Newsletter

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September 2023 Perspective

September 2023 - Volume 71, No. 1

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

(see articles below for more information)

Upcoming AAUW Petaluma events

Sept 10 - Fall Social, 2 p.m.
October 8 - Branch program: Where in the World? Tips and Tricks, 3 p.m.

Other AAUW Events

Sept. 16 - AAUW Marin Zoom meeting: Interview of author Dr. Deena Emera, 6 p.m.
Sept. 21 - AAUW-CA Webinar: Book Banning and Curricula Censorship in CA? 7 p.m.

Upcoming Community Events

Sept. 23 - SRJC Building Futures event, 4-7 p.m.

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

Mark your calendar and plan to join us!

And bring a friend!

Annual Fall Social

When: Sunday, September 10 at 2 p.m.
Where: Cram Hall, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 40 5th Street (6th & C)

Mix with friends, meet the Tech Trek campers and other scholarship winners, sign up for a new section, and learn about upcoming programs! Be sure to pick up your new Gold Book.

Light refreshments and lemonade will be served. We are trying to be “GREEN” so we ask that you bring your own water bottle.

Help us plan by using the links below to RSVP.

Click YES to say “I plan to be there.”

Click SORRY to say “No, I won't be able to come.”

Jean Reed & Joanne Rooney, Program VPs

Renew your Membership!

Current membership count:118

If you haven’t already renewed your membership, click HERE to renew on-line at AAUW.org. Complete directions for on-line renewal are on our website: https://aauwpetaluma.com/membership-renewal.html.

Or, if you prefer, send a check for $110.00 to Membership VP, MaryAnn Kendall at 803 Marylyn Circle, Petaluma, CA 94954.

Sadly the name tags our branch has used for many years must be replaced. The Membership VPs are working on a new, streamlined version. You are welcome to keep your name badge and bring it to general meetings. Temporary name tags will always be available as well.

Patti Prichard and MaryAnn Kendall, Membership VPs

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

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This Year’s Theme:

“Advancing Equity with Imagination and Purpose”

These are tough times for women, women’s health, and the LGBTQIA community. Much of the political rhetoric is building support based on fear and hate of “the other.” Now more than ever – it seems our rights, freedoms, our safety, and our democracy itself is in danger. We need to counter that with positive energy, imagination, and a sense of determination because AAUW’s mission is as important as ever.

And your Board has been doing just that! Programs, Membership, Funds, and Tech Trek Coordinators have had a very busy summer. Program VP’s are designing a full line-up of informative programs, and film fest (formerly Lunafest) planning is underway.

This summer, we sent 4 local girls to Tech Trek camp and provided support for two successful camps at Sonoma State. Check out the amazing Tech Trek video on the website to see what Tech Trek is about (click HERE). We’ll hear from our campers as well as our scholarship winners at the September Social. Camp fees are increasing so we’ll share ways you can help us continue to send 4 to 5 girls to camp.

I love the positive energy and the commitment I see from our board to meet our mission. They will need help from the membership to succeed. You can help by showing up! We’d love to see you at our September Social Celebration. Consider getting involved by working on a committee when asked, attend a program or two (and bring a friend!), and join (or start) a section!

When we get to know each other, learn, celebrate, and have fun together, we can accomplish so much more. We want to keep our organization and our connections to each other strong to allow ourselves to imagine new possibilities. Each of us can help with that. As Kermit the frog once said, “Someone imagined it, someone believed it, and look what we’ve done so far!”

Co-President Stefanie Capps

Volunteers needed for upcoming October 8 program

Where in the World: Tips and Tricks

Please join us for some travel tips and tricks on October 8 at the Petaluma Library.
Theresa Haire has volunteered to give a presentation on best practices for packing.

We would also like several volunteers to give short, 2-5 minute presentations about your favorite trips.

Your chat should be light and informal and slides would be great! A suggested format could be

2 slides about what went well on your trip
2 slides about what you would have done differently
2 slides about your main take-away from your trip

Remember this topic is meant to be fun while learning from each other. The program will be October 8 at 3 p.m. at the Petaluma Library.

