Newsletter

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AAUW Petaluma Perspective May 2025

May 2025 -- Volume 73, No. 8

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

(See articles below for more information)

AAUW Petaluma Events
May 18 - Installation of officers for 2025-26 and Named Gift Honoree award, Lucchesi Community Center, 2:00 - 4:00 (note time change)

June 15 - June program: All Members Picnic, noon - 2:00

Other AAUW Events

May 13- Deadline for voting in national AAUW election

Community Events

May 3 - AAUW Petaluma Girls Softball game, Leghorns Park, 690 Sonoma Mtn. Parkway, 11:30

May 4 - Future Fest, Petaluma Community Center (Lucchesi), 12- 4:00

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

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

Sheila Bride, Founder and CFO
[email protected]

May Program

Come and Celebrate!

Board Installation, Named Gift Honoree Announcement

and More!

When: Sunday, May 18, 2 - 4 p.m.

Where: Lucchesi Community Center,

320 N. McDowell Boulevard

It has been a great year for the branch, with Programs offering community events in addition to the film festival, and Sections adding field trips and exciting outings.

Join us for the Annual Branch Meeting, when we will celebrate the programs, events and people that make our branch an exciting place to be. Our impactful program on the fentanyl crisis and the third annual Film Festival reached many in our community. Let’s recognize the people who made this happen and who are committing to keeping our branch vibrant in the coming year.

Joanne Rooney and Charlene Nugent, Co-VPs, Program

Reminder Regarding Outside Organizations

Our Policies and Procedures state that no outside organization can promote its fundraising activities or sell tickets at branch meetings.

Information concerning any organization other than AAUW cannot be published in the Perspective or sent via the branch email network without Board approval.

At our recent Board meeting, the Board discussed the importance of ensuring that information regarding events from outside organizations needs to be closely aligned with our mission and values in order to gain Board support for inclusion in the Perspective.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

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

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

As my terms as your Co-President draw to a close, I find myself reflecting on the events, accomplishments and the camaraderie of this awesome group of women that I have worked with for the past three years. Our accomplishments are the direct results of the incredible board that oversees our branch and makes stuff happen.

Here are some highlights of our year:

Program VPs Joanne Rooney and Charlene Nugent organized a whole slate of mission-centered programs, as well as opportunities for celebrating (and sometimes commiserating!) together. Our program “Strategies to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis” brought the community together to better understand how we can support efforts to address this tragic issue.

Membership VPs Sheila Garvey and Patti Pritchard have increased our membership to 162 members! Jan Everidge has continued to organize new members monthly gatherings which have been well attended by both new and and current members.

Funds VPs Rory Keller and Marlene Abel have conducted two successful fund raisers this spring. Our Film Fest brought in $1500 while promoting our mission and enhancing our visibility in the community. Our Non-event is still receiving checks from members and has been a very successful campaign as well.

We have selected and funded 5 campers for Tech Trek thanks to our generous member support and Hilary Blyth’s fundraising efforts. We have established a Tech Trek alumnae group thanks to the efforts of Jean Reed and Dorothy Suarez.

We are sending K.D. Kaitlin McComb to NCCWSL in May and Doris Tolks and her committee arranged for the placement of a beautiful plaque at SRJC Petaluma campus drawing attention to this wonderful program.

These highlighted accomplishments and many more were made possible due to the work behind the scenes by all our board members.

I invite and encourage you to attend our May General Meeting. See article above for detailed information.

Co-President Stefanie Capps

Elected and Appointed Officers for 2025-2026

The branch election on April 16 - 18 resulted in a unanimous decision in favor of the proposed slate for the Executive Board. Thanks to all who voted on those two days – 57 members voted. All votes in the affirmative.

There are still two open positions. We need a Publicity Coordinator, and a Zoom Coordinator Maybe it is the right time for you to join the team? Contact Stefanie Capps if you want more information.

The Board Installation will take place at the May 19 general meeting (see separate article).

