody instead of cash bail; a “yes” vote keeps SB10

More detailed information on each of these propositions, including who sponsored and who supports and opposes each, can be found on the Public Policy page of the AAUW California website. For details on each of these propositions, click HERE.

For your reference, the League of Women Voters (LWV) recommendations can be viewed here:

For expanded information on all Propositions, use the Ballotpedia tool (click here to access). Click on any Proposition to get a summary, full text, pros & cons, who supports it and where the money comes from.

Pam Granger, Public Policy Chair

NOVEMBER BRANCH MEETING PREVIEW - SAVE THE DATE!

November program to feature education forum with Petaluma educators

Schooling During the Pandemic

November 12 at 7 PM via ZOOM

We have invited educators to give us a ground-level view of schooling during the Pandemic. They will provide an update of what is working and what challenges they are facing during this unusual year. We believe that this will better inform our membership as to help that we can provide though the newly formed Committee to Support Petaluma Students and Teachers.

Watch for additional information in your November Perspective.

SUMMARY OF SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING MINUTES

At the September Board meeting…

Finance: An old CD has been closed out.
Membership: Seven people have not renewed.
Program: The committee is working on a panel for November12th on the State of the Schools.
Public Policy: 8 city council candidates will participate in our October 1 Candidate Forum. A 2nd meeting will be held for the 4 city schools candidates.

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

TECH TREK-- A note from AAUW National and California

AAUW National announced that in the 2021 season, Tech Trek camps in all states must be delivered on a virtual platform. This decision was made due to the many unknowns and changing regulations, which are happening so rapidly that in-person events cannot be advised this far in advance. National also advised that all states should delay student recruitment until further into 2021.

California Tech Trek has been working on alternative solutions, which include a fully tested virtual platform option. In addition, our delay of the student selection process to January 2021 aligns with the National decision.

While this announcement is certainly a disappointment, it's not a surprise given the pandemic still actively impacting our country. California Tech Trek Program leaders are fully prepared to continue the Tech Trek tradition by providing selected campers with a stimulating, fun, and rewarding STEM virtual experience.

Rest assured that when the time is right, our goal is a return to the residential Tech Trek camp model that since 1998 has been AAUW California's premier STEM camp legacy.
California Tech Trek will not go dark in 2021. We're looking forward and planning for the future - and we appreciate your support and enthusiasm!

Message From the National AAUW Website

Last month we commemorated the anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. Honor the suffragists by voting in every election – and helping others to vote.

Have you checked your registration? Check at this website: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ and then help others check. We want everyone who is registered to be able to vote. If you know someone who is not registered, send them to registertovote.ca.gov.

PUBLIC POLICY INVITES YOU TO REVIEW

AAUW CALIFORNIA’S PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES

In even-numbered years, AAUW California undertakes a review of our Public Policy Priorities. This is an important document, as it provides the context for determining the bills on which AAUW California will take positions in the 2021-2023 legislative sessions.

Watch for an electronic survey to solicit every member's input on the priorities, and make suggestions for revisions or deletions. Please take time to participate.

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.

OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST

Saturday, October 3, 4 p.m., LiveStream Concert - Hands Upon The Plow
Peninsula Women’s Chorus presents works commissioned for their three-year Trailblazers Project honoring pioneering women Harriet Tubman, Major Griffin-Gracy, and Alice Paul. Click here to access their website. Contact Jean Reed for tickets at (click here for Jean's email address).
Thursday, October 15, 6 p.m., Women In Conversation at Home: Part 2 Honoring Space. Sponsored by The Press Democrat, moderated by Amy Gutierrez.
Click here to pre-register. Click here to watch Part 1, Be Your Own Sustainable Self on YouTube
Thursday, October 8, 4 p.m. Girlhood (It's Complicated)
Click here to RSVP Deadline: October 2
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History celebrates the opening of its newest exhibition "Girlhood (It’s Complicated)" with a special presentation that includes a virtual tour. The history of girlhood is not what people think; it is complicated. Young women are often told that girls are “made of sugar and spice and everything nice.” What is learned from history is that girls are made of stronger stuff. They have changed history.

AAUW Equity Network

The AAUW Equity Network is an on-line community that provides exciting learning, networking and advocacy resources. Members have access to a range of skill-building webinars and the Equity Express newsletter. .

Anyone can benefit from affiliation with AAUW through the Equity Network even if they have not completed college. Check it out at Equity Network information on the national website (click here). Tell your friends!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

SECOND CHANCE (recordings of past events)

Gallery Tour of Petaluma’s Suffrage Exhibit (click here to access)
The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum’s fall 2020 exhibit tells the inspiring story of a California community’s contribution to women winning the right to vote.
The History of Women's Suffrage - 2020 Centennial (click here to access)
Bonnie J. Morris, PhD, offers a lively history of the arguments FOR and AGAINST women’s suffrage, taking us back to 19th century attitudes toward women in politics and public life.
And Nothing Less Podcasts
Click here to get to the National Park Service's webpage where you can access podcasts (= audio recordings) telling little-known stories about the women's suffrage movement.