Let us know if you would like to present. We know we have lots of experienced travelers out there!

Joanne Rooney (jkrooney0402@gmail.com) and

Dorothy Suarez (binkster52@gmail.com ), Program VPs

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

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 Sandy Smethurst (click HERE) and/or Barbara Guggemos (click HERE).

AAUW-CA ZOOM WEBINAR

Book Banning and Curricula Censorship
in California?

AAUW California to the Rescue!

September 21 (Thursday) 7 p.m.

Click HERE for details and registration.

AAUW MARIN AUTHOR INTERVIEW

September 13 (Wed) 6 p.m. via ZOOM

AAUW Marin presents an interview with Dr. Deena Emera by Dr. Lizellen La Follette about Dr. Emera’s new book, A Brief History of the Female Body, An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be.

RSVP to Cheryl@sorokinsf.com.

NATIONAL AAUW

Two-Minute Action of the Month

Click HERE to affirm the Equal Rights Amendment

HELP WANTED: Photo Collector

We need someone who can:

Receive digital photos of Branch events during the year
Store photos on a flash drive and
Turn the collection over next June to the Photo Committee, which will select photos to keep for branch records.

Contact Jean Reed if you can provide this service to the branch (click HERE to generate an email). It will be much appreciated!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

In Honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

FINANCE REPORT

Checking account balance, 7/31/2023: $4,046.45
Savings account balance, 7/31/2023: $ 5,613.15

At the August board meeting, the proposed budget for 2023/24 (shown below) was approved by the Board for presentation to the general membership. A vote will be held at the Fall Social for final approval.

Corey Benjamin, VP Finance

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

FUNDS REPORT

Your Funds VPs are looking forward to an exciting year of supporting AAUW activities that are central to our chapter’s mission. We raise money for college scholarships, for sending 7th grade girls to hands-on science camps at Sonoma State University, for support of the national AAUW organization, and for honoring one or more of our members at the end of the year. Best of all, some of our activities this year will be particularly engaging, such as our Film Fest in March and an evening watching a play together at Cinnabar Theater.

We will be working closely with the Tech Trek co-chairs to support science camp, and with the Program Committee co-chairs and others who will bring our second year of a Film Fest to Petaluma, featuring films about women with a strong focus on diversity.

Part of our work entails developing a budget and monitoring a checking account. We manage nearly $3,000 in current funds to finance branch fundraising activities. This fund is self-replenishing as proceeds from one activity will refill our checking account so that we can fund the next. At the end of the year, any checking account funds over $3,000 will be donated to those missions listed above. Finally, we work closely with our Finance VP who ensures that all chapter funds are handled with care and responsibility.

The new year 2023-2024 promises to be a good and profitable year.

Marlene Abel and Rory Keller, Funds VPs

ALL-MEMBER PICNIC

On June 11, branch members brought family members and guests to an all-member potluck picnic at McNear Park.

After helping themselves to food from the picnic table reserved for the buffet, members moved to nearby tables and chairs to converse with friends and enjoy their lunch.

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

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

Welcome New Members . . .

Sue Ellen Thompson

Sue Ellen is our most recent new member who also has several friends in AAUW. Originally from West Hartford, Connecticut, Sue Ellen received her BA degree in Sociology from Skidmore College

Soon after, she received her JD degree from University of Connecticut Law School and began a long career as an attorney. Later Sue Ellen was the Vice-President of the Petaluma Chamber of Commerce. Her next adventure was on the PHCD Board of Directors, providing oversight for our local Petaluma Valley Hospital.

Now retired, she enjoys discovering new restaurants, cooking, and reading and is looking forward to participating in our sections.

Please join me in welcoming Sue Ellen!

Kerry Vyner-Brooks

Also joining us this year is Sebastopol resident, Kerry Vyner-Brooks. Kerry received a BA from UC Berkeley in 1976 and then in 1986 completed her MA degree from JFKennedy University.

