Volume 44, Issue 4 December-January 2020
December 9 Christmas Party
Location: Eagle’s Club, Grand Rapids
Location: Eagle’s Club, Grand Rapids
Social hour: 4:30-5:45 pm Dinner: 5:45 pm
Menu: Beef Brisket, Roasted Baby Red Potatoes, Green Bean Amandine,
Tossed Dinner Salad & Dessert.
Cost: $25 (covers all costs associated with the dinner, including room rental,Tossed Dinner Salad & Dessert.
tablecloths, food, taxes & tip)
RSVPs: RSVPs were due to Deanna Ensley Nov. 27 via text (360) 333-0228 or
email deannaensley@yahoo.com
Note: It is an early reservation time due to the need for Eagles to order
the beef brisket and cook it for 4 days.
email deannaensley@yahoo.com
Note: It is an early reservation time due to the need for Eagles to order
the beef brisket and cook it for 4 days.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND FUNDRAISER with a Twist
We will hold our annual fundraiser to benefit our scholarship fund
at our Christmas party on Dec. 9. The theme for the "Fundraiser
with a Twist" is SHINY and BRIGHT.
If you are unable to attend, please consider making a monetary
gift to support our scholarships.
at our Christmas party on Dec. 9. The theme for the "Fundraiser
with a Twist" is SHINY and BRIGHT.
If you are unable to attend, please consider making a monetary
gift to support our scholarships.
Tickets will be sold and you can put your ticket in the bag for the gift
you wish to bid on.there will be a random drawing for each item.
Ticket prices are: 25 for $20, 12 for $10, 6 for $5 or a dollar each.
Every dollar you contribute goes toward our scholarship fund.
you wish to bid on.there will be a random drawing for each item.
Ticket prices are: 25 for $20, 12 for $10, 6 for $5 or a dollar each.
Every dollar you contribute goes toward our scholarship fund.
President’s Message
Merry Christmas! December is time for our annual fundraiser that benefits our scholarship
fund. The theme this year is "Shiny & Bright." Last year, we raised over $900 and
this helped make it possible to add two additional scholarships.
Note: If you are unable to attend on Dec. 9, donations are welcome to benefit the
scholarship fund. Gifts are also appreciated if you are unable to attend.
fund. The theme this year is "Shiny & Bright." Last year, we raised over $900 and
this helped make it possible to add two additional scholarships.
Note: If you are unable to attend on Dec. 9, donations are welcome to benefit the
scholarship fund. Gifts are also appreciated if you are unable to attend.
A special thank you to our board members, who help our branch run so smoothly.
We would not have the quality of monthly meetings without all of you!
We also want to thank the chairs for our branch’s interest and study groups.
You are very valued.
We would not have the quality of monthly meetings without all of you!
We also want to thank the chairs for our branch’s interest and study groups.
You are very valued.
STEM donations: We passed out cards with items needed for the STEM
summer program at our November meeting. There is also a list in the newsletter.
This is another way that we can help support the program...we give 2 STEM
camperships, but we can also donate supplies to assist.
I had Presto Print make up cards with the needed supplies on bright green paper.
When I picked them up, they said that they had cardboard tubes and something
that could be used for wheels. I reached out to our ICC contact and she picked them up
and was very pleased to have the donations. We have already received a substantial
monetary donation from one of our members for the STEM program.
summer program at our November meeting. There is also a list in the newsletter.
This is another way that we can help support the program...we give 2 STEM
camperships, but we can also donate supplies to assist.
I had Presto Print make up cards with the needed supplies on bright green paper.
When I picked them up, they said that they had cardboard tubes and something
that could be used for wheels. I reached out to our ICC contact and she picked them up
and was very pleased to have the donations. We have already received a substantial
monetary donation from one of our members for the STEM program.
Our program Co-Chair, Marge Domish, introduced the speaker at our November meeting
. Marge talked about starting the IB program in Grand Rapids and also that it was the
first in the state. We had so many positive comments on hearing Marge's background
that we are going to start a "Member Spotlight" each month in the newsletter.