Executive Board

Co-Presidents: Joanne Rooney, Marlene Abel
Co-VP Programs: Charlene Nugent, Patsy Knight
Co-VP Membership: Sheila Garvey, Stefanie Capps
Co-VP Funds: Rory Keller and Camille Sauve
VP Finance: Adrienne Kulasingam
Board Secretary: Patricia Souza

Appointed Officers

DEI Coordinator: Alexandria Torres
Hospitality: Michele Meyer, Noellene Sommer
Parliamentarian: Barbara Guggemos
Public Policy: Pam Granger, Jean Reed
Sections Coordinator: Patty Shribbs
SRJC Liaison: Kathy Schmidt, Doris Tolks
SSU Liaison: Kris U’Ren
Tech Trek Coordinators: Dorothy Suarez, Jean Reed, Hilary Blyth
Database Manager: Rory Keller
Membership Concerns: Kathy Schmidt
New Members: Jan Everidge
Facebook/Social Media: Kris U’Ren
Gold Book Editor: Patti Pritchard, Mary Ann Kendall
Publications Sponsors: Leslie Maze
Perspective: Barbara Guggemos, Anne Taylor
Publicity: vacant
Webmaster: Ray Hendess
Zoom Coordinator: vacant

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Facebook / Instagram Reminder

Our January Title IX panelists suggested that our Branch should 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

PROGRAM REPORT

Women’s Film Festival 2025

On March 29th, our third annual Women’s Film Festival was presented at the Carole Elis Auditorium at SRJC Petaluma Campus, featuring six short films focusing on women overcoming obstacles. An added bonus was the special feature, “Unbound”, a documentary focusing on local organization, “Life on Art”, including a conversation with the founder as well as the filmmakers, and emceed by our member and media celebrity, Amy Gutierrez, who did a fabulous job.

The theater was filled with approximately 150 attendees; half of whom were AAUW members and their families. Jan Lee graciously gave her permission for the use of her lovely artwork, “Exuberance”, which will be used as the hallmark in advertising our film festivals for years to come. Out West Garage and Jenny Belforte were magnanimous benefactors to our program, enabling us to raise funds for our summer Tech Trek and college (NCCWST* ) scholarships this year. Shout-outs are also given to our four door-prize donations from Ethical Clothing, Sugo, Refill Mercantile, and iLeoni.

Our film festival committee, comprised of Rory Keller, Marlene Abel, Camille Sauvé, Jean Reed, Joanne Rooney, and Charlene Nugent, held meetings that commenced last July, and continued throughout the year. Thanks to all the committee members and wonderful volunteers, who made this program such a success! Stay tuned for next March’s film Festival and contemplate joining this fun committee. (Rory makes great scones!)

Program VP Charlene Nugent

FUNDS REPORT

Film Fest 2025 Financial Report

This year’s Film Fest raised $1,386.03 for Petaluma AAUW Funds, but we also met our other goals in addition to fundraising:

We had huge volunteer support from many AAUW members.
We informed our audience about AAUW’s programs, mission and goals.
We showcased a diverse group of women overcoming challenges.
We highlighted a local group, Life on Art, that does amazing work.
We filled the auditorium with smiles.

This is a breakdown of Income:

Sponsorships: $1,500 (Thank you to Outwest Garage and Jenny Belforte, Real Estate)
Donations at door: $60
Online Sales: $1493
Tickets at Door: $532

Total Income: $3585

These were the Expenses:

Rental of Auditorium: $990
Films: $669.48
Facilities Fee: $35
Publicity: $96.10
Program: $47.39

Total Expenses: $1,837.97

Marlene Abel and Rory Keller, Funds VPs

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

April Program Review

Celebrate the Earth: Fun on the Train!

It turns out that not only is public transit good for the earth, it’s fun!

On Earth Day, April 22, members found out that it’s easy to take the SMART train and shuttle to the Sonoma Airport, where we had a great lunch!

Watch for information about our next train ride to the Windsor Station, which opens in June.

Jean Reed, Eco-Ed Section

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Current Membership Count = 162

Membership Renewal

The complete dues for National, State, and our Petaluma Branch are now $112 .