MEMBER CONCERNS

Our heartfelt condolences were extended to the family of Jeanette Phillips who died in August at the age of 93, and our Branch will make a donation in her memory to an AAUW program or scholarship. Jeanette first joined the Petaluma Branch in 1973 and continued with us even after moving to Santa Rosa. Her dues this past year were a little late so you won’t find her name in our current Gold Book. She didn’t want to be left out for this next year, so she not only paid for the upcoming 2020-2021 year but added a donation. Well, Jeannette, we’ll see you on the “In Memoriam” page in the upcoming Gold Book. Rest in peace.

My sincere condolences go out to all of us on the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an extraordinary and forceful woman who broke through walls that were in her way and never waivered in her fight for civil rights for all women and men. She managed to effect change without belittling opponents. Her intellect was admired and celebrated. She was a proud Jewish woman who died on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. May her memory be a blessing.

Kathy Schmidt
707-762-4624

Section Spotlight - Crafts Group

At the Crafts Group meeting on September 3, section members showed each other the cards they had made with materials and instructions prepared by section leader Corey Benjamin. Many thanks to Pam Granger for providing the screen shot and the header above!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515

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

SECTIONS

Call Patty Shribbs at 769-8961
with general questions or
ideas for new sections.
[email protected]

ACTIVE ZOOM SECTIONS

NEW! CONNECTED IN PLACE GROUP
Opportunity to chat and socialize
Meets 1st Tuesdays
Date: 10.06.20
Time:10 am
Chair:Jean Reed, [email protected]
RSVP with Jean

NEW! TED TALKS DISCUSSION GROUP
Meets 3rd Tuesdays
Date: 10.20.20
Time: 3 pm
Topic: Resilience
Co-Chairs: Stefanie Capps [email protected]
Mary Ann Kendall, [email protected]
RSVP with Stefanie

NEW TRAVEL SECTION (Around the World) (STARTING ZOOM mtgs in OCT)
Date: MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020
Time:10:30am
Co-Chairs: Wendy Porter, 795-9354, [email protected]
Cathy Burton, 763-9082, [email protected]
RSVP with Wendy

ART & HISTORY

First Zoom meeting

Meets 3rd Fridays
Date: 10.16.20
Time: 7 pm
Topic: "Helen Putnam and the Supreme Court"
Chair: Mary Ann Kendall, [email protected]
RSVP with Chair before 10/12/20.

Saturday Night Drama Reading
(open only to those members who participated in the spring Zoom mtgs) Only 10 books are given to us each month.
(If a second group wishes to gather with the same plays, please let Patty or Kay know}
Meets second Saturdays (except Oct)
Date: Saturday, OCTOBER 3
Time:7 pm
Place: ZOOM
Play: Doll’s House” by Ibsen
Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or 981-7171

Evening Modern Literature
Meets 4th Mondays
Date: 10.26.20
Time: 7:15 pm (Meet & Greet) before discussion at 7:30
Place: ZOOM with Sandy Smethurst
Book: ”By Its Cover” .by Donna Leon
Chair: [email protected] or 781-3722
RSVP: with Rory Keller, [email protected]

Morning Modern Literature Group
Second Tuesdays
Date: 10,13.20
Time: 10:00 am
Place: ZOOM
Book: “News of the World” by Paulette Jiles
Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo or Maureen Sheridan Scott
([email protected] or [email protected])
RSVP: with Nancy Henry, [email protected]

Dining Section “Eclectic Gourmet”
(Zoom Cocktail Hours to be substituted)
Please contact Anne if interested.
Chair: Anne Taylor,: [email protected] or 774-6586

Walking Group- Fridays after work
Meets most Fridays
Weekly Walking Challenges posted by email
Chair: Contact Rory Keller, [email protected] or 763-2072

SECTIONS ON HOLD

OUT TO LUNCH BUNCH (ON HOLD)

NEW AND PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS (ON HOLD)
Open to all new and long-time members interested in meeting each other and learning about activities that interest you.
Chair: Patricia Souza, [email protected], 762-4173

HIKING GROUP (ON HOLD)
Date: TBD
Time: 9:15AM
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]

GARDEN SECTION (ON HOLD)
Date: TBD (Some virtual on-line events offered)
Contact Chairs for further info
Co-Chairs: Patricia Souza, 762-4173 [email protected]
Diana Brown, 774-4968, [email protected]

ALL BRIDGE SECTIONS ON HOLD

The following sections have
reached capacity:
Craft Group
Several Dining Groups

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR PERSPECTIVE SPONSORS

We miss seeing you in the theater!

Check our website for

digital streaming

cinnabartheater.org

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 Madick

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