Newsletter

December 2022 Perspective

November 2022 -- Volume 68, No. 3

View in browser

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

(see articles below for more information)

Upcoming AAUW Petaluma events

Dec. 3 - Holiday Luncheon, Key Room in Novato, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m

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

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

Community events

Mar. 19 - Lunafest film festival at SRJC

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

DECEMBER PROGRAM

Holiday Luncheon on December 3

Reservation deadline has passed,
but don't forget to come if you've signed up!

When: Saturday, December 3, 11:30 to 2:00

Where: The Key Room, 1385 N. Hamilton Parkway, Novato, CA 94949

Jean Reed and Rory Keller, Co-VPs, Programs

JANUARY PROGRAM

Join Us at Cinnabar for the Opening Night of

DADDY LONG LEGS

A few things are different this year – opening night, a musical – and some are the same – fundraiser for Funds and Tech Trek, discount price, and a good time.

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

Where: Cinnabar Theatre, 3333 Petaluma Blvd North

Cost: $38 Limited tickets available

RSVP no later than December 22

Yes, I'll be there (click HERE) - Indicate the number of tickets you need
No, I can't make it (click HERE)

If you are coming, send a check made payable to AAUW Petaluma for $38/ticket, to Rory Keller, 210 West Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 by December 26.

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)

President's Message

As I write this message Thanksgiving is approaching, and I am thinking how thankful I am for all of you! We have such good participation, and willingness to serve, that the President’s job is not so difficult.

At our recent Board meeting, we learned more about the plans for our December Holiday Luncheon. I hope to see many of you there for good food, conversation, and program! In addition, our annual fundraiser at Cinnabar Theater is coming soon in January – don’t miss it!

We also learned that plans for our mini-film festival, Lunafest, are progressing, and we already have sponsors who will cover the expenses – great work by our committee!

Now we have another opportunity to serve our community – Gov Trek, presented by AAUW of California. Before you say that you don’t have time for another project (I don’t have time either!), I can reassure you that most of the work is being done at the state level. As described below, our only responsibility is to recruit participants. Only 150 girls will be accepted, so we don’t have to recruit very many.

We will be appointing a nominating Committee to recruit officers and other volunteers to manage our Branch. Since we have such good cooperation from our members, serving on the Board is not only a pleasure but also very satisfying. I hope you will vounteer yourself for a position or say “Yes!” if asked.

Looking forward to working with you all in 2023!

Happy Holidays to all!

Co-President Anne Taylor

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..

FINANCE REPORT

.
As of 10/31/22, our bank account balances were

Checking: $4,993.25
Savings: $5,608.49

Corey Benjamin, VP Finance

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

212 2nd Street, Petaluma CA 94952

707-763-2727

petalumacoffee.com

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO

sbride@petalumacoffee.com

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

NEW MEMBERS

We're happy to welcome 19 new members - WOW! - who have joined our AAUW Petaluma chapter this year.

In this Perspective we will profile two, and in following issues, we'll meet more new members. Join me in welcoming the following:

Melanie Donahoe, Amy Gutierrez, Carole Hyman, Elizabeth Kristen, Kitty Lum, Bridget Mckay, Charlene Nugent, Dorothy Patch-Kennedy, Alexandria Torres, Alison Williams, Caitlyn Young, Brenda Eastham, Adrienne Kulasingam, and Marsha Brown.

Pat Riley, Co-VP, Membership

INTRODUCING AMY GUTIERREZ AND ELIZABETH KRISTEN

We are proud to welcome Amy Gutierrez to AAUW. Amy is a national sports journalist who lives here in Petaluma. Amy, or Amy G as she is known by Giants fans, received a BA in Communications from UC Davis. You probably have seen her broadcasting Giants games! She is a frequent guest speaker at events and a tireless volunteer in the community. Oh, and Amy is also the daughter of long time AAUW member, Kris U'Ren. Welcome Amy!!

Please welcome Elizabeth Kristen. Elizabeth is new to Petaluma and a current member of AAUW Marin. After receiving her BA degree in Economics from Miami University, Elizabeth earned her JD degree at UC Berkeley. Currently she is a legal aid lawyer. Elizabeth enjoys jam making, walking, swimming, and reading.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Leah DeBerardinis, D.D.S.

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

FUNDS REPORT

HOW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS ARE HELPING

One of the most impactful uses of our Funds’ dollars is the scholarships we give to a high school graduating senior and college students at Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University.

These scholarships are so needed. We are all feeling the effects of inflation when we fuel our vehicles, buy groceries, take out a loan, and in some cases, try to find an affordable apartment. Imagine adding to those increasing costs the ever-higher cost of post secondary education. For those who are without generous family support, college can be a daunting financial proposition, often ending with huge student debt loads upon graduation. Personally, I know of young adults who chose to take on massive loans at age 18 without understanding the challenge of repayment and how that debt would affect their choices of where to live or vocational choices after graduation. It is a generational problem of our times.

