Daily Archives: December 27, 2024

AAUW Fund Luncheon

AAUW Fund Luncheon By Hedda Smithson

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Noon – 2:30 PM; doors open 11:30

North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave. Fair Oaks

Keynote speaker: Charmen Goehring, AAUW California President, will give us the history of AAUW Funds and speak on our current challenges, opportunities, and the positive work of AAUW Funds. In addition, two active AAUW Fund Scholars will share their remarkable journeys, highlighting the details and progress of the work AAUW is supporting.

Join the party! Make sure you have a place at the table! Enjoy a fun meal, listen to brilliant young women, and glow with pride to be an AAUW member supporting these determined, intelligent scholars.

Cost is $32. To pay by credit card (with a small convenience fee), tickets are available on Eventbrite; click <here> to register. When you register, you can select your meal options:
1. Entree: Turkey Breast/mashed potatoes/veg. or Thai Chicken Salad, or Pasta Primavera (vegetarian)
2. Dessert: Limoncello Cake or Fruit Cup.

To pay by check, use this form <here> and send the form and your check to Hedda Smithson; her address is on the form.

Online or mailed reservations must be received by January 16, 2025.

Wait! There’s More!!!

Traditionally this event has offered the opportunity to raise money for Funds. You are welcome to bring your checkbook or lots of cash with you to donate on the spot. OR! Join in the fun of a silent auction. Here are the items that have been offered so far:

From the Auburn Branch: A “Take Me Out to the Ballgame basket”: an old- fashioned hotdog and bun roaster, popcorn and lots of other snacks.
From CHAR: A two-night stay in a Treetop Pavilion Suite in Marin County.
From Nevada County: A basket from Grey Pine Winery – two bottles of wine and two glasses.
From Sacramento: A Yeti Roadie Cooler, two 20 oz. Yeti cups and two baseball caps.
From Sacramento: Basket of 12 (wrapped) books, bookmarks and tiny notebooks.

Keep in mind there may be more baskets offered. So –

Make sure you have made a reservation.
Ask a friend to come with you.
Bring your checkbook.

See you there!!

Speech Trek News

Speech Trek News By Ann Arneill

The Speech Trek Committee has completed recruitment for Elk Grove High School students to compete in the contest with this year’s topic: “Climate change is happening. The effects are widespread and touch upon almost all aspects of our life on this planet. Select an area of impact and explore the effects climate change is having on women in the USA, and around the world.”

The contest will be held on Feb. 15, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cosumnes River College, Room Winn 150. Please note that it is being held on the third weekend in February. It is starting at 10 a.m. to make it more convenient for AAUW members to attend. We hope to see you there! No registration is required.

We now look forward to the Speech Trek Challenge that will be held via Zoom on Jan. 11, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Members will have a chance to discuss the topic in advance of the contest to pique their interest. Groups will discuss the questions: 1) Can you think of any other effects of climate change on women and girls in the USA and the world? 2) How do you think the student contestants will approach the topic? 3) What do you think the solutions could be to these adverse effects? We hope to see you there for a lively discussion of this important topic! Please register <here> to receive the Zoom link on Jan. 11th.

President’s Message

President’s Message By Nancy McCabe

The start of a new year generally feels like a clean slate for whatever goals one might have. Do you want to start an exercise program, a new way of eating, a new way of organizing your time/bills/social events or your volunteer time? I have no suggestions about the first five, but I do have a suggestion about the last one. You have heard us request help with next year’s programs and presidency. At the Winter Luncheon, a new member volunteered to cochair program, so she needs a partner to help plan and execute the programming. Having a partner makes this position easier as you can share the tasks. As the outgoing president, I can state positively that the position of president is not difficult. The members of the board are responsible and get their parts done. The monthly meeting is on Zoom and our technology coordinator sets it up on the Internet. Any position in the branch gives you opportunities to meet and plan with a really nice group of women! Do choose to get involved in our mission of advancing gender equity locally.

Call for Leaders and Program Ideas

Call for Leaders and Program Ideas By Hedda Smithson

AAUW Sacramento has a long and rich history – at 100 years and counting, we have seen a lot. But one thing has always been true: This is our branch and we are committed to seeing that it continues to thrive and prosper.

