Newsletter

May 2022 Perspective

May 2022 -- Volume 67, No. 9

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

(see articles below for more information)

Upcoming AAUW Petaluma events

May 7 - AAUW T-Ball at Prince Park, 1 p.m.

May 9 - Board Meeting with pre-meeting potluck, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

May 15 - Installation of new Board and Named Gift Honoree award, Petaluma Community Center, 2 p.m.

Upcoming community events

Until May 20 - Petaluma Women's Club and Petaluma Garden Club exhibit: Finding our Roots: Women of Petaluma Flourishing and Blooming, Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, Fri. - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

MAY PROGRAM

Let’s Celebrate!
May General Meeting
Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 PM
Petaluma Community Center

Join us as we

Honor our Named Gift Honoree!
Celebrate a job well-done by our Board and appointed officers!
Congratulate (or commiserate with!) New Board members who will be installed!
Celebrate another year where we have found creative ways to come together to carry out our mission!
Munch on goodies as we catch up with old and new friends!

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

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.

President's Message

On April 8, I had the privilege of representing AAUW at a meeting with Assemblyman Marc Levine’s Legislative Aide, Robert Cruz, on a ZOOM call. Co-president Jean Reed was also present, and Public Policy Chair, Pam Granger, was our leader. We discussed three of the bills that AAUW-CA is supporting this year. I spoke about AB 1666, California’s response to the restrictive and strange Texas abortion law.

As I’ve mentioned before, these last two years have been difficult for our Branch, but we have survived wonderfully – retaining most of our membership and most of our regular activities. We had a full program of general meetings, and many of our Sections maintained their meeting schedules by moving to ZOOM if they couldn’t meet in person. Those sections which did not meet are now restarting. I recently participated in the return of the Art and History Section, a visit to Sonoma Botanical Gardens.

I have been concerned about some of our Sections being “At Capacity” – not accepting additional members. When a Section is At Capacity, new Branch members may not feel welcome if they cannot participate. We have a committee discussing this topic, and you will be asked to participate in a survey about your Section participation. The problem may be starting to resolve because Kris U’ren started a new craft group, Make It!, and LaVerne Stout will be starting a second Out to Lunch group.

As we come to the end of our program year, I am amazed at how well we have done! We even received an award from AAUW State for our excellent January program on Title IX. We’ll be celebrating our successes at our Installation event on May 15. All members are invited to attend this in-person event; refreshments will be available.

Co-President Anne Taylor

Elected and Appointed Officers for 2022/2023

The branch election on April 15 and 16 resulted in a unanimous decision in favor of the proposed slate. Thanks to all who voted on those two days, 81 members, and another 5 within a few days of the election.

There are still two open positions, one as part of the Tech Trek team, and one as publications sponsors. Maybe it is the right time for you to join the team? Contact Jean Reed or Rory Keller if you want more information.

The Board Installation will take place at the May 15 general meeting (see separate article).

Executive Board:
Co-Presidents: Anne Taylor, Stefanie Capps
Co-VPs Programs: Rory Keller, Jean Reed
Co-VPs Funds: Jan Everidge, Marlene Abel
Co-VPs Membership: Pat Riley, Dee Short
VP Finance: Corey Benjamin
Secretary: Pat Hanson

Appointed Officers, General:
Hospitality – Norma Jean Walsh
Parliamentarian – Barb Guggemos
Public Policy – Pam Granger
DEI coordinator – Kathleen VonRaesfeld
Zoom team – Patti Prichard, MaryAnn Kendall
Sections coordinator – Patty Shribbs
SRJC Liaison – Doris Tolks
SSU Liaison – Kris U'Ren
Tech Trek Coordinators – Michele Meyer + open

Appointed Officers, Membership:
Database – Rory Keller
Member Concerns – Kathy Schmidt
New members – Pat Riley

Appointed Officers, Communications:
Facebook /Instagram – Kris U'Ren
Gold Book Editor – Shayne Miller
Perspective co-editors – Barb Guggemos, Sandy Smethurst
Publications Sponsors – Open
Publicity – Patricia Souza
Webmaster – Ray Hendess

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

AAUW-CA Online Election Currently Underway

You have until May 4 to cast your vote

A personal link to your ballot was sent to you
in an email at noon on April 23.

