Tag Archives: Programs

A Gala Wrap Party

Lights, Camera, Action!!

“The Rights Stuff” Episode Nine – May 18, 2024

A Gala Wrap Party, By Hedda Smithson

Take a look at our web page: AAUW Sacramento to see the summary of our program year. We have been busy! And we deserved to celebrate!

At the lovely Unitarian Universalist Church on Sierra Boulevard, we gathered to honor and celebrate those who make AAUW Sacramento special and successful.

Missing in action was our president, Nancy McCabe, who was dealing with a new body part. Barbara Smith, program vice president, stepped up to the plate and led us through the morning’s activities. There was no red carpet but the spotlight was focused on new and current 50-year members, our Speech Trek winner and her speech, our local scholarship winner and her expression of gratitude for our support, and a whole cast of players who shared their time and talent for this membership year.

Stepping into place for a photo op were:

  • Liz Jordan and Angela Scarlett, Named Gift Honorees
  • Cathy Locke, Kathy Papst, Jessica Waugh, Shape the Future Honorees
  • Alyssa Wong, Speech Trek Winner
  • Erin Gottis, Scholarship Winner
  • Cherril Peabody, New Member Recruitment
  • Jessica Waugh and Robin Howlett, two of 23 new members

Our two new 50-Year Members, Vicki Nicholson and Sandra Young, were away attending family graduations. Congratulations to them!!

And it is renewal time!! Membership Treasurer Donna Holmes graciously answered questions about the process. For many of us the membership year runs from July 1 to June 30. For new members, the membership year depends on when they join. Renewal forms have been mailed and an email went to all about renewing online. Any questions? Ask Donna. Her contact information is in the directory.

A side note: Two air pots full of coffee arrived without spilling to the meeting. A big thank you goes to Kathy Papst for our morning treats. More than 30 of us enjoyed time together discussing ideas about the branch and its future, as well as volunteering where needed.

Action!

  • Renew your membership
  • Save Sept. 14 at Arden Dimick Library for our Fall Kick Off
  • Save Oct. 19 for Ballot Initiative Discussion
  • See the Directory for Named Gift Honorees of the past
  • Look up Shape the Future, an AAUW National Program
  • Be a participant, not a spectator – offer your help with Tech Trek, Gov Trek, Public Policy, Scholarship, Capital Ideas, Program, Membership. This is YOUR Branch!! Let’s have another successful year!!

    Shape the Future Honorees

    Named Gift Honorees

    50 year members in attendance

    Speech Trek winner

May Program – May 18th

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents

“The Rights Stuff” Episode Nine

It’s a Wrap! Celebrate an Award-Worthy Year

Lights, Camera, Action!!

                 Saturday May 18, 2024 – 10a.m-12:30p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Society, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento

May is the time to salute ourselves and celebrate the conclusion of another fantastic year of AAUW activity and support of women young and the young-in-spirit. Join us as we honor our 50-year members, hear from our young Speech Trek winner and outstanding scholarship winners, and salute Named Gift honorees.

You will greet the stars of this year’s programs, welcome several new members and have time to socialize while enjoying some delicious morning treats and beverages. Barbara and Hedda now know how to transport without spilling, so count on coffee, too!  (That is an inside joke that people who attended the March meeting will understand.)

Be prepared to voice your suggestions and commitment to help with next year’s programs. Tell us what has inspired you to action this year and what committee you are willing to join. Were there branch activities that you would like to see repeated next year?  (Many have asked to return to the Sojourner Truth Museum and Saturday Market.)  Are there new interest groups or book groups you would be willing to form?  Perhaps a Banned Book reading group?

The Tech Trek and Speech Trek projects are a big success and let many people learn about AAUW, and Gov Trek promises to be a much needed and appreciated project, but we can’t go ahead with it unless we have a leader/coordinator.

We have tried to provide the Lights and the Camera Focus on issues this year.  Now it is your turn to help provide the Action.

Start by registering for the May branch meeting.  Contact Margaret Steinberg and let her know you are coming. There is no charge to attend, but please make a reservation so that we know how many to plan for. Guests are welcome!

