MAY 2024

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Branch Email: aauwwd@gmail.com

Wyandotte-Downriver has earned 3 of 5 stars

in the national 5-Star Recognition Program.

News & Views

The monthly newsletter for the

AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch

Message from our President!

Hello and Happy Spring!


The month of May brings so many important dates for our branch:


  • STEM Savvy on May 9th
  • AAUW statewide convention May 10-11
  • Branch meeting/scholarship awards May 14
  • Open Membership vote ends May 15
  • Joint Branch/Foundation Board meeting and Applebee’s fundraiser on May 21. WHEW!!


Please make sure to check the rest of the newsletter for details on all of these and other important events.


As my tenure as President comes to a close in June, I want to thank everyone for the help and guidance I have received, and for all of the enthusiastic work you all do for women every day.


It has been an honor and a pleasure.


Congratulations and best of luck to all of the new and continuing officers in the coming year!


Have a wonderful month.

Terey

Important Branch News

      All Hands On Deck for the 10th Annual STEM Savvy 2024 - May 9th at WCCCD

Taylor Campus

STEM SAVVY IS REVVED UP AND READY TO GO!


May 9th is only a few short days away and STEM SAVVY 2024 is geared up and ready to go.


This year, Doctor Angela Wilson will be the keynote speaker.

Eight seminars are on the agenda for the day.


Our own members Laurel Blackwell and Jenna Dicker will be presenting, as well as teams from GM and a local nature center.


Thank you to all the committee members who have dedicated their efforts since September toward creating this 10th Anniversary presentation of STEM SAVVY.


Madeleine Jones and Jenna Dicker helped to recruit the speakers and keep them in the communications loop. Lots of text messaging was needed to accomplish that!


Special thanks to Paul Haley for coming forward again to cover the cost of all the free lunches and coffee service for the event. Blessings to Sheila Blair for putting together an eye popping program booklet again. Bless also the talented fingers of Rich Witkowski for helping to place the 125 girls into their seminar sessions and Andrea's typing skills for assembling the database. “Many hands make light work.”


Get ready for this most wonderful day. Working together, we can create a joyful time of discovery for middle school girls.


Volunteers are asked to come dressed in red, white, and blue this year. Please wear really comfortable shoes because you will be on the move all day long!!


Also our STEM "DEBRIEF" meeting will take place on Thursday May 30th at 12:30pm at the Riverview Library.


Thanks everyone for your dedicated efforts,

Jackie Hector & Andrea Witkowski

STEM SAVVY Co-Chairs



Open Membership Vote ends May 15th

Please visit OpenUpAAUW.org for all the information and resources available to assist members in voting for or against the degree requirement for anyone who has an interest in joining AAUW.


LAST CALL for "Named Gift" Nominations!


Nominate someone who you feel has done an outstanding job for our branch this year. 


Do not nominate anyone who has received the Named Gift Award for the past 5 years; recipients are listed in the Yearbook. 


Send nominations to Ruth Briggs at:

ruthbriggs1@comcast.net 


Deadline is the May 14th branch meeting.

Support the

AAUW-WD

branch fundraiser

on May 21st

in Southgate!

How:  You can participate in this fundraiser by:

  • Dine in
  • Take out
  • Pick up



Please visit Applebee's and they will take your order from their storefront for take-out. 


SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, ANYONE AND EVERYONE YOU KNOW.


When purchasing your meal, mention the group’s name to receive 20% of your meal’s price donated back to AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver.


 We've also decided to hold our joint branch and foundation board meeting on this night and time so that we can take advantage of this fundraiser. Board meeting will start at 5pm.  


Link for more info and to RSVP:  

https://www.groupraise.com/events/279348 

UPCOMING BRANCH MEETINGS/EVENTS:

"SAVE THE DATES"

June 11: 6:00pm, June Branch Meeting: New Officer/Board Installation and Awards, TBD


July: Social Event or Picnic, TBD


August: Summer Hiatus - no meeting.