Don't delay - Vote now!.

Candidate information is available on the AAUW California website.
To request a paper ballot, contact the AAUW California office at 916-389-0220

PUBLIC POLICY

AAUW Petaluma Participates in AAUW California Lobby Week

On April 12, representatives from AAUW branches all over California met on ZOOM with state elected officials or their representatives to advocate for three AAUW California-identified priority bills currently being considered by lawmakers. Jean Reed, Anne Taylor, and Pam Granger met with a representative from Assembly Member Marc Levine's office.

They were warmly greeted by Aide Robert Cruz, who joined Marc Levine's office in December last year. The following bills were discussed:

AB92 Child Care Family Fee Waiver (co-sponsored by AAUW)
Eliminates childcare family fees through Sept 2024 for those making below 75% of state median family income
AB1666 Abortion: Civil Actions
Prohibits lawsuits in CA based on out-of-state abortion laws
AB1968 Uniform Guidance for Sexual Assault Survivors
Develops standards for presenting sexual assault guidance for UC and CSU schools, including a model internet website template

Pam Granger, Public Policy

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

In honor of Mrs. Helen M. Loorya

Want to print a copy of the Perspective?

The emailed version of our newsletter is easy to read on a computer or phone, but does not print well.

A printable PDF file with the current month's newsletter will be posted in the Newsletters section of our branch website within a few days after the initial version is distributed by email.

Click on the following link to go directly to the printable version:

https://www.aauwpetaluma.com/past-newsletters.html

Section Spotlight

May’s Ted Talk
Tuesday, May 17
3 P.M. via ZOOM

Our host this month is Patti Pritchard and our topic is Music Therapy.

Members of the section will receive information about the Ted Talks during the first week of May and a reminder with the ZOOM link a few days before the ZOOM meeting.

Everyone is welcome. Email Stefanie Capps at stefaniecapps@gmail.com to receive the information regarding the Ted Talks and the ZOOM link in order to attend.

Section Spotlight

Art and History Adventure

May 20, 2022

Mark Your Calendars

On Friday, May 20, we will tour the home studio of Patrick Amoit and Brigitte Laurent. Their junk art and wall reliefs are a collaborative effort of ideas and talents. Jointly conceived, Patrick sculpts and Brigitte paints. Brigitte will lead our tour. Patrick and Brigitte live and work in Sebastopol. Additional information will be sent to members of the section around the first of May. This tour will not be open to guests.

MaryAnn Kendall

Funds Report

Our Nonevent this year was very successful with $7,730 in total contributions!

Our fundraiser with Cinnabar Theater brought in $175 toward our Funds account. A heartfelt thank you to all the members who participated in these events.

At this time, we are donating $140 to AAUW National Greatest Needs Funds for the 140-year anniversary of AAUW.

Along with that, AAUW CA would like to thank everyone for their tremendous efforts this year to raise money for their Funds account. Just over $494,000 was contributed by California individuals and branches. It has really been a wonderful year with a great outpouring of generosity by so many.

Jan Everidge and LaVerne Stout, Funds Co-VPs

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

We can’t wait to see you back in the theater.

Check our website for show schedules.

cinnabartheater.org

(click HERE)

April Program – Night at the Theater

The annual night at Cinnabar Theater hosted 25 people for the dress rehearsal of Three Tall Women. The good turnout gave a number of us the chance to examine different phases of life and a bit to ponder. It seems everyone could see themselves in at least one of the phases.

A total of $700 was raised - half going to Cinnabar and the remainder split between AAUW Petaluma Funds and Tech Trek for the branch. Always nice to have an enjoyable evening and contribute to causes that are near and dear.

