Grand Rapids Timberline
AAUW Grand Rapids
1949-2019
Celebrating 70 years!
Volume 43, Issue 8 May 2019
President’s Message
AAUW has been empowering women and girls since 1881. Our branch is 70 years old and to celebrate we had a delicious birthday cake at our April meeting.
Deanna Ensley was elected to the AAUW state board as VP of Programs. We are very honored to have our branch represented on the state level. Congratulations Deanna!
Did you pay your dues for the upcoming year? If you have paid by the May 20 meeting, you will be entered in a drawing for a free membership. The drawing will take place at our May meeting at Ruttger's.
We were very pleased to hold the state convention in Grand Rapids on April 26-27. We had 146 in attendance from the 29 branches around the state. We had such positive comments from the visiting members ranging from the professionalism of the Grand Rapids members to the dynamic local speakers. We heard many comments "I will come back and visit Grand Rapids again."
Thank you to Louise Koglin Fideldy for writing an article on Dr. Zoe Spencer, who was the MN AAUW State Convention keynote speaker. If you did not attend, you will be able to follow Dr. Z's story ... to be continued in her quest for equal pay. Thanks also to Gayle Coyer for her article on the Work Smart workshop on helping women negotiate higher pay.
We had a number of members who contributed to the Garden-themed silent auction at the convention. The items brought in $651, which will be credited to our branch. Compliments to our members for a great job!
The summer programs are listed in the newsletter. Thank you to Juliet Jones for setting up such unique and interesting programs.
See you at Ruttger's for our May meeting!
Cyndy Agle, Co-President
“Seize whatever opportunities for growth that present themselves. Seize the Day!”
― Cindy Davies, Grand Rapids AAUW member (at AAUW State Convention workshop presentation on worldwide motorcycle trip)
May 20 Dinner Program at Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge
Social: 5:00 PM Dinner: 6:00 PM Program: 6:45 PM
MENU: Pork Ribs w Apple Bourbon Sauce, Shore Lunch Walleye, Salad, Smoked Cheddar au Gratin Potatoes, Fresh Vegetable and Dessert
Food Chair: Marj Lavalier
Cost: $30.00
RSVPs: RSVP to Deanna Ensley by the end of Wed., May 15. Call/text 360-333-0228 or email deannaensley@yahoo.com
SPEAKER/PROGRAM: “Blooming into the Floral Industry” with Madeline Cook from North in Bloom
WELCOME NEW MEMBER!
Our speaker last month, Shantel Dow, the new executive director of the Reif Performing Arts Center, is our newest member. Welcome Shantel!
***************MEMBER HIGHLIGHT***************
Marilyn Rossman has been an AAUW member for 61 years! She has attended 46 or more state conventions! We are very proud to have such a dedicated member. Marilyn also said that this was “one of the best conventions” that she has attended with “top speakers”!
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Please note this new email address for Helen Ahlbrecht: helenahlb@paulbunyan.net Her phone numbers remain the same at Home: 218-245-1859 and Cell: 612-554-7697.
Websites for local, state and national AAUW information:
THREE GREAT SUMMER PROGRAMS!
THANKS to Juliet Jones for arranging three great summer outings! See RSVP requirements for each program.
**Monday, June 17, 11:00 AM
Tour the KMDA, a Little Iron Range Fishing Tackle Company that has become a worldwide overseas wholesaler, excelling in all outdoor needs and camping gear, fishing gear, etc. and all made locally in Bovey at 218 8th Ave. Fishing lures and a few other items are available at L & M and Glenn's Army Navy; all are signed with a “Made in Bovey, MN” tag.
KMDA also owns Hollywood Bait across the street and we will tour both facilities. The tour will last about an hour and men are welcome. Our tour guide is a retired teacher and mother of the boys who began this business--Joyce Vekick. We will eat lunch at Nana Chelle's Cafe in Bovey. Meal count needed! RSVP to Juliet Jones at kcjones50@yahoo.com by June 6 as she will be out of town June 7-14.
**Monday, July 15, 11:00 AM
Take a tour of Kelly G's Wild Rice Burgers made in Bovey at 620 4th St. We will tour the factory, which is run entirely by women. They will serve us lunch at no charge.
A head count is crucial so they know how many burgers to make. RSVP to Juliet at kcjones50@yahoo.com by July 8.