AAUW membership renewal dates occur every 12 months with expiration dates based on the date you joined. For renewing members, as long as you renew within your grace period which is three months after your expiration date, you will maintain your current enrollment date.

An email will be sent to you by your Petaluma membership team to alert you when your membership has entered a grace period.

National AAUW will also send an email to alert you when your membership renewal is due. This email will come from [email protected] and contains a video clip with directions on how to renew on line. Our AAUW Petaluma Branch does accept checks from members who prefer not to renew online. Checks for $112 made out to Petaluma AAUW may be mailed to membership VP Sheila Garvey at 83 Maria Drive, Petaluma, CA 94954. Complete directions for online renewal are on our website https://aauwpetaluma.com/membership-renewal.html.

Please contact me with any questions at [email protected].

Patti Prichard and Sheila Garvey, Membership VPs

FINANCE REPORT

Our account balances as of 3/31/2025 were $3,383.25 in checking and $5,623.42 in savings.

Treasurer Corey Benjamin

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

For more information about

Healthy Petaluma District & Foundation, formerly

Petaluma Health Care District,

click HERE.

PUBLIC POLICY

Petaluma Represented at

AAUW California Lobby Day 2025!

The in-person AAUW California Lobby Day 2025 was held on April 8. The Petaluma branch was represented by Jean Reed, Kathy Schmidt and Pam Granger. We were joined by Nancy Major from the Marin branch.

Senator Mike McGuire’s Principal Consultant, Marjorie Swartz, third from left, with AAUW members.

Senator Scott Wiener’s legislative aide, Rubie Gonzalez Parra, third from left, met with AAUW members.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with state legislative offices and advocate for AAUW California's priority bills at the Capitol. We spoke about the top three:

In favor of Senate Bill (SB) 418, “Ensure Equal Access to Care for All," which would codify protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex already in the Affordable Care Act into California law
In favor of SB 771, “Social Media Platforms Endangering Californians,” which clarifies that a social media platform may be liable for civil penalty under existing law if its algorithms or AI helps engage in the intimidation of others using online hate speech.
Against AB 579, “Yaeli’s Law,” which rested on the premise that denial of support for youth self-identity, would never be considered harmful and should not ever be considered child abuse under the law.

Our day at the Capitol was a rewarding chance to promote our AAUW CA legislative priorities and advance our values.

Pam Granger

Has your Gold Book information changed?

If your contact information has changed since the Gold Book was printed

Contact Membership VP Sheila Garvey (click HERE)
If you would like your updated information to be published in the newsletter, contact Perspective 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!

NEW ADDRESS:

Jan Lee's new address is

101 Ely Blvd. So., Unit 110. Petaluma CA 94954

Please note it in your Gold Book.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

In honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

Save the Date

Saturday, May 3

Put May 3 on your calendar

when we will show up to support the

AAUW Petaluma Girls’ Softball team

at 11:30 am at Leghorn Park,

690 Sonoma Mtn Parkway.

RSVP to Pam Granger will be helpful.

(707) 318-9138 or [email protected]

UPCOMING NEW MEMBER MEETINGS

ALL MEMBERS WELCOME

New Members Happy Hour, May 21, Wednesday, 4:00, La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge, 151 Petaluma Blvd. S.

New Members Coffee and Conversation, May 22, Thursday, 10:00, Riverfront Cafe, 224 B St.

Jan Everidge

Non-Event Fundraiser - Women We Admire, Part 1

This year as part of the non-event fundraiser we asked member of the branch to tell us about the women they admire. We received many lovely nominations ranging from women in the public-eye, to branch members, and individuals in our private lives. We will share them all with you, and even record them on our web site.

So as not to overwhelm anyone, this month we will look at the women in the public-eye. We think you will be as inspired by them all, and no doubt have other names to remember.

