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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 9 of the branch Membership Directory.)  On each list, the meeting days, times and coordinator are listed.

October Book Groups

Book Group 1:
The Diamond Eye, by Kate Quinn, on Oct. 9; coordinator is Susanna Mullen

Book Group 3:
Book Selection on Oct. 22; coordinator is Julia Maclay

Book Group 4: 
The Demon of Unrest, by Erik Larson, on Oct. 8; coordinator is Pat Morehead

Book Group 5: (Formerly CHAR)
The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon, on Oct. 16; coordinator is Pat Morehead

Book Group 8: (Reads Women Writers only)
Legacy, by Bethany Brookshire, on Oct. 9; coordinator is Diana Squire

Book Group 10: 
The Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America, by Amanda Jones, on Oct. 16; coordinator is Sandi Schoenman

Book Group 12:
Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine, by Uche Blackstock, MD, on Oct. 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,  The Wall Between, by Anne Braden, on October 1 at 7 p.m. We will discuss from the Preface through Chapter 9. If you have questions and to RSVP, please email Charmen at charminme@yahoo.com.

MEMBERSHIP DOINGS

MEMBERSHIP DOINGS

By Gloria Yost, Hedda Smithson

Members of AAUW Sacramento, you all need to be proud of yourselves for the part you played in helping our branch start the 2025-26 year with a 91% retention rate!! You:

  • Actively participated in branch meetings and special events.
  • Invited guests to come and learn about our mission of equity for women and girls.
  • Became ambassadors.
  • Promptly renewed your membership.
  • Encouraged fellow members to follow suit.

You made true the statement, “All members are part of the membership committee.”

Let’s do it again! – Join Ambassadors Fran Clarke and Donna Holmes

* * * * * * * *
Membership Ambassadors Program Continues!

  • 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 2026-27

Help us Strengthen our Branch connections and friendships

Gloria Yost and Hedda Smithson – Our contact information can be found in the Membership Directory.

Celebrating October Birthdays! 

  • Kathryn Schrumpf                          10/1
  • Janice Stuter                                    10/5
  • Mary Williams                                 10/8
  • Karen Ann Smith                            10/9
  • Lynn Blair Wood                             10/12
  • Linda Cook                                      10/13
  • Jennifer Virginia Stanley                10/14
  • Susan McLearan                             10/17
  • Elizabeth Hendrickson                  10/21
  • Marianne Rorden                           10/21
  • Christina Calpo                               10/23
  • Darcy Burton                                   10/26
  • Gail Evans                                         10/26
  • Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin         10/27

In Memoriam – Member Jane Pivett By Barbara Smith

Jane Pivetti, a longtime active branch member, passed away peacefully on
August 23, 2025 at the age of 95.

Jane was a voracious reader, and until a few months before her death, she was
still regularly attending Book Section 10 and playing bridge at every opportunity.  She was fiercely competitive at bridge and earned Silver Life
Member status in contract bridge tournaments.

For more than 60 years in the branch, Jane frequently participated in at least two book sections, two bridge sections, a gourmet group, and the Spanish language group simultaneously.

Together with her husband, Chuck, she traveled the world, including many long international summer bike trips.

Education was always very important to her. Jane was an inspiring teacher of
math at Will C. Wood Middle School for her entire teaching career. The busy
mother of five children, and the doting grandmother of seven and great-
grandmother of seven, she was constantly encouraging their curiosity about the world.

Jane was born in the Philippines and lived in several countries around the world while her father was employed by an international corporation, but she completed her high school and college education in the United States. She continued to practice speaking Spanish and French, and organized language interest groups in the branch.

Everyone who knew Jane remembers her positive outlook and upbeat
personality.  She was never without a brilliant smile.

Imagine all the major societal changes, and opportunities for women and girls
that Jane experienced in her lifetime. She took all of them in stride  while participating in AAUW Sacramento and epitomized AAUW’s commitment to
lifelong learning.

Scholarship News

Scholarship News By Elizabeth Rose

Our 2024-25 AAUW Scholarship Committee has awarded scholarships for the coming school year to four talented women.

Reese Lavering and Irina Alina Hernandez are students at California State University, Sacramento, and each will receive a scholarship in the amount of $5,000. Elizabeth Hammer and Jacqueline Rios are students at the University of California, Davis, and each will receive a scholarship in the amount of $6,000.

Reese Lavering is studying psychology with a minor in counseling at CSUS. She plans to graduate in May 2027. Reese is a first-generation college student and completed her AA degree in interdisciplinary studies on a part-time basis while working full time. She “want[s] to assist others with practical needs and life skills …” One of her professors, in his letter of recommendation, noted that Reese was among the top 15 per cent of students he has taught over his last 20 years of teaching at the collegiate level in California.

Irina Alina Hernandez plans to obtain a bachelor’s in social work in December 2026 and hopes to pursue a master’s degree. Irina is a single mother and has balanced her responsibilities as the sole provider for her son, as well as being a full-time student. She plans to become a licensed child therapist and establish her own practice, to provide “compassionate care to children who are navigating emotional and psychological struggles, offering them the tools to thrive despite adversities.” Alina is receiving the Wyndel L. Holmes Scholarship, provided by Donna Holmes in memory and honor of her husband.

