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NORTHERN VISIONS
April 2025 EDITION
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About this Newsletter
The newsletter contact person is Amy Gibson: aemark1@gmail.com or 662-202-5692
or aauwtcnewsletter@gmail.com
Editions come out monthly September-May.
Newsletters are archived on the Members Only section of the website @ https://traversecityarea- mi.aauw.net/members-only/newsletter/
the password is: tcwomenrock
Are you reading the whole newsletter?
Check if you have the entire email or if it is "clipped" at the bottom and needs to be opened in full page. Remember: the last article is always "dates to remember".
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April 2025 Gathering
Women Matter: Local Leadership
Laura Oblinger
Monday, April 21st at 6:00 p.m.
Dennos Museum, Janis Room
We continue our theme Women Matter with local leader, Laura Oblinger. Currently, Laura is the chair of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees and leader of client services for Northern Michigan’s office of Rehmann, a business consulting and advisory firm. You may also remember Laura from the TC Area Chamber of Commerce (now Traverse Connect) where she served in executive leadership. A “local girl”, Laura will share her journey as a business professional woman in our own community. In what ways has gender influenced her career path? Has she encountered gender obstacles or advantages? See below for a more detailed bio. Come for the information and insights, the camaraderie of interesting women, and the delightful refreshments. If you are part of an interest group, please encourage all members to attend and enjoy. You might wish to highlight your groups activities.
Some of our members are not comfortable with night driving. Please consider checking the membership directory and offering a ride to someone who lives near you.
Biography
Laura Oblinger is an effective executive leader who can move an organization, and its people, through strategic development with a positive attitude, high-energy, and effectiveness. She has been successful at building and representing a brand. She is a strategic visionary with a clear sense of purpose and urgency when faced with situational challenges. Currently, Laura leads Rehmann’s client service, practice growth and new business development efforts in its Northern Michigan region. In her role as a client advocate, Laura delivers The Rehmann Experience as an objective liaison between Rehmann and client executives.
Prior to Rehmann, she was in executive leadership at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce (today known as Traverse Connect). In 2015, she left her career at the Chamber, took a year and a half professional break to regroup at home as a wife, mother and became the CEO of herself! Currently, Laura serves in a public office as the Chairperson of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees.
Laura has been recognized for her work as an entrepreneur and business woman. Among her honors she was the 2024, recipient of Rehmann’s Randall R. Rupp “Embracing an Entrepreneurial Spirit” award; named by the Traverse City Business News for several awards including: 3 three consecutive years, recognized as one of the top 40Under40; she was named one of the most influential women in the region; twice named one of the top 25 most powerful women in the region. She has also been recognized by Davenport University with their Student Leadership Award for the Traverse City Campus, and in 2015 Alumni of the Year for their Donald W. Maine School of Business.
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AAUW Michigan News
If you haven't read it yet, pull up the AAUW of Michigan 2025 Winter/Spring Newsletter. Amy Shamroe, wrote an excellent President's Message, Changes Coming in the New Year. She states, "We are a non-partisan organization, but, as I addressed in my last newsletter article, we have values and a mission. As an organization, we can advocate both for and against legislation that concerns women’s equity, health, financial security, voting rights, and so much more." Be sure to check it out. Search your email for a message sent Mar 11, 2025.
Saturday, April 5, 10:00 a.m. ET – AAUWMI Board meeting (via Zoom) Note: Any member of AAUW of Michigan is welcome to attend Board meetings. Please send an email to Amy Shamroe, President, if you would like to attend any meeting, and she will send you the details.
Monday, April 7 – Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day
Saturday, April 19 – Distribution of AAUW of Michigan Annual Report
Saturday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. – noon ET – AAUW of Michigan Annual Meeting (via Zoom)
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Still Time to Order from Flower Power! Order before May 15th
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig deep into a unique opportunity with the AAUW of Michigan's Flower Power Fundraiser! From January 3 to May 15, 2025, you can beautify your garden while making a meaningful impact on our scholarship fund.
Flower Power stands out in the fundraising world by providing an eco-friendly alternative, featuring only the finest, high-quality bulbs and plants sourced from top-notch growers in Holland and the U.S. Plus, they back their products with a fabulous, unconditional 100% replacement guarantee—how's that for peace of mind?
Tell your friends: Share this link. Join us in our mission to advance gender equity for women and girls, knowing that your contributions will directly enhance scholarship opportunities. Let’s come together as a community, celebrate the beauty of nature, and make a difference—order your bulbs today and help us bloom brighter together!
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Are You Handy?
