WOMEN WITH A WHY. LET’S GROW! By Donna Holmes and Marty McKnew
Can you share why you are an AAUW member in a succinct and joyful way? “Where do we find new members?” Anywhere. It could be in line at Rite Aid, at the DMV, or at a farmer’s market (or in a state of undress at a health club!) The key is enthusiastically sharing how AAUW gives your life purpose and meaning. Do you have the elevator speech down?
A story I hear over and over is “I’m new in the community and with the COVID shutdowns it has been hard to meet people.” Do you know someone in these circumstances? Invite them to your book group or any other interest group.
We recently hosted a very successful new member orientation/get together for five of our newest members. We are anxious to repeat the session for more new members. Do you know someone you would like to invite? Let us know!
On a sadder note:
Member Dorothy Bracchi
March 17, 1931 – October 23, 2022
Sacramento, California – Dorothy Patricia Bracchi died peacefully at her home in Sacramento with Alex, her husband of 38 years, at her side. Born to John and Tillie Burant and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was one of nine children. She was preceded in death by her parents, six of her siblings, and her first husband Ernest Bracchi. Dorie, as she was known to all, is survived by her husband Alex Hoeffner; her daughter Kim Spalding and husband George; son Arne Bracchi and wife Audrey and their two daughters Georgia and Ella; sisters RuthAnn Melk and Lois Burant plus many nieces and nephews; Alex’s daughter Corrine Kaufman and her son Ocean and daughter Raven.
Dorie earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing from Marquette University and University of San Francisco, respectively. She began her career in the field of public health nursing in San Francisco, continued on in Yolo County, and then worked for the Visiting Nurses’ Association in Sacramento. In 1977 she accepted a faculty position at Sacramento City College as an obstetrical nursing instructor and remained in that capacity until retiring in 1993.
Dorie was a life-long bridge player and achieved the title of life master from the American Contract Bridge League. She competed in tournaments in Reno, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Honolulu. She was also a long-time member of the American Association of University Women and was active in the local branch’s book section group.
Dorie was equally at home in the great outdoors. She backpacked in the Mokelumne Wilderness Area and Kings Canyon National Park. She took excursions on two fourteen-day, 225-mile rafting trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Annual houseboat trips on Shasta Lake were another of her favorite activities. She also enjoyed travel abroad to Europe, Mexico, Turkey, French Polynesia, and the Fiji Islands.
One of her favorite activities was volunteering to work at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. With very few exceptions she spent every Memorial Day Weekend for over 30 years serving as a site manager at various venues.
She had a long, passionate, and fruitful life and will be missed greatly by all who knew her. A celebration of her life was held on November 13 beginning at noon at The Firehouse restaurant.
Published by The Sacramento Bee from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8, 2022.