2023-01JanuaryPerspective

January 2023 Perspective

January 2023 - Volume 70, No. 5

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

(see articles below for more information)

Upcoming AAUW Petaluma events

Jan. 6 - .Annual Cinnabar fundraiser, Daddy Long Legs, Friday

Jan. 29 - Program: What Do I Say? LQBTQ Vocabulary Lesson

Mar. 19 - Lunafest file festival at SRJC, branch event supporting Funds scholarships

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Cinnabar Theater

3333 Petaluma Blvd.North

Petaluma, CA 94952

Check our website for show schedules.
cinnabartheater.org
(click HERE)

ANNUAL BRANCH FUNDRAISER

Opening Night at Cinnabar

DADDY LONG LEGS

The cutoff date for reservations / payment is past. If you are coming, do remember that the curtain is at 7:30 p.m. so we suggest you arrive no later than 7:15.

When: Friday, January 6, 2023, 7:30 p.m. curtain (don’t be late!)

Where: Cinnabar Theatre, 3333 Petaluma Blvd North

JANUARY PROGRAM

What Should I Say?

An LGBTQIA+ Vocabulary Lesson

January 29, 2pm

Petaluma Library Community Room

Have you had the experience of seeing "(they/theirs)" on a name tag or ZOOM screen and wondering how you would ever remember to change the pronouns you learned in English class? Or why someone might want you to do so? And what exactly do all those letters stand for?

On January 29 at 2 p.m., Drew Crawford, Program Coordinator at Positive Images, will join us at the Petaluma Library to help us expand our understanding. Drew will talk about vocabulary, identities, and resources, and how to be a LGBTQIA+ ally. Positive Images provides support for Sonoma County’s LGBTQIA+ population. Let’s learn how to be part of a compassionate, just and equitable community.

Rory Keller and Jean Reed, Co-VPs, Program

Petaluma Library will host a virtual discussion of the film “Do I Sound Gay?” on January 18.

Watch the film via Kanopy (https://www.kanopy.com/en/) and click HERE to register for the discussion.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

212 2nd Street, Petaluma CA 94952

707-763-2727

petalumacoffee.com

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO

[email protected]

President's Message

Happy New Year

After the hustle and bustle and celebrations during the holidays, I am looking forward to the quiet that winter brings, with time for reflection and hopes for the new year. I am also looking forward to our programs this month. I hope to see you at Cinnabar on Friday, January 6, and at our program on LGBTQIA+ Vocabulary on Sunday, January 29. This program is personal to me. Here’s why. About a year and a half ago, I got a call from my son. It started this way, “So mom, get a glass of wine and sit down.” Something was up!! My son explained to me that Gemma was transitioning to Jesse and prefers the pronouns he, him. This began our journey into understanding the issues and problems faced by transgender youth. My husband and I, with the help of our son, found a great deal of information on-line, and listened to and read about the experiences of other families with transgender youth. My overarching concern, as it is for all my grandchildren, is for Jesse’s safety and well-being.

One of the scariest aspects of this is the high rate of suicide ideation and suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth. Research indicates that LGBTQ youth who felt high support from their family and who live in a community that is accepting of LGBTQ people reported much lower rates of attempted suicide than those who did not. And I believe that educating ourselves and others and listening to people in the LGBTQ community contributes to acceptance. I think you will find Drew Crawford’s presentation helpful. I think this is an important issue given that some politicians are making anti-trans legislation and sentiments part of the “Culture Wars.” Anti-trans legislation across our country has increased 800% since 2018.

You might ask, was this confusing and uncomfortable as we dealt with a new way of thinking about Jesse and his future and trying to remember to use the right pronouns? And the answer would be, Yes! However, to quote Jon Stewart in his program on the Gender Wars, “What discomfort we may feel about the changing norms around gender and sexuality, it is no match for the discomfort and fear felt by those seeking acceptance.” I hope that you will attend our program to better understand how we can all be a part of a better informed and supportive community ensuring equity for all our youth.

Co-President Stafanie Capps

Does your Gold Book information need to be updated?

Please take a minute to check your entry in the current Gold Book to see whether it is correct.

If you need to make any changes, notify Co-VP of Membership Dee Short (click HERE) so that your contact information can be updated in the membership database before we issue the next Gold Book..

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Leah DeBerardinis, D.D.S.

