2025-01-Perspective

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Gmail - TEST - AAUW Petaluma newsletter January 2025

Ray Hendess <[email protected]>

TEST - AAUW Petaluma newsletter January 2025

Rory Keller <[email protected]>

Fri, Jan 3, 2025 at 3:27 PM

Reply-To: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

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January 2025 - Volume 73, No. 5

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

(See articles below for more information)

AAUW Petaluma Events

January 19, Sunday - Panel Discussion on Fentanyl Crisis, 2-5 pm, Petaluma Community Center
February 1 - Deadline for nominations for Named Gift Honoree

Other AAUW Events - save the date!

Tuesday, April 8 - AAUW Lobby Day (virtual)
Wednesday, April 9 - AAUW Lobby Day in Sacramento

Other Events

Saturday, January 18 - Women's March

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

JANUARY PROGRAM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

EMPOWERING WOMEN AND FAMILIES:

STRATEGIES TO COMBAT THE FENTANYL CRISIS

Sunday, January 19, 2-4 pm

Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell

Please join us at the Petaluma Community Center on January 19th at 2:00 for our January program, “Empowering Women and Families: Strategies to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis.”

Our sincere thanks go to Diana Spaulding at the Petaluma Regional Library, who is co-sponsoring this event, along with the Deviled Eggery.

Our speakers include Shannon Garay and Micah Sawyer, parents who both lost children to Fentanyl poisoning. We also welcome Deputy Police Chief Nick McGowan, of the Petaluma Police Department, and our own AAUW member, Elece Hempel, from Petaluma People Center, and the Safe Team, to enlighten us to the perils of Fentanyl and other drugs.

Charlene Nugent and Joanne Rooney, Program Co-VPs

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.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Great News!

Petaluma AAUW is a

Four-Star Branch!

Each year our national organization honors branches that align their work with AAUW’s five strategic priorities in the following areas:

• Advancement

• Communications & External Relations

• Programming

• Governance & Sustainability

• Public Policy & Advocacy

We achieved four of the five stars in the in the FY24 Five Star program. Our letter from AAUW states:

This recognition is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of your branch members to advancing AAUW’s mission of gender equity for women and girls. Earning four stars is an incredible accomplishment, and we are thrilled to celebrate this success with you. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to creating a more equitable world.

Special thanks to Anne Taylor who pulled together the information to submit to AAUW National.

Thank you to our amazing Board of Directors who made this award possible. I can’t express how much I thoroughly enjoy working with these dedicated, like-minded women. I am so glad I said “yes” to the opportunity to serve on the Board.

The winter months are the time of year we begin the nominating process for next year’s Board. I encourage you to say “yes” if called upon to step in to one of the many positions or to say “yes” to serving on a committee. I am forever grateful and happy for the wonderful friends I have made by working and having fun with the members of this organization. When you say “yes” I think you will be glad you did!!!

Co-President Stefanie Capps

FUNDS COMMITTEE

Named Gift Honoree Nominations Due February 1, 2025

Now is the time to nominate a deserving AAUW Petaluma member to be our Named Gift Honoree for 2024-2025. This award honors an individual or individuals who have given outstanding service to our branch.

Nominations should be made in writing and submitted to Funds VPs. Your nomination letter should include examples of the individual's contributions to the branch and must be signed by at least one current member. Any outstanding community service and professional activities should also be listed but are secondary in importance in the selection process. Nominating a past honoree is permissible when appropriate.

Letters must be received by February 1, 2025. The Funds Committee will form a small committee including a past Branch President and a past Petaluma Named Gift Honoree to select our honoree and submit her name to AAUW California by March 1, 2025.

Please send written nominations to Marlene Abel, [email protected], and Rory Keller, [email protected].

Rory Keller and Marlene Abel, Fund VPs

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

IN HONOR OF

MRS. HELEN M. LOORYA

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

“The Love of Art” Enjoyed by All

The December 8th Holiday Luncheon at the Petaluma Art Center was a success attended by 63 members. Members were able to meet new members and connect with old friends as they browsed the art works of local Petaluma artists. It was a beautiful and festive venue to enjoy our holiday luncheon. To learn more about Petaluma Art Center events, visit www.petalumaartscenter.org.

Many thanks to the people who helped to make this event happen: Hilary Blythe for her expertise in event planning at the art center, Jan Everidge, Charlene Nugent and Dianne Trumpy for their research, planning and all-around assistance.