Our members have the most interesting backgrounds and do the most interesting things!!
. Marge talked about starting the IB program in Grand Rapids and also that it was the
first in the state. We had so many positive comments on hearing Marge's background
that we are going to start a "Member Spotlight" each month in the newsletter.
Our members have the most interesting backgrounds and do the most interesting things!!
May your holidays be "Shiny and Bright”!
Cyndy Agle, Co-President
**Treasurer Cheryl Vogel reported that our branch donated
$1,000 to the National AAUW Education and Training Fund.
$1,000 to the National AAUW Education and Training Fund.
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more
than the grandest intention.”
than the grandest intention.”
― Oscar Wilde
January 20 LUNCH Program
Location: United Methodist Church
11:30 am Registration/Social 12:00-12:30 pm Lunch 12:30-1:30 pm Program
MENU: Chicken Salad on lettuce, Assorted raw vegetables with dip, Orange Jello Fluff,
Roll, Brownie w Cherry ice cream
Roll, Brownie w Cherry ice cream
Food Chair: Nancy Raymond
Topic: A Team Approach to Breast Health
Presenters: Dr. Lisa Owens & Dawn Hayes, RN
Dr. Lisa Owens is a General Surgeon specializing in breast care and
Dawn Hayes, RN is the Breast Care Coordinator for Grand Itasca Clinic.
The women will talk about why you are the most important member of the
health care team. In addition to talking about recommendations for screenings
and self-exams, they'll discuss the advances in technologies to help you beat breast
cancer should you be the one in eight women that receive the unfortunate diagnosis.
Dawn Hayes, RN is the Breast Care Coordinator for Grand Itasca Clinic.
The women will talk about why you are the most important member of the
health care team. In addition to talking about recommendations for screenings
and self-exams, they'll discuss the advances in technologies to help you beat breast
cancer should you be the one in eight women that receive the unfortunate diagnosis.
Membership Report
From Marj Lavalier, Membership Chair
We want to extend a warm welcome to our three newest members Mary T. Johnson,
Jan Uggla and Wanda Ulseth. They joined in October/November.
Jan Uggla and Wanda Ulseth. They joined in October/November.
The three newest members to our branch attended my orientation meeting
before the November meeting. It was great to share with them about our
branch activities. I want to thank Cyndy Agle and Nancy Raymond for attending also.
Having board members there to share their experiences is always a plus.
before the November meeting. It was great to share with them about our
branch activities. I want to thank Cyndy Agle and Nancy Raymond for attending also.
Having board members there to share their experiences is always a plus.
** INTEREST GROUPS **
BRIDGE
Group meets at Majestic Pines Senior Living on 1st Thursday, year round now.
Starts with lunch in the Bistro at 11:30 a.m. followed by Bridge, one to two tables.
Contact is Nancy Raymond, 952-715-2365.
Group meets at Majestic Pines Senior Living on 1st Thursday, year round now.
Starts with lunch in the Bistro at 11:30 a.m. followed by Bridge, one to two tables.
Contact is Nancy Raymond, 952-715-2365.
EXPLORING OUR COMMUNITY
Sat., Dec 7, 2:00pm: Meet at the Itasca Curling Club at 2:00 to 4:00 pm
to try the sport of Curling. Everyone is welcome, as well as partners and spouses.
It is 40 degrees on the ice so wear warm loose clothing.
Bring a pair of clean shoes (tennis shoes work best) and be ready to try your hand
at throwing a curling rock and sweeping it into the house.
They ask for a $5 donation and have beer and pop for sale.
You are welcome to bring snacks or other drinks, and there is a warm clubhouse
overlooking the ice so come even if you just want to watch your friends give it a try.
Sat., Dec 7, 2:00pm: Meet at the Itasca Curling Club at 2:00 to 4:00 pm
to try the sport of Curling. Everyone is welcome, as well as partners and spouses.
It is 40 degrees on the ice so wear warm loose clothing.
Bring a pair of clean shoes (tennis shoes work best) and be ready to try your hand
at throwing a curling rock and sweeping it into the house.