Abigail Adams: The 1^st Second Lady of the U.S. and the 2^nd First Lady. She maintained an extensive correspondence with a variety of people both famous and ordinary. She is best known for entreating John Adams to “remember the ladies” in the new Constitution. She was asking for the right to vote in the late 1700s – long before the women’s suffrage movement. – Anne Taylor
Christiane Amanpour: Outstanding journalist – LaVerne Stout
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Outstanding Justice of the Supreme Court, and a fighter for equality for all – Rory Keller
Ketanji Brown Jackson: Justice of the Supreme Court of the U.S. – Camille Sauvé
Heather Cox Richardson: Historian, college professor, writer – Ruth Johnson
Madame Curie (Maria Sktodowska): Polish-born physicist & chemist who revolutionized our understanding of radioactivity, discovering radium and polonium, Nobel Prize winner – Patty Shribbs
Kamala Harris: Willing to run for president of the US and many years of public service including VP of the US – Ettamarie Peterson
Julia Morgan: 1^st woman architect in CA, designed Hearst Castle and 700 other buildings – Kerry Vyner-Brooks
Michelle Obama: Smart, diplomatic, a mother, a daughter, a wife – a woman like the rest of us – Karen Griffith
Mary Oliver: Her poetry speaks to my heart! - Dorothy Suarez
Nancy Pelosi: For her political accomplishments and dedication to women’s rights – Dee Short
Nancy Pelosi: I admire her grit & determination, as well as her tenacity to never back down when confronting right-wing extremist policies. She was the 1^st woman elected as the Speaker of the House in 2007 – Gail Rolka
Gloria Robinson: Co-founder of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development, which brought attention to Black history. She was respected for her activism and volunteer work – Pam Granger
Eleanor Roosevelt: A strong woman before her time – Norma Jean Walsh

Marlene Abel and Rory Keller, Co-VPs Funds

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

CINNABAR THEATER is on the road!

Temporary location: Warren Theater, Ives Hall, Sonoma State

Check our website for show schedules:

www.cinnabartheater.org (click HERE)

Member Concern

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Judy Koehler, who passed away March 24, 2025 after a long illness. Judy was a member of AAUW Petaluma from 2006-2022. Many from the Art & History section will remember Judy for her organizing abilities and bright personality. Her obituary is here.

Contact Kathy Schmidt with member news to share!

ART & HISTORY AND GARDEN SECTIONS

Shollenberger Park – A Closer Look

On May 16, members of AAUW are invited to visit Shollenberger Park), hosted by Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Docents. We will experience a Bird Walk led by expert birders and a Habitat Walk (learning about plants and animals found in different parts of the park). The program will be similar to the field trips for third graders that PWA docents lead each year.

Time: 9:00 AM (before it gets too hot)

Cost: Free, but you may give a donation to PWA

Location: 1400 Cader Lane, Petaluma, CA, 94954 (off S. McDowell)

RSVP: Anne Taylor, [email protected], 707-775-7713

Park info: https://cityofpetaluma.org/shollenberger-park/

Newspapers for Tech Trek

One popular TechTrek activity has the students building paper mache items with newspapers.

They need a lot! Please save your newspapers for the next month.

Notify Jean Reed early in June for collection.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

LINKS FOR ZOOM MEETINGS

For security reasons, Zoom links are not included in the Perspective. Here's how links are handled in our branch:

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 (click here) to set up a new ZOOM meeting.
ZOOM BY PHONE – For audio only, call 669-900-9128, enter Meeting ID and Passcode when prompted.

EcoEd Attending Future Fest 2025

On Sunday May 4^th Cool Petaluma will be hosting the Future Fest & Expo 2025 from noon till 4pm at the Petaluma Community Center at Lucchesi Park. There will be demos, discussions, short films and a student showcase on climate action.

The EcoEd Section will meet at the food trucks at 1 pm to explore local possibilities together. Please join us. Text Jean Reed if needed at 408-655-9616. Your RSVP helps with planning and gives you a chance to win a doorprize! You are encouraged to walk, bike or carpool.

Public Policy Action Opportunity

Street Corner Vigils in Petaluma

Every Saturday – Corner of

E.Washington and Petaluma Blvd.

