January Presidents’ Message

By Cathy Locke and Karen Burley

The Dec. 13 Winter and Author’s Luncheon was a success, and the weather cooperated this year! You can read more about it elsewhere in this newsletter. Thanks again to author Elaine Russell for her interesting, educational talk about her experiences in Laos and her books.

At the luncheon we collected children’s books to share with at-risk children and families through Love, Talk, Read, founded by member Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin. I was expecting approximately 70 books, one book per attendee. But we are an over-achieving group and we donated 455 books, an average of more than 6 books per attendee! The children are going to love those books!

As you read this newsletter, 2025 will be winding to a close. We sincerely hope you had a joyful, and relaxing, holiday. As we turn our attention to 2026, be sure to register for the IBC Funds Luncheon in January plus “save the date” for other programs that the program team are working on for the first half of 2026.

One of those dates is our April “watch parties.” We are looking for folks to host watch parties in their homes on April 18 to participate in the AAUW CA Annual Event held online on Zoom. If you attended in the past you know that it’s not just watching – there will be breakouts and opportunities to engage. Please consider hosting because as they say “the more the merrier!” Contact Kathleen Deaver, whose contact information can be found in the Membership Directory, to find out more. Remember: the host of the most interesting watch party will win a prize!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!