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Wyandotte-Downriver has earned 3 of 5 stars
in the national 5-Star Recognition Program.
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"News & Views"
The monthly newsletter for the
AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch
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Seasons Greetings &
Happy New Year!
Andrea Witkowski
Branch President
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We hope you plan to attend this year's AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Holiday Dinner, and have given your meal choice and payment to LeeAnn. The Programs Committee has a fun time planned for all.
Besides dinner and a cash bar, there will be a 50/50 raffle, with half of the money collected going to a local charity for the holidays.
There will also be a FUN activity which remains a secret, although Santa says that you should BRUSH UP on your Christmas Song knowledge!! Prizes will be given out during this fun activity.
If you would like to donate a prize for the holiday dinner activity, i.e., gift cards, books, or other gift items, please reach out to LeeAnn Shade or Sue Stoll by December 5th.
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UPCOMING BRANCH MEETINGS/EVENTS:
"SAVE THE DATES"
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January 9th, 12:30pm: STEM Committee Meeting, Riverview Library
January 22, 5:00pm: Foundation Board Meeting, Location TBD
January 30th, Time TBD: Branch Board Meeting, via Zoom
February 13th, 12:30pm: STEM Committee Meeting, Riverview Library
Any updates to above dates, times and locations will be sent to members via email in advance of the event.
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Member Benefit in Time for the Holidays:
AAUW UPS® Savings Program
Members save up 65% on all shipments.
Sign up for a new account today!
Or if you already have a UPS account, simply re-enroll and apply our member-only savings to your existing account by calling
1-800-636-2377 and saying you’re with AAUW.
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12/01: Leslie Carpenter
12/11: Diana Mente
12/13: Barbara Denman
12/14: Jackie Hector
12/17: Barb Duran
12/22: Kathy Pugh
12/26: Jan Ingle
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01/06: Carleen Neff
01/08: Jane Helinski
01/24: Carol Nankervis
01/26: Darlene Strasser
01/30: Corinne Worden
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02/01: Sue Stoll
02/05: Jennie Macoit
02/09: Char Pascuzzi
02/16: Grace Ann Beebe
02/19: Lynn Strain
02/22: Ethel Carver
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GREAT NEWS!!
The STEM committee is happy to report that all guest speakers as well as the keynote speaker have been confirmed for May 2025.
It's nice to feel like we're ahead of the game. Presenter and keynote speaker fields range from chemistry and environmental science to business management/IT, and budgeting/personal finance.
After the new year, the committee will be in touch with a sign up sheet for those interested in volunteering to work at the May 15th STEM event.
The next STEM committee meeting will be the 2nd Thursday of January (January 9th) at the Riverview Vet. Mem. Library at 12:30pm.
We extend a heartfelt HAPPY HOLIDAYS to one and all.
Leslie Carpenter (she/her)
STEM Committee Member
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Diversity Discussion Corner | |
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DEI = Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
When you read/view the following information, you’ll be more informed for 2025.
Transgender Awareness Week is celebrated
November 13 – 19 each year.
TDOR – Trans Day of Remembrance is November 20 . It’s a time to
honor/remember those in the trans community who were murdered due to transphobia.
Human Rights Campaign created a 7 min film ‘Daniel Really Suits You’ to remind us that trans stories are everyone’s stories. https://www.hrc.org/trans-stories-are-everyones-stories.
Some trans folks include:
Sarah McBride -first openly trans person elected to Senate (Delaware, District 1)
Laverne Cox (actor)
Elliot Fletcher (actor)
Juliana Joel (Disney’s Raven’s Home)
Laith Ashley (in Taylor Swift’s Lavender Haze music video)
Hennessey Winkler (Broadway, Sweeney Todd)
Zaya Wade (daughter of retired NBA player Dwayne Wade)
Brian Michael Smith (911: Lone Star)
MJ Rodriguez (POSE actress)
Kim Petras (pop star)
https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/g37104862/transgender-celebrities/
For more resources to learn about transgender people
https://glaad.org/transgender/ and for authentic, accurate, and diverse portrayals of transgender people check out: http ://glaad.org/35th-annual-glaad-media-award.
Leslie Carpenter (she/her)
Diversity Director
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Shout out to branch members LeeAnn Shade, Jean Carnahan and Marsha Bardoni, who assisted in composing and mailing notes of appreciation to 12 local city and township offices. This was a fun project, and included food! The script we agreed upon is below:
AAUW is committed to open and fair elections. We appreciate all the hard work you, your fellow election officials and poll workers have done and continue to do, to ensure a smooth voting process in (City/Township). You are the backbone of our democracy, and for that you are true Heroes. Thank You.
