Tag Archives: Programs

Membership – December Update

Membership – December Update By Donna Holmes and Marty McKnew

One-third of our membership participated in our all-inclusive Holiday Party in December!  This was our first in-person event since February 2020 and it was lovely.

Members are the branch and together we change the world.  Membership directors are automatically on the Program Committee plus other non-board members who volunteer.  With Kim Rutledge’s leadership, we work out a plan for the year and who will work on each program.

At our December program we try to support another group in need, and this year we chose the Afghani refugees served by the Highlands Community Charter School.  We also learned about other cultures and their holiday observances.

The program team was made up of Bonnie Penix, Shari Beck, Gloria Yost, Barbara Smith, Jan Stuter, Kim Rutledge and Donna Holmes, with technical support by Karen Burley.  In total, 68 members made this event a rousing success.  The photo shows gifts collected at the holiday luncheon that made more than 100 children very happy.  Remember, membership is all of us — no one has to carry the whole load.  When you can, volunteer, take a chance to join a committee, interest group or even the board.  Together we are advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy.

Join us on Jan. 29 at the IBC Zoom meeting to hear from three fellows who received part of the $5M given out by Association this past year.

Happy New Year!

-Donna Holmes & Marty McKnew

Reminder Holiday Luncheon is Almost Here!

Holiday Luncheon and Branch Meeting By Donna Holmes and Barbara Smith

The Branch Holiday Luncheon is happening on Dec. 11, 2021. Members and guests will gather at the North Ridge Country Club at 11 a.m.

We know that everyone will be excited to meet in person again, but trust Gloria Yost and Bonnie Penix to challenge us with some theme-related conversation starters on each table.

The official business meeting will begin at 11:30. This is one of four official meetings required per year. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by our guest speakers.  See below for the menu options and reservation form.

Note that all reservations must be received by Dec. 1.

Ahmad Ibrahimi

Continuing our tradition of providing gifts to worthy causes, members are asked to bring items to be given to recent Afghan immigrants through Deborah Sternin’s Comfort Toys project, an outreach program based at the Highlands Community Charter School, which serves more than 1,600 Afghan students and their families. We will be collecting soft, cuddly toys, dolls, children’s books, and coloring books and crayons.

Ahmad Ibrahimi and Lindsey Curtis, from the school, will be our speakers. They will tell us about their work and the Afghan community here. For more information about our speakers, please click here.

As per National AAUW and our board’s decision, all attendees must show proof of COVID vaccination upon arrival. Our greeters will be efficient and friendly, but please respect this requirement for everyone’s safety. No one will be admitted without proof of vaccination.

Menu:

  • Chicken Piccata OR Portobello Mushroom Ravioli
  • Both include Garden Salad, bread, and coffee, tea, or iced tea
  • Vegan available upon request
  • Seasonal candies will be on the tables for dessert
  • A No host bar available

Cost per person is $32.50, plus processing fees. Register and pay via credit card on Eventbrite here, OR by check payable to AAUW Sacramento sent to Donna Holmes. Donna’s contact information can be found in the branch Membership Directory. You can use the registration form found here. Please be sure to indicate your meal choice: chicken piccata, portobello mushroom ravioli, or vegan. Also remember to bring your gift for Afghan children.

ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DEC. 1.

Holiday Luncheon!

Holiday Luncheon and Branch Meeting By Donna Holmes and Barbara Smith

The multi-cultural and varied religious observations that make up the December holiday season will be the emphasis of the Branch Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 11, 2021. Members and guests will gather at the North Ridge Country Club at 11 a.m.

We know that everyone will be excited to meet in person again, but trust Gloria Yost and Bonnie Penix to challenge us with some theme-related conversation starters on each table.

The official business meeting will begin at 11:30. This is one of four official meetings required per year. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by our guest speakers.  See below for the menu options and reservation form.

Note that all reservations must be received by Dec. 1.

Ahmad Ibrahimi

Continuing our tradition of providing gifts to worthy causes, members are asked to bring items to be given to recent Afghan immigrants through Deborah Sternin’s Comfort Toys project, an outreach program based at the Highlands Community Charter School, which serves more than 1,600 Afghan students and their families. We will be collecting soft, cuddly toys, dolls, children’s books, and coloring books and crayons.

Ahmad Ibrahimi and Lindsey Curtis, from the school, will be our speakers. They will tell us about their work and the Afghan community here. For more information about our speakers, please click here.