September 10: 6:00pm, Branch Meeting, program/speaker, TBD


October 8: 6:00pm, Branch Meeting, program/speaker TBD

Public Policy Priorities


Upcoming public policy updates and happenings will be shared at the May branch meeting and in the Summer newsletter!

Watch for additional local opportunities to further our involvement in AAUW’s public policy agenda to advance women through political, nonpartisan measures, and forward suggestions to Diana Mente at: dmenteaauw@yahoo.com

Member News

The golf shirts and sweatshirts with the AAUW logo are in. 


If you ordered one, you can pick them up at the April or May meeting. 


They cost $30. 


You can pay by check made out to AAUWWD Foundation. 


I ordered extras so if you want one, they are available. 


Ruth Briggs

MAY BIRTHDAYS!

May Birthdays:




5/6: Jean Carnahan

5/19: Bev Framalin

5/25: Sharon Dmochowski

5/26: Pauline Bergeron


RECRUITMENT & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH SWCRC AND DBA!

The list of monthly events for both of these organizations are below; one of the perks is that any of our members who wish to attend an event can do so at member pricing. We can also take advantage of discounts on e-blasts, expo tables, newsletter articles, marketing opportunities, and other perks.


Just be sure to note that you are an AAUW-WD member when registering for any SWCRC or DBA event!

SWCRC UPCOMING EVENTS

www.swcrc.com


Fri. 5/3/24 - 8:00-9:00am

Morning Spark

City Venue Event Center

3016 Van Horn Rd. Trenton

No fee to attend; Food provided by host.


Monday 5/20/24 - 11:30a-1:00pm

Legislative Forum

Michigan Business Policy Update

The Prestige Banquet Hall

6600 Allen Rd, Allen Park

Lunch: $25.00

https://swcrc.com/events/mibizupdate24/


Mon. 5/28/24 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm Networking at Noon

Taqueria Los Charros

4090 Dix Hwy, Lincoln Park No fee to attend; Lunch on own tab.



UPCOMING EVENTS:


Mon. 6/24/24 - 8:00am-4:00pm

Golf Outing

Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club

Cost: $195.00

https://swcrc.com/events/golf2024/


Tues. 8/13/24 - 6:00-9:00pm

Taste of Downriver

Downtown Wyandotte

https://swcrc.com/events/taste2024/


Fri. 10/11/24 - 11am-1pm

Women of Achievement Luncheon

Crystal Gardens, Southgate

https://swcrc.com/events/woa24/



DBA UPCOMING EVENTS

www.downriverbusinessassociation.com

Weds. 5/1/24 - 8:00 - 9:30am

Breakfast Networking

MediLodge of Taylor

23600 Northline Road, Taylor

No fee to attend; Food provided by host.


Weds. 5/15/24 - DBA Spring Expo

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Crystal Gardens, Southgate

No fee to attend; vendor tables $50


Mon. 5/20/24 - 11:30am-1:00pm

Non-Profit Meeting

Downriver for Veterans

2322 Ford Ave, Wyandotte

No fee to attend; lunch provided.


Weds. 5/22/24 - 5:30pm

DBA Women's Group Networking

Your Look Logos, 1303 Eureka,

Wyandotte

Join us for a “Cinco de Mayo” themed evening! Bring your favorite Mexican dish to pass! We will have margarita’s for everyone or bring your own beverage.


Weds. 5/29/24 - 11:30am Networking Lunch

Tijuana’s Mexican Kitchen

1679 Dix Toledo Rd Lincoln Park

No fee to attend; lunch on own tab.


Thurs. 5/30/24 - 8:00-9:00am

DBA Book Club Discussion

"Leadership Simplified"

by Tina Brandau

Glass Onion Griddle

6828 Allen Rd Allen Park

No fee to attend. B'fast on own tab.