Rory Keller, Co-VP Program

Public Policy

Voting Rights

Local Election Voting Day: June 7

One of the AAUW Public Policy Priorities is “Vigorous enforcement of and full access to civil and constitutional rights, including affirmative action and expanding voting rights”. We have the responsibility to use our right to vote. Be sure that you are ready to vote in the June 7 local election.

Check your registration status at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/en/

All active registered voters will be mailed a vote-by-mail ballot. Ballots for the June 7 elections will be mailed on May 9. If you don’t receive your ballot by mail, contact the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters at 707-565-6800.

Learn about the candidates. Attend candidate forums and check the candidates’ web-sites. Local elections are an entry point to elected office so we should be careful who we elect!

VOTE – Submit your ballot on or before June 7.

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

WOMEN'S HISTORY EXHIBIT

FINDING OUR ROOTS:

WOMEN OF PETALUMA FLOURISHING & BLOOMING

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
4th and B Streets
April 8 - May 20, 2022

Friday through Sunday, 10 am - 3:45 p.m.

If you missed AAUW's docent-led tour on April 28, there's still time to check out this very interesting exhibit, which displays the many ways that women have made a powerful and positive impact on our city.

Many thanks to Suzanne Clarke, member of the AAUW Garden Section and Petaluma Garden Club, who helped create this exhibit.

AAUW Petaluma has a new website address:

aauwpetaluma.com

You may not be able to see the changes, but the new platform makes updates easier.

Remember to refresh any bookmarks you have saved. The website is a quick way to find information and to access the Perspective at any time.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

AAUW-CA Award

Program of the Year Award for "Title IX at 50"

Our branch has received one of three awards for “Program of the Year” from AAUW CA, for the January ZOOM conversation on Title IX.

We were commended because our branch "showed enthusiasm in support of the mission of AAUW and we appreciate your willingness to share your concept so that other branches can be inspired by your work.”

If you have not yet watched the program, please set aside an hour so that you can share in the pride of a program well done.Click HERE to access the recording of "Title IX at 50: We Need It As Much As Ever."

Title IX states:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Title Niners News

Finding your Title IX Coordinator

and Writing Postcards

The Directory of Title IX Coordinators will be distributed to local schools this week and posted on our website. The Directory will allow quick identification of the contact point at each school for anything related to Title IX compliance and to allow collaboration and sharing of resources between schools. Title IX covers any issue concerning gender-based discrimination in access to academic or athletic opportunities and all kinds of sexual harassment. The Title IX Coordinator at each school is responsible for investigating and resolving issues.

Last month Title Niners wrote postcards to our legislators supporting GEEA (Gender Equity in Education Act) and extension of the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act). Post-card writers are always welcome.

Title Niners has been approved as a new Branch Section. Watch for information about meetings at the end of the newsletter where Sections are listed.

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 2021-2022 membership count is 130.

New members are always welcome! The Petaluma AAUW Membership Application is located in the updated Petaluma Branch website, www.aauwpetaluma.com. Click HERE to go directly to the page with the application form.

Dee Short, Co-VP Membership-Treasurer

Financial Report

As of March 31, 2022, our branch checking account balance was $3,991.75 and our savings account balance was $5,605.20.

Corey Benjamin, Finance VP

AAUW Supports Women and Girls in Sports:

AAUW T-Ball Team

Come out on Saturday May 7 to show the girls’ wearing T-shirts with the AAUW logo who the women are that are supporting their team

If you can’t make it on May 7th, show up at one of the other games and cheer loudly.

The game on May 7 is at Prince Park and starts at 1:00 p.m. Wear your own AAUW T-shirt if you have one!

After 10 years of sponsoring a "minor league" team (12-13 year old girls), this year the AAUW team is in the T-Ball league (5-11 years old).

And who is a star player on our team?

Why Doris Tolks' granddaughter! Our jersey looks pretty darned good on her, right?

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

Phone: (707) 763-1515

Fax: (707) 765-0256

Email: info@lacehouselinen.com

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 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.