Local tradition has it that the book sale is annually graced by a mannequin wearing an AAUW tee shirt and holding a one of our totes. Unfortunately, too many moves have her looking worse for wear. She is unable to stand up on her own and her appendages are not attached.
She has many parts: a head and wig; a PVC spine, neck, and shoulders; a pool noodle arms; outfits; and a metal banner stand. Her arms, shoulders, spine, neck and head are not attached to each other!
If you are interested in trying your hand at couplings and PVC cement, contact me to have a look at the parts. Or, do you have a mannequin we can borrow? Having a women in pieces in a closet is a bit much.
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STEM Committee
Contact: Laura Higgins, 515-229-7062, ohiowami@gmail.com
The AAUW-TC STEM Committee will meet Wednesday APRIL 9, 2025 at the Traverse Area District Library at 6:30-7:30 pm in Study Room D.
We’re at an exciting point in our STEM journey as our committee has drafted a STEM Action Plan based on key learnings gathered from our STEM Community Listening Sessions. It's not too late to get involved! We value all our members insights, perspectives, and expertise which will continue to shape meaningful and impactful plans for the future. We will finalize our draft plan at our April meeting in preparation for presentation to the Board for approval - we look forward to your contributions!
All interested branch members are
welcome to participate.
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STEM Book List 2025
It is recommended that adults read STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) books to broaden their knowledge, foster curiosity, and stay informed about the world around them, as STEM fields are constantly evolving and crucial to modern society. As the Traverse City AAUW supports STEM, please consider if you or your book group might like to read a “STEM” book. Below is a list of STEM books that some members have enjoyed and would recommend. If you have read one and would like to recommend it to others, please send the information to ginger.hinchcliff@gmail.com to include in the next list.
Engineering and Technology
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The Martian: A Novel by Andy Weir
Geography
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The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clair Marchant
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Natural History
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The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with a Heard in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthoney and Graham Spence.
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The Overstory: A Novel by Richards Powers
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H Is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald
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Beast in the Garden by David Baron
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Horse by Geraldine Brooks
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A Short History of Nearly Everything by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Chemistry
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Mathematics
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Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
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The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
Medicine
- The Girl in his Shadow by Audrey Blake
Social Science
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Euphoria by Lily King
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The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
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The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
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Women's Book Project
Since 1998, AAUW-TC has participated in the Women’s Book Project that has as its goal the distribution of books featuring girls and women as the major subject. The books usually are written for elementary and middle school children. Each year, the branch committee selects an appropriate book, purchases it, and distributes it to 14 Traverse City elementary school libraries, 5 Leelanau county elementary school libraries, 6 Traverse Area District libraries, 1 each to the Suttons Bay and Empire libraries.
Suzanne Sorkin and Betsy Moore, with input from others, selected a picture book for younger readers called The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of. The author is Kirsten Larson, and it is described as “A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne”. It won several awards, including being a School Library Journal best book of 2023. TADL does not already have a copy.
Twenty-eight copies were purchased from Horizon Books who offered us a 20% discount and no sales tax which kept us right on budget at $450. Betsy Moore (bless her!) will be distributing the books (with an included letter of explanation from AAUW-TC) to local libraries and elementary and middle schools. We do need to get some more book plates printed up this year so there will be another small monetary request submitted soon.
Betsy and Suzanne are always open to new book selection inputs. Laura will be asking the STEM group if someone would like to join the committee. It does seem that there could be some good synergy with that group.
Thanks for your excellent work on the book project!
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Monday Evening Book Group — Bonnie Willings, 231-645-0578, bkwillings@yahoo.com
April 14, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll. Aria Davis is the discussion leader and Andi Kramer is the hostess.
Night Readers — Cindy Hull, 231-349-1757, hullc@gvsu.edu
April 15, 2025 @ 6:30 p.m. Our book is Lost Letters of Aisling by Cynthia Ellingham. Jeanette Thompson is the discussion leader and we will be meeting at the Elks Club.
Verna Mae Book Group — Joyce Jasinski, 760-212-2431, jjasinski46@gmail.com
April 30th, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m. in the Thirlby Room of the Woodmere Branch of the Traverse City Library. The group will be reading Best Part of Us by Sarah Cole-Misch.
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Farmers’ Market Book Sale — Amy Gibson aemark1@gmail.com and Shirley Murray, 231-943-4663 sgibsonmurray@gmail.com
The last AAUW mini book sale is Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Donations for the May Annual Sale are welcome.
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AAUWTC Annual Book Sale
Donate - Volunteer - Shop
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May 2 - 4, 2025
Set up day is May 1st. Sign up sheets for volunteers will be available at the last mini sale this Saturday, April 5 during farmers market hours 10 - 2, and at the April 21st AAUW meeting.