Thanks also to the Cardworthy and MakeIt sections for the beautiful party favors. The table linens provided by Carol Libarie were also very much appreciated.

Lastly, thanks to our members who donated to the Petaluma People Services Toy Drive. Thanks also to Preferred Sonoma Caterers for organizing this wonderful toy drive.

Joanne Rooney and Charlene Nugent, Co-VP Programs

SINCERE THANKS FOR OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

FINANCIAL REPORT

The checking account balance as of November 30 was $2,777.29 and the savings account was $5,620.61.

Corey Benjamin, Finance VP

PUBLIC POLICY

Women’s March – Again!

The first Women’s March was held around the world on January 21, 2017, to support gender equality, civil rights, and other issues that were expected to face challenges under newly inaugurated Donald Trump. And here we are again with the same challenges.

There will be a Women’s March on January 18 in San Francisco and possibly in Santa Rosa. I want to be there. If you are interested in going, contact Jean Reed (click HERE) so we can arrange transportation.

Make Signs on January 11^th. The Petaluma Postcard Pod is hosting at the Petaluma Art Center from 10am to 1pm. Ideas and some supplies will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own cardboard, thick tape, and sharpies. Hope to see you there.

Election Results

Here’s one you might have missed. The California Senate has gender parity for first time ever --that is, an equal number of male and female senators. It’s about time!

Nationally, AAUW will double-down in preparation for the Trump administration and Congress. In the words of AAUW President Gloria Blackwell:

A functioning democracy demands work every day of the year. It is now, after an election, when the real work begins. We must come together and continue the fight to advance equity for women.” Watch for opportunities to support Title IX, DEI and the Department of Education, all of which are expected to be challenged.

Jean Reed

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

212 2nd Street, Petaluma CA 94952
707-763-2727
petalumacoffee.com

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO
[email protected]

Has your Gold Book information changed?

If your contact information in the Gold Book has changed, please contact Co-VP of Membership Sheila Garvey (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).

TWO REMINDERS:

The Gold Book, our membership directory, is for use only by the membership and may not be used for recruiting or solicitation.
Don't just throw away your old Gold Book. Please shred it!.

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

Section Spotlight - EcoEd

Planning session for branch program in April

Tuesday January 14, 3 pm

Celebrate The Earth

The EcoEd section is planning a branch program for Earth Day in April. If you are interested in climate justice and protecting the environment, please join us on Jan.14 at 3pm when we meet to brainstorm about how best to “Celebrate The Earth”.

Contact Jean Reed (click HERE) for meeting location and agenda..

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

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Cinnabar Theater is on the road!

Temporary location: Warren Theater, Ives Hall, Sonoma State

Gutenberg! The Musical, Jan. 17-26

Check our website for show schedules.

www.cinnabartheater.org (click HERE)

GARDEN SECTION - January/February

The group will visit the Bounty Seed Exchange on Saturday, February 1, from 10 am to 12:30pm.

Although it says exchange, it is not necessary to bring any seeds--they have boxes of free seeds to give away. Master Gardeners will have an information table if you have questions or want help picking out seeds right for your garden.

Bounty Farm: 55 Shasta Avenue, Petaluma

Bring a friend--free compost will be available too.

Section Leader Patricia Souza

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

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

CRAFT SECTIONS

MakeIt! and Cardwothy join Life On Art on January 31

In January, MakeIt! and Cardwothy will volunteer with Life On Art, to help with their paper mâché heart project at the Petaluma Art Center. We will be supporting art made by and for the institutionalized and incarcerated and financially challenged. The date is Jan. 31 at 1:00.

Section Leader Kris U'Ren

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

For more information about

Healthy Petaluma District & Foundation, formerly

Petaluma Health Care District,

click HERE.

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 (when talk is scheduled)
Host: Stefanie (currently looking for new chair)

Stefanie Capps ste[email protected]

GROUPS MEETING FACE 2 FACE

BRIDGE SECTIONS

Wednesday Bridge Group (beginners welcome)
Meets 1st Wednesday
Date: 01.08.25
Place: TBD
Chair Norma Walsh, [email protected]
(707) 766-6014

Thursday Bridge Group
Meets 3rd Thursday at 1 or 7 p.m.
Date:01.16.25
Place: TBD
Chair: Jane Jernigan, [email protected],
(707) 778-0543

Friday Bridge Group
Meets 2nd Friday
Date: 01.10.25
Place: TBD
Chair: Claire Pass, [email protected],
(707) 763-9075

DINING SECTIONS

Eclectic Gourmet
Please contact Pat Hansen if interested.
Chair: Pat Hansen, [email protected], 707-338-4616

Out to Lunch Bunch
1st Date: 01.02.25 (Thursday)
Time: 11:45 pm

Place: The 35 Thai Kitchen, 35 E. Washington St.