Our branch recently received thank you letters from two of our Sonoma State University scholarship winners. Here is what they wrote:

Dear AAUW of Petaluma,

Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship. I am a single mother attempting to change my career path to public service (trying to help my two sons begin their college journeys at the same time.) These funds will greatly contribute to my success.

Kitrine James
Graduate, Major, Public Aid

Dear AAUW of Petaluma,

Thank you so much for offering me your scholarship! I am a mom who decided to go back to school and study psychology and I appreciate any financial help. Once I am done at SSU, I will go to graduate school where I will get my MA in counseling. From there I hope to work with kids, just not sure in what capacity. I have worked with foster kids for several years now and found that my heart longs to help those who cannot help themselves.

Hilary Spolini
Fourth Year Student, Psychology Major

Our scholarships benefitted not just these two students and their families, but will enable them to enrich our community or another community as they achieve their dreams of public service or helping children. I am proud of our AAUW Petaluma branch for helping local women strive to live into their aspirations.

Our current Funds balance is $4,295.01.

Marlene Abel, Co-VP, Funds

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

Phone: (707) 763-1515

Fax: (707) 765-0256

Email: info@lacehouselinen.com

New AAUW-CA Program
GOV TREK

AAUW of California has a new online program for high school girls. The goal is to address the shortage of women in political leadership roles by galvanizing a new generation to pursue careers in public service and elected office. Over five two-hour sessions, students will engage in interactive and inspiring activities with exposure to women legislators, career options, and the inner workings of a political campaign. The program will culminate in a team competition to create a realistic campaign simulation

Gov Trek is open to any girl currently enrolled as a California high school, junior or senior, whether in public, private, home, or continuation high schools. Students can register online on a first come, first served basis HERE or at aauw-ca.org. The registration deadline is January 14, 2023. The program can accommodate 150 students.

AAUW State President, Sandi Gabe said:

“We’re honored to collaborate with California AAUW branches, education, government, and community leaders to remove barriers to women in political leadership and increase access to public service jobs. We look forward to creating a more diverse government by building capacity and a pipeline of talent from female populations in California.”

For more information, see www.aauw-ca.org/govtrek.

Anne Taylor, Co-President

PROGRAM UPDATE

Recording of November Program Now Accessible Online

The link to a recording of our November program, the webinar on "The Bumpy Carpet: Today's Mental Health Challenges for Youth", and the passcode required are shown below. We suggest that you copy the passcode to your clipboard, click on the link, and then paste the passcode into the box where it is required.

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/AqZnLBVNWyisXH5CI51pXwCU5lystqa12KSYuKDtFlO2ZQN3_ZkFFh0Atk-TfLhf.oVjba5NPLcOBcnp4?startTime=1668135359000

Passcode: ^Z4c95.8

Rory Keller, Co-VP, Programs

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

PUBLIC POLICY

Equal Pay in December

Wait a minute. Wasn’t Equal Pay Day back in March? That’s right … for the average woman.

But the unfortunate fact is that Native women and Latinas are paid, respectively, 50 cents and 49 cents for every dollar paid to white men. So, Equal Pay Day for these groups doesn’t come until December 8!

Engage with us on social media to urge your senators to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and support pay equity for all!

of California

AAUW-CA Public Policy Team Scores!

California Legislation

This year, seven of eight AAUW priority bills were enacted! The AAUW-CA public policy committee does great work identifying important legislation that aligns with AAUW public policy priorities and works tirelessly to make sure our positions are known and understood by our legislators and the governor.

Our work helped make new laws in CA that

Require campuses to develop and post uniform guidelines for reporting sexual assault.
Provide additional support for college students with dependent children.
Protect those from other states seeking abortions in California, as well as those providing services here, from the enforcement of a related civil judgment from their home state.
Require insurance coverage in CA for over-the-counter contraceptive products.
Allow certified nurse-practitioners to perform some early-term abortions.

In addition, the legislature issued a proclamation to recognize Title IX’s 50th anniversary. Senate Concurrent Resolution 92 was passed to study and propose legislation that would implement the federal Equal Rights Amendment in our state.

And California became the first state to require schools to send secure gun storage information home to parents and guardians.

California State Election

AAUW-CA supported the constitutional amendment on the November 8 ballot, which establishes an individual right to "reproductive freedom," including contraception and abortion access. The amendment passed 67% to 43%.

Jean Reed and Pam Granger

For more details about AAUW California's big public policy wins, click on this link: https://www.aauw-ca.org/2021-22-legislative-session-closes-with-big-wins-for-aauw-california/

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

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.

LUNAFEST, March 19, 2023 -- SAVE THE DATE!

What Is LUNAFEST You May Ask?

LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival featuring films by and about women – coming to Petaluma March 19, 2023. These important films bring fresh perspectives and connect communities and will raise funds for AAUW scholarships. SAVE THE DATE. You will want to attend!

Marlene Abel, Co-VP, Funds

Section News - MakeIt!

