Advancing Gender Equity for Women and Girls | |
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SEPTEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER
edited by Dottie Burk, Jeanne Lese, Cherie Sorokin and Ann Vercoutere
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Applause, applause! Since 1888, AAUW has been one of the largest funders of graduate education for women. Ida Street, pictured above, a pioneer in the field of early American Indian history, received the very first fellowship in 1888, in the amount of $350. Since then, the scope of AAUW's fellowship programs has expanded, and for the 2023-24 academic year AAUW was able to award just over $6 million in graduate fellowships, career development grants and community project grants to women who are now part of a long line of women realizing their dreams, thanks to AAUW. You can read more about some of the amazing women who have received AAUW fellowships and grants on the AAUW website. Just so you know, our Fellowship and Grants programs are endowed and fully funded; everything else AAUW does at the national level is supported by annual unrestricted donations to the AAUW Fund from people like us, and a few very appreciated corporate donors! | |
AAUW-CA Tackles Book Banning in CA | |
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In response to member concerns about efforts in CA and across the country to ban books and censor curricula, the AAUW-CA Public Policy team has launched “The School Board Project” (SBP) designed to help ensure that school boards up and down the state include members who are committed to the maintenance of high standards of education for all students – including access to diverse and historically accurate information. As noted on the AAUW-CA website, on September 21, at 7:00 pm on Zoom, SBP Committee Chair Kathi Harper will explain the project, what it involves, and how all AAUW California members can help. A representative from the project's collaborative partner, Equality California, will talk about the importance of this project and members from the League of Women Voters will provide guidance on how to speak out effectively and civilly at school board meetings.
The program is free, but registration is required. To register click here. You can also register from the AAUW-CA website.
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Chat with Leslie
Hello all!
I hope to see each of you at our AAUW fall events thanks to our Program Chair, Cherie Sorokin, our Tech Trek Chair, Angela Nuckles, and our Auction Committee, headed by Dianne Sheridan and Dottie Burk! See the schedule of events below! Keep in mind that not only do we support our community, but we support each other when we meet to learn from amazing, smart women. This fall’s programs will feature women who have made significant contributions to the field of science and women’s health and art. We'll also highlight young women who are discovering their potential through TechTrek and STEM programs at College of Marin. I encourage you to come and meet other interesting women! Need a ride? Help with Zoom? Let Nancy Finston or me know!
As you are aware, fall is our time to ask our members and the community for donations for the AAUW Marin Auction, our local fundraiser. Each donation helps us send young women to Tech Trek and NCCSWL, and to provide scholarships to women attending Dominican University and College of Marin.
What can you do? Do you have a favorite shop/restaurant/service? Ask them for a gift certificate. If you need a letter to explain the AAUW AUCTION, contact Dianne Sheridan
One more thing! We are looking for an AAUW Fund Chair and a chair for TTAG, our Tech Trek Alumnae group. Interested? Want to know more? Reach out!
See you soon!
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Saturday, September 9, Brunch with Avril Angevine!
10:00 am at the Key Room at Homeward Bound
$25
Are you an art lover, an artist, or both? You won't want to miss our fall kick-off program featuring one of our favorite art lecturers, Avril Angevine, speaking on three contemporary women artists: Anna Pelton, Henrietta Shore, and Helen Lundeberg. All three women painters were inspired by the California landscape, by mid-century modernist thinking, and by their own stories. Well-known in their time, they have faded from public view, but should definitely be on any art lover's radar!
PLUS, an exhibition of a variety of different art forms created by our own talented members. Come early so you have time to chat with them about their work!
You should already have received your invitation to this program. Please RSVP NOW and pay the $25 via PayPal, or by mailing a check to AAUW Marin c/o Sue Torres, 256 Marinda Dr., Fairfax, CA. We need to give our "headcount" to Homeward Bound early in September, so don't delay! Guests are welcome.
