Volume 41, Issue 2 November-December 2016
November 14 Dinner Meeting & Program
*Note: This is the 2ND MONDAY (a change from the usual 3rd Monday)
*Note: This is the 2ND MONDAY (a change from the usual 3rd Monday)
LOCATION: United Methodist Church, Grand Rapids
SOCIAL: 5-5:30 PM INTRODUCE GUESTS: 5:30 PM
DINNER: 5:40 PM BUSINESS: 6:15 PM PROGRAM: 6:45 PM
COST: $13
Reservations due to Deanna Ensley by Wed., Nov. 9. Call 218-301-0315 or email deannaensley@yahoo.com
DINNER: 5:40 PM BUSINESS: 6:15 PM PROGRAM: 6:45 PM
COST: $13
Reservations due to Deanna Ensley by Wed., Nov. 9. Call 218-301-0315 or email deannaensley@yahoo.com
TOPIC: 150 Years of Itasca County History
Speaker: Lilah Crowe, Director, Itasca Historical Society
Speaker: Lilah Crowe, Director, Itasca Historical Society
Members who have items of interest about the history of Itasca County and/or surrounding area are asked to bring the items for display.
NOTE: We will be making reservations and collecting for our December dinner program at this meeting. Cost for both is $31.
December 5 Dinner Meeting & Program
*Note: This is the 1ST MONDAY (a change from the usual 3rd Monday)
LOCATION: The Eagles, 1776 Pokegama Ave S., Grand Rapids
SOCIAL: 4-4:30 PM INTRODUCE GUESTS: 4:30 PM DINNER: 5:00 PM
JAR/BOTTLE DRAWINGS: Begin at 5:15 PM BUSINESS: 5:45 PM
SOCIAL: 4-4:30 PM INTRODUCE GUESTS: 4:30 PM DINNER: 5:00 PM
JAR/BOTTLE DRAWINGS: Begin at 5:15 PM BUSINESS: 5:45 PM
COST: $18
MENU: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Salad, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Winter Blend Vegetables, Roll and Mango Mousse Cake
Reservations due to Deanna Ensley by Wed., Nov. 30. Call 218-301-0315 or email deannaensley@yahoo.com
This is our third annual “Jar/Bottle Event with a Twist” fundraiser. Members are asking to bring one item in a jar/bottle to raffle for the benefit of our college scholarships thru the ICC Foundation and the Anniversary Scholarship at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. These scholarships are awarded to women to finish their degree or earn another degree.
We will have an invited guest—Laura Connelly—former AAUW scholarship recipient who used her Anniversary scholarship to finish her Master’s degree and qualify for a prestigious Bush Scholarship to start a new career. We will have a social hour, sit-down dinner and a few short activities to keep our attention.
Jar/Bottle Event with a Twist Q&A
What is the jar/bottle event? We ask members to donate an item in a jar/bottle that other members can bid on at our Dec. 5 holiday program.
Explain “bid on”: Put your tickets in the bags by the item or items that you are interested in winning. We will have drawings for the winning ticket from each bag.
How much are the tickets? You may purchase 25 tickets for $20, 12 tickets for $10, or 6 tickets for $5 (or $1 each).
What can I put in the jar/bottle? Scarves, jewelry, gift cards, homemade items, quilted, knit or crocheted items, Christmas items, cookie mixes, bottles of wine, a jar of homemade goodies.
What should I remember? Be creative! Use ribbons, colorful paper.
How many items should I bring? We ask that each member brings just ONE item. If in the past if you brought 3 bottles of wine, this year just tie them together to make one item.
Can I donate a jar/bottle to benefit the scholarship event if I will not be at the Christmas party? Yes, you can give it to Cyndy Agle or Janis Johnson.
When can I drop off the item? It can be dropped off at The Eagles any time after 2:00 PM on Dec. 5.
**Twinkle ** Sparkle **Celebrate Holiday Cheer!
Upcoming Branch Programs for 2017
Our January 16 and February 20 meetings will be held over the LUNCH hour, starting at 11:30 AM at the Methodist Church.
See your member directory for times, places and program topic for each month. Our meetings are announced in the local newspapers, and the public is often invited to attend the program part of our meetings. Guests are welcome. Questions and ideas can be directed to the Program Co-chairs, JoAnn Bakken or Marilyn Rossman.