AAUW of Michigan

state of michigan image.jpg

News from the State (AAUW-MI)

www.aauwmi.org 

AAUW of Michigan

Important Dates


May, 2024


Saturday, May 4 – AAUWMI Annual Report distributed


Friday, May 10, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 PM ET – AAUW of Michigan Board Meeting (in person)


Friday, May 10 – Saturday, May 11 – Annual Meeting and Convention, Detroit Marriott Livonia, 17100 North Laurel Park Drive, Livonia, MI 48152



AAUWMI is Rallying on Twitter 

@AAUWofMI 


Follow us for tweets and retweets of AAUW strategic priorities that make the news, raise awareness, and need attention. Click HERE

Follow

AAUW of Michigan

on Facebook


Click HERE to access the AAUW Michigan Facebook page. Be sure to LIKE and Share our posts! 

SUBSCRIBE to the AAUW of Michigan channel 


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the AAUW of Michigan YouTube channel for access to webinars, videos, book discussions and more.  


Click HERE to access and subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Follow AAUW of Michigan

on Instagram


Click HERE to access the AAUW of Michigan Instagram page.

Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE our posts!

National AAUW 

AAUW Two-Minute Activist

Take just 2 minutes of your time on the internet using the AAUW Two-Minute Activist tool to influence legislators on important issues for women and girls.


Click HERE to access AAUW's Two-Minute Activist Site.

In The News!


Check out AAUW action, experts and research making headlines! Access articles & stories about AAUW published in the national spotlight here.


Interest Groups & Activities

Please note that all meetings and outings may be cancelled or postponed due to ongoing developments with the COVID-19 situation. Be sure to check with group leaders or branch officers about current plans for upcoming events. All members are encouraged to observe CDC and State of Michigan requirements to maintain health when participating in AAUW events. 

Daytime Book Club



May 3:  First Ladies by Marie Benedict / Time: 1:00pm /

Location: Shish Garden,

22673 Allen Rd, Woodhaven

 

June 7: The Secret Daughter by Kelly Rimmer (Location: TBD)

 

July 5: The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri (Location: TBD)

 

August 2: The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell (Location: TBD)

 

September 6: Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney (Location: TBD)

 

October 4: The Women by Kristen Hannah (Location: TBD)

 

November 1: The Cold Hard Prayer by John Smolens (Location: TBD)

 

December 6: Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge by Spencer Quinn (Location: TBD)


Please contact Jan Ingle at janingle40@gmail.com to confirm your attendance each month for restaurant headcount!


Everyone is welcome to read the books and join in our discussions.

Fisher Theater Playgoers


Next season’s programs have been announced and again the group will attend the Sun matinee.  


Anyone interested in joining us for the new season please call Jean Carnahan 313-382-1914 for information.


The season’s listings are online under “Broadway in Detroit”.

Tickets Available!!



A handful of our members have Open Book Theater tickets for the following dates, and invite others to join them:


Saturday evening dates -

6/1. 

Contact Diana Mente.

 

Sunday matinee dates -

6/9. 

Contact Jean Carnahan.


Notify the appropriate member to obtain possible lunch or dinner plans before or after shows.

Travel Group Opportunity!


The Grosse Ile Travel Club is looking for 10 travelers to fill a car on the Rocky Mountaineer Train, Aug 4-12, 2024. 


The train includes an outdoor viewing platform and fully domed windows at your seat. Train hosts inform you as you travel and serve you beverages, including alcohol, at your seat.


If you would like more information on this travel opportunity, please text, call, or email Lynn Strain:

734-552-2267 or

Lynnstrain68@yahoo.com

Detroit Symphony


If you are interested in future plans for this group, contact Mary Sue Sickafus at:  mssickafus1@gmail.com 


Evening Literature



June 25: “Sold On A Monday” by Kristina McMorris


Fall & Winter book selections will be chosen over the summer and published in the newsletter starting in September.  


Discussions start at 7:30 at the SOUTHGATE Library on the 4th Tuesday of the month, except the Dec. dinner meeting.  


Everyone is welcome to read the books and join in our discussions.  


Call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914 for information. 