April Program: Author’s Luncheon on Book Bans

April: Author’s Luncheon on Book Bans By Hedda Smithson

Saturday, April 20, 2024, 11:00 AM
North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks

ACTION CHECK LIST:

Before April 9-

  • Make your choices on the reservation form below and mail it to arrive no later than April 12.
  • Write a personal check payable to AAUW Sacramento for $32.
  • Gather friends to come with you. AAUW Sacramento Zip Code listings begin on page 31 of our Membership Directory.
  • Think of questions for our panelists.

On April 20-

  • Listen to our panelists: Justin Azevedo, youth materials selector for the Sacramento Public Library, and Brenna Bellavance from Underground Books.
  • Participate in the quizzes and questions.
  • Browse and buy books from Underground Books.
  • Enjoy the lovely North Ridge Country Club and all it offers.

After April 20 on your own or with others-

  • Start a Banned Book Club.
  • Suggest a banned book for your book group.
  • Read a new-to-you banned book.
  • Check out the Book Den for titles.

After April 20 with your favorite device explore these options-

  • Saclibrary.org has :”Let’s Talk About Banned Books”, a panel discussion,
  • Red, Wine and Blue, redwine,blue for podcasts and news.
  • Everylibraryinstitute
  • Americanlibaryassociation

__  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __  __

AAUW Sacramento Branch Author’s Luncheon

Name                                              ______________________________
 (Print, Last, First)

Your email address here:                                                                           

YES! I plan to attend the Author’s Luncheon on April 20 at 11 AM. My reservation must be received no later than April 12.

Meal Choices (circle one in each category):

Main:          Thai Chicken Salad     or  Chicken Piccata     or   Pasta Primavera

Dessert:     Limoncello Cake     or    Fruit Cup

Make your selections. Mail this form and payment of $32 to AAUW Sacramento c/o            Margaret Steinberg, Reservations Coordinator. Margaret’s address can be found in the Membership Directory.

Note: Payment at the door will not be accepted.

Highlights of March Program:

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents: The Rights Stuff

Civil Rights and the Right to Fight for Them By Hedda Smithson

Lisa Howard organized and facilitated our March meeting. Great job! We met at the lovely Roberts Family Development Center (RFDC) where we were more than 30 strong. Jessica Waugh led members and guests in exploring the meaning of  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Cherril Peabody reviewed the requirements and benefits of our scholarship program to staff members of RFDC; Charmen Goehring pointed out opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to take part in Gov Trek, a new AAUW-CA program; Gloria Yost deciphered the meaning and possible impact of NCCWSL. Each is supported by AAUW Sacramento and can offer opportunities to clients and participants of the RFDC.

The amazing Tina Roberts told stories of her journey, along with her husband Derrell, in founding and creating this special family-focused nonprofit organization. We listened to Jaqueline Kendricks and Bryant Wyatt, who passionately shared their vision of two main programs offered by RFDC. Monique Stovall took us deep into the benefits and power of the summer Freedom School from her perspective as a school administrator.

Our hard working and very organized Kathy Papst arranged for light refreshments. Thank you and your team for the amazing snacks.

Lights, Camera, Action is the program theme for 2023-24. Here are some suggested actions for each of us to take:
– Dine at Colo’s Southern Café, 2326 Del Paso Blvd or King Cong Brewing Co, 1709 Del Paso Blvd
– Log onto www.robertsfdc.org  and search for

  • How the Other Half Eats
  • Lyrics for Something Inside So Strong
  • The California Reparation Report
  • AAUW history, a webinar available at aauw.org
  • Saclibrary.org offers opportunities to tutor others in Adult Literacy

Civil Rights and the Right to Fight for Them

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents

“The Rights Stuff” Episode Seven

Civil Rights and the Right to Fight for Them

Lights, Camera, Action!!

