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Grand Rapids Timberline
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NEWS
FOR AND ABOUT
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS
BRANCH
MEMBERS
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Volume
40, Issue 5 March 2016
FROM THE PRESIDENT – Looking ahead to Spring programs
It must be Spring, the sun rose over Johnson Lake
Island at 7:07 a.m. this morning, and by 10:30 a.m., my thermometer read 50
degrees! As the McDonald's slogan says "I'm lovin’ it!”
Even though the weather was snowy and messy, we had
a good turnout for our February 15th meeting. We even received a new member, Deanna Ensly. She found us just
the day before in the newspaper article Karen Karls wrote. How perfect is that?
Our program February 15th was "Current Women's
Issues in Northern Minnesota”. It was a
very thoughtful approach to the stories of two women coming from opposite ends
of the economic spectrum, Sarah McBroom an attorney and Alice Moren of Circles
of Support.
I am thinking our program for March 21st "Sex
Trafficking in Minnesota" might bring in people from the community. We
will be returning to the United Methodist Church for our usual time starting
with social gathering at 5:00 p.m.
Our March board meeting will be March 28, 3:45 p.m.
at the Public Utilities Bldg.
The AAUW
Minnesota State Convention is April 29-May 1 in Duluth. Registration is due
March 31. For more information, see page 5 of this newsletter.
The NE MN
AAUW Fall Gathering will be in Ely on September 10 at the Grand Lodge Ely.
They are letting us know early so that people who would like can make plans to
spend the weekend and enjoy the Harvest Moon Festival activities.
All AAUW members are encouraged to go to their political caucus meeting on Tuesday, March
1, 7 p.m. Learn your caucus location by calling either the
Democratic or Republican headquarters or the Itasca County Auditor’s
office, or visit http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/
I hope each of you get an opportunity (and take it)
to go outside and enjoy our beautiful spring-like weather.
Sincerely . . . Marj Lavalier
QUOTABLE
“What I always
tell people is that the wisdom about our lives is already within us.
I’m here to less to give advice than to urge people
to listen to themselves and to offer support to each other. Just ask yourself:
What do you love to do so much that you forget what time it is while you’re doing it?”
-Gloria Steinem
What do you love to do so much that you forget what time it is while you’re doing it?”
-Gloria Steinem
** BRANCH NEWS **
March 21 Program
Location: Methodist
Church, Grand Rapids
DINNER: 5:30
PM BUSINESS: 6:15 PM PROGRAM:
6:30-7:30 PM
COST: $13
MENU: Baked chicken, twice baked potato, corn, roll and dessert.
Reservations due to Charmayne Nelson by Wed., March 16. Call 326-4178 or email charnels@paulbunyan.net
COST: $13
MENU: Baked chicken, twice baked potato, corn, roll and dessert.
Reservations due to Charmayne Nelson by Wed., March 16. Call 326-4178 or email charnels@paulbunyan.net
TOPIC: “Sexual Exploitation of Youth”
Speaker: Amanda Ysen, Executive Director of
Support Within Reach (SWR)
Child
sexual abuse is far more prevalent than most people realize, even here in
northern
Minnesota. Statistics vary but at minimum, one in 10 children will be sexually abused
before their 18th birthday. With physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and educational
consequences, child sexual abuse is likely the most prevalent health problem
children face.
Amanda Ysen will address the efforts of SWR to raise awareness, support victims, and prevent exploitation through education including the development of (CASE) Community Against Sexual Exploitation. SWR is a four program organization that works to reduce the impact and harmof sexual violence to individuals in Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Itasca Counties. Amanda has 18 years of experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking. She has been the executive director at SWR since 2008.
Amanda Ysen will address the efforts of SWR to raise awareness, support victims, and prevent exploitation through education including the development of (CASE) Community Against Sexual Exploitation. SWR is a four program organization that works to reduce the impact and harmof sexual violence to individuals in Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Itasca Counties. Amanda has 18 years of experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking. She has been the executive director at SWR since 2008.
AAUW
members have an opportunity to assist SWR as they provide service to
victims
of sexual exploitation. We can
contribute items for SURVIVAL CARE
PACKAGES that are
given to victims.
Personal care supplies are packaged into gallon-size ziplock bags. Items that
are needed include: travel size bottles of shampoo/conditioner, body lotion,
liquid body soap, toothpaste. Other items are toothbrushes, dental floss,
hairbrush/comb, deodorant, razors, sanitary pads(min. of 10), tampons (min. of
10), panty liners, wet wipes, lip balm, footies, socks, pens/memo pads, manicure
sets. All items should be new. If you don’t want to shop yourself, monetary donations
to Support Within Reach will help with supplies. There will be a basket to
collect your donated items at our March meeting.
