Happenings Around the Branch

Social Justice By Lisa Howard

Friends,

I am thrilled to share that our May speaker will be Sage LaPena, a Native American traditional healer. I would like to solicit questions and/or topics of interest for Sage to address and add them to the program agenda. Please send your thoughts to Lisa Howard by January 30th. Lisa’s contact information can be found in the Membership Directory.

Tech Trek Update By Lana Widman

Nominations are starting to roll in! Our committee members have been working with science teachers at four different schools, and they are excited about the program.

This coming year, we have funds to send 12 girls to camp!! This is a result of joining up with the CHAR Tech Trek committee and YOUR generous donations. We will be sending girls to Camp Jemison at UC Davis, Fresno State Camp and Virtual Camp.

Next on the committee agenda is to interview each nominee and their family. Final selections will be announced in the March newsletter. Stay tuned!

Recap: Winter Luncheon and Spotlight on Local Author, ELAINE RUSSELL

By Vicki Kloock

The food and service at the North Ridge Country Club were a delight as always.

Elaine Russell gave a wonderful presentation on the story behind her novel “When the Tamarind Tree Blooms”, which takes place in 1931 French-colonial Laos. It is about a young half-Lao/half-French woman who is turning 18 and being released from the orphanage she was forced into when taken away from her mother at 4 years old by the French authorities, a regular occurrence during this time period.

Russell has authored three other historical novels and six children’s books, which have won numerous awards. Her research brings her on many travels, and she enjoys weaving the culture and history of other countries into her stories.

In case you missed her or would like to see her again, she is coming to Book Group 10’s January meeting, where members will be discussing the book. The book group will meet on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at Hedda Smithson’s house. If you would like to attend, please contact their chair, Sandi Schoenman. Her information is in the Membership Directory.

In addition, we bought the author’s books and we donated many, many books to Love, Talk, Read!

 

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.

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