                 Saturday March 16, 2024 – 11a.m               

Please join us at the Roberts Family Development Center (RFDC) to learn how this organization fulfills its mission: To provide services to the Greater Sacramento area that meet the individual needs of each family member. The services provide a holistic approach, focusing on Pre K-12th-grade academic support and enrichment, parent education and engagement, and community involvement and advocacy.

RFDC has been lifting up and supporting families living in the predominately black area of Del Paso and North Sacramento for 23 years.  The center provides afterschool care as well as mentorship at multiple underserved schools. It also runs the largest Freedom School program in the Sacramento area during the summer.  RFDC connects community members to programs such as the Black Child Legacy Program, which provides practical resources such as diapers and mental health services, and opportunities for expression such as parent groups and poetry jams.  RFDC offers mentorship and work experience to young people from the community as part of their staffing model for programs.

Join us in a conversation with the women who run RFDC programs about how their programs are designed to support the women and families in Del Paso.

Here are the details:

  • Address: 766 Darina Ave., Sacramento, CA 95815
  • Register on Eventbrite <here> no later than Thursday, March 14
  • Organizer: Lisa Howard
  • Want to add some extra fellowship and adventure? Colo’s Southern Cafe is right across the parking lot from RFDC and opens at 1:00 if you would like to continue fellowship and get a bite to eat – think soul food and seafood. The address is 2326 Del Paso Blvd.

Here are some ideas for more ACTION:

  • Explore more about the center by logging on to robertsfdc.org.
  • Sign up for the newsletter by providing your email address on their website.
  • Check out “How the Other Half Eats” and/or “Something Inside So Strong Lyrics” and/or “The California Reparation Report” with your internet search engine.

April Program – Authors Luncheon

April Program by Hedda Smithson

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents
“The Rights Stuff” Episode Eight
Banned Books and the Right to Read Anything!
Lights, Camera, Action!!
Coming Attraction!  Save the date!  Saturday, April 20, 2024 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Reservations due April 12th!
North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks

Plans for the fabulous April joint luncheon with the Citrus Heights American River Branch of AAUW, fondly known as CHAR, are coming along. We are looking at some fun quizzes and mixers along with a panel discussion featuring some of our favorite local experts.

We have invited Brenna Bellavance from Underground Books on 35th Street, as well as Justin Azeveda and Christy Aguirre, who work for the Sacramento Public Library. There will be a chance to listen to each one, and then we will ask for your questions and comments.

Our meal is being provided by the talented chefs at North Ridge Country Club and promises to be delicious!!  Menu options: Thai Chicken Salad, Chicken Piccata with oven-roasted sweet potatoes and grilled vegetables, or angel hair pasta primavera with marinara sauce and grilled vegetables. Dessert will be limoncello cake with whipped cream or a fruit cup. Estimated cost: $35. Stay tuned for more information on how to register via eblasts and the next issue of Capital Ideas.

Meanwhile – think about your own reading journey. Do you remember the first time you realized there were stories in those funny looking symbols on the pages of books? And how about the day when you discovered the adult section of your local library. Who helped you choose what to read? Did you read a banned book on purpose?

Enjoy whatever you are reading now – and see you at North Ridge in April.

April Program

April Program by Hedda Smithson

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents
“The Rights Stuff” Episode Eight
Banned Books and the Right to Read Anything!
Lights, Camera, Action!!
Coming Attraction!   Save the date!   Saturday, April 20, 2024
North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks

A joint meeting and luncheon with *CHAR

Some history from Hedda’s memory bank: In September or October of 1956, or maybe it was 1957, the big deal between classes and/or lunch was passing around Val Jean S’s well-worn copy of Grace Metalious’ “Peyton Place”. Several pages were marked: passages that blew our little minds. My friend Sonja and I remember! In a recent conversation she called it a “dirty” book. And Canada did ban it from 1956 to 1958!! So that was Hedda’s first experience with Banned Books –“Peyton Place” was banned? It did become the basis for a TV series that ran from 1964 to 1969.