Books and puzzles may be donated on these dates, or call Amy or Shirley to arrange drop off or pickup.
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Lunch & Bridge — Shirley Murray, 231-943-4663, sgibsonmurray@gmail.com
This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Traverse City Country Club. We play for about an hour and then have lunch, followed by more bridge!
April 10, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
April 24, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
"Bidding Systems have preoccupied the student of bridge since the earliest appearance of contract bridge. The first system proposed was that of Harold S. Vanderbilt, who created the game that became successful as contract bridge. The Vanderbilt Club system provided that a player with a strong hand bid one club, the lowest bid; his partner with a weak hand would bid one diamond and with a strong hand would make some other bid. Despite its technical excellence, the Vanderbilt Club system was not widely accepted. The most successful system of the first 20 years of contract bridge was devised by Ely Culbertson of New York. The Culbertson system required a player to value his hand by a schedule of high-card combinations called honour tricks and then to bid in accordance with established requirements based on the number of honour tricks held and the length of the player’s suits." - Encyclopedia Britannica
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Living Well with Cancer Group
This group meets on the last Monday of the month. Join us Monday, April 28th, 10 a.m.
It’s not all about cancer! It’s also about making friends. Join us to talk together.
Coffee, Tea & Pastries
Home of Pat Lewallen
4725 Sunrise Lane
RSVP/Directions: Pat (231) 946-3746
Questions: Sandy Seppala-Gyr 703-597-7925, sansep19@gmail.com
10 Tips for Living with Cancer, excerpted from the Cancer Support Community website
TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME, AND MAKE ONE DECISION AT A TIME: If life feels overwhelming, take small steps to find your best path. Talk, listen, and learn. In time, you will have the information you need to make the right decisions for you.
PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU NEED: Be aware of your feelings. Focus on activities you enjoy. Try to find humor in each day. Seek out people who help you feel relaxed or happy. Spend time alone if you need to. Some days you may not know what you need, and that’s okay too. Be kind to yourself.
MAINTAIN HOPE: Hope can make each day a little better. Accept that some days will be better than others, but try to enjoy small moments and do things that make you smile. Even if cure is unlikely, look for ways to find hope where you can.
REACH OUT TO OTHERS WITH CANCER: It’s comforting to talk with people who understand what you’re going through. Try to connect with others online or in a local support group.
ASK FOR SUPPORT AND ACCEPT HELP WHEN IT IS OFFERED: Let your family and friends know how they can support you. Be specific if you can. Consider using an online schedule such as the Cancer Support Community’s MyLifeLine.org to stay organized and let friends know what’s needed.
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Lunchin' Around
— Pat Lewallen: 231-946-3746, bandplew@chartermi.net
Thursday, April 17th, noon
LUNCHIN AROUND did not meet March 20th due to bad weather. We'll meet at noon at Frida's, located at the Grand Traverse Mall with delicious food, easy parking. Check out Frida's Menu of Mexican food.
Pat will be out of town so please RSVP by February 18th to Andi Kramer who will take reservations. Guests always welcome. Hope you can join us!
Our discussion question will be: What have you crossed off your bucket list about which you're happiest or proudest?
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Poetry Interest Group — Shirley Murray, 231-943-4663, sgibsonmurray@gmail.com
Meets third Friday of the month
Friday, April 18, 2025, 11-1 p.m.
Bring your poetry and/or enjoy work by selected poets. Snacks provided.
Location: Shirley Murray’s 610 Cottageview Drive apartment. Call for directions.
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AAUW TC Branch Board Highlights, March 3, 2025
8 members and 1 guest attended
- Finance Officer Laura Higgins noted that the Mercato once-a-month Used Book Sales are quite successful, generating funds for the Branch.
- Program VP Carol Evans reminded members about two upcoming General Meetings that continue the focus on “Women Matter”
- March 17, 2 female pastors: Rev, Linda Stephen (UMC) and Rev. Julie Delezenne (Presbyterian)
- April 21, Laura Oblinger, Chair NMC Board
- May 10 Annual Meeting is being planned
- Scholarships Chair Marlene Smith gave an extensive report about her work organizing and updating the Assessment Rubric with her 6-member committee. Board gave suggestions for increasing awareness of the 3 Branch Scholarships to gain more applicants.