They ask for a $5 donation and have beer and pop for sale.
You are welcome to bring snacks or other drinks, and there is a warm clubhouse
overlooking the ice so come even if you just want to watch your friends give it a try.
LITERATURE – Monday group
Group meets on 1st Monday (except for holidays) at 10:00 AM at Grand Rapids State
Bank Annex. Contacts are Nancy Salmi, 326-3147, and Jan Hill, 246-9791.
Dec. 2: Annual Christmas brunch at Majestic Pines at 9:30 am.
Jan. 6: Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher, discussion leader: Jan Bilden
Bank Annex. Contacts are Nancy Salmi, 326-3147, and Jan Hill, 246-9791.
Dec. 2: Annual Christmas brunch at Majestic Pines at 9:30 am.
Jan. 6: Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher, discussion leader: Jan Bilden
LITERATURE – Wednesday group
Group meets at 10:30 am on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Area Library, River Room,
September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 or kbzimmer@q.com
Group meets at 10:30 am on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Area Library, River Room,
September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 or kbzimmer@q.com
Dec. 11: Neither Wolf nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn
Jan. 8: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
**The Wednesday Book Group led by Barb Zimmer just read Neither Wolf nor Dog
by Kent Nerburn. It depicts 1990 reservation life in western North Dakota.
Two men, one white and one Native American, try to understand each other's world.
It is an intriguing comparison of myths and stereotypes of the Native American
life as seen through the two men's friendship. By giving each man's perspective it
presents much food for thought.
by Kent Nerburn. It depicts 1990 reservation life in western North Dakota.
Two men, one white and one Native American, try to understand each other's world.
It is an intriguing comparison of myths and stereotypes of the Native American
life as seen through the two men's friendship. By giving each man's perspective it
presents much food for thought.
*NEW NONFICTION BOOK GROUP (beginning this winter)
Short Information meeting after the noon-hour AAUW meeting on January 20
to get some ideas for starting a book group that reads nonfiction books and magazines.
Nonpolitical but will have discussions that are current in the world or about the world
issues or personal issues for everybody.
Questions? Call Marilyn Rossman at 218-326-6775.
to get some ideas for starting a book group that reads nonfiction books and magazines.
Nonpolitical but will have discussions that are current in the world or about the world
issues or personal issues for everybody.
Questions? Call Marilyn Rossman at 218-326-6775.
PUBLIC POLICY
The group will not meet in December; t
he next meeting is Thurs., Jan. 9, 3:45-5:00 pm, at the KAXE meeting room.
We will continue discussing the book, How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky &
Daniel Ziblatt. We will discuss through chapter 6.
Please join us if you’re interested in our country.
We can’t solve all the problems, but it helps to express our thoughts.
We need to have positive helpful ideas.
For information, contact Jean Halverson, 327-9159, jehhmh@mchsi.com
or Jan Miland, 218-208-8659, jan.miland@yahoo.com
The group will not meet in December; t
he next meeting is Thurs., Jan. 9, 3:45-5:00 pm, at the KAXE meeting room.
We will continue discussing the book, How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky &
Daniel Ziblatt. We will discuss through chapter 6.
Please join us if you’re interested in our country.
We can’t solve all the problems, but it helps to express our thoughts.
We need to have positive helpful ideas.
For information, contact Jean Halverson, 327-9159, jehhmh@mchsi.com
or Jan Miland, 218-208-8659, jan.miland@yahoo.com
WALKING &TALKING
The Walking and Talking Group is on its winter schedule of walking at 1 PM on Tuesdays.
The location of the walks changes from week to week and is chosen by the group.
Locations are emailed to the group.
We generally walk for about an hour and then have coffee.
We walk outdoors rather than in a mall or gym.
Members walk when they want to and at their own pace;
no need to RSVP. It is a social group rather than a hard-core exercise one.
We welcome new members.
If you want to be added to the group, send your email address to k.karls@yahoo.com
The location of the walks changes from week to week and is chosen by the group.
Locations are emailed to the group.