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

FINANCE REPORT

The balance as of November 30 for the checking account was $5,230.75 and the savings account was $5,609.43

Corey Benjamin, VP Finance

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

The current fiscal year 2022-2023 membership count is 138.

New members are always welcome! The Petaluma AAUW Membership Application is located in the Petaluma Branch website, www.aauwpetaluma.com.

Dee Short, Co-VP Membership-Treasurer

FUNDS

Important -- Save the Date!

LUNAFEST

Afternoon of March 19 2023, Petaluma SRJC

Our AAUW branch is bringing LUNAFEST to our town and you’ll want to be there!

Members of the Petaluma branch learned this year of a Film Festival that has been an exciting sold out fundraiser for some of our sister AAUW branches for years but was seemingly unknown to us. But now we know the secret and will be bringing it to the lovely Carole L. Ellis Auditorium on the Petaluma Santa Rosa Junior College Campus.

Other exciting news is that our planning committee has already received $1500 in sponsorships from Petaluma businesses for LUNAFEST! So we are well on our way to an awesome fundraiser before we even sell one ticket. All proceeds will go to our Funds program. Petaluma businesses are expressing their support through their wallets!

Here is what we tell our prospective sponsors:

AAUW Petaluma is excited to be presenting the first LUNAFEST film festival in Petaluma on March 19, 2023. LUNAFEST has been elevating the work of women filmmakers for over twenty years with a traveling film festival. The hour-and-a-half program includes 8 new films with a wide variety of techniques and perspectives. A discussion of the films will be included to engage the audience in reflection and connection.

There will be lots more information in future newsletters. In the meantime, please think of family members, friends and neighbors who would enjoy supporting women filmmakers in a most entertaining way, while also supporting the good work of Petaluma AAUW!

Marlene Abel, Co-VP Funds

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515

Fax: (707) 765-0256

Email: [email protected]

TECH TREK REPORT

The holiday fundraiser/party for Tech Trek was festive and enjoyed by all. We raised $485 to send girls to camp.Thanks to all who donated whether or not they were able to attend.

More good news about Tech Trek . . .

An additional Tech Trek camp is needed to accommodate the number of girls the branches would like to send in 2023. However, the major issue is staffing – we need camp directors-in-training, dorm moms, workshop presenters, core class teachers, camp nurses/doctors/health aids, and other volunteers. We need women to assume the roles that make camp possible.

Are you, or do you know other members who might be, willing to step up? If so, please contact Diane Coventry ([email protected])
or Martha Rees ([email protected]).

Michele Meyer, Tech Trek Coordinator

NEW MEMBERS

We are happy to welcome more new members this month with more to come in the February issue of Perspective. We look forward to seeing BRIDGET MACKAY, MELANIE DONAHUE, and RUTH JOHNSON in person at our programs, general meeting, and sections!

Pat Riley, Co-VP, Membership

Bridget Mackay received a BA from UC Santa Cruz with a major in Politics and a law degree from Santa Clara University. An attorney, Bridget is involved with Petaluma Education Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association. Her hobbies and interests include skiing, scuba diving, travel, and "anything outdoors!"

Melanie Donahue is a California native originally from San Mateo, now residing in Petaluma. She brings a rich background in theology. Melanie received a BA from Stanford in Communications, an MA from Georgetown University in Philosophy and Theology, an MTS degree in Theology from Washington Theological Union and is a graduate in Anglican Studies from Church Divinity School of the Pacific.

Formerly a TV producer, Melanie is now a Rector with the Episcopal Church. Her civic activities include the Stanford Chaplaincy Board and the Diocese of California Emergency Preparedness Board. Melanie's interests include travel (she is a pilgrimage leader to Israel and Palestine), gardening, theater, and reading.

Ruth Johnson received an AS degree in Viticulture from Santa Rosa Junior College, a BA in German from UCLA, and an MBA in Marketing, also from UCLA. She enjoys music, gardening, hiking, reading, art, and travelling. She is also a volunteer at Ceres Community Project.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Hope you made it to the luncheon – good venue, good food, and interesting speakers, Everyone had a good time.

Here are a few pictures, but you can see the whole gallery on our website (click HERE for the link).

Rory Keller, Co-VP Program

AAUW Safe Meeting Guidelines

Follow all state and local guidance. It is expected that anyone who is not fully vaccinated will wear a mask and maintain physical distance at all times. Stay home if you are feeling sick. Bring a mask, so you are prepared if masking is requested.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

SSU LIAISON

Support Women Athletes!

