2023-12DecemberPerspective

December 2023 Perspective

Decemberr 2023 - Volume 72, No. 4

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

(see articles below for more information)

Upcoming AAUW Petaluma events

Saturday, Dec. 2 – Holiday Luncheon, Boulevard Café, 1-3 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 28 – Normalizing Safety: Gun Violence Prevention, Lucchesi Center, 2-4 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 9 – “Dream House” at Cinnabar – AAUW Fundraiser, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24 – Tri-Branch Luncheon, Key Room Novato, 10 a.m. – noon
Sunday, Mar. 10 – AAUW Film Festival SRJC Ellis Auditorium, 3-5 p.m.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

In Honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

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.

DECEMBER PROGRAM

Holiday Gifts and Celebrations

At the Holiday Luncheon on Saturday December 2, we will hear about how BLUE ZONES will transform the well-being of Petaluma to make our community a better place to live, work, learn, and play.

We’ll also be collecting items for the YWCA Toy/Gift Drive for families impacted by domestic violence.

If you are not attending the luncheon and want to participate, get items to Jean Reed by December 8.

Jean Reed and Joanne Rooney, Co-VPs Program

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Rumor has it that Patsy Knight was a professional sleigh bell ringer during the holiday season. She stood outside on a freezing cold night ringing the bells so that her grandchildren would think Santa was coming and they had bettter hop in bed and get to sleep so that Santa would visit them that night.

Memories are an important part of December. It is a time to reflect on special things in our lives and acknowledge those that bring us joy. It is a time to let them know how much they mean to us. I have been impressed by our leadership in our own AAUW and appreciate the hard work and wonderful ideas put into action.

May your holiday season be filled with merry moments and delightful surprises. No matter what holidays you chose to celebrate, enjoy good food and drink and relax in the company of friends and family. This is a season to make memories and remember past memories.

Co-President Patsy Knight

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

UPCOMING JANUARY PROGRAM - Volunteers needed!

Get ready for this important event in January. We have lined up a great group of speakers including elected officials, representatives from schools and police, and community activists. A number of local organizations will be tabling, including AAUW. We need good AAUW participation. Here is how you can help.

Attend. Bring a friend.
Print, post and share the event flyer (click HERE)
Volunteer to help at the event. We need greeters and monitors.

Contact Jean Reed to confirm that you can help. Click HERE to generate an email to Jean.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515

Fax: (707) 765-0256

Email: [email protected]

Finance Report

As of October 31, the checking account balance was $4,548.17, and the savings account balance was $5,614.58.

Corey Benjamin, Finance VP.

Membership Report

Our current membership count is 144.

Help us spread the word about AAUW! Bring a friend to a section or a general meeting.

Guests may attend a section up to two times prior to joining AAUW. It’s a great way to introduce people to who we are and all we do.

Patti Prichard and MaryAnn Kendall, Co-VPs Membership

Has your Gold Book information changed?

If your contact information in the Gold Book has changed, please contact Co-VP of Membership MaryAnn Kendall (click HERE) so that our membership database can be updated.

Would you like your updated contact information to be published in the newsletter?
If so, contact co-editors Barbara Guggemos (click HERE) and/or Anne Taylor (click HERE).

REMINDER: The Gold Book, our membership directory, is for use only by the membership and may not be used for recruiting or solicitation.

Our Branch Policies and Procedures prohibit the use of the Gold Book contact information for other organizations’ purposes. Our policies specifically state that information concerning any organization other than AAUW shall not be sent via branch email network without Board approval.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Cinnabar Theater

3333 Petaluma Blvd.North

Petaluma, CA 94952

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

New Member Profile

We are pleased to welcome Christy Foedisch to our branch. I asked Christy to tell me about herself and received the delightful response below.

Patti Prichard, Co-VP Membership

About me:

I grew up in Marin and then went to Chico State with the goal of becoming a special education teacher. After Chico I moved to Petaluma in 2002 and attended the credential program at Sonoma State. I taught students with moderate to severe disabilities in Santa Rosa for about ten years.

In 2013, I started working as a College and Career Advisor with the Bay Area non-profit, Students Rising Above. After being a part-time advisor (which allowed me to work from home and be very involved with my kids and their schools) for 8 years, I took the role of the College Success Program Manager, which I have been doing now for going on three years. I absolutely love my job and am excited to learn more about AAUW as I feel that our missions are very much in line with each other.

I have a 16 year old daughter, Callie who is a junior at Cardinal Newman High School and is a dedicated softball player. We are currently in the process of exploring opportunities for her to play at the college level. My son Brody is 14 and an 8th grader at Petaluma Junior High. He loves football and lacrosse. As you can guess I spend a lot of time at a variety of sports games!

I love being active, and you’re likely to see me walking my dog Jon Snow somewhere in Petaluma. I also love to cook and read and explore the food and wine scene with friends.