As per National AAUW and our board’s decision, all attendees must show proof of COVID vaccination upon arrival. Our greeters will be efficient and friendly, but please respect this requirement for everyone’s safety. No one will be admitted without proof of vaccination.

Menu:

  • Chicken Piccata OR Portobello Mushroom Ravioli
  • Both include Garden Salad, bread, and coffee, tea, or iced tea
  • Vegan available upon request
  • Seasonal candies will be on the tables for dessert
  • A No host bar available

Cost per person is $32.50, plus processing fees. Register and pay via credit card on Eventbrite here, OR by check payable to AAUW Sacramento sent to Donna Holmes. Donna’s contact information can be found in the branch Membership Directory. You can use the registration form found here. Please be sure to indicate your meal choice: chicken piccata, portobello mushroom ravioli, or vegan. Also remember to bring your gift for Afghan children.

ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DEC. 1.

Applications Available for 2022-23 Branch Scholarships

Applications Available for 2022-23 Branch Scholarships By Molly Dugan, Cathy Locke and Danielle Metzinger

AAUW Sacramento is accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-23 academic year.

The branch is offering $3,000 scholarships to women age 25 and older who are pursuing their first baccalaureate degree at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College, or California State University, Sacramento. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2022.

Our scholarship program is listed on the financial aid office websites for the various campuses. Information also is provided to mentoring organizations, student services centers and community groups, including Women’s Empowerment and Saint John’s Program for Real Change. We encourage members to assist in outreach efforts by passing along information to other organizations and individuals that might be interested in the scholarship program.

Academic and other criteria for applicants are available at https://sacramento-ca.aauw.net/programs/scholarships. Applications may be completed and supplemental materials submitted using the link on the webpage.

Prospective applicants may direct questions about the program or application process to the Scholarship Committee at aauwsacramentoscholarships@gmail.com.

We will hear from our three 2021-22 scholarship recipients during our Nov. 18 branch meeting. All are recipients of named scholarships, awarded in memory of branch members and past presidents Ruth Ann Hines and Ruth Burgess, and past scholarship recipient Charlene Rasmussen. Mariana Arellano, a nursing major, received the Ruth Burgess Scholarship. Hassina Paiman, also a nursing major, was awarded the Ruth Ann Hines Scholarship, and accounting major Merranda Kairn received the Charlene Rasmussen Scholarship.

We are grateful to all our members, families and friends who have given so generously to our scholarship program.

Membership, Fellowship Themes of October Branch Ice Cream Social

Membership, Fellowship Themes of October Branch Ice Cream Social By Kim Rutledge

The AAUW Sacramento Branch Program Committee is busy finalizing details for our first in-person program since early 2020. We will gather on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 12:30 p.m. at Eastern Oak Park, 3127 Eastern Ave., Sacramento, to reunite as a branch over ice cream from the Made in the Shade ice cream truck. Each branch member is encouraged to bring a potential new member. Every member who brings a guest will be entered into a raffle to win a fabulously cheesy prize.

We ask that all members contribute $8 to cover ice cream truck and rental fees. The $8 registration fee, payable by check to AAUW Sacramento, may be mailed to Cathy Locke (Cathy’s address can be found in the Membership Directory) or paid via the registration link on Eventbrite. Note that Eventbrite payment adds an additional fee of $1.42, for a total charge of $9.42. You can find the registration on Eventbrite here.

The Sacramento branch board voted at its August meeting to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all in-person events during the 2021-22 program year. We are committed to the health and safety of all our members and plan to offer a mix of in-person and Zoom events in the coming year. If you are attending an in-person event, including the October ice cream social, please bring your photo ID and either your COVID-19 vaccination card or digital proof of vaccination. To download digital proof of vaccination to your cell phone, go to https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov. The board also voted to follow current local and state guidance around masks. Because the October event will be held outdoors, we encourage attendees to wear masks, but they will not be required.

The Program Committee looks forward to reuniting with our members on Oct. 23 and appreciates everyone’s ongoing participation during these unusual times.

Fall Program Kick-Off

Fall Program Kick-Off is Happening Virtually on Saturday, Sept. 11 By Kim Rutledge and Karen Burley

Welcome to Fall at AAUW Sacramento Branch! We are committed to bringing our branch membership a robust array of programs in a virtual format, and hopefully some in-person events as well.

The branch program year starts on Saturday, September 11, with the virtual AAUW Branch Year Kick-Off from 10 am to Noon. This year we will have a joint session with our sister branch Citrus Heights American River (CHAR). We will highlight all that has been happening with Tech Trek, followed by planned programs, Interest Groups, and outreach programs for each branch.