Elizabeth Hammer is studying biochemistry and molecular biology. She plans to graduate in May 2027 and then attend medical school. Elizabeth grew up in foster care. Her career focus arose from a serious illness suffered by the foster mother she identifies as her greatest support system. During that illness, Elizabeth researched her mother’s condition, identified necessary information, and realized that she “wanted to be the person others could turn to in moments like that … someone who brings clarity, care and strength when it’s needed most.” Elizabeth is married with two children.

Jacqueline Rios is studying pharmaceutical chemistry and expects to graduate in spring 2027. Jacqueline has been interested in chemistry since elementary school. During her studies at Sacramento City College, she became determined to become a pharmaceutical chemist, to “be a part of creating procedures with newer technology.” Jacqueline’s long-term goal is to work toward her master’s and doctoral degrees.

The quotes above were taken from the statements provided by these students.

Many thanks to our members who supported these scholarships and made a positive impact on these students’ lives. We have invited the students to join us at an upcoming program.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? 

Nineteenth Amendment Celebrates 105 Years!

On August 16, 1920 the Nineteenth Amendment was certified. The amendment prohibits states from denying the right to vote based on gender, and it is the culmination of decades of effort by women who sought equality at the ballot box.

Are You “In the Know”?

On our website, https://sacramento-ca.aauw.net there is a banner across the top of the screen telling the viewer what we offer. Click on Membership and a drop-down menu appears. Click on Members Only and everything you want to know about the Sacramento branch of AAUW, from bylaws to our operating budget to Board meeting minutes are at your fingertips. But you need to know the password. While we can’t publish the password here, you can easily find it in the back of your Membership Directory under “Social Media.”

Ordering AAUW Name Badges By Nancy McCabe

You probably have seen some of our members wearing AAUW badges with our branch inscribed. We ordered them about six years ago when we were using paper badges on a string around our necks. It reminded some of a work badge or a nametag for a cocker spaniel. Ten dollars looked like a bargain for a bit of self esteem. The badges are $11.50 and can be ordered at aauw.source4.com. My second line is ‘Sacramento Branch, Inc.’ We chose not to add our leadership position name as we often change jobs within our branch. The badges are pretty cool, so feel free to order yours, and shop the site for other logo stuff!

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.

MEMBERSHIP DOINGS

MEMBERSHIP DOINGS By Gloria Yost

Welcome to our new member!

-Archana Maniar (spoke at Authors Luncheon)

We are glad you have joined and look forward to getting to know you.

2024-25 Membership Ambassadors, so far  

Jan Stuter, Charmen Goehring, Gloria Yost, Hedda Smithson,

PJ Missman, Liz Jordan, Joy Allender, Karen Burley

WHO’s GOING TO WIN A FREE MEMBERSHIP?

* * * * * * * *
Please become an ambassador by doing the following:

  • 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

Gloria Yost and Vicky Lovell – Our contact information can be found in the Membership Directory.

Membership Renewal By Donna Holmes

2025-26 Membership renewal for the majority of our members is due. If you sent in a check last year your paperwork is coming via USPS as it was sent 5/23/2025. If you did not receive it, you can download a copy to print <here> and a tax receipt <here>.

To renew online with a credit card, go to https://www.aauw.org/membership/, click on login to renew. If you have never logged in, click on ‘Forgot  Your Password’ and National will send you a link.

Please renew by June 30. State dues will increase by $10 to a total of $30 on July 1, so it ‘pays’ to pay on time!

Questions? Call Donna Holmes, Gloria Yost or Vicky Lovell. Their contact information is in the directory.

Celebrating June Birthdays! 

Happy Birthday to All!

  • Della Knowles                             6/2
  • Patricia Peck                               6/2
  • Mahnaz Khazari                         6/4
  • Shirley Wheeler                         6/8
  • Pamela Spears                          6/8
  • Jane Reinmuth                          6/10
  • Rita Walker                                6/10
  • Sharon Lee Swanson               6/11
  • Carmen Hobbs                         6/12
  • Charmen Goehring                  6/19
  • Kathleen Papst                         6/20
  • Carol Hayes                               6/29

Celebrating July Birthdays! 

  • Karen Ruth Curtis                      7/1
  • Nancy Kniskern                         7/1
  • Gloria Sears                               7/3
  • Karen Ann Rystad                     7/5
  • Patricia Winkle                          7/6
  • Judy Foote                                  7/8
  • Michele Hobza                          7/8
  • Linda Sparks                             7/9
  • Shari Beck                                 7/13
  • Lisa Howard                              7/14
  • Billie Veerkamp                        7/14
  • Vivian Counts                           7/16
  • Vicki M Kloock                          7/18
  • Marty McKnew                        7/20
  • Lori Franz                                 7/24
  • Martha H McDowell               7/24
  • Gina Schumacher                   7/31

Recap Authors Luncheon

Sacramento Branch of AAUW

Citrus Heights American River AAUW

Present “The Rights Stuff”  Season 2

The Right to Learn from Another’s Journey

Lights, Camera, Action!!