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Wednesday Evening, September 13, Dr. Deena Emera
Author of A Brief History of the Female Body
in Conversation with Dr. Lizellen La Follette
6:00 pm Via Zoom
Dr. Deena Emera is an evolutionary geneticist, author, and teacher (and the daughter-in-law of our member Afaf Meleis!) Her new book explores the mysteries of the female body through an evolutionary lens.
Dr. Lizellen La Follette is a globally recognized OB/GYN much beloved here in Marin. Many of you may know her from the Buck Institute's Ova Hour. It's bound to be a great evening as these two women converse about how and why we have evolved as we have, and how we might evolve in the future.
Please RSVP to the invitation that will be sent on or about September 2. Guests are welcome, but please let Cherie Sorokin know their names so she can be sure to allow them access to the zoom. Cherie's Email
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Nominate an Extraordinary Woman!
Do you know a Marin woman whose extraordinary personal achievements or contributions to our community should be publicly recognized and preserved for history?
Nominations are now open for five new women to be inducted in 2024 to the Marin Women's Hall of Fame. You can access the nomination form here. Nominations must be submitted by September 22.
Even if you don't have a nominee in mind, save the date of February 8, 2024, for the induction dinner. It's always inspirational.
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We're at the Senior Fair!
After a break for the last three years, the Marin Senior Fair is returning to the Exhibit Hall at the Marin Civic Center, on Thursday, September 7, 9:00 – 3:00. There will be exhibits of all kinds, everything those of us mature Marin residents will find helpful. Plus, it's free. For the first time, AAUW Marin will have a booth at the Fair. Come by Booth 163 to say hello! Tell your friends to check us out as well. We hope we’ll get more name recognition and maybe some new members.
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Welcome Three New Members | |
Sarah Perry
A hiking friend of Angela Nuckles, Sarah splits her time between Mill Valley, a small hill town in Italy, and Wisconsin, where she was raised. After she retired early from a varied career in financial services, including starting a woman-led strategic alliance and venture investment group, she decided to focus on projects close to her heart: the environment and education. She works closely with several land trusts in the U.S. and has started a fund to allow college students to study abroad. She decided to join AAUW after learning about our key women’s projects and Tech Trek. Sarah loves to travel, cook, hike and all things Italian. Sarah is looking forward to meeting our members when she is in Marin.
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Nancy Field
Nancy had careers as a writer and teacher and then in her 40s she decided to follow her dream to be an attorney. She attended Hastings Law School and many years later she is still a practicing attorney specializing in elder abuse, conservatorships, and trusts. She loves knowing that she is helping others deal with often very difficult situations. Her current goal is to outline and start writing a novel that has been in her head for years. When not working, Nancy loves to travel, sometimes with her three children and grandchildren, reading, walking, enjoying her Goldendoodles, Cooper and Teddy Bear, and as well as “…so many other things that I often just take for granted.” We’re so glad you’ve joined us and hope you’ll make many new friends.
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Deborah Learner
Deborah, a neighbor of Jeanne Lese, came to our May program and decided to join us. She is a retired parks planner and capital projects manager with the SF Parks Dept. Not taking it easy, Deborah has been a yoga teacher and tutor and has signed up for the Experience Corps training. She loves all things musical – she plays the ukulele and sings with the Marin Symphony Chorus. Her daily meditation, swims at the Y and dog walks along with learning bridge and lots of reading also keeps her busy. We’re so glad you’ve joined us, Deborah.
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Join the Welcome Committee
Been a member for a few years? Don’t have time or want to take on a leadership position? We have just the thing for you. You can help the branch by being a part of a new Welcome Committee. What it would entail is occasionally calling a new member to introduce yourself and find out more about them, perhaps meet one of them for coffee, make sure they know about the interest groups, look out for new members at any branch programs you attend and be sure they are included and welcomed, or anything else that keeps our new members informed and engaged. A little bit of your time would really be appreciated by our Membership Chair, Chris O’Neill, and the Board. To learn more, contact Chris. She’d love to hear from you.