**Monday, August 26, 3:00 PM (4th MON)Meet at John Zasada's studio for his presentation of birch bark ornaments and other amazing designs he has created. He has a very interesting studio--with a story! His wife, Emilie, is an AAUW member. Emilie and John have a gorgeous area to host. Refreshments served. We are looking at wine, cheese/crackers, nuts, chocolates and fresh fruit.
RSVP to Juliet Jones at: kcjones50@yahoo.com before August 3 as she will be out of town August 6-22; or RSVP to Emilie Zasada atemiliezasada@mac.com by August 19. QUESTIONS: Call Juliet at 218-327-2696.
MEET OUR 2019-20 OFFICERS
Thanks to each of our officers for the willingness to take a leadership position!
Co-Presidents: Cyndy Agle & Deanna Ensley
VP Membership: Marj Lavalier
VP Programs: Julie Skallman & Marge Domish
Secretary: Jan Miland
Treasurer: Cheryl Vogel
Treasurer's ReportBy Cheryl Vogel
** Please pay your dues of $85 by (or at) our May 20 dinner program meeting to be eligible for a drawing for a free membership for 2020. The winner will be announced at the May 20 meeting and reimbursed for the dues paid.
Note that the end of the AAUW fiscal year is June 30. If you are unable to pay your dues in May, please send your dues payment to me by June 15 if possible. Mail to: Cheryl Vogel, 20401 Mishawaka Shores Drive, Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Thank you!
Final numbers regarding the AAUW state conference expenses and income will be posted in the next newsletter.
** 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. Next meeting is June 6.
EXPLORING OUR COMMUNITY
Join members for field trips to various places of interest.
Hill Annex Mine Tour, Fri., May 31, 12:30 p.m.; $10.00 per person. Tour is 90 min. Location: Calumet on U.S. Hwy 169, 16 miles east of Grand Rapids, 218-743- 3362. RSVP: Juliet Jones, kcjones50@yahoo.com by Fri., May 24. Bring a picnic lunch. Carpool from Juliet Jones' home at 454 Trout Lake Rd, Grand Rapids; meet at her house at 11:00 a.m.
LITERATURE – Monday group
Group meets on 1st Monday at 10:00 AM at Grand Rapids State Bank Annex. Contact is Nancy Salmi, 326-3147 or nsalmi@earthlink.net
May 6: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Mathew Desmond; discussion leader is Cheryl Vogel.
June 3: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
LITERATURE – Wednesday group
This group meets at 10:30 am on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Area Library River Room, September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 orkbzimmer@q.com
May 8: IGen: Why Today’s Super Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Happy -And Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--And What That Means for the Rest of
Us by Jean M. Twinge. We will choose titles for Sept 2019-May 2020.
PUBLIC POLICY
The group meets on the 2nd Thursday, 3:30-5:00 pm, at KAXE Radio meeting room.
The next meeting is May 9.
Our focus is on the price of college education and its implications for the students and our education system. Members are asked to bring information about this problem. We will also be looking at the new Public Plolicy program for the organization starting 2019-2020 program year. Members of the group are urged to bring interesting reading materials from newspapers magazines and books. There might even be some refreshments and an invited speaker for this meeting.
QUESTIONS: Call Jean Halverson, 327-9158, or Marilyn Rossman 326-6775, or Jan Bilden, 492-4129.
WALKING & TALKING
The group is still walking Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. until it warms up more, likely a switch to 9:00 a.m. in June. It’s open for any member who wants to walk on a regular or occasional basis. We generally walk for about an hour and then have coffee. The location of the walks varies from week to week but we walk outside rather than in a mall or gym. Walkers are notified of the planned walk via a group email. If you want to be added to the group, notify Karen Karls at k.karls@yahoo.com or 326-2053. If you are currently getting emails but are no longer interested, let Karen know. There’s no need to RSVP on walks, just show up at the designated spot.
May BIRTHDAYS - Best Wishes!
May 5 – Alice Stark May 16 – Barb Popkin
May 17 – Donita Soucek May 18 – Margaret Morris
2019 AAUW local scholarship awardsBy Helen Ahlbrecht and Kathleen Spencer
The AAUW Scholarship committee is happy to announce the recipients for the 2019 AAUW scholarship.