Invite a friend who may be interested in joining our branch and log on to Zoom to learn what the coming year has in store. Registration information for this free event is available on Eventbrite by clicking here. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aauw-sacramento-branch-year-kick-off-tickets-168649706813 ) A Zoom link will be emailed to all registered members 2 days prior to the event. Please mark your calendars! This event is open to the public, so people who join on the 11th can join at a reduced rate.

As we look to December and beyond, we will assess whether or not we can return to monthly in-person branch events. Regardless of where we do our programming for the coming year, we promise to bring timely, compelling monthly programs to branch members. We look forward to seeing you on Zoom in September!

Here are all of the current program dates for 2021-22:

  • Saturday, September 11, 2021, 10 am – 12 Noon
    Branch Year Kick-off and Tech Trek presentation, on Zoom (a joint meeting with CHAR)
  • Saturday, October 23, 2021, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
    In-person Ice Cream Social and Scholarship presentation, Eastern Oak Park, Maple picnic site (the one closest to the parking lot), 3127 Eastern Ave., Sacramento
  • Thursday, November 18, 2021, 7 – 8:30 pm
    Panel presentation on California’s child care workforce, on Zoom
  • Saturday, December 11, 2021, 11 am – 2 pm
    Holiday luncheon, Northridge  Country Club
  • Saturday, January 15, 2022, Time is TBD
    Speech Trek Challenge, on Zoom
  • Saturday, January 29, 2022, 2 pm – 4 pm
    IBC Luncheon, on Zoom
  • Saturday, February 19, 2022 Time and Location are TBD
    Speech Trek Contest, In-person
  • Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 7 – 8:30 pm
    Panel discussion, Master Plan for Aging update, on Zoom
  • Saturday, April 9,  2022, Time and Location are TBD
    Author’s luncheon
  • Saturday, May 21,  2022, Time and Location are TBD
    Installation of officers, Speech Trek winner, Named Gift and 50-Year Member Honorees

Save the Date! Branch Program Dates Announced

Save the Date! Branch Program Dates By Kim Rutledge

Here are all of the current program dates for 2021-22:

  • Saturday, September 11, 2021, 10 am – 12 Noon
    Branch Year Kick-off and Tech Trek presentation, on Zoom (a joint meeting with CHAR)
  • Saturday, October 23, 2021, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
    In-person Ice Cream Social and Scholarship presentation, Eastern Oak Park, Maple picnic site (the one closest to the parking lot), 3127 Eastern Ave., Sacramento
  • Thursday, November 18, 2021, 7 – 8:30 pm
    Panel presentation on California’s child care workforce, on Zoom
  • Saturday, December 11, 2021, 11 am – 2 pm
    Holiday luncheon, Northridge  Country Club
  • Saturday, January 15, 2022, Time is TBD
    Speech Trek Challenge, on Zoom
  • Saturday, January 29, 2022, Time and Location are TBD
    IBC Luncheon
  • Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 7 – 8:30 pm
    Panel discussion, Master Plan for Aging update, on Zoom
  • Saturday, April 9,  2022, Time and Location are TBD
    Author’s luncheon
  • Saturday, May 21,  2022, Time and Location are TBD
    Installation of officers, Speech Trek winner, Named Gift and 50-Year Member Honorees

AAUW Program year ends with honors, speeches, hope for our city

AAUW Program year ends with honors, speeches, hope for our city – By Kim Rutledge

The final program of the AAUW Sacramento Branch was held on Saturday, May 15 on Zoom. The meeting started with the installation of new officers for the 2021-22 branch year, led by Gloria Yost. Marty McKnew and Donna Holmes were sworn in as membership co-directors, and Carole Cline was sworn in as secretary.

Liz Jordan presented President Angela Scarlett with her past-presidents’ pin, even though she will serve as president for another year. Liz also gave us a fascinating history of the pin’s origins and design. Other past presidents in the meeting shared about what the pin means to them.

Outgoing Membership Co-director Bonnie Pennix honored the branch’s 50-year members: Dorie Bracchi, Susan McLearan, Elaine Moody, Pat Stilwell and Gloria Yost. Each 50-year member received a certificate, which was mailed to their home.

Speech Trek winner Saher Haidari delivered her winning speech and impressed us all with her intelligence and poise, even over Zoom.

Funds Director Charmen Goehring presented this year’s branch named gift honorees: Karen Burley, Sharon Anderson, Marty McKnew, Arlene Cullum and Pat Winkle.