SSU's women's basketball team really rolled out the red carpet for AAUW members on December 9th.

They hosted several of us at a practice and even let us take a few shots at the basket. Kathy Schmidt was successful! See picture above.

On January 14, at 1:00 they are playing at home and we hope AAUW members show up and root them on! You can buy tickets at the door or order online prior to the game. There is a parking fee, so carpooling may be desirable.

If you want more info call Kris U’Ren 707-477-3448. The full schedule is online at Sonoma State’s website.

Kris U’Ren, SSU Liaison

Facebook / Instagram Reminder

Our January Title IX panelists suggested that our Branch needed to go where young people live.

We now have an Instagram Page! It is easy to start a personal Instagram account, just download the app. You don’t have to post, just follow other accounts especially ours - aauw.petaluma

We need members to follow both our Instagram and Facebook page! Share the info with others

Kris U'Ren

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Want to help? PPSC always needs volunteers!

Consider:

Meals on Wheels
Petaluma Bounty
Mentor Me
iRIDE Driver
Administrative Support
Disaster Volunteer

Call 1 707 765-8484 or click HERE to volunteer or get more information

MEMBER CONCERNS

Our collective, heartfelt condolences to Kathleen Von Raesfeld and family on the sudden death of her brother-in-law, Gary Von Raesfeld. It's never easy to lose a family member, but it's even harder during the holiday season where so many others are joyous and celebratory.

We're also sending healing vibes to Sandy Benson who is recovering from surgery and weeks in the hospital and rehab. Sandy has been a Petaluma AAUW member for 43 years, including many years on the board of directors and in several sections. Sandy, we hope to see you up and around soon.

Kathy Schmidt

AAUW on YouTube

Did you know that you can access webinars presented by AAUW CA on YouTube?

Just go HERE and click on “Subscribe.”

You can drop in to hear 35 AAUW Fellows give quick descriptions of their post-graduate work, learn how to use Instagram, catch up on AAUW positions, and more.

ART & HISTORY SECTION

UPCOMING OUTINGS - SAVE THE DATES!

1.20.23 Marin Civic Center – Frank Lloyd Wright Tour, organizer Cathy Burton
2.17.23 TBD, organizer Shelley Ford
3.17.23 TBD, organizer Pam Granger
4.21.23 Docent-led tour of the Petaluma River Park, organizer MaryAnn Kendall
5.19.23 Western Hills Garden, organizer Anne Taylor
6.16.23 Murals at St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Cathedral, organizer Esther Schau

Section Leader MaryAnn Kendall

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

In Honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

NOTE ABOUT 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 chairs will send the link directly to section members. Be sure to RSVP so that you get the ZOOM link.
NEW MEETINGS – Contact Patti Prichard o set up a new ZOOM meeting.
ZOOM BY PHONE – For audio only, call 669-900-9128, enter Meeting ID and Passcode when prompted.

ZOOM Coordinators

Do you need assistance setting up a hybrid meeting or do you have technical concerns? Click HERE to contact Patti Prichard.
Do you want to use our branch's Zoom account for a meeting and need to be added to the Zoom schedule? Click HERE to contact MaryAnn Kendall.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

SECTIONS

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

Please note: We have volunteers to help with mentoring if anyone wishes to start a new section!

ACTIVE ZOOM SECTIONS

Ted Talk Discussion Group

Open to everyone

Meets 3rd Tuesday, as possible every other month

Date: 01.17.23
Time: 3 p.m.
Topic: Mindfulness and Mindful Living

Host: Pat Riley

Co-Chairs: Stefanie Capps [email protected] and

MaryAnn Kendall, [email protected]

Evening Modern Literature

Hybrid meeting - ZOOM option or in-person

See Face 2 Face entry below for current meeting information

GROUPS MEETING FACE 2 FACE
(with Covid guidelines in place)

BRIDGE SECTIONS

Wednesday Bridge Group (beginners welcome)
Meets 1st Wednesday
Date: 01.04.23
Place: TBD
Chair Diana Brown, [email protected]
(707) 774-4968

Thursday Bridge Group
Meets 3rd Thursday at 1 or 7 p.m.
Date: 01.19.23
Place: TBD
Chair: Jane Jernigan, [email protected], (707) 778-0543, [email protected].