See your member directory for times, places and program topic for each month. Our meetings are announced in the local newspapers, and the public is often invited to attend the program part of our meetings. Guests are welcome. Questions and ideas can be directed to the Program Co-chairs, JoAnn Bakken or Marilyn Rossman.
School Board Candidates Forum - THANK YOU!
A big thanks to AAUW members who helped organize and put on the ISD 318 and 316 School Board Candidates Forum on Oct. 20 at the Blandin Foundation. The audience was small but attentive and presented good questions. The forum was filmed by ICTV and you can view it on the local public television station, or go http://www.watchictv.org/
** INTEREST GROUPS **
Are you interested in starting an interest group? Great! Any member may start an interest group. An interest group can meet monthly, weekly and for any length of time. The members determine their own agendas and arrangements for meetings The meetings are open to all AAUW members and their guests. The member directory has more information about the current active interest groups and there are five of them — AAUW Bridge, Literature Discussion-Wednesday, Literature Discussion-Monday, Public Policy, and Walking & Talking. There has been interest in developing a writing group and special interest day group. Sign-up sheets will be available at the September meeting. Members are encouraged to go to the national AAUW website for ideas and resources for ideas on other interest groups. Contact program co-chairs Joanne Bakken or Marilyn Rossman with questions.
BRIDGE
This group meets May-December, first Thursday of the month at the Majestic Pines bistro.
EXPLORING OUR COMMUNITY - *New Group!We have fromed a new group, called “Exploring Our Community” with the mission of doing just that! We anticipate meeting during the day most times to learn about whatever interests the members. Lunch may be included. Members will plan the topics and resources. The organizational and planning meeting is slated for Mon., Nov. 21, 4 PM, at the United Methodist Church Meeting Room. We will have coffee and talk to figure out where we go from there. Come with your ideas and questions. For more information or to RSVP for this meeting, or if you cannot attend but want to participate, contact Cyndy Agle, 218-360-9743 or cyndy.agle@gmail.com; Marilyn Rossman, 218-326-6775 or mbro@paulbunyan.net or JoAnn Bakken, 218-326-3564 or jbakken@paulbunyan.net
LITERATURE – Wednesday group
This group meets at 10:30AM on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Library, September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 or kbzimmer@q.com Nov. 9: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
This group meets at 10:30AM on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Library, September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 or kbzimmer@q.com Nov. 9: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Dec. 14: Miller’s Valley by Anna Quindlen
LITERATURE – Monday group
Group meets on 1st Monday at 10:00 AM at Grand Rapids State Bank Annex. Contact is Jan Hill, 246-979 orjmhgkh@paulbunyan.net
Nov. 7: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Dec. 5: Our annual brunch will be at Audrey Erdman’s at 9:00 AM. At this time, we choose books for the coming year. All are welcome!
Nov. 7: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Dec. 5: Our annual brunch will be at Audrey Erdman’s at 9:00 AM. At this time, we choose books for the coming year. All are welcome!
PUBLIC POLICY
The Public Policy Group meets the second Thursday of the month, 4-5:30 PM in the KAXE Meeting Room (the KAXE building is just east of the Grand Rapids Public Library). All members are welcome at any meeting. Our purpose is to explore and learn about the issues behind public policy—especially those that pertain to the AAUW mission of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research—and AAUW Public Policy supported legislation.
This month, on Thursday, Nov. 10, discussion will be held regarding the article “The World is More Prosperous Than Ever Before” by President Barack Obama, which appeared in 10/08/2016 edition of The Economist Magazine and was reproduced in the Sunday, 10/11/2016 Star Tribune. AAUW member Dr. Kathleen Possai, who earned her BA, MA and PhD in Economics, has been asked to help with the discussion about the issues presented in the article.
The December meeting with be held on Thurs., Dec. 8, 4-5:30 PM at the KAXE meeting room and the theme is “Food Policies—the Good and the Bad”.
For more information, talk with Marilyn Rossman OR contact her at 218-326-6775 or mbro@paulbunyan.net
WALKING & TALKING
Currently, our group meets Wednesday mornings at 9 AM. Location is planned week to week and the group is notified by email. We welcome new walkers to join us whenever they can. We walk for 1 to 1 1/2 hours and then have coffee. We generally walk in the Grand Rapids area but have taken road trips to other parts of the county. Walkers of all levels are welcome but know that the talking is a part of the experience so we are not a race-walking group. As the weather cools, we'll move the time of the walks to 1 PM. The day of the walk switches to Tuesday for the cooler months. If you want to be added to the group, send your email to k.karls@yahoo.com
“Everything is within your power, and your power is within you.”