She is a retired certified executive coach and a Qigong and Yoga instructor, as well as a sculptor. Kerry brings many interests with her: hiking, piano, cooking, designing commissioned garden sculptures, and theater.

We are pleased to welcome Kerry to our branch!

Pat Riley

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)

SECTION NEWS - MAKE IT!

Dia de los Muertos, 2023

(Day of the Dead)
MakeIt! September 8, 10 a.m.

After our success last year building an Altar at the Petaluma Art Center, the MakeIt! Section decided to do it again. This year we will be honoring women from history who advanced gender equity through their accomplishments or advocacy.

Join MakeIt! on September 8 at 10 a.m. to work on the altars together – or make one on your own and deliver it to us to be included in the communal altar.

Contact Jean Reed with questions and to “reserve” a woman to honor (so we don’t have too many duplicates). You can get inspiration at Faces of AAUW (click HERE for the link to this AAUW page). We suggest a minimum of the name, a photo image, and a quotation or statement of accomplishments.

BOARD RETREAT

On July 20, members of our branch's Executive Board met in Jan Everidge's lovely back yard to make plans for the upcoming year.

After sharing ideas in small group sessions, members enjoyed a potluck lunch, concluding the meeting with a few songs.

- Photo by Patty Shribbs

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.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Leah DeBerardinis, D.D.S.

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

SECTION SPOTLIGHT - Art & History "Earthquake Walk" in Olema

For section members, It was a perfect day to be over near the coast - nice and cool - great weather for an easy and informative walk.

Here, the group explored the San Andreas fault location where a fence jumped 16 ft. during the 1906 earthquake

-- Photos by Melanie Donahoe

MEMBER CONCERNS

We had several sad events this summer.

Our heartfelt condolences went out to Sandy Benson on the death of her husband, Dick Benson (click HERE for Richard Benson obituary); Sandy Benson is currently overcoming her own health issues. Most recently, Joanne Longaker's husband, Dan Longaker, died on August 3, 2023 (click HERE for Dan Longaker obituary). Our collective sympathy was also sent to Mary Frazier whose sister died, and to Suzanne Roybal whose sister-in-law died suddenly.

Our collective healing thoughts and vibes go out to Colleen Richardson who is recovering from surgery. We hope to see you up and around in your Doll Mercantile soon!

In June, I noted our condolences to the family of member Nancy Henry. They have invited Nancy's friends and family to a celebration of her life on September 23 here in Petaluma. If you are interested, please let me know, and I'll provide the details and RSVP information. Click HERE to generate an email to me.

On a happier note, many are again enjoying the theater and movies, concerts, and travel. Just getting together in person is wonderful! Take care of each other.

Kathy Schmidt, Member Concerns.

SECTION SPOTLIGHT - Art & History

In the June Art & History outing organized by Esther Schau, section members learned about the frescoes in St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Cathedral in Santa Rosa.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515

Fax: (707) 765-0256

Email: info@lacehouselinen.com

SECTION NEWS

Gardening Section

The Gardening Section has been asked to provide flower arrangements for the September Social on Sunday, Sept 10. Pat Hansen will once again lead this effort. We will make arrangements on Saturday Sept 9 at 10 a.m.

If you can bring flowers and join us then, that would be wonderful (Pat will serve coffee with coffee ice cream—yummy!).

If you can’t join us but have flowers to contribute, let us know. Patricia would be happy to pick them up either the day before or earlier on September 9. Contact Pat Hansen for more information: pahansen@sonic.net

Jean Reed has invited us to her garden on Thursday, September 14 at 10 a.m. We will share how we are preparing for fall in our gardens. Please let Jean know if you want to join the fun: jjkreed3@gmail.com

If you would like to be part of the Gardening Section, we would love to have you! Contact Patricia Souza to add your name to this section: souzapellow@comcast.net.

SRJC NEWS

Upcoming fundraising event

in support of SRJC Petaluma and

its new Construction Training Center

BUILDING FUTURES

Saturday, September 23, 4pm to 7pm

SRJC Petaluma

Branch members are invited to join fellow Petalumans for an evening of food, wine, music, stories of student success, and an opportunity to meet SRJC's new Superintendant/President, Dr. Angélica Garcia.