Fast forward to now.  When a book is banned, can a publisher acquire the rights to the content? Yes! Parisian Obelisk Press published Henry Miller’s sexually frank novel “Tropic of Cancer” and Olympia Press published William Burroughs’s “Naked Lunch”. Does making a book forbidden make it more desirable? Could this be a marketing ploy?  Here is a quiz for you to help you think about the April meeting. Answers appear elsewhere in this newsletter issue:

  1. Which book is banned by fourteen countries?
    1. “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” by D H Lawrence (1928)
    2. “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov (1955)
    3. “Satanic Verses” by Salman Rushdie (1988)
  2. Which country has the largest number of banned books?

a) Australia
b) China
c) Indonesia
d) Singapore
e) US

3. What reasons for banning are given?

a) Sexually explicit
b) Blasphemy against Islam
c) Positive depiction of Jews
d) All of the above

4. Which country banned all works from Johannes Kepler, Voltaire and Federico Garcia Lorca?

a) Germany
b) Italy
c) Spain

*CHAR – Citrus Heights American River Branch of AAUW

December 9th – Looking Back

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents By Hedda Smithson

Having Fun and Doing Good – December 9 Looking Back

Our December gathering was one to remember. North Ridge Country Club didn’t disappoint with a lovely setting, delicious food, friendly wait staff and all our friends!! Countless bags of offerings for the CSUS Food Pantry covered the donation table that we crammed into a small car. The following Monday Team Smith and Smithson drove to CSUS, met a young man with a golf cart, visited the pantry, and helped unload the golf cart!

Our three scholarship winners reminded us of our heritage – helping women achieve their dreams through financial support and encouragement. We met Elizabeth, an Anthropology and Economics major who received the Charlotte Rasmussen scholarship. Nataliia received the Wyndel Holmes scholarship and is majoring in Business Administration. Wahida told us she was an Asian Studies major.

Cathy Locke and Cherril Peabody gave us some details about our Scholarship Program. Liz Jordan told us about our Speech Trek program and also shared the latest about the Equal Rights Amendment. Nancy McCabe reminded us that several projects could use a helping hand: the March program (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), Public Policy, Gov Trek, Speech Trek, and Newsletter. See page 8 of your directory for names of contacts. Gloria Yost reported that we have 15 new members so far and held the monthly opportunity drawing.

Thank you to all who brought donations and thank you for transporting them to a loading zone outside the building. We are stronger together!

 

AAUW Winter Luncheon

AAUW Winter Luncheon – Last Call!

*When ? Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at 11 AM
*Where? North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks
*What’s on the menu? You have a choice of a Chicken Piccata OR Quinoa Bowl.
*What is the cost? $40
*How do I register? Before Nov. 30, use Eventbrite to choose your entrée and pay electronically. Contact Hedda Smithson for more options. Text or call on her cell; see page 25 of the directory.
*When will registration close? Per the requirements of the venue, registration closes Nov. 30.
*What will we do there? —

Sacramento Branch of AAUW Presents: Episode Four of “The Rights Stuff”
Lights, Camera, Action!! The Right to Higher Education By Hedda Smithson

Did you know AAUW Sacramento has been around since Feb. 25,1920? Some of us helped celebrate our 100th birthday on Feb. 29, 2020. One of the first projects these early members started was a scholarship program.

We have invited each of our five current scholarship recipients to tell their stories and share a wonderful luncheon with us. At this writing we are not sure who will be joining us – so you will need to come to find out. Will it be Elizabeth, an anthropology and economics major at UC Davis; Erin, a graphic design major at Sacramento City College; Nichole, an exercise science major at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS); Wahida, an Asian studies major at CSUS; or Nataliia, a business administration major at American River College? Be ready to greet them warmly and make them feel welcome.

By the time you receive this newsletter, several email “blasts” have been distributed. A big thanks to Shari and Karen!!

And now – it’s time for ACTION!