An updated list of US and State elected officials representing our branch members was distributed at the November meeting. Their committee assignations will be added when they become available, so we know whom to address our concerns to most effectively on each AAUW issue in the upcoming session. This info will also be shared with the state Public Policy committee.
As you know, advances in women’s rights have always been at risk of being weakened or reversed without the ERA’s inclusion in the US Constitution. Now is the time, THE LAST TIME, to urge President Biden to act to make the ERA official.
You can call the White House switchboard at 202-456-1414, or the
comments line at 202-456-1111 during business hours. As you also know...
EVERY. VOICE. MATTERS.
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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 | |
Free Economic Empowerment Webinars | | |
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RECRUITMENT & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER! | |
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One of the perks of our chamber membership 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 event!
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To find the list of chamber events happening this month, please visit www.swcrc.com | |
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News from the State (AAUW-MI)
www.aauwmi.org
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AAUW of Michigan
Important Dates
December, 2024
Tuesday, December 10 – Fall/Winter Newsletter distributed
January, 2025
Saturday, January 18, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ET – AAUW of Michigan Board Meeting (via Zoom)
February, 2025
Saturday, February 3 – Deadline for submitting proposed Bylaws Amendments
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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
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Follow
AAUW of Michigan
on Facebook
Click HERE to access the AAUW Michigan Facebook page. Be sure to LIKE and Share our posts!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Check out AAUW action, experts and research making headlines! Access articles & stories about AAUW published in the national spotlight here.
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Interest Groups & Activities | |
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Daytime Book Club
December 6:
Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge by Spencer Quinn
1:00pm - at Sibley Gardens,
916 West Jefferson, Trenton -
please RSVP to Jan at janingle40@gmail.com if you plan to come.
2025 Book Selections are 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.
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Fisher Theater Playgoers
We have season tickets for the following plays, on Sundays, 1:00pm, at the Fisher Theatre.
Dec. 29, “A Beautiful Noise”
March 2, “Parade”
March 16, “Kimberly Akimbo”
June 22, “The Wiz”
For information call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914
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Bernhardt/Hamlet
Playwright: Theresa Rebeck
Directed By: Shelby Seeley
January 10th - February 2nd
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A sparkling, witty comedy that brings to life the indomitable Sarah Bernhardt as she tackles one of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles—Hamlet, in a production that could make or break her career.
Set in the late 19th century, this play follows Bernhardt’s audacious decision to take on the traditionally male part, challenging societal norms and theatrical conventions.
With a blend of humor, drama, and backstage intrigue, the story showcases her larger-than-life personality, relentless determination, and the power of breaking boundaries in the world of theater.
Krista Schafer, founding director of the Open Book Theater, plays the lead role as Sarah Bernhardt.
Click here for tickets!
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Detroit Symphony
If you are interested in future plans for this group, contact Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914.
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Evening Literature
Future book selections TBD!
If you have book selections or would like to lead any of the 2025 evening book club discussions, please reach out to Jean Carnahan for the 2025 year. 313-382-1914.
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Great Decisions
Our readings are as follows:
Jan 24, 2025: Chapter 6, ”Invisible Indonesia” (from the 2024 book).
The 2025 books should be in by early January, and will be dispersed at the January 24th meeting.
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.
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Two carloads of Wyandotte-Downriver members attended the Monroe Branch’s
program at Monroe County Community College on November 18th.
The featured speaker was Barbara McQuade, notable U of M Law professor, Sisters-in-Law podcast personality and author of "Attack from
Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America."
She is concerned with the
prevalence and effect of misinformation and disinformation in this country.
FYI, she is not 6'2" tall.
That is misinformation!
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Stay Tuned for any Travel Opportunities HERE in future newsletters!
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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.
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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.
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Ongoing Branch & Foundation Fundraising | |
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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.
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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)
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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
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Branch Board of Directors/Chairs:
Effective 7/1/24
President:
Andrea Witkowski
President Elect:
OPEN
Past President:
Terey DeLisle
Foundation President/Chair (Ex-officio): Melanie Orr
Vice President of Finance:
Sue Stoll
Recording Secretary:
Marsha Bardoni
Corresponding Secretary:
Barb Duran
Diversity Committee Chair:
Leslie Carpenter
Fundraising Committee Chair:
Leslie Carpenter
Historian:
Patricia Cox
STEM Committee Chair(s):
Jackie Hector
Andrea Witkowski
Membership Committee Chair:
Barb Duran
Program Committee Chair:
Lee Ann Shade
Public Policy Committee Chair:
Diana Mente
Nominating Committee Chair:
Terey DeLisle
Scholarship Committee Chair:
OPEN
College/University Liaison:
OPEN
Communication Committee Chair:
OPEN
Webmaster/mistress:
OPEN
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