At the December branch meeting President Nancy McCabe reminded us of our new board structure – fewer positions to fill – and easy meetings by Zoom. In the coming months, we will elect a president and vice president for program.

So, what is involved in the role of president? First: There are lots of resources available to facilitate your experience. Check out our branch website (https://sacramento-ca.aauw.net). Click on the Membership on the top banner and then click on Members Only. Use the password in the back of the directory to access the Members-Only page.

Here are some of the expectations:

Be familiar with our governing documents: our bylaws, policies and leadership responsibilities, and see that these are followed.
Have good communication skills.
Be comfortable using email, texting and Zoom
Commit to a two-year term.
Preside during board and business meetings, and play a part in general membership meetings in welcoming guests and helping with the program.

Our rules allow for self-nominations.

And Second – you would not be alone – take a look at page 35 of the brightly colored AAUW Sacramento Directory. These women have been there, done that and would be happy to be your “go to” resource!!

Tempted? Interested? Curious? We hope so. Contact our president, Nancy McCabe. She will help you get involved.

The other VIP you will be electing is program vice president. For 2023-25 membership years, Barbara Smith and Hedda Smithson have been sharing the position. Two people have bounced ideas around with super results (well – we are a little prejudiced!). And we have had fun — like throwing parties with other people’s money????

Tempted? Curious? Let us know – we have learned a lot!! However, like typical AAUW members, we can always learn more!

SO – we would like your feedback: Below is the text of some forms that have been available at the last two branch meetings:

Your Branch Program Committee wants to hear from you!!

You can find contact information for Barbara Smith or Hedda Smithson in the Membership Directory, OR complete the form and mail it (see directory for street addresses.)

I have suggestions for program topics for the 2025-2026 membership year:

I have a suggestion or two for places for meetings:

I would like to talk to someone with my thoughts. My contact information is:

Name

Phone

Interest Group Happenings

Interest Group Happenings By Pat Winkle

Happy New Year! If you are interested in participating in any of our Interest Groups, please contact the coordinators listed here. If you would like to propose a new Interest Group for our branch, please contact me and I will present your ideas to the board for approval. My contact information, as well as the contacts for each of the Interest Groups, is in your branch directory.

Art & Architecture: No meeting in January.
Contact: Deborah Dunn
Great Decisions I: No Meeting in January.
Meetings will resume in February. Contact: Cathy Locke
Great Decisions II: Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. on Zoom. Contact: Lynn Blair Wood
Great Decisions III: Monday, Jan. 20, 1 p.m. Meets in a member’s home.
Contact: Margaret McCarthy
Healthy Heart Lunch: Friday, Jan. 17, 11:30 a.m. at Season’s 52 in Arden Fair Mall. Contact: Jane Cooley
Reader’s Theater: Contact: Diane Petersen for updates.
Scrabble Just for Fun: Monday, Jan. 27, 1 p.m. in the game room at Eskaton Village Carmichael. Contact: Vivian Counts
Singles Dining Out: Sunday, Jan. 5, 6 p.m. at Adamo’s Restaurant 2107 P Street.
Contact: Nancy McCabe

Book Groups Update

Book Groups Update By Sharon Anderson

If you wish to see what others are reading, or get ideas for your book group or yourself, please refer to the “books” page under “Activities” on our branch website (https://sacramento-ca.aauw.net/bookgroups/).

Each book group has its own tab, by book group number. (These book group numbers correlate with page 6 of the branch Membership Directory.) On each list, the meeting days, times and coordinator are listed.

January Book Groups

Book Group 1:
Eighty Days ……Around the World, by Matthew Goodman, on Jan. 9; coordinator is Susanna Mullen

Book Group 3:
Hello, Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano, on Jan. 22; coordinator is Carolyn Meeker

Book Group 4:
Book selection, on Jan. 8; coordinator is Pat Morehead

Book Group 8:
Book selection, on Jan. 27; coordinator is Diana Squire

Book Group 10:
The Women, by Kristen Hannah, on Jan. 16; coordinator is Sandi Schoenman

Book Group 12:
The Measure, by Nikki Erlick, on Jan. 9; coordinator is Linda Cook

Living Our Mission of Equity By Charmen Goehring

We hope you will join us in a monthly equity conversation where we look at our own biases, seek actions we can take to attract diversity to our branch and become better people in the process. Each month, we read a section of our selected book then meet to discuss what we have learned, along with exploring other issues related to race and equity. We meet the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8 PM on Zoom.