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Ready to join a new interest group?
All groups welcome new members. Just contact the group leader for information or to be added to the group email list. For a list of all Marin branch interest groups with leader contact information, click HERE. Note: Interest Groups are just for members of AAUW Marin, but guests who may be thinking of joining are welcome to visit an interest group twice before being asked join.
Is anyone interested in a Creative Writing Group?
The group would meet once a month … date to be determined. Group members individually would write memoirs, stories or poems to bring to meetings, where members could then discuss and positively critique . Please contact Joann Levin if interested.
Or how about a Monthly Music Jam?
Dianne Sheridan and Nancy Finston are starting a new interest group "Monthly Music Jam" for people playing stringed instruments, such as ukuleles and guitars. All levels are welcome. There will be some fairly basic education for those new to the ukulele, (guitar players should have some basic knowledge) but the general goal is get together to have fun playing songs we love once a month. If you are interested, contact either Dianne or Nancy. We'll look to schedule a regular day and time based on what works for those interested in participating.
Or what about golf?
Golfers! Let's get together to plan golf outings at McInnis Park. If you are interested, contact Hannah Panger or call 650-743-4107 to talk about a weekday morning that suits. Looking forward to getting this group started.
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Tudors: The Art and Majesty of Renaissance England
The group is heading to the Legion of Honor on September 7 at 10:00am. Those who want to carpool should meet at 9:30 in the very south end of the Strawberry Village shopping center in the Commuter Parking lot just past Westamerica Bank. We will eat lunch in the museum cafe at 11:30. The exhibit is $30, $27 for seniors, free for members. RSVP to Marilyn South or call her at 415 492-2688.
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Hiking Group
Our next hike is September 5. We will meet at Mountain Home Inn at 11, then hike up to Bootjack campground, eat lunch there and come back. We plan hikes often on the first Tuesday and the third weekend of each month with distance and destination determined by the hikers. Please contact Ann Vercoutere if you are interested in joining us.
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LitWits Reading Group
LitWits starts the year on Wednesday, September 20 with Philip Roth's 2004 novel, The Plot Against America, describing an alternative in which Charles Lindbergh, aviator hero with fascist sympathies, is elected President in 1940, and under his presidency the U.S. negotiates an understanding with Adolph Hitler and embarks on its own program of anti-Semitism. LitWits' October and November books will be two other Roth novels: I Married a Communist and The Human Stain. LitWits reads literary fiction by writers from any era or country, meets third Wednesday at 10 AM, and new members are welcome. Meetings are in-person/Zoom hybrid. For info contact Ann Thomas 415-924-9559 or athomas1@pacbell.net.
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What Are You Reading?
The What Are You Reading group will meet at the home of Cherie Sorokin on Monday, September 11 at 10:00 am. Member share what they are currently reading with others in the group. You always come away with some great recommendations! If you are interested in joining the group or attending this meeting, please email Cherie Sorokin.
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Nonfiction Reading Group
The Nonfiction Reading Group is meeting Monday, September 25, at 1:00 on Zoom to discuss The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson. This is an account of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues launched a revolution that will allow us to cure diseases, fend off viruses, and have healthier babies. If you would like to be on the group’s email list, email either co-leader for the Zoom link contact: Phyllis Kuehn or Olivia Ruel The nonfiction reading group meets on the 4th Monday at 1:00 via Zoom and discusses nonfiction books selected by the group members.
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Behind the Headlines
Behind the Headlines: Headlines will meet jointly with the full branch on September 13 to hear Dr. Deena Emera, author of A Brief History of the Female Body, be interviewed by Dr. Lizellen La Follette, a noted gynecologist here in Marin. If you are interested in being on the mailing list for Behind the Headlines, please email Cherie Sorokin.
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Happy Hour Group
Our next Happy Hour is Thursday, September 14 at 4:30. Location TBD. If you would like to join the group email list, contact Dottie Burk.
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Meet Me at the Movies!