Bring signs:

Oppose the SAVE Act
Defend Due Process
Oppose Attacks on Education
Trust Women
Women’s Voices for Women’s Choices
Equal Pay!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

SECTIONS

TED Talks Discussion Group

On Hiatus until further notice

BRIDGE SECTIONS

Wednesday Bridge Group (beginners welcome) (must have some knowledge of bridge)
Meets 1st Wednesday

Date: 05.07.25
Place: TBD
Chair: Norma Walsh, [email protected]

(707) 766-6014

Thursday Bridge Group
Meets 3rd Thursday at 1 or 7 p.m.
Date: 05.15.25
Place: TBD
Chair: Jane Jernigan,

(707) 778-0543, [email protected].

Friday Bridge Group
Meets 2nd Friday
Date: 05.09.25
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

(two opportunities this month)

(1)

Date: 05.01.25 (Thurs)

Time: 11:45

Place: Everest Indian Restaurant (56 E. Washington St.)

(2)

Date: 05.07.25 (Wed)

Time: 11:45

Place: Petaluma Sunshine Café (701 Sonoma Mount. Pkwy)

RSVP: to Jan

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

LITERATURE SECTIONS

Evening Modern Literature Group

Meets: 4^th Monday

Date: 05.26.25

Time: 7pm

Place: TBD

Book: TBD

Co-Chairs: Patricia Souza, [email protected] and Rory Keller,[email protected]

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesday

Date: 05.13.25
Time: 10am

Place: Home of Patty Shribbs
Book: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Host: Patty

Chair: Anne Trujillo [email protected]

RSVP: Patty, [email protected]

WALKING SECTION

Friday Afternoon Walking Group
Meets most Fridays
Time: 4 p.m.
Chair: Rory Keller, [email protected] or

(707) 763-2072

MISCELLANEOUS OTHER SECTIONS

EcoEd

Members concerned with climate change/environment take turns hosting.

Meetings are scheduled by the host and appear in newsletter/email.

Date: 05.20.25 (Tue)

Place: home of Jean Reed

Rotating Chairpersons for this group

Contact: Jean Reed [email protected]

Contact Jean if wishing to join email grp.

MISCELLANEOUS OTHER SECTIONS

Art and History

Event: Schollenberger Park visit with PWA Docents

Meets 3rd Fridays

Date: 05.16.25

Time: 9am

Place: Schollenberger Pk. Main Entrance near new “Amphitheater”)

1400 Cader Ln.

RSVP: Anne Taylor, [email protected]

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

Cathy Netz, [email protected]

Garden Club

Date: 05.16.25

Time: 9am

Place: Schollenberger Pk. In conjunction with Art and History (see above)

Chair: Patricia Souza, [email protected],

RSVP: Anne Taylor, [email protected]

(707) 921-8499

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

MAKE IT Crafts Group

Exploring Zentangle

RSVP: Kris if interested

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 and welcome our new members!

Date: 05.22.25

Time: 10-11:30

Place: River Front Cafe, 224 B St. Petaluma

New Members Happy Hour

Meets 3^rd Wed

Place: Crooked Goat Brewing Co. (108 Howard St.)

Date: 05.21.25

Time: 4-5:30

Chair: Jan Everidge, janeveridge@yahoo.com

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, wendyporter14@gmail.com
Cathy Burton, (707) 763-9082, [email protected]
RSVP with Wendy

Saturday Night Drama (Temporarily at capacity) (sub list available)
Meets second Saturday
Date: 05.10.25
Time: 7 p.m.

Play: “Appropriate” by Branden Jacob’s-Jenkins
Place: ZOOM
Chair: Kay Hardy, [email protected] or

(707) 981-7171

Craft Section: Cardworthy

Substitute List available (please let Corey know if you want to be on the list)

Meets first Wednesday

Date: 05.07.25

Chair: Corey Benjamin, corey.benjamin@gmail.com

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 Patti Pritchard
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 Liaisons: Doris Tolks and Kathy Schmidt
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

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