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AAUW Grand Rapids 1949-2019 Celebrating 70 years! |
Grand Rapids Timberline
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NEWS
FOR AND ABOUT
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS
BRANCH
MEMBERS
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Volume
44, Issue 1 September 2019
President’s Message
We welcome you to a new year of AAUW!
We welcome you to a new year of AAUW!
What's new this year: We have new
co-chairs for the program committee--Julie Skallman and Marge Domish and
they have a year of informative and educational programs lined up.
We will be sending a student to the National Conference for College Women
Student Leaders.
We have a new
caterer thanks to Elaine Thorstenson.
A thank you to Arlene for not only doing the
newsletter, but also the directory and getting it out in such a timely manner.
Super job on both!!
AAUW has made pay equity a major focus and WorkSmart is a major part of that
focus. This tool is to help in
negotiating salary in the workforce.
When I saw that AAUW members should take it, I thought "I am retired--why should I take
it?" I took the course, and it
was interesting as it makes you reflect on your past achievements. It's
worthwhile