April 16 Branch Meeting, Methodist
Church, 5:30 p.m.
The program will be about Itasca Community College and Minnesota community colleges' challenges and strengths. The current provost of ICC will be the speaker.
The program will be about Itasca Community College and Minnesota community colleges' challenges and strengths. The current provost of ICC will be the speaker.
A
short presentation about the new Grand Rapids wellness center for mental health
will also be given by AAUW member Marva Jean Hutchens
At our April meeting, we will host our semi-annual used book sale to raise funds for scholarships for
women and girls. Please bring to this meeting used books that are “good
reads”—no manuals or reference books.
** INTEREST
GROUPS **
Any member can start a new interest group. Current interest groups are open to any
member. Each group decides on its
meeting time, calendar of meetings and subject or purpose of the group.
Writing
group interest? Anyone interested in a writing group that would
meet for several months should call
Marilyn Rossman, 326-6775, or email mbro@paulbunyan.net Have you ever thought…"I
really should be writing some of these things down for the grand kids!” If there is interest in this endeavor, we can
make some organizational arrangements.
BRIDGE
Group will resume
meeting again in May, meets May-December, first Thursday of the month at Majestic
Pines bistro.
CREATIVE ART
Open studio for painting is held at the MacRostie
every Tuesday, 10 AM through the afternoon. Free for members; nonmembers pay
$5. Margaret Z. Morris sends an email to those interested each week, including
if this group will not meet some weeks. Bring your lunch. This is open for
anyone of any level of painting or any media. We have watercolor and
acrylic, and welcome other media. No cost or instruction, learning
from each other and having fun. Margaret’s email: ipaint@paulbunyan.net or phone 999-9683.
LITERATURE – Wednesday group
Group meets at 10:30AM on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Library, September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 or kbzimmer@q.com
Group meets at 10:30AM on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Library, September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 or kbzimmer@q.com
March 9: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
April 13: West of the Moon by Margi Preus
May 11: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee; pick titles for September-May
LITERATURE – Monday group
April 13: West of the Moon by Margi Preus
May 11: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee; pick titles for September-May
LITERATURE – Monday group
Group meets on 1st Monday at
10:00 AM at
Grand Rapids State Bank Annex. Contact
is Jan Hill, 246-979 or jmhgkh@paulbunyan.net
March 2: When Books Go to War by Molly Gupstill Manning; Cheryl Vogel, contact
March 2: When Books Go to War by Molly Gupstill Manning; Cheryl Vogel, contact
PUBLIC POLICY
The group will meet on March 11, 4:00 to 5:30, KAXE meeting room. We will have a discussion based on the book: American Mojo: Lost and Found - Restoring our Middle Class before the World Blows By. The specific pages for this time are Chapters 17-20. Everyone is welcome and bring a guest. We try to raise questions and have a civilized discussion about the material and ideas in the book. Members are encouraged to bring to the discussion information from other resources. The library has a copy of the book and it is easily obtained from online sources. We will finish the book at the April meeting (second Thursday of the month at 4:30).
The group will meet on March 11, 4:00 to 5:30, KAXE meeting room. We will have a discussion based on the book: American Mojo: Lost and Found - Restoring our Middle Class before the World Blows By. The specific pages for this time are Chapters 17-20. Everyone is welcome and bring a guest. We try to raise questions and have a civilized discussion about the material and ideas in the book. Members are encouraged to bring to the discussion information from other resources. The library has a copy of the book and it is easily obtained from online sources. We will finish the book at the April meeting (second Thursday of the month at 4:30).
Last month some of the group dined at the new
Japanese restaurant after the meeting.
If anyone is interested in a meal after the meeting, contact Jan Miland,
218-208-8659, jan.miland@yahoo.com
All AAUW members are encouraged to go to the national AAUW website www.aauw.org or connect@aauw.org and sign on to one or two of their regular brief newsletters or notices
about current public policy issues and action by the national
organization. You will need your member
number which is with your name in our Grand Rapids small green member
directory. AAUW is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AAUW.National
WALKING & TALKING
The group’s winter schedule is walking on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The group is flexible and open to interested members. Locations of the walks are chosen by the group and are generally in Grand Rapids neighborhoods during the winter. We schedule week by week and an email is sent with the location. We walk for about one hour and then have coffee. To be included in the group, send your email to Karen Karls at k.karls@yahoo.com
The group’s winter schedule is walking on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The group is flexible and open to interested members. Locations of the walks are chosen by the group and are generally in Grand Rapids neighborhoods during the winter. We schedule week by week and an email is sent with the location. We walk for about one hour and then have coffee. To be included in the group, send your email to Karen Karls at k.karls@yahoo.com
RACE - The Power of an Illusion is a three-part movie
series that was shown in the Grand Rapids Library during the noon hour on February
18 and 25, and March 1. It is thought-provoking and interesting—very much
worth your time and attention. This definitive three-part series is an
eye-opening take of how what we assume to be normal, common sense, even
scientific, is actually shaped by our history, social institutions and cultural
beliefs. It will be repeated on Wed, March 23, Mon, March
28, and Mon, April 4. All showings are at 6 p.m. at the office of Circles of Support, 805 NE 4th St., Grand Rapids. Each film is
about an hour and there is time for discussion after the film ends. There is no charge.