The movie group meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Each month we look for an entertaining, thought-provoking movie. We attend the late-afternoon matinees followed by dinner and discussion at a nearby restaurant.
We saw Oppenheimer in August and rated it a 4.5 out of 5 with many interested in learning more about him and our government at that time. We were able to attend the new theater that had reopened in Larkspur Landing, quite a treat with cushy seating and only a $6 ticket price on Tuesdays. We had a good discussion while having dinner at Sushiko. We will meet September 12 for a late afternoon movie, time and place to be announced. Interest group leaders are Mary Mossteller 415-924-3096 and Freddie Greene (415) 456-6500.
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Handcraft Circle
Handcraft Circle will meet September 19 from 1-4 at Mary Mossteller’s home at 130 Acacia Ave in Larkspur. Please bring any personal craft project you can work on in a group, such as knitting, crocheting, zentangle, needlepoint, mending, etc and we will enjoy each other’s company as we get further on our projects. Call Mary at 415-924-3096, if you would like to join us. We welcome new members.
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Play Mah Jongg?
After a summer break the Mah Jongg interest group is resuming in September with weekly games on Wednesdays in members' homes. We've changed the time to 1:30 to 3:30. If interested in joining, email the group leader Chris O'Neill.
We play American Mah Jongg. You need the card to play and should have a basic knowledge of the game. Chris can also give you information on where to take lessons if you'd like to learn to play. Come join us!
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New Yorker Reading Group
The New Yorker Reading Group is not currently meeting.
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LitWits Book Group members (Carol Hoffman, Nancy Major, Ann Thomas, Terri Ulin) gather for a spirited discussion of Sinclair Lewis' It Can't Happen Here. Apologies to the Zoomers not included in the picture. | |
So Much to Do, So Little Time | | |
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Marin City Exhibition at Hamilton
If you missed the wonderful Marin City Exhibition at the Civic Center awhile ago, here's your chance to see it on display at the Marin Community Foundation Suite 200, at 5 Hamilton Landing, Novato. The Exhibition runs through September 25. Reservations for viewing are by APPOINTMENT ONLY, Mondays or Fridays, 9-5. Call 415 637-0563 to reserve your time. Whether you are seeing it for the first time, or returning for another look, you'll be impressed with the collection pulled together by Performing Stars of Marin and soon to be part of a new museum in Marin City.
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Join Experience Corps
Want to work with students in grades K-3 in local schools? Are you 50 and older? Experience Corps Bay Area aims to increase child literacy rates by connecting older adult volunteers with non-fluent readers in grades 1-3. No prior experience is necessary to volunteer with us at ECBA. All training and support are provided. To find out more, email Laura Phipps or call her: 415-456-2557.
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A 'Signature' Event - Sip and Sup and Book Signing
Members gathered at Cherie Sorokin's home on August 27 to toast the end of summer, catch up with AAUW friends, and to hear author Anita Gail Jones read from her new novel, The Peach Seed. L to R: Rozan Donals, Karin Fitz-Sanford (guest), Cherie Sorokin, and Anita Gail Jones
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October 14 at 10:00 am Meet and hear from our Tech Trekkers and College of Marin STEM Achievement Award winners at the Marin Bocce Rose Garden in San Rafael
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November 18 at 11:00 am Our now annual program with Elaine Petrocelli at Book Passage
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December 2: Our annual holiday lunch. Always a fun gathering.
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Know Someone Who'd Like to Join AAUW? | |
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AAUW women make an impact on women and girls.
Word of mouth is the best way to recruit new members!
Why Join? AAUW offers multiple ways to stay engaged with our mission of advancing equity for women and girls, as well as to develop friendship with others who understand that the fight for equality is still critical! Excellent national webinars! Engaging monthly branch programs! A wide variety of interest group meetings! Energetic, intellectually curious friends! A mission that is more important than ever! CONTACT Chris O'Neill for membership information.
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AAUW is a top-rated 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible.
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