For the Itasca Community College (ICC) Scholarships:
**Manja Holter, from Remer, is enrolled in the practical nursing program at ICC, with a goal to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
**Tami Hogate, from Grand Rapids, is enrolled in the practical nursing program at ICC. She will be a sophomore at ICC next year
For the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) Scholarships:
**Katie Childs, from Grand Rapids, has an A.A. degree in radiologic technology from Lake Superior College and has additional training in mammography, computer tomography, and bone density. Katie plans to attend University of Wisconsin to pursue a B.S. in Diagnostic Imaging, and return to the community.
**Miranda Lougee, from Grand Rapids, has an A.S. degree in medical laboratory technology from Hibbing Community College. Miranda plans to attend the University of North Dakota to pursue a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science, and return to the community.
Each of the recipients will receive $1,000 for the upcoming 2019-2020 academic year. The criteria we evaluated for selection included: a story about themselves, thoughts on giving back to the community, their work experience, their passion for education and field of study, an essay on past experience, and if they intend to return to the area. All of these recipients are non-traditional students. They have been out of the educational system for a while, have excellent recommendations or GPAs, or both, and are juggling work with parenting. All recipients and their guest have been invited to attend our AAUW spring banquet on May 20.
A big thank you goes out to those who helped in the GRACF scholarship review including Karen Karls, Jan Bilden, Elaine Thorstenson, and Gayle Coyer. Also, we appreciate the extra effort from Susan Lynch at ICC and Sarah Copeland at GRACF to coordinate the scholarship process.
All of these recipients are non-traditional students. They have been out of the educational system for a while and are juggling work with parenting.
***********CONVENTION PRESENTATIONS***********
Keynote from AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund RecipientBy Louise Koglin Fideldy
On Sat., April 27, Dr. Zoe Spencer, Ph. D., a professor of Sociology at Virginia State University (VSU) and an AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund plaintiff, shared her story with 2019 AAUW Conference attendees in Grand Rapids.
“Z” or “Dr. Z” as she is affectionately known is black, is a woman and is from Barry Farms Projects in Washington, D.C. It is this intersection of race, gender and class that spurred Dr. Z to sue VSU alleging wage discrimination and retaliation.
Dr. Z received her Ph.D., M.S.W., and B.A. from Howard University and achieved the rank of Professor of Sociology at VSU, a historically black college university (HBCU). She is well-published, highly sought after for lectures and presentations and has consulted on diversity and inclusion for businesses and institutes.
While Dr. Z thought teaching at an HBCU would protect her from inequities, she said she was wrong.
At VSU, Dr. Z was charged with identifying deficits in gender equity, but when she did, she met with resistance. “The moment I challenged the gender inequity inside those walls, my black male administrators showed me without question that patriarchy and sexism are not exclusive to white males and white institutions. The more I fought to change the system, the more the administration fought to sustain it,” says Dr. Z in an August 2018 blog post.
In 2014, two male administrators were appointed to faculty positions as associate professors. Spencer alleges their salaries were vastly higher than those of female professors at all ranks and $35,000 – 49,500 higher than her salary. She requested a salary adjustment that was denied and alleged subsequent retaliation including delays in her pay.
So began protracted litigation. In April 2017 at the U.S. District Court of Virginia, Dr. Z survived a motion to dismiss brought by VSU. In October 2017, VSU filed a motion for summary judgement and the Court agreed and dismissed her case. In April 2018, she filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals…which she recently learned she lost.
However, she is not stopping. She says, “The details of my litigation struggle would fill a book. Learn more about Zoe Spencer’s AAUW-supported case. What I will say here is that every woman who takes on an institution in the fight for gender equity faces a David and Goliath battle. I am David; I entered the fight with nothing. The institution knew that their resources would far exceed mine. The fight is designed to break us. They thought they would break me. They were wrong. What my institution didn’t realize was that my life struggle prepared me for this. It made me stronger. More importantly, my struggle has shown me that help and support always show up to give us strength to follow through. AAUW is a testament to that.”
AAUW’s Work Smart training helps women earn more money
By Gayle Coyer
Most of us are aware that women only earn on average 82 cents to every dollar earned by a man. A part of AAUW’s mission is to fight this pay gap. One of the strategies being used is to help women increase their own pay by learning salary negation skills, both when starting a new job and when working for a salary promotion. AAUW has developed a program called Work Smart (Start Smart for college-aged women) and they aim to train 10 million women around the country through a Work Start or Start Smart course by 2022. The course is being offered both at workshops and through a one-hour online course at www.salary.aauw.org .