― Janice Trachtman, Catching What Life Throws at You: Inspiring True Stories of Healing
2016-2017 AAUW GRAND RAPIDS MN ANNUAL BUDGET OVERVIEW
v Approved by Membership at October 17, 2016 meeting
- This Year’s Budgeted Expenses: $14,452.50
- Expenses based upon past practice: Catering; Room Rental; Printing; State & National Dues; Standing Committees; Regional & State Conferences &
- Charitable Funds: $2,800 - The Board will decide how to distribute additional funds as they become available.
§ AAUW Educational Fund
§ ICC Foundation Scholarship
§ ICC Stem Camp
§ Community Foundation GRACF Anniversary Fund
o Grand Rapids Area Community Fund
- Scholarships with the Community Foundation and the Community College are independent from the annual budget and will continue whether or not we produce a profit at year end.
- Income based upon 100 members: Local dues raised to $17.00
- Budgeted Special Fund Raising Dollars: $1,058.
- Budgeted Total Income: $15,352: Net Income: $899 – Profit
- Last Year’s Net Income: ($2,520) - Loss
For several years, we have been operating at a loss but the checking account balance, which averages $6,000, compensated for that loss. That is not a sustainable practice and over time would have been a problem. We raised dues, dinner charges, paying for guests, and standardized charges for books in book sale to change to a positive year-end balance. Distribution of any budget overage will be determined by the Board near the end of the fiscal year.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS – Best Wishes!
NOV 1 – Irma Benner NOV 2 – Connie Burley, Nancy Eltgroth
NOV 3 – Ginny Saxhaug NOV 7 – Mary Kay Jacobson
NOV 14 – JoAnn Bakken NOV 16 – Edythe Hill, Susan Mattson
NOV 23 – Kathy Adams NOV 29 – Margaret Pecha
NOV 3 – Ginny Saxhaug NOV 7 – Mary Kay Jacobson
NOV 14 – JoAnn Bakken NOV 16 – Edythe Hill, Susan Mattson
NOV 23 – Kathy Adams NOV 29 – Margaret Pecha
DEC 2 – Carol Rasmussen DEC 3 – Julie Miedtke
DEC 6 – Nancy Alfuth DEC 9 – Abby Marier
DEC 14 – Crystal Sunell DEC 26 – Charmayne Nelson
DEC 31 – Jean Czekalski
DEC 6 – Nancy Alfuth DEC 9 – Abby Marier
DEC 14 – Crystal Sunell DEC 26 – Charmayne Nelson
DEC 31 – Jean Czekalski
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH MEETING
October 17, 2016, 6:00 PM, United Methodist Church
Marva Jean Hutchins opened the October 17, 2016 meeting of the Grand Rapids Chapter of AAUW with the introduction of guests. Marilyn Rossman introduced Tasha Connelly, a candidate for Grand Rapids City Council, and Colleen Nardone introduced Kim Gibeau, Grand Rapids city clerk.
Marva Jean thanked the food providers and mentioned that the November chapter meeting date is the 14th and the December meeting date is the 5th.
The December meeting is the scholarship fundraiser. The jar event will start at 4:30 at theEagles. Charge for this event is $18.
A motion was made by Cheryl Vogel to accept the presented annual budget proposal, seconded by Lynette Eck, passed.
Marilyn Rossman announced the upcoming school board forum on October 20th.
Marva Jean thanked the group for book donations for the sale and thanked the buyers of books.
Nancy Raymond announced the traveling treasure winners.
Marva Jean read the greeting she sent to the Thief River Falls 40th year anniversary year.
Kim Gibeau talked about the election process.
Colleen introduced the Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon. He gave an excellent speech starting by praise for the AAUW organization. He explained that his position is the chief election administrator who protects and strengthens our election process. His staff makes it as easy as possible for Minnesotans to vote. He is open to questions and comments atStevesimon@statemn.us
Respectfully submitted, Jan Miland, secretary
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS BOARD MEETING
September 26, 2016, 3:45 PM, United Methodist Church
The Grand Rapids AAUW Chapter board meeting was held on Monday, September 26, 2016. Members present: Jan Miland, Cyndy Agle, Marj Lavalier, Marva Jean Hutchins, Cheryl Vogel, Lynette Eck, Karen Karls, Jean Hoshal, Jan Mary Hill, Deanna Ensley, and Nancy Raymond.