Friday Bridge Group
Meets 2nd Friday
Date: 01.13.23
Chair: Claire Pass, [email protected],
(707) 763-9075

DINING SECTIONS

Eclectic Gourmet
Please contact Anne Taylor if interested.
Chair: Anne Taylor, [email protected] or (707) 774-6586

Out to Lunch Bunch

Thursday group meets 1st Thursday

Date: 01.05.23
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Place: Soban Korean Cuisine (in Plaza No.) Wednesday group meets 2nd Wednesday

Date 01.11.23

Place: Torches Petaluma (256 Pet. Blvd North) Co-chairs: Jan Everidge, [email protected] and Laverne Stout, [email protected]

LITERATURE SECTIONS

Evening Modern Literature Group

Zoom at this time
Meets: 4th Monday
Date: 01.23.23

Place: Zoom

Time: 7 p.m. (Meet & Greet at 6:45)
Book: Hold Still; A Memoir with Photographs by Sally Marin

Host: Shelley Ford
Co-Chairs:

Patricia Souza, [email protected] and Patti Prichard, [email protected]
RSVP: Shelley Ford, [email protected]

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesday
Date: 01.10.23
Time: 10 a.m.

Place: Home of Shirley Gross
Book: The Night Listener by Armistead Maupin
Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo [email protected] and Maureen Sheridan Scott [email protected]
RSVP: Shirley

WALKING SECTIONS

Friday Afternoon Walking Group
Meets most Fridays

Time: 4 p.m.
Chair: Contact Rory Keller at [email protected] or (707)763-2072

Hiking Group
Hikes have started up again! Anna offers several dates for hikers to choose from. Contact her if interested.
Next Hike Date: TBD
Time: 9:15 a.m.
Place: 124 Howard St. (gather for carpool)
Chair: Anna Taylor, [email protected]. (707) 763-7952

MISCELLANEOUS OTHER SECTIONS

Art and History
Meets third Fridays

Place: Marin Co. Civic Ctr. and Frank Lloyd Wright
Host: Cathy Burton
Date: 01.20.23
Time: TBD
Carpool options: TBD

Chair: MaryAnn Kendall [email protected], (707) 318-7050

Garden Club

Date: TBD
Co-Chairs: Diana Brown, [email protected], (707) 774-4968 and
Patricia Souza, [email protected], (707) 921-8499

MAKE IT! Crafts Group

Date: 01.13.23
Time: 1 p.m.
Project: Recycling old calendar pages
Place: Jean Reed’s Home

Chair: Kris U’ren, [email protected].

Title Niners

Take action to support legislation
Meets 3rd Wednesday
Date: 01.18.23

Time: 1 p.m.
Contact: Jean Reed, [email protected]

New Members Section

Date: TBD

Time: TBD

Chair: Pat Riley [email protected]

GROUPS AT CAPACITY

Travel Section

Meets every other month on first Monday via ZOOM
Topic: TBD
Time: 11 a.m.
Co-Chairs: Wendy Porter, (707) 795-9354, [email protected]
Cathy Burton, (707) 763-9082, [email protected]
RSVP with Wendy

Saturday Night Drama (Temporarily at capacity)

Meets second Saturday
Date: 01.13.23
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: ZOOM
Play: TBD
Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or
(707) 981-7171

Craft Section: Cardworthy
Waiting list available
Meets first Wednesdays
Chair: Corey Benjamin, [email protected]

EXECUTIVE BOARD

ELECTED OFFICERS
Co-Presidents: Anne Taylor and Stefanie Capps
Co-VPs, Programs: Rory Keller and Jean Reed
Co-VPs, Membership: Pat Riley and Dee Short (Membership Treasurer)
Co-VPs, Funds: Jan Everidge and Marlene Abel
Vice President, Finance: Corey Benjamin
Secretary: Pat Hanson

APPOINTED OFFICERS, GENERAL

DEI Coordinator: Kathleen VonRaesfeld

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: Kris U'Ren

Tech Trek Coordinator: Michele Meyer

Zoom Team: Patti Prichard and MaryAnn Kendall

APPOINTED OFFICERS, MEMBERSHIP
Database: Rory Keller
Member Concerns: Kathy Schmidt
New Members: Pat Riley

APPOINTED OFFICERS, COMMUNICATION

Facebook/Instagram: Kris U'Ren

Gold Book Editor: Shayne Miller
Perspective Editors: Sandy Smethurst and Barbara Guggemos
Publications Sponsors: Dorothy Suarez

Publicity: Patricia Souza
Webmaster: Ray Hendess

Our web page is:

www.aauwpetaluma.com

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

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