Section Spotlight

Cardworthy!

New Name for Crafts Group

The AAUW Craft Group has a new name! After nearly a decade of a functional but boring name, two of our members came up with a new name: Cardworthy!

Cardworthy! meets the first Wednesday of every month. Because there is only space for 8 crafters per session, there are two sessions: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Currently Cardworthy!'s membership is at capacity, but since not every member is able to attend every month, I am starting a substitute/wait list. If you are interested in being on the list, or you have any questions about Cardworthy!, please send me an email at corey.benjamin@gmail.com.

Corey Benjamin.

Section Spotlight

New Crafts Section: MakeIt!

On April 7, members of the new crafts section, MakeIt!, met at Anne Taylor's house to decorate eggs.

The decorated eggs had been blown in advance, so they can be displayed year after year.

Section Spotlight.

Art & History and Garden Sections Tour Sonoma Botanical Garden

On April 15, ten AAUW members and two husbands met in the parking lot of the Sonoma Botanical Garden.

Two docents led groups of six on separate tours through the garden section with Asian plants.

Leah DeBerardinis, D.D.S.

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

Member Concerns

Our deep and heartfelt sympathy is sent to Betty Hebert and family on the passing of her husband, Larry, a retired Captain in the US Navy. Both Betty and Larry participated in the Bon Vivant section and our condolences go out to these friends also.

His obituary can be viewed here:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pressdemocrat/name/larry-hebert-obituary?n=larry-hebert&pid=201646050&fhid=2331.

On a personal note, I'm sending caring thoughts to all of you. There has been so much bad news that I know it can be hard to stay positive or feel gratitude for what we have.

So I'd like to remind you all that we still have an ongoing section on ZOOM for "Connecting in Place."

It's just an easy way to chat with some other members about life in general. If you'd like to "check in," please let Jean Reed know and she'll send you the link. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. on ZOOM and are rarely longer than 30 minutes.

If you'd like to chat on the phone at other times, let me know and I'll connect you to another member or to the PPSC callers. PPSC is always in need of callers so you could become one and help yourself and another person at the same time!

Kathy Schmidt, Member Concerns

SRJC News

SRJC Petaluma's Cinema Series has been reinstated after a two-year hiatus. Only two films remain in the 2022 Spring schedule. On May 4, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back will be screened, and The Fantastic Mr. Fox, an animated version of the classic tale by Raoul Dahl, will appear on May 11. Both will have interesting introductions starting at 6 p.m. followed by the movies at 7 p.m. For more information, see https://petalumafilmalliance.org/cinema-series/

Doris Tolks, SRJC Liaison

Has your contact information changed?

If your contact information has changed since the Gold Book was published,

Notify Membership VPs
Notify Perspective editors if you would like your updated information to be published in our newsletter

Please be reminded that our branch directory is for use by AAUW members only and may not be used for recruiting or solicitation for other purposes.

SINCERE THANKS TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS

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

NEW SECTION – Title Niners
Take action to support legislation
Date: Wed 05.18.22
Time: 2 p.m.
Contact: Jean Reed, jjkreed3@gmail.com

Connected in Place Zoom Group

Opportunity to chat and socialize
Meets 1st Tuesday
Date: 05.03.22
Time:10 a.m.
Chair: Jean Reed, jjkreed@gmail.com
RSVP: Jean Reed

TED Talks Discussion Group

Meets quarterly

Date: 05.17.2022
Time: 3 p.m.
Topic: Music Therapy
See article above for details

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

MaryAnn Kendall, Mkendall413@gmail.com

Evening Modern Literature Group

Meets 1st Mondays
Date: 05.02.22
Time: 6:45 p.m. (Meet & Greet) before discussion at 7 p.m.
Book: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
Co-Chairs: Patricia Souza, souzapellow@comcast.net and Patti Prichard, pattiparichard@comcast.net
RSVP: Pat Riley, patrileyyy@gmail.com

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

Morning Modern Literature Group
Meets 2nd Tuesdays
Date: 05.10.22
Time: 10 a.m.

