Membership Matters By Donna Holmes and Marty McKnew

Do you have a unique story of why you or an acquaintance joined AAUW?  We would love to be able to celebrate your story and share with AAUW California.  Here is an example posted recently in a state publication:

A few months ago, the most unusual thing happened at the Beach Cities Branch scholarship awards.  A woman came into the room as the meeting began and took a seat at one of the far tables.  Each recipient came forward and shared her Tech Trek, TTAG, and AAUW journey. The gratitude expressed and pride of the families in attendance brought many to tears. At the end of the meeting, the woman revealed that she walked in on the wrong meeting.  Hers was in another room, but she felt drawn to the magic in this place and stayed. It turned out that one of our members taught her daughter as well. This lovely woman not only joined AAUW on the spot, she also wrote a check for $1,000 to support the scholarship fund.  Perhaps it actually was magic!

What was the magic that drew you to AAUW and why do you stay?  We are interested in your stories – magical or not.  Forward to martymcknew@comcast.net.

We have a new member!  Please welcome Tracy Ramondini.  Tracy is the chair of the PE Department at Sheldon High School.  She is interested in reproductive rights, Title IX enforcement, motivating women to get out and vote, diversity, equity, inclusion, keeping college campuses safe for women, equity in education and pay, to name a few.  Tracy has also applied for a position on the AAUW California Board.

Please welcome all our new members to your interest groups.  We have had a number of inquiries from women new to the community who are looking for in-person interaction.

New member gathering planned for November

Plans are underway for a new member gathering in November.  If you know of a prospective member who you would like to invite, please provide their email address to Marty or Donna.

Service planned for 50-year member Mary Ann Fleming

Mary Ann Fleming, a member of AAUW Sacramento for more than 50 years, died Oct. 11 at her Sacramento home. She was 85.

A memorial Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at St. Mary’s Funeral Center Main Chapel, 6509 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento. A reception luncheon will follow the Mass.

Mary Ann was fluent in Spanish and for many years was an active member of an AAUW Spanish conversation group. She also helped with hospitality at branch meetings and faithfully attended the annual Speech Trek contest at Cosumnes River College.

According to her obituary published in The Sacramento Bee, Mary Ann was born Jan. 8, 1937 in Stockton, and grew up in St. Helena and Sacramento. She graduated from Sacramento High School and California State University, Sacramento, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. A music lover, Mary Ann played the French horn in both her high school and college marching bands.

She taught fourth grade at Maple Elementary School in Sacramento before starting a family.

Mary Ann and husband Benjamin Fleming were married for 64 years. She leaves four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to AAUW, Mary Ann was active with Sacramento Friends of the Library and served as a board member with the organization.