New Member Christy Foedisch

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

For more information about

Healthy Petaluma District & Foundation,

formerly Petaluma Health Care District,

Click HERE

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.

New “Climate Justice” Section in Development

Vision Statement

We know climate change is real. We know we need to take action NOW. To inspire and enable AAUW Petaluma members to act, we will provide links to climate action opportunities.

For example, we are providing the link to the Climate Center at www.climatecenter.org, which provides updates on statewide legislation and other climate action opportunities. Please consider joining this organization for information on statewide climate action.

Watch for future announcements including Programs, TED Talks, and Art and History Outings.

SAVE THE DATE! - February 5, 2024 3-5 p.m.

Join us to watch the award-winning documentary, The Need to Grow, a film about environmental solutions.

“We did not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrowed it from our children.”

– Chief Seattle

Section Leaders Kerry Vyner-Brooks and Dorothy Kennedy

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

212 2nd Street, Petaluma CA 94952

707-763-2727

petalumacoffee.com

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO

[email protected]

REVIEW OF NOVEMBER 9 PROGRAM

Our Bodies, Ourselves:
The Landscape of Bodily Autonomy Today

Caitlin Quinn of Planned Parenthood spoke to an audience of over 50 at the Petaluma Library on November 9.

Even as we expand access to healthcare for Californians, 34 states now severely restrict abortion access. Nearly all of these states are also unfriendly to gender-affirming care. Lack of access is disrupting families and leading to poor health outcomes.

Here are some actions we can take:

Vote for reproductive freedom champions
Share your story to decrease stigma
Volunteer or become a Super Supporter
Keep informed by following PP on social media
Write notes of gratitude to PP staff, and
Donate so reproductive care can reach all

Jean Reed and Joanne Rooney, Co-VPs Program

REVIEW OF NOVEMBER 16 PROGRAM

Domestic Violence in Our Community

Because of the small group on ZOOM with Madeline Keegan O’Connell of YWCA on November 16, we were able to have an interactive conversation with her.

One in four women and one in seven men experience violence at home, impacting children and extended families. YWCA provides the only “Safe House” in the county. They operate a 24/7 crisis hot-line and six therapeutic childcare centers for children who have witnessed violence first-hand. Counseling and support groups are available for preschoolers, adolescents and adults.

We can help, first of all, by paying attention and offering to listen to anyone we feel might be at risk. Tell 3 people that YWCA is the place to go for help. The crisis hot-line number 707-546-1234 is easy to remember.

We will collect toys/gifts at the Holiday Luncheon, or you can donate directly. You are encouraged to watch the 5-minute YWCA Mission video (click HERE).

Jean Reed and Joanne Rooney, Co-VPs Program

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

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, Social Media Chair

MEMBER CONCERNS

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Anne Taylor on the passing of her sister, Celia Kuhlmann, on October 13. Anne and her husband, Jerry, were back in New Jersey for many months to help Celia as she dealt with pain and transitioning from this world. Anne is now back in Petaluma after settling Celia's affairs and driving cross-country.

Healing vibes go out to Theresa Haire as she mends from shoulder replacement. Sue Barnes' husband, Ben, also had shoulder replacement surgery in October and we send him our healing wishes also.

It is with great sadness that we learned that Sandy Smethurst departed from this world on November 15. Sandy was an active member of our branch for 10 years, co-editing our Petaluma Perspective newsletter since 2016, attending meetings and helping "in the background," participating in several sections from literature to art and history to the make-it section where her beautiful creations were greatly admired. She was gracious, encouraging and caring, and I will miss her wit and opinions. Her husband, Don, said Sandy died peacefully at home with hospice care. She leaves a big void and is greatly missed. The branch will make a donation to one of our endowments in Sandy's name.

Thank you for the condolences from many of you on the passing of my Aunt Ruth. She was the last of my parents' generation and a very special woman.

Wishing all of you a wonderful season of gratitude.

Kathy Schmidt, Member Concerns

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

SSU News

Here is the home schedule for SSU Women’s Basketball. Attending games with a friend or two is an especially fun way to support women's sports at SSU.

November 30 -5:30 pm

December 2 - 1:00 pm
December 7 - 5:30 pm
December 9 - 1:00 pm
December 18 - 3:00 pm
December 19 - 11:00 am
December 31 - 11:00 am

January 18 - 5:30 pm
January 20 - 1:00 pm

February 1 - 5:30 pm
February 3 - 5:30 pm
February 8 - 5:30 pm
February 10 - 5:30 pm
February 29 - 5:30 pm

Kris U’Ren, SSU Liaison

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 Zoom Coordinator 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.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

A PODCAST DESIGNED TO GUIDE THOSE DESTINED TO WORK IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY

Join Amy Gutierrez and Celeste Gehring as they interview women in the sports industry.