The Work Smart course was offered at the recent State AAUW convention (hosted by the Grand Rapids branch!) and I was able to take the course. One of the things I learned was that men commonly negotiate for salary and women have generally not negotiated for salary. The course gives four steps to better salaries and with each step, we practiced and role-played various situations.
- Step 1 is to know your value by putting together a strong resume.
- Step 2 is to know your target salary and benefits for the position you are applying for. You can research by using websites like www.salary.comto find out salary ranges.
- Step 3 teaches you tactics to negotiate. It walks you through common salary discussion conversations during an interview or performance review and how to respond to them.
- Step 4 is practice, practice, practice. This is where serious role-playing can really make a difference.
The Work Smart program and course is a great program to share with other groups that you are involved with. It’s also a good program to share with other women in your life, whether they are family, neighbors, or friends. Help spread the word that taking this course could help women make more money.
************2019 AAUW National Election***********
If you have not voted in the national AAUW election, please do so by the May 14, 6 PM Eastern Time deadline. AAUW members nationwide should have received an email from AAUW CEO Kim Churches with a link to the voting page, which has your membership number and a PIN number—both needed to complete the voting process.
Every voice matters, so please take a few moments to vote in this important election. Your vote will determine the leaders of AAUW’s Board of Directors who will guide AAUW as we seek to achieve equity for women and girls. This year, you’ll also vote on AAUW’s 2019–21 Public Policy Priorities, providing the framework for the important advocacy work we do at the local, state and national levels.
If you need help with the voting process, call the national office of AAUW at 202-785-7700 or email connect@aauw.org You can find your 7-digit membership number in our blue AAUW member directory.
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS BOARD MEETING
April 29, 2019, United Methodist Church
The April 29, 2019 board meeting was opened by co-president, Cyndy Agle.
Members in attendance: Cyndy Agle, Deanna Ensley, Jan Miland, Jan Bilden, Juliet Jones, Kathleen Spencer, Cheryl Vogel, Elaine Thorstenson, Nancy Raymond, Karen Karls, Helen Ahlbrecht, Marj Lavalier.
Cheryl moved, Karen seconded to approve the secretary's report. Passed.
Cheryl presented a detailed treasurer's report with the 2020 proposed budget. Nancy moved, Jan Bilden seconded, to approve the 2020 budget. Passed.
Kathleen Spencer and a committee of Jan Bilden, Karen Karls, Elaine Thorstenson, and Helen Ahlbrecht, made a first and second choice from 10 applicants for the Foundation scholarship. Helen attended the ICC banquet for that scholarship winner. She could not be in attendance so Helen didn't meet her.
Jan Bilden reported that a speaker from North in Bloom will be at our May meeting.
Juliet reported on the summer programs in place.
Marj reported that there are no new members at this time.
Elaine reported that responses for the meetings are still a problem. It was decided to continue collecting the fee from those who registered but didn't attend. We need to be consistent.
In old business, Cyndy reported that $3,670 was raised by the silent auction at the state conference. The money goes directly to the national fund, with credit to each branch.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Miland, Secretary
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS PROGRAM MEETING
April 15, 2019, United Methodist Church
Co-president, Cyndy Agle welcomed members to the regular monthly Grand Rapids AAUW 2019. She mentioned that we are celebrating 70 years as a Grand Rapids branch.
Marj Lavalier announced that there will be a drawing for a free membership at the May meeting. Those eligible are members with dues paid by the May20th meeting.
We are honored to have Deanna Ensley as a state board chairman of programming.
The nominating committee presented a slate of officers which included Cheryl Vogel for treasurer, and Julie Skallman and Marge Domish as co-chair vice presidents of programming. Passed unanimously.
Work is progressing on getting ready for the state convention on April 26 and 27, 2019 to be held here.
Presto Print gave us a good deal on printing the booklets for the convention. It is a local women-owned business.
Nancy talked about the book sale and drew names for the travel treasures.
Members are encouraged to vote on the national website for officers and policies.
Jan Hill talked about the garden theme baskets she is putting together for the silent auction. She also mentioned the need for picture books for project read.
Juliet Jones talked about the summer programs.
Elaine Thorstenson thanked the food committee and asked members to sign up for next year's food committees.
Jan Bilden introduced the speaker, Shantel Dow, Executive Director of the Reif Performing Arts Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Miland, Secretary
ADVANCING EQUITY FOR WOMEN & GIRLS – FOR MORE INFORMATION