We generally walk for about an hour and then have coffee.
We walk outdoors rather than in a mall or gym.
Members walk when they want to and at their own pace;
no need to RSVP. It is a social group rather than a hard-core exercise one.
We welcome new members.
If you want to be added to the group, send your email address to k.karls@yahoo.com
Donations needed for STEM Camperships
Our AAUW branch supports the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
program at Itasca Community College with two camperships each summer.
We are also going to support the program with donations for the students to use.
Bring items to our January or April meetings.
program at Itasca Community College with two camperships each summer.
We are also going to support the program with donations for the students to use.
Bring items to our January or April meetings.
Please consider donating any of these items for STEM:
● Toy Wheels (small to medium sized) ● All Thread (1/8 x 1 to 3 feet)
● Magnets ● Alligator clip test leads
● Flexible Plastic Tubing (any diameter/length) ● Springs of various sizes
● Flexible Plastic Tubing (any diameter/length) ● Springs of various sizes
● Screen material (from old window screens) ● Thick cardboard poster tubes
● Zip ties (all sizes)
● Perforated Angle (1/8 x 1.5 inch, up to 6 ft long)
● Perforated Angle (1/8 x 1.5 inch, up to 6 ft long)
● Foam board (white for posters and displays)
● Pink or blue insulation foam (1/4 through 2 in. thick)
● Pink or blue insulation foam (1/4 through 2 in. thick)
● Sheets or squares of Plexiglas (1 foot x 1 foot or bigger)
● Cardboard Cores from paper or carpet rolls
● PVC Pipe and Connectors (various diameter of any length)
● Wire (non-insulated, 14-24 gauge)
● Miscellaneous items: Rulers, yardsticks, mechanical pencils, permanent markers
or erasers
or erasers
Monetary donations are welcome.
You may contact Kim Dammiani at ICC: Kimberly.damiani@itasscacc.edu
or office phone: 218-322-2370 or cell: 218-256-2653.
You are able to receive an official tax donation letter for your records
or for tax documentation.
NOTE: Monetary donations made to our branch will be used for a meal
and snacks for the students participating in the program.
If you have large items, please contact Kim and she will arrange location for drop off.
You may contact Kim Dammiani at ICC: Kimberly.damiani@itasscacc.edu
or office phone: 218-322-2370 or cell: 218-256-2653.
You are able to receive an official tax donation letter for your records
or for tax documentation.
NOTE: Monetary donations made to our branch will be used for a meal
and snacks for the students participating in the program.
If you have large items, please contact Kim and she will arrange location for drop off.
OTHER AAUW BRANCH ACTIVITIES:
A Women's Suffrage Conference will be held in Ely on June 26 & 27,
sponsored by the Brunfelt-Sainio Memorial Foundation and the AAUW Ely branch.
"Women's Lives Transformed: The 19th Amendment" will be held at
Vermilion Community College.
sponsored by the Brunfelt-Sainio Memorial Foundation and the AAUW Ely branch.
"Women's Lives Transformed: The 19th Amendment" will be held at
Vermilion Community College.
Career/Professional Accomplishments: Helen has used her 35 years of nursing
experience and her love of teaching to help improve infection control in long term care
facilities. Beyond her experiences in intensive care, coronary intensive care, nursing
administration, staff development, patient and consumer education, program
development, epidemiology, and gerontology, she has made the biggest strides
by taking time to mentor and teach staff on a one-to-one level.
experience and her love of teaching to help improve infection control in long term care
facilities. Beyond her experiences in intensive care, coronary intensive care, nursing
administration, staff development, patient and consumer education, program
development, epidemiology, and gerontology, she has made the biggest strides
by taking time to mentor and teach staff on a one-to-one level.