Refreshments served. RSVP to: brianaa@kootasca.org or 999-5883.
**AAUW Minnesota
News**
AAUW of Minnesota State Convention
Theme: Lighting
the Way with AAUW
April 29, 30–May 1,
2016
- Holiday Inn, Duluth
The
convention will include mission-based workshops to help support AAUW’s mission
of providing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education,
philanthropy and research. Convention lodging will be at the Holiday Inn and
Suites in downtown Duluth, which offers complimentary covered parking. All meetings
will be held on site and a reception will be off site. Optional activities will
be offered before and after the convention.
Attendance
is open to any AAUW member and a registration form is included in the Minnesota Pine newsletter or online at http://aauw-mn.aauw.net
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS
BOARD MEETING
January 18, 2016, 1:00 PM, Sawmill Inn
Present:
Marj Lavalier, Jean Hoshal, Nancy Raymond, Cheryl Vogel, and Karen Karls
Meeting
called to order by President Marj Lavalier.
Motion
by Cheryl, seconded by Jean, to accept the minutes of meeting of 11/23/15;
approved.
Cheryl
gave the treasurer’s report. A $50 donation was made to GRACF in the name of deceased
member Mae Howe. The December jar fundraiser made $710. Some discussion of
whether extra money raised on the meal should also be credited but decided that
the jar money was dedicated to scholarships while the meal costs/income was
part of general income/expenses. Expenses for evening were $46.
March
board meeting will be the 4th Monday at Public Utilities building. The February
board meeting will follow the regular meeting.
Finance
Committee meets on the second Monday of the month; could have Sarah Copeland
attend either on Feb. 8 or March 7 at 4 PM at Majestic Pines. Perhaps some
GRACF funds could do something other than the regular scholarship.
Membership:
Jean Walthower is a new member; now at 97 members.
Program:
Marilyn Rossman is in charge of the March program.
Public
Policy: Group is reading American Mojo.
Hospitality:
Jan Mary Hill is at home following knee replacement. Karen Wennen will
have
the nametags for the March meeting. Food set to arrive at 11:45 with program at
12:15.
Discussion
of December meeting and party for next year. Party this year was nice but lots
of work for those in charge with tables, set-up, etc. There were numerous comments
by members at the party about bringing food, still having to pay, and not being
served, expressing a preference to go out and be served even if it costs more.
Majestic Pines could cater the food but the issue of set-up remains.
The
jar fundraiser was successful but probably should only do one more year, if
that. Also, perhaps have fewer items; consumable items like food, wine, spa
items seemed to generate the most interest. Could do a silent auction but prior
efforts at this have not been too successful; members did not bid up items.
Nancy talked about her proposed Travel Treasure as an ongoing fundraiser.
Members returning from a trip could bring back a small item that would be a
fundraiser at a meeting with tickets and a drawing or some other means.
The
Book Sale is at the April meeting.
Old
Business:
The
Christmas party has already been discussed.
Discussion
on getting reports on ICC Scholarship. Staff transitions have limited contact.
New
Business:
Need
to appoint a Nominating Committee to consist of one board member and two
regular members. Positions of President, Vice President for Membership and
Secretary are up. Cheryl Vogel volunteered to serve from the Board. Mac Custer
and Jean Halverson were suggested as committee members.
Brief
discussion of money issues, both raising money and spending it. Branch could
support member attendance at the State Conference, which is in Duluth.
Next
board meeting will follow February program at the Sawmill.
Respectfully
submitted, Karen Karls for Jan Miiland, Secretary
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS
BOARD MEETING
February 15, 2016, 1:00 PM, Sawmill
Inn
Attendance at the February AAUW board meeting were
the following: Marj Lavalier, Marilyn Rossman, Cheryl Vogel, Jan Miland, and
Karen Karls.
The January minutes, Cheryl moved, seconded by
Marj, approved.
The treasurer’s report was presented showing a
total on hand in January of $8,745.20. Cheryl spent many hours updating the demographic
information for the national AAUW records.