Two Branches Host Author’s Luncheon By Hedda Smithson

April 26 at the North Ridge Country Club saw almost 70 of us gather to enjoy one another and meet Archana Maniar, author of Dry Spells, her first – but  not her last — novel.

Host branches, Sacramento and CHAR, welcomed several members of the Roseville Branch as well. Dr. Maniar brought her parents, Bakula and Harshad, as well as her children, Kavita and Sanjay Thornton (who helped sell copies of their mom’s book). Several of us brought guests who then became members. Easy as pie!

The election of president and program director went smoothly with a couple of volunteers from the audience. Congratulations to   Co-Presidents Karen Burley and Cathy Locke, as well as Program Director Fay Grundel. We wish them a smooth and interesting next two years.

The AAUW CA Annual Event occurred at the same time as our luncheon but, thanks to technology, we are able to watch what happened. Log on to AAUW CA. On the home page there is an image called “AAUW 2025 Annual Event, Pivoting 4 Our Future.” There is a “Click here to view” button. You will listen to our state leaders and some keynote speakers, as well as catch up on the branch donation statistics, 5 Star winners, branch program recognitions, the three Speech Trek finalists and much, much, more.

Bringing guests who become members is very powerful. Think about friends and neighbors who share our passion and our mission. Include them in your small group meetings and prepare a 30-second “elevator speech” to grab their attention (can give your speech in the time it takes to ride the elevator).

If you enjoyed our membership year, think about how you can become involved. Meet new people – discover your own hidden talents – and have a lot of fun in the process. Reach out to our current branch leaders for guidance. And THANKS!

Did You Know?

Did You Know? By Karen Burley

There’s a new movie out called “Lilly,” based on the life of Fair Pay activist Lilly Ledbetter. It stars Academy Award-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson as Lilly Ledbetter as she battles the court case Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. In theaters as of May 9th.

Scholarship News By Beth Rose

The Scholarship Committee met to review the twelve complete scholarship applications they received for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. Committee members were happy with the quality of the applicants. It was determined that five applicants will be asked to participate in personal interviews with the committee.

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.

President’s Message

President’s Message By Nancy McCabe

Please be sure to sign up for our May 31st meeting, the last one of the AAUW year which ends in June. Details are elsewhere in the newsletter. We will gather at 10:30 in the Unitarian Universalist Society Meeting Room, 2425 Sierra Boulevard, Sacramento. Some highlights are hearing the Speech Trek contest first place winner (last one for our branch) and finding out more about the upcoming disbanding of the Citrus Heights American River Branch  (CHAR) and welcome those CHAR members who’ve decide to join  the Sacramento Branch, plus much more. Be there!

At the April 26th Author’s Luncheon we elected two co-presidents for the coming two year period: Karen Burley and Cathy Locke. Fay Grundel was also elected as the co-VP of Programs. If you want to help out Fay with Programs, please let me know!

Did You Know?

Did You Know? By Karen Burley

Legacy Giving

For those of you who love this organization and want to see AAUW continue to fight for equity for all into the future, you can become a Legacy Circle member. This is a gift that you leave from your estate and there is no minimum amount. There are many ways to set this up and you can contact me for more information. We have about 140 Legacy Circle members in California.in our branch we have 11 members, the most of any branch in California. Please join us!

Scholarship Applications

In the March newsletter we provided information regarding our branch scholarships. This is a reminder that the Scholarship Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year must be received by April 30, 2025 for consideration by the scholarship committee. Please get the word out to potential applicants you may know.

Tech Trek Volunteering

Tech Trek will be held July 12-19 at UC Davis. If you are interested in volunteering, send an email to the Sacramento Branch coordinator, Lana Widman. Lana’s contact information can be found in the Membership Directory.

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.

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.

Top 4 Favorite Books Read in 2024 – by Book Group 8 (coordinator Diana Squire):

  1. The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
  2. Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York’s Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist, by Jennifer Wright
  3. Horse: A Novel, by Geraldine Brooks
  4. Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed  It to the World, by Lesley M. M. Blum

March Book Groups

Book Group 1:
Long Bright River, by Liz Moore, on March 13; coordinator is Susanna Mullen

Book Group 3:
Another Appalachia, by Neema Avashi, on March 26; coordinator is Carolyn Meeker

Book Group 4: 
Epitaph for a Peach, by David Mas Masumoto, on March 12; coordinator is Pat Morehead

Book Group 8:
Such a Fun Age, by Kelley Reid, on March 24; coordinator is Diana Squire

Book Group 10: 
The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict, on March 20; coordinator is Sandi Schoenman

Book Group 12:
The Kitchen House, by Kathleen Grissom, on March 6; 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 March 5 at 7 p.m. We will discuss chapters 9-Finish. If you have questions and to RSVP, please email Charmen at charminme@yahoo.com.

We will start our next book in April. We’ve selected Erasing History, by Jason Stanley. It is so timely for our current moment. Please join us!