Marva Jean had us introduce ourselves and tell our position on the board. Lynette read pages 14-21 in the yearbook and directory because there is a lot of new information included. A motion was made by Karen and seconded by Jan Hill to reimburse members $3 for every booklet they mailed. Passed.
Marva Jean had us introduce ourselves and tell our position on the board. Lynette read pages 14-21 in the yearbook and directory because there is a lot of new information included. A motion was made by Karen and seconded by Jan Hill to reimburse members $3 for every booklet they mailed. Passed.
Karen suggested that we respect the speaker’s time at the regular meetings, so it doesn’t have them sitting there so long, and so that everyone can plan on the time to be finished.
Also suggested was that we be thoughtful and offer a ride to a member who doesn’t drive at night. The member could tell Deanna that she needs a ride and it will be arranged.
The finance committee has approved the detailed treasurer’s budget. Cheryl will have a one-page report at the regular October meeting to be studied for adoption. Marva Jean thanked Cheryl for all work she has done. Anyone is welcome to go to the finance committee meetings. The summary page gives excellent information.
A suggestion was made to look into a computer program, Whozin, which does a lot automatically.
The School Board Forum for Grand Rapids and Greenway school board members will be held on October 20, 6:30 PM at the Blandin Foundation community room.
A discussion was held about membership requirements required at the federal level.
Marva Jean will send a note for the 40th birthday celebration of the Thief River Falls AAUW Chapter.
The December meeting will be a jar party. Please bring only one jar item. Cyndy will accept items anytime and will be there by 2PM the day of the party to take items.
Lynette moved, seconded by Marj, to approve the quarterly treasurer’s report. Passed.
Cyndy is starting a new group, Exploring Our Community.
Respectfully submitted, Jan Miland, Secretary
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH MEETING
September 19, 2016, 6:00 PM, United Methodist Church
The Grand Rapids AAUW Chapter meeting was held September 19, 2016, at the United Methodist Church.
President Marva Jean Hutchins welcomed everyone. Helen Ahlbrecht brought items from Italy to raise money for scholarships with a donation ticket drawing. Anita Firman brought her beautiful cards for sale with some proceeds donated to the scholarship fund. One of our last spring’s Community Foundation scholarship winners, Tiffany Fideldy, gave a brief talk thanking us and telling us that she is pursuing an electrical engineering degree. She goes to classes in Virginia, Minnesota, but will get her degree through Mankato State University in about a year and a half.
Marilyn Rossman announced that Sue Ziege, a school board member, would like to have another candidate public forum. It will be held on Thursday, October 20, 6:30, at the community room at the Blandin Foundation building. Marva Jean thanked all of the committees for the work they do. Five-year pins were presented to JoAnn Bakken, Cyndy Agle and Nancy Eltgroth, 10-year pins were presented to Carol Rasmussen, Jean Halverson and Nancy Salmi.
Judy Dimich introduced the speaker, Eric Grimsrud. He spoke on the topic: Global Warming: Mankind’s Contributions and Responses.
President Marva Jean Hutchins welcomed everyone. Helen Ahlbrecht brought items from Italy to raise money for scholarships with a donation ticket drawing. Anita Firman brought her beautiful cards for sale with some proceeds donated to the scholarship fund. One of our last spring’s Community Foundation scholarship winners, Tiffany Fideldy, gave a brief talk thanking us and telling us that she is pursuing an electrical engineering degree. She goes to classes in Virginia, Minnesota, but will get her degree through Mankato State University in about a year and a half.
Marilyn Rossman announced that Sue Ziege, a school board member, would like to have another candidate public forum. It will be held on Thursday, October 20, 6:30, at the community room at the Blandin Foundation building. Marva Jean thanked all of the committees for the work they do. Five-year pins were presented to JoAnn Bakken, Cyndy Agle and Nancy Eltgroth, 10-year pins were presented to Carol Rasmussen, Jean Halverson and Nancy Salmi.
Judy Dimich introduced the speaker, Eric Grimsrud. He spoke on the topic: Global Warming: Mankind’s Contributions and Responses.
Respectfully submitted, Jan Miland, Secretary
ADVANCING EQUITY FOR WOMEN & GIRLS – FOR MORE INFORMATION
AAUW MINNESOTA www.aauwmn.net