Chosen to be part of a visionary, comprehensive program for long term care facilities,
she used her clinical experience and her passion to change infection control and
prevention in long term care facilities to help the program succeed. By serving on
work groups for the Minnesota Department of Health and co-authoring a publication
in the American Journal of Infection Control, she has improved the quality of life for
facility residents. She has trained hundreds of infection control nurses and directors
of nursing in the five-state area, and each of these staff members has, in turn, put
her teaching into practice.
she used her clinical experience and her passion to change infection control and
prevention in long term care facilities to help the program succeed. By serving on
work groups for the Minnesota Department of Health and co-authoring a publication
in the American Journal of Infection Control, she has improved the quality of life for
facility residents. She has trained hundreds of infection control nurses and directors
of nursing in the five-state area, and each of these staff members has, in turn, put
her teaching into practice.
Education: Helen attended the St. Cloud School of Nursing to earn her Registered
Nurse degree. She then went on to obtain a BS degree in Health Arts from the University
of St. Francis, and completed a graduate program in Nursing from St. Catherine’s
University to become an Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. She became certified in
infection control.
Nurse degree. She then went on to obtain a BS degree in Health Arts from the University
of St. Francis, and completed a graduate program in Nursing from St. Catherine’s
University to become an Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. She became certified in
infection control.
Background/Family: Helen was born Seattle and lived in Bovey and Grand Rapids
while growing up. She graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine.
She is married to Bob with four children and six grandchildren.
They lived in Apple Valley, MN, for many years, and recently upon retirement,
they moved to King Lake north of Grand Rapids (where Helen’s parents had owned
property) and built a new home.
while growing up. She graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine.
She is married to Bob with four children and six grandchildren.
They lived in Apple Valley, MN, for many years, and recently upon retirement,
they moved to King Lake north of Grand Rapids (where Helen’s parents had owned
property) and built a new home.
Personal interests: Helen enjoys playing Mah Jongg, walking, reading, music and art.
She attended the Burnsville School of Fine Arts and her media is oil painting.
She is the president of the Greater King Lake Association and is active in the
Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations. She loves to travel and recently took a cruise
to the Baltic states and Russia.
She attended the Burnsville School of Fine Arts and her media is oil painting.
She is the president of the Greater King Lake Association and is active in the
Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations. She loves to travel and recently took a cruise
to the Baltic states and Russia.
AAUW passion/involvement: Helen believes that women need encouragement
and financial assistance to continue their education. She is co-chair of our Branch’s
scholarship committee.
and financial assistance to continue their education. She is co-chair of our Branch’s
scholarship committee.
Thursday, June 18
1:00-2:30 Opening meeting: Lisa Maatz
2:30-3:30 Celebration of 19th Amendment / ERA
3:45-4:45 Breakout #1 ( 2-3 options)
5:00 Branch/ State Pictures
6:00-8:30 Dinner, keynote speaker: Kim Churches
Friday, June 19
8:30-10:00: Kendra Davis AAUW in Action: Economic Security Panel
10:15-11:15 STEM Panel
11:30-12:15 Breakout #2
12:30-1:30 Lunch/speaker Denise Lieberman “Voter Suppression”
1:45-2:30 Breakouts #3
2:45-3:30 BRANCH PROGRAM SHARING
3:45-5:00 State meetings or BREAK OUT #4
5:30 Optional dinner riverboat cruise
Saturday, June 20
8:30-9:30 LAF Speaker
9:45-10:30 Open/TBD
10:30-12p Town Hall: Kendra Davis
Early Registration planned at about $175; Late registration after mid-May planned
at $225. Double rooms about $150. Official registration will start in early 2020.
More information to follow as it is confirmed.
Questions? Contact Deanna Ensley at 360 333 0228 or deannaensley@yahoo.com
Websites for local, state and national AAUW information:
Our Grand Rapids AAUW blog: http://grandrapidsaauw.blogspotcom/
MN AAUW website: http://aauw-mn.aauw.net
National AAUW website: www.aauw.org
Our Grand Rapids AAUW blog: http://grandrapidsaauw.blogspotcom/
MN AAUW website: http://aauw-mn.aauw.net
National AAUW website: www.aauw.org
ADVANCING EQUITY FOR WOMEN & GIRLS – FOR MORE INFORMATION
AAUW MINNESOTA www.aauwmn.net