MakeIt! – Save the “Date”

That literally means

Save your old calendars – or those freebies that come in the mail.

In January we will be making things out of calendar pages. Meeting details and date will be noted in the January Perspective.

Section Leader 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

Section Highlight - Art and History

The Art and History section was treated to a workshop organized by Hilary Blyth on "Visual Thinking Strategies" (VTS), at the Petaluma Arts Center on Friday, November 18. VTS is a method for looking at and talking about art based on questions posed by a VTS Guide.

"What's going on in this picture?" asked each of the charming docents who split the16 participants into two groups. As introduced by Val Richman, this seemingly simple question launched us into an exploration of art and ideas in small-group casual conversation. It was quite interesting to see how we all interpreted the four paintings the same and, often as not, differently.

For more information about VTS, go to the Petaluma Arts Center website https://petalumaartscenter.org/education-1.

Additional information about VTS may be found at https://vtshome.org/about/.

Pam Granger

Participants discussing an unusual painting.

Photos by Pam Granger

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

In Honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

SECTIONS

Call Patty Shribbs at 769-8961 with general questions or ideas for new sections.
pkshribbs@comcast.net

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: TBD (Pat Riley to host)

Co-Chairs: Stefanie Capps stefaniecapps@gmail.com and

MaryAnn Kendall, Mkendall413@gmail.com

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: 12.07.22
Place: TBD
Chair Diana Brown, dianarhea60@yahoo.com
(707) 774-4968

Thursday Bridge Group
Meets 3rd Thursday at 1 or 7 p.m.
Date: 12.15.22
Place: TBD
Chair: Jane Jernigan, jjernigan01@yahoo.com, (707) 778-0543, jjernigan01@yahoo.com.

Friday Bridge Group
Meets 2nd Friday
Date: 12.09.22
Chair: Claire Pass, ClaireAPass@aol.com,
(707) 763-9075

DINING SECTIONS

Eclectic Gourmet
Please contact Anne Taylor if interested.
Chair: Anne Taylor, Aktaylor44@att.net or (707) 774-6586

Out to Lunch Bunch

Wednesday group meets 2nd Wednesday
Date: no Wednesday Lunch this December

Thursday group meets in December on the 2nd Thursday
Date: 12.08.22
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Place: Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant
Co-chairs: Jan Everidge, janeveridge@yahoo.com and Laverne Stout, lavernestout77@yahoo.com

LITERATURE SECTIONS

Evening Modern Literature Group

Hybrid meeting: ZOOM option offered
Meets: 4th Monday (except Dec.)
Date: 12.05.22

Place: Patricia Souza's house

Time: 7 p.m. (Meet & Greet at 6:45)
Book: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Hosts: Patricia Souza
Co-Chairs:

Patricia Souza, souzapellow@comcast.net and Patti Prichard, pattiparichard@comcast.net
RSVP: Patricia Souza, souzapellow@comcast.net

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesday
Date:12.13.22
Time: 10 a.m. (9:30 a.m. this month)
Place: Home of Stefanie Capps
Book: Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler
Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo actrujillo1920@comcast.net and Maureen Sheridan Scott scottmcs@sonic.net
RSVP: Stefanie Capps stefaniecapps@gmail.com

WALKING SECTIONS

Friday Afternoon Walking Group
Meets most Fridays
Time: 4 p.m.
Chair: Contact Rory Keller at rory@sonic.net 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, htaylor999@aol.com. (707) 763-7952

MISCELLANEOUS OTHER SECTIONS

Art and History
Meets third Fridays

Place: Sonoma State University
Event: Joan Baez Collection
Date: 12.16.22
Time: TBD
Carpool options: TBD

Chair: MaryAnn Kendall mkendall413@gmail.com, (707) 318-7050

Garden Club

Date: TBD
Co-Chairs: Diana Brown, dianarhea60@yahoo.com, (707) 774-4968 and
Patricia Souza, souzapellow@comcast.net, (707) 921-8499

MAKE IT! Crafts Group

Crafts project using old calendar pages

Date in January: TBD
Time: TBD

Chair: Kris U’ren, kuren1@comcast.net.
(707) 763-2529

Title Niners

Take action to support legislation
Meets 3rd Wednesday
Date: 12.21.22
Time: 1 p.m.
Contact: Jean Reed, jjkreed3@gmail.com

New Members Section

Date: TBD

Time: TBD

Chair: Pat Riley

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, wendyporter14@gmail.com
Cathy Burton, (707) 763-9082, aauw@catherineburton.com
RSVP with Wendy

Saturday Night Drama (Temporarily at capacity)

Meets second Saturday
Date: 12.10.22
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: ZOOM
Play: TBD
Chair: Kay Hardy, kaynh@yahoo.com or
(707) 981-7171

Craft Section: Cardworthy
Waiting list available
Meets first Wednesdays
Chair: Corey Benjamin, corey.benjamin@gmail.com

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

If you wish to unsubscribe from our newsletter, click here