Our keynote speaker was Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela. She engaged our members in a discussion about her priorities for the city, including addressing housing and homelessness issues. She also spoke about the importance of having more women in leadership roles at all levels of government.

Looking ahead to the 2021-22 program year, please save the following dates for the Fall 2021 programs: Saturday, Sept. 11; Saturday, Oct. 23; Saturday, Nov. 13; and Saturday, Dec. 11. More program details will come in the next newsletter. If you are interested in helping plan next year’s programs, please email Kim Rutledge – you will find her contact information in the Sacramento Branch Membership Directory.

A Glimpse of the Future

AAUW Sacramento presents: A Glimpse of the Future By Gloria Yost

Saturday, May 15, 2021, 10 a.m. – 12:00, on Zoom

Please join our spring celebration as we wrap up our regular program schedule for the 2020-2021 year and take a glimpse of the future.  We will have a busy agenda, including the installation of our new officers as they begin their two-year terms.  They are:  Donna Holmes and Marty McKnew, membership co-directors, and Carole Cline, secretary.  The other elected officers are continuing.

A special treat will be the chance to hear our 2021 Speech Trek winner, Saher Haidari, present

Saher Haidari

her winning speech.  Saher is a junior at Pleasant Grove High School in the Elk Grove USD, where she competed against 15 students from six different district high schools. As the contest winner, Saher received the top award of $500.  She will be delivering her speech in person on the topic “Has social media helped or hindered the breaking down of barriers for women and girls?”

We will also recognize five new 50-year members — Dorie Bracchi, Susan McLearan, Elaine Moody, Pat Stilwell and Gloria Yost.  In addition, we’ll learn who our named-gift honoree recipients are for this past year.

Katie Valenzuela

Our special guest speaker will be Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela. She was elected in March 2020 to serve on the Sacramento City Council for District 4.  Valenzuela has over 10 years of state and local policy and community organizing experience. She was born and raised in Oildale, California, and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in community development from UC Davis.

We will hear about her journey to elective office, as well as her vision for the future of Sacramento, and learn what she sees as the greatest needs for the advancement of women and social justice reforms.

Please invite your friends and prospective members to catch a glimpse of the future and hear from Councilwoman Valenzuela as we celebrate together. To join us, please register at Eventbrite here. The Zoom link will be sent to you two days before the event.

AAUW Sacramento Annual Authors Event

AAUW Sacramento Annual Authors Event By Kim Rutledge

Saturday, April 10, 2021

12:30 – 2 p.m. via Zoom

Featuring historical fiction writer

Jillian Cantor

Please join us as we celebrate our annual Authors Event to hear Jillian Cantor speak. Cantor, a

Photo of Jillian Cantor by Galen Evans

best-selling author of 11 books for teens and adults, is known for her works of historical fiction, including “The Lost Letter” and “In Another Time”.  In her latest book,  “Half Life”, Cantor reimagines the life of Marie Curie, using a parallel structure to create two alternative timelines –one that mirrors her real life, and one that explores the consequences for Marie and for science if she had made a different choice.

Cantor has a BA in English from Penn State University and an MFA from the University of Arizona. She will be speaking to us via zoom from her home in Arizona, where she currently resides with her husband and two sons.

April is also the month for our annual meeting, and we will be electing new officers during the business portion of our gathering. The business meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Cantor’s latest book, “Half Life”, is scheduled for release by Harper Perennial on March 23.  In partnership with local women-owned bookstores, we are encouraging members to order and purchase “Half Life” from them, thus supporting both local small businesses and AAUW’s mission.  In exchange, these bookstores are publicizing our Authors Event.    

             Underground Books:  2814 35th St., Sacramento, CA   95817

                        916-737-3333          gwest@underground-books.com 

             Ruby’s Books:  724 Sutter St., Folsom, CA  95630

                        916-790-8760          INFO@RUBYSFOLSOM.COM

            Face in a Book:  4359 Town Center Blvd., El Dorado Hills, CA  95762

                       916-941-9401

            Crawford’s Books:  5301 Freeport Blvd., #200, Sacramento, CA  95822

                       916-731-8001          sue@crawfordbooks.net

This meeting is open to the public so please invite friends, family and prospective members  who can join AAUW at this event and receive a discount as well as a bonus of three extra months on their 2021-2022 membership.

Register with EventBrite:   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/142636576841. The Zoom link will be sent out two days before the event.