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Suzanne Sorkin, Books for Schools Chair provided an extensive email report. Working with Betsy Moore and input from others, the selected book is a picture book for younger readers called The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of by author Kirsten Larson. This selection is described as “A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne.” Twenty-eight copies will be distributed to local libraries and elementary and middle schools. Suzanne welcomes future book titles input. Contact her at sorkin@msu.edu
- STEM Chair Laura Higgins reported that monthly meetings learned about established STEM activities in the area from many community resources. Our Branch wants to complement, not duplicate, so the “Listening” group will coalesce the rich information and create an action plan. Amy Shamroe, Athena Event Planner provided an extensive update. Mark your calendars for Thursday May 8, Kirkbride Hall, 4:45 pm – 6:45 pm.
- Board adjourned until next meeting
Next Meeting – Monday April 7, 9:00 am, Traverse City Golf and Country Club, Lower Level Card Room. Anyone is welcome, contact President Jean Zerges, jean.zerges44@gmail.com
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March Gathering Recap
Engaged, energetic, intriguing! That was the mood and take-away from an evening hearing Voices of Clergy with Rev. Julie Delezenne and Rev. Linda Stephen. Highlights included the dialogue between the women as they explored their roles as women in ministry and the interaction with those in attendance. Over 35 attended making for a very up-beat gathering. Special thanks goes to the Verna Mae group for the tasty refreshments and to Darlene for the St. Patty’s Day theme.
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Demographic information on Clergy in the US
The workforce of Clergy in 2022 was 464,568 people, with 19.3% woman, and 80.7% men. The average age of male Clergy in the workforce is 51.4 and of female Clergy is 50.2, and the most common race/ethnicity for Clergy is White.
This chart (and more!) from the page Clergy: Detailed Occupation from DataUSA.
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AAUW Issues:
Pregnancy in the Workplace
NEA Wins Supreme Court Victory https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/fifty-years-womens-labor-history
It’s hard to believe now—but 50 years ago, pregnant teachers were commonly forced out of their classrooms as soon as they looked pregnant. This ended with a lawsuit filed by a Cleveland teacher named Jo Carol LeFleur that NEA helped take all the way to the Supreme Court. During testimony, the Cleveland school board’s attorney complained that the city’s pregnant teachers “just would not” leave unless forced by the board to do so, and that a pregnant woman was “not an able-bodied person.” Not only are they distracted, “They urinate more frequently," he said. By a 7-to-2 vote, justices sided with LeFleur. “While it might be easier for school boards to conclusively presume that all pregnant women are unfit to teach past the fourth or fifth month, or even the first month of pregnancy,” Justice Potter Stewart wrote, for the 7-to-2 majority, in January 1974, “administrative convenience alone is insufficient to make valid what otherwise is a violation of due process of law.”
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Young v. UPS (2015)
https://www.history.com/articles/pregnancy-workplace-employers-federal-government
When Peggy Young, a delivery driver for United Parcel Service (UPS) in Maryland, became pregnant in 2006, her midwife recommended that she not lift over 20 pounds during her pregnancy. Her supervisors turned down her request for lighter duty, and Young was forced to take unpaid leave, during which she lost her health insurance. Young later sued UPS, claiming the company had violated the Pregnancy Discrimination Act by failing to provide her with the same accomodations as other non-pregnant employees.
Two lower courts had ruled in favor of UPS, agreeing that the company had followed a “pregnancy-blind” policy by allowing light-duty work only to workers who were injured on the job, had a condition covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act or lost their Department of Transportation certifications. In front of the Supreme Court, Young’s lawyer pointed out that UPS did give accommodation to workers who were impaired while not on the job, including ones with drunk-driving convictions.
In 2015, the Court ruled 6 to 3 in Young’s favor, but it didn’t establish outright protection for expectant mothers. The majority decision only stated that if employers are accommodating big groups of other workers (such as workers with disabilities) but not pregnant women, they are probably violating the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
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Dates to Remember
- Mini Book Sale: April 5th @ 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
- Board Meeting: April 7th @ 9:00 a.m.; all members welcome with notice
- Monday Evening Book Group: April 14th @ 6:00 p.m.
- STEM Group: April 9th @ 6-8:00 p.m.
- Bridge: April 10th @ 11:30-1:00 p.m.
- Night Readers: April 15th @ 6:30 p.m.
- Lunchin' Around: April 17th @ noon
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- AAUW-TC Branch Meeting: April 21st, 6:00 p.m.
- Poetry Interest Group: Friday, April 18th @ 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Living Well with Cancer: April 28th @10:00 a.m.
- Verna Mae Book Club: April 30th @ 11 a.m.
- Bridge: April 24th @ 11:30-1:00 p.m.
- Annal Book Sale May 2-4, 2025; setup May 1st.
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