Click HERE to go to SRJC's web page with additional information and links for registering and/or donating.

Doris Tolks, SRJC 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

SECTIONS

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

ACTIVE ZOOM SECTIONS

TED Talks Discussion Group
Open to everyone
Meets 3rd Tuesday, (every other month)
Date: 9.19.23
Time: 4 p.m..Topic: Artificial Intelligence (friend or foe)
Chair: Stefanie Capps stefaniecapps@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 (beginners welcome)
Meets 1st Wednesday
Date: 09.06.23
Place: TBD
Chair Diana Brown, dianarhea60@yahoo.com
(707) 774-4968

Thursday Bridge Group
Meets 3rd Thursday at 1 or 7 p.m.
Date: 09.21.23
Place: TBD
Chair: Jane Jernigan, jjernigan01@yahoo.com,
(707) 778-0543, jjernigan01@yahoo.com.

Friday Bridge Group
Meets 2nd Friday
Date: 09.08.23
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 Thursday Group
Meets 1st Thursday
Date: 09.07.23
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Place: Ethel's Deli (1000 Clegg Ct.)

Out to Lunch Bunch Wednesday group

Meets 2nd Wednesday
Date: 09.13.23
Time: 11:45am
Place: Luma Bar and Grill (50 E. Washington) (the old Dempsey's)

Co-chairs: Jan Everidge, janeveridge@yahoo.com and Laverne Stout lavernestout77@yahoo.com

LITERATURE SECTIONS

Evening Modern Literature Group

Zoom at this time
Meets: 4th Monday
Date: 09.25.23
Place: TBD
Time: 7 p.m. (Meet & Greet at 6:45) if ZOOM
Book: TBD
Hosts: TBD
Co-Chairs:TBD

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesday
Date: 09.12.23
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Home of Shirley Gross
Book: The Widow's War by Sally Gunning
Co-Chairs:
Anne Trujillo actrujillo1920@comcast.net and Maureen Sheridan Scott scottmcs@sonic.net
RSVP: Shirley Gross smjgross@icloud.com

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: 4:30 p.m.
Chair: Contact Rory Keller at rory@sonic.net or
(707) 763-2072

Hiking Group
Hikes are starting 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: Legion of Honor (The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England)
Date: 09.15.23
Time: TBD
Carpool: TBD
Organizer: Pat Riley (further info to follow)
Co-Chairs: Rev. Melanie Donahoe, melanie.donahoe@gmail.com and
Cathy Netz, netzcomm@gmail.com

Garden Club (1st event)

Flower arranging for AAUW Social
Date: Sat. 09.09.23
Place: Pat Hansen's Home
Time: 10 a.m.
RSVP with Pat Hansen, pahansen@sonic.net
Patricia Souza would be glad to pick up any flowers for those unable to attend.
Co-Chairs:
Diana Brown, dianarhea60@yahoo.com,
(707) 774-4968 and
Patricia Souza, souzapellow@comcast.net,
(707) 921-8499

Garden Club (2nd event)
Fall Garden Prep Sharing
Date: Thurs 09.14.23
Place: Jean Reed's Home
Time: 10 a.m.
RSVP with Jean, jjkreed3@gmail.com

MAKE IT Crafts Group
Date: 09.08.23
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Kris U'Ren's Home
Activity: Create altar for "Dia de los Muertos"
Organizer: Jean Reed
RSVP with Jean jjkreed3@gmail.com
Chair: Kris U’ren, kuren1@comcast.net

Title Niners
Meets 3rd Wednesday
Date: 09.20.23
Time: 1:30 p.m. at home of Dianne Trumpy
Contact: Jean Reed, jjkreed3@gmail.com

New Members Section
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Place: TBD
Chair Jan Everidge janeveridge@yahoo.com

GROUPS AT CAPACITY

Travel Section
Meets every other month on first Monday via ZOOM
Topic: TBD
Time:11 a.m.

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: Sandy Smethurst, 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

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