Place: Home of Nancy Henry
Book: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Co-Chairs: Anne Trujillo actrujillo1920@comcast.net and Maureen Sheridan Scott scottmcs@sonic.net
RSVP: Nancy Henry, NHenry2739@comcast.net

Dining Section “Eclectic Gourmet”
Date: 05.26.2022

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

Walking Group - Fridays after work

Meets most Fridays
Time: 4:30 p.m. (note DLS time change)
Chair: Contact Rory Keller at rory@sonic.net or 763-2072

Hiking Group
Chair: Anna Taylor, htaylor999@aol.com. 763-7952
Hikes are starting up again! Anna offers several dates for hikers to choose from. Contact her if interested.
Next Hike Date: Friday, 05.06.22
Time: 9:15 a.m.
Place: 124 Howard St. (gather for carpool)

GROUPS MEETING FACE 2 FACE (continued)

Art and History
Meets third Fridays
May Planned Event: Patrick Amit Home and Studio and Florence Avenue, Sebastopo (details in article above)
Date: 05.20.22
Time: TBD
Carpool options: TBD
Chair: MaryAnn Kendall mkendall413@gmail.com, 318-7050

Garden Club

Date: TBD
Co-Chairs: Diana Brown, dianarhea60@yahoo.com, 774-4968 and
Patricia Souza, souzapellow@comcast.net, 762-4173

MAKE IT Crafts Group

Date: June meeting-- Make a Tissue Box
Chair: Kris U’ren, kuren1@comcast.net,
763-2529

BRIDGE SECTIONS

There are currently two groups meeting monthly:

Wednesday Bridge Group

Meets 1st Wednesday

Time and Place: TBD

Chair Diana Brown, dianarhea60@yahoo.com

Please contact Diana with any questions

Thursday Bridge Group

Meets 3rd Thursday at 1 or 7 p.m.

Date and Place: TBD
Chair: Jane Jernigan, 778-0543, jjernigan01@yahoo.com.

GROUPS AT CAPACITY

Travel Section (meeting every other month on first Mondays via ZOOM)
Topic: TBD
Time:11 a.m.
Co-Chairs: Wendy Porter, 795-9354, wendyporter14@gmail.com
Cathy Burton, 763-9082, aauw@catherineburton.com
RSVP with Wendy

Saturday Night Drama (Temporarily at capacity)
Meets second Saturday
Date: 05.14.22
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: ZOOM
Play: TBD
Chair: Kay Hardy, kaynh@yahoo.com or 981-7171

Out to Lunch Bunch
Meets second Wednesdays
Co chairs: Jan Everidge, janeveridge@yahoo.com and
Wendy Porter, wendyporter14@gmail.com

Cardworthy (formerly "Crafts Group")

See article above for more information

Meets first Wednesdays

Time: 10 a.m.

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

EXECUTIVE BOARD

ELECTED OFFICERS
Co-Presidents: Anne Taylor and Jean Reed
Co-VPs, Program: Rory Keller and Stefanie Capps
Co-VPs, Membership: Pat Riley and Dee Short (Membership Treasurer)
Co-VPs, Funds: Jan Everidge and LaVerne Stout
Vice President, Finance: Corey Benjamin
Secretary: Open

APPOINTED OFFICERS, GENERAL

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

APPOINTED OFFICERS, MEMBERSHIP
Database: Rory Keller
Member Concerns: Kathy Schmidt
New Members: Patricia Souza, Dea Steigner

APPOINTED OFFICERS, COMMUNICATION

Facebook: Kris U'Ren

Gold Book Editor: Shayne Miller
Perspective Co-Editors: Sandy Smethurst and Barbara Guggemos
Publications Sponsors: Barbara Madick

Publicity: Stefanie Capps
Social Media: Stefanie Capps
Webmaster: Ray Hendess

Our web page is:

www.aauwpetaluma.com

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

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