Great Decisions


Our readings are as follows:


May 28: Chapter 2, “Global Trade & Green Energy” & Chapter 3, “Risky Science Across Borders”


Sept. 24: Chapter 5,”Nato’s Future” & Chapter 7, “High Seas Treaty”


Nov. 26: Chapter 4, Technology Denial” & “Sino-American Rivalry”


Jan 24, 2025: Chapter 6, ”Invisible Indonesia”


Meetings are on the 4th Tuesday (every other month opposite the evening book club dates) at the Southgate Library at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us.


For information call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914.

Upcoming

"Out and About" events will be shared at the May branch meeting and in the Summer newsletter!


Wednesday Afternoon

Bridge Group


The Wednesday afternoon Bridge group meets every other Wednesday. The playing generally lasts until 3:30 or 4:00pm.


We are in need of substitute bridge players. If you would be interested in subbing, please call Grace Baclawski at 734-341-0643.

Meet-N-Eat


Any branch member is welcome to join us for our culinary adventures (especially if you bring food!) so give our group a try! 

If interested, send an email to aauwwd@gmail.com with "Meet-N-Eat" as the subject. 

Correspondence


Please let Barb Duran know of any surgeries, illnesses, accidents, deaths, congratulations, etc., or any occasion that would warrant a note or card from us, as a community of concerned & supportive women.


You can reach her by e-mail at barb@easy2sendcards.com or call 313-300-1710.

Ongoing Branch & Foundation Fundraising

Kroger Community Rewards

Kroger Community Rewards makes fundraising easy. All you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!


Link here for all the details on Kroger’s website and select organization number TP885 for the AAUW WYANDOTTE-DOWNRIVER FOUNDATION INC.

SHARE THE DOUGH!

For every $20 you spend at Big Bear Lodge, they will donate $3 to our Foundation! Take the opportunity to have some great food and contribute to our branch at the same time! You must have the post card with you. Please see a Foundation Board Member for one or several OR download copies by clicking HERE.


Big Bear Lodge is located at 25253 Telegraph Rd. Brownstown, MI 48134. Phone - 734-782-6600

www.bigbearlodge.org

(Offer excludes banquets)

Paid Advertisements

We are seeking advertisements to help defray our newsletter and directory costs. An advertisement in the newsletter is $25 for the entire year. An advertisement in the newsletter and the directory is $50. Please share the flyer below with your contacts and local businesses. Thank you!

Advertisement Sales Flyer

Newsletter Article Submissions


Please send information and articles by the 25th of each month for inclusion into the next month's newsletter. Email submissions are much preferred as content in digital format is the easiest to work with.


The branch email address should be used for all AAUW Newsletter business.


aauwwd@gmail.com


Please put "Newsletter" and the month in the Subject field of your email.

For example, items for the monthly newsletter should have the following subject: 


Subject: Newsletter - {Season or Month}



Mission Statement

We support leadership, education, equity and economic security for women through scholarships, training and political advocacy.



Vision Statement

AAUW will be a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy, and measurable change in critical areas impacting the lives of women and girls.



Branch Goals

Impact

Relevance and Visibility

Leadership Development

and Succession Planning

Funding and Membership Sustainability



Branch Executive Board


Co-Presidents:

Terey DeLisle / OPEN

President Elect: 

Andrea Witkowski

Past President:

Barb Duran

Foundation President/Chair (Ex-officio): Melanie Orr 

Vice President of Finance: 

Sheila Blair

Recording Secretary: 

Marsha Bardoni

Corresponding Secretary:

Barb Duran

Scholarship Committee Chair:

OPEN

Historian:

OPEN

College/University Liaison:

OPEN

Diversity Committee Chair: 

Grace Baclawski

Membership Committee Chair:

Sue Stoll

Program Committee Chair:

Lee Ann Shade

Public Policy Committee Chair:

Diana Mente

Communication Committee Chair

Barb Duran

Fundraising Committee Chair:

OPEN

Nominating Committee Chair:

Barb Duran

AAUW Wyandotte-Downriverhttps://sites.google.com/view/aauw-downriver

aauwwd@gmail.com