LISTEN NOW

www.youtube.com/@girlgigpodcast

SECTIONS

Call Patty Shribbs at (707) 769-8961 with general questions or ideas for new sections.
[email protected]

ACTIVE ZOOM SECTIONS

TED Talks Discussion Group
Open to everyone
Meets 3rd Tuesday, (every other month)
Date: 01.16.24
Time: 4.p.m.
Host: MaryAnn Kendall
Topic: TBD
Chair: Stefanie
Stefanie Capps, [email protected]

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

BRIDGE SECTIONS

Wednesday Bridge Group (beginners welcome)
Meets 1st Wednesday
Date: 12.06.23
Place: TBD
Chair Diana Brown, [email protected]
(707) 774-4968

Thursday Bridge Group
Meets 3rd Thursday at 1 or 7 p.m.
Date: 12.21.23
Place: TBD
Chair: Jane Jernigan, [email protected],
(707) 778-0543

Friday Bridge Group
Meets 2nd Friday
Date: 12.08.23
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: 12.07.23
Time: 5 pm (note time change for this month only)
Place: Volpi's Itallian restaurant (124 Washington St)

Wednesday group meets 2nd Wednesday (not this Dec.)
Co-chairs: Jan Everidge, [email protected] and Laverne Stout, [email protected]

LITERATURE SECTIONS

Evening Modern Literature Group
Meets: 4th Monday (1st Monday in Dec)
Date: 12.04.23
Place: Home of Patricia Souza
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Book: The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende
Host: Patricia Souza
Co-Chairs::Patricia Souza, [email protected] and Rory Keller, [email protected]

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesday
Date: 12.12.23
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Home of Allison Hart
Book: The House on Liberty Street by Frances L. Rivetti
Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo [email protected]t and Maureen Sheridan Scott [email protected]
RSVP: Allison, [email protected]

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

WALKING SECTIONS

Friday Afternoon Walking Group
Meets most Fridays
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Chair: Rory Keller, [email protected] or
(707) 763-2072

MISCELLANEOUS OTHER SECTIONS

Art and History
Meets third Friday
Place: Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (features artwork of Richard Mayhew)
Date: 12.15.23
Time: 11 a.m. (docent-led tour)
Cost: $10 general admission, Seniors $7
Carpool: TBD
Organizers: Patricia Souza and Ruth Johnson
Chairs: Rev. Melanie Donahoe, [email protected],
Cathy Netz, [email protected]

RSVP acceptance only to Cathy Netz

Garden Club
Date: no meeting in December
Co-Chairs:
Diana Brown, [email protected],
(707) 774-4968 and
Patricia Souza, [email protected],
(707) 921-8499

MAKE IT Crafts Group
Date: No meeting in December
Organizer: Corey Benjamin
RSVP with Corey coreybenjamin@gmail,com
Chair: Kris U’ren, [email protected]

Title Niners
Meets 3rd Wednesday
Date: No meeting in December
Contact: Jean Reed, [email protected]

New Members Section
Date: TBD (for the New Year)
Time: TBD
Place: TBD
Chair: Jan Everidge, [email protected]

GROUPS AT CAPACITY with waiting lists or sub lists available

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

Saturday Night Drama (Temporarily at capacity, sub list available)
Meets second Saturday
Date:12.09.23
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: ZOOM
Play: TBD
Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or
(707) 981-7171

Craft Section: Cardworthy
Substitute List available
Meets first Wednesday
Chair: Corey Benjamin, [email protected]

EXECUTIVE BOARD

ELECTED OFFICERS
Co-Presidents: Stefanie Capps and Patsy Knight
Co-VPs, Programs: Jean Reed and Joanne Rooney
Co-VPs, Membership: Patti Pritchard and MaryAnn Kendall (Membership Treasurer)
Co-VPs, Funds: Marlene Abel and Rory Keller
Vice President, Finance: Corey Benjamin
Secretary: Pat Hanson

APPOINTED OFFICERS, GENERAL

DEI Coordinator: Kathleen VonRaesfeld

Hospitality: Michele Meyer and Noellene Sommer

Parliamentarian: Barbara Guggemos

Public Policy; Pam Granger
Sections Coordinator: Patty Shribbs

SRJC Liaison: Doris Tolks

SSU Liaison: Kris U'Ren

Tech Trek Coordinators: Dorothy Suarez and Hilary Blyth

APPOINTED OFFICERS, MEMBERSHIP
Database: Rory Keller
Member Concerns: Kathy Schmidt
New Members: Jan Everidge

APPOINTED OFFICERS, COMMUNICATION

Facebook/Instagram: Kris U'Ren

Gold Book Editor: Shayne Miller
Perspective Editors: Barbara Guggemos and Anne Taylor
Publications Sponsors: Dorothy Suarez

Publicity: Patricia Souza
Webmaster: Ray Hendess

Zoom Coordinator: Kathy Schmidt

Our web page is:

www.aauwpetaluma.com

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