Branch members often have a “cause” or a “charity” to support at this time of year. We know that college students may have financial hardships and low food security. Please consider supporting the Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Food Pantry at California State University Sacramento. Acceptable items:

  • Non-perishable, individually packaged, single-serving food items
  • Students like low-sodium, low-sugar, low-processed items
  • Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, curry powder, etc.)
  • Non-perishable, individually packaged, single-serving food items
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, etc.); menstrual products

AAUW Fund Luncheon

AAUW Fund Luncheon By Donna Holmes

Sponsored by your Capitol Counties Interbranch Council

Saturday, January 20, 2024 Northridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave. Fair Oaks, CA
Noon – 2:00pm

Keynote speaker: Tracy Ramondini, Elk Grove Sheldon High School teacher  and Gov Trek State Committee member, will update us on the Gov Trek program.

In addition, two current AAUW Fund Recipients will share their educational journeys,  focusing on details and progress of their work.

Reserve your spot today; deadline for reservations is  January 10, 2024.

Make your $40 check payable to AAUW CHAR and mail to:
AAUW CHAR, P.O. Box 1555, Fair Oaks, CA  95628
Include the following information:

Name _______________________________________ Branch _________________________

Phone __________________________ Email _______________________________________

Please indicate your menu choice:

____ Turkey w/mashed potatoes & veggies

____ Vegetarian Risotto

2024 AAUW IBC Luncheon Flyer

November Program: The Rights Stuff

“The Rights Stuff”: Episode Three By Hedda Smithson and Gloria Yost

Saturday, November 4, 2023 10 AM until noon
Carmichael Library, 5605 Marconi Ave, Carmichael

We turn our lights and camera to the Right to Personal Safety and Second Chances at our next branch meeting.

Representatives from My Sister’s House, St. John’s Program for Real Change, WEAVE and Women’s Empowerment have been invited to speak. Each is dedicated to improving the lives of women in our community who are dealing with serious issues like domestic violence and homelessness. Each speaker has been given a series of questions to address as they speak to us. We will look for ways to focus on our Action or Actions to support these efforts.

Doors will open at 10 a.m., and the meeting will begin at 10:30. Light refreshments will be available.

To make sure we have enough chairs for everyone, kindly register on Eventbrite by clicking <here>. Or contact Hedda Smithson, whose contact information can be found in the Membership Directory. Registrations will close on Nov. 3. Please wear your AAUW name tag. If you haven’t had time to visit Shop AAUW and order one of these cool items, a name tag will be provided. For future events, name tags can be ordered at aauw.source4.com, then choose Accessorize.

Here are the speaker bios for our panelists:

Women’s Empowerment’s mission is educating and empowering women who are homeless with the skills and confidence necessary to get a job, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and regain a home for themselves and their children: this is the mission of Women’s Empowerment.

Zoe Fishman joined the Women’s Empowerment team in March of 2019 bringing a plethora of experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors.  As an advocate for underserved and marginalized folks, Zoe believes that there are many ways to get involved, but inaction is not an option, and applies that philosophy in everything she does.

My Sister’s House’s mission is to serve Asian and Pacific Islander and other underserved women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking by providing a culturally appropriate and responsive safe haven, job training, and community services.

Grace Yoon, Esq. Grace Yoon is a staff attorney for My Sister’s House.  In 2022, the Sacramento County Domestic Violence Prevention Collaboration recognized Grace with a Symbol of Service Award for her commitment and service to the survivors of domestic violence in our community.

St. John’s Program for Real Change mission is to unleash the potential of women and children in crisis. We accomplish our mission by adhering to our vision — breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence, one family at a time.

Julie Hirota is an accomplished business executive and CEO for Saint John’s Program for Real Change. She has more than 25 years of extensive leadership and operational experience in private, public, and non-profit sectors driving meaningful outcomes.

WEAVE’s mission is to promote safe and healthy relationships and support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking.

As the CEO of WEAVE, Beth Hassett has led the charge to promote safe and healthy relationships and support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking since 2006.  She is committed to ensuring that WEAVE’s programs are accessible, respectful and culturally responsive so clients from all communities can heal and rebuild their lives.  In 2020 Beth received two honors from the Sacramento Business Journal, the Corporate Citizenship Award as Non-Profit Executive of the Year and she was named one of Sacramento’s Most Admired CEO’s.