2nd Date: 01.08.25 (Wednesday)
Time: 11:45 pm

Place: Wild Goat Bistro,

6 Petaluma Blvd. N
RSVP to Jan

Co-chairs, Jan Everidge, [email protected] and Laverne Stout, [email protected]

LITERATURE SECTIONS

Evening Modern Literature Group
Meets 4th Monday
Date: 01.27.25
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Home of Shelley Ford
Book: The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund De Waal
Host: Shelley
Co-Chairs::Patricia Souza, [email protected] and Rory Keller, [email protected]
RSVP: Shelley, [email protected]

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesday
Date: 01.14.25

Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Home of Stefanie Capps

Book: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Host: Nancy Street

Chair: Anne Trujillo [email protected]t
RSVP: Stefanie, [email protected]

WALKING SECTION

Friday Afternoon Walking Group

Meets most Fridays

Time: 3:30 p.m. (starting earlier)

Rory Keller, r[email protected] or
(707) 763-2072

MISCELLANEOUS OTHER SECTIONS

NEW SECTION FORMING

EcoEd

Members concerned with climate change take turns hosting. Meetings are scheduled by host and will appear in newsletter/email.

Date: 01.14.25 Tue.)

Time: 3:00 (See article.)

Rotating chairs for this group
Contact Jean Reed [email protected].

to join the email group.

Art and History

Meets 3rd Fridays

Date: 01.17.25
Place: Buck Institute, Novato

Time and carpools: TBD
Host: Kathy Schmidt

Chairs: Rev. Melanie Donahoe, [email protected], and

Cathy Netz, [email protected]

Garden Group

Bounty Seed Exchange (no need to bring seeds)

Date: 01.25.25 (Sat)

Time: 11-1:00

Place: Bounty Farm (55 Shasta Ave)

Chair: Patricia Souza, [email protected],

(707) 921-8499

All AAUW members welcome. Please contact Patricia with ideas for activities during the year.

MAKE IT Crafts Group

Partnering with Cardworthy (to make Valentines for PPSC)

Date: 01.31.25

Place: Petaluma Art Center (230 Lakeville St.)

Host: Kris (contact Kris for time)

RSVP with Kris

Chair: Kris U'[email protected]

Title Niners
Meets 3rd Wednesday

Date: On hiatus for now
Contact: Jean Reed, [email protected]

New Members Section

Meets 4th Thursday

We encourage all branch members to join in and welcome our new members!

Date: 01.23.25

Time: 10-11:30

Place : River Front Cafe, 224 B St. Petaluma

New Members Happy Hour

Meets 3rd Wednesday

Place: La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge (151 Pet Blvd S.)

Date: 01.15.25

Time: 4-5:30

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]
Cathy Burton, (707) 763-9082,
[email protected]
RSVP with Wendy

Saturday Night Drama
Temporarily at capacity. Sub list available
Meets second Saturday
Date: 01.11.25
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: Joanne Rooney and Charlene Nugent
Co-VPs, Membership: Sheila Garvey and Kathleen Garvey
Co-VPs, Funds: Marlene Abel and Rory Keller
Vice President, Finance: Corey Benjamin
Secretary: Patricia Souza

APPOINTED OFFICERS, GENERAL
Hospitality: Michele Meyer and Noellene Sommer
Parliamentarian: Barbara Guggemos
Public Policy: Pam Granger and Jean Reed

DEI Coordinator: Alexandria Torres
Sections Coordinator: Patty Shribbs
SRJC Liaison: Doris Tolks
SSU Liaison: Kris U'Ren
Tech Trek Coordinators: Dorothy Suarez and Jean Reed

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

APPOINTED OFFICERS, COMMUNICATION
Facebook/Instagram: Kris U'Ren
Gold Book Editors: MaryAnn Kendall and Patti Pritchard
Perspective Editors: Barbara Guggemos and Anne Taylor
Publications Sponsors: Dorothy Suarez
Publicity: open
Webmaster: Ray Hendess
Zoom Coordinator: Kris U'Ren

AAUW Petaluma

210 West St, 94952, Petaluma

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