The Zoom meeting code is 737 420 3780 or you can join using this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7374203780 We will discuss our current book, Subversive Southerner: Anne Braden and the Struggle for Racial Justice in the Cold War South, on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. Due to a cancelled flight last month, we did not meet in December. We will discuss the Intro through chapter 4. If you have questions and to RSVP, please email Charmen at charminme@yahoo.com.

MEMBERSHIP DOINGS

MEMBERSHIP DOINGS By Gloria Yost

We Have More New Members!

Miriam Beloglovsky
-Author, speaker, and professor of early childhood education, lives in El Dorado Hills

Pam Bone
-Joins us as a dual member (primary branch is CHAR)

Laura Weaver
-Lives in Sloughhouse

WELCOME Miriam – Pam – Laura
We are glad you have joined!

More Membership Ambassadors!

New ambassador, Liz Jordan, is joining Jan Stuter, Charmen Goehring, Gloria Yost,
Hedda Smithson, PJ Missman
Congratulations to PJ, our December drawing winner!

Bring in a new member — get your name on our Wall of Honor
Bring in a new member — get your name added for our drawings
Monthly drawing for prizes at meetings
Recruit the most new members — WIN a free AAUW membership for 2025-26

Help us Strengthen our Branch connections and friendships. Contact Gloria Yost or Vicky Lovell, our contact information can be found in the Membership Directory.

Celebrating January Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to All!

Lana Widman 1/1
Susana Mullen 1/1
Marilyn Orrick 1/6
Joanne Reiken 1/6
Tiffany Ardisana 1/6
Mary Miller 1/14
Jane Pivetti 1/15
Gloria Yost 1/17
Gretchen Christophel 1/18
Nancy Nolen-Swanson 1/21
Kimberly Rutledge 1/23
Betty Hayes 1/24
Elizabeth Rose 1/24
Katherine Henderson 1/26
Joan Hammond 1/27
Molly Dugan 1/31

Recap: AAUW Holiday Luncheon

December 14 Branch Meeting – Rewind! By Hedda Smithson

Oh, the weather outside was frightful – but inside was so delightful.

Did we see a group of very determined women making their way toward North Ridge Country Club through rain and wind and questionable water depths? Our attendance was amazing!! We did enjoy one another’s company as we listened to seasonal music. Many commented on the success of the event.

Trivia: More wrote checks than used Eventbrite. More ordered quiche than chicken. All enjoyed the delicious candies on the table – our dessert!

We heard from president Nancy McCabe about our search for new leaders and how much easier board meetings and communications have become. Gloria Yost helped us welcome new members and women from the Citrus Heights/American River Branch. Shannon Datwyler, a new member who works at CSUS, reviewed the history of the Food Pantry and answered some pretty astute questions. Barbara Smith pointed out she was preaching to the choir as she discussed the many benefits of reading.

And the haul was incredible: Nancy McCabe’s red Lexus was ladened with books for the Love Talk Read project – developed by our own Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin. Hedda Smithson’s red Prius was filled to about 3 feet with boxes of cereal, bags of rice, etc., as well as personal items. We are reminded that cookbooks are appreciated – so keep that in mind. Books will be delivered when Celeste returns from travel. Food items were taken to CSUS Dec. 16.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? By Karen Burley

On December 16, 2024 historian Heather Cox Richardson published an article on her “Letters from an American” substack about Frances Perkins, who was honored that day by President Joe Biden. Perkins was the first female Cabinet Secretary and lived a life that we should all know about. Read about Frances Perkins <here>.

Public Policy News – from CA State AAUW

Please click <here> for the December issue of Public Policy News. Included are two articles of interest – one about Lobby Days 2025, and the other about how gender-based scholarships have become a target in the larger attack against DEI.

Sunshine Chair

Pat Winkle is our Sunshine Chair and needs to hear from you if you know members who might appreciate a get well, sympathy or “thinking of you” card. As she doesn’t know everyone, she needs your help in remembering our friends. Her contact information is in the directory.

Printable Newsletter Articles

Click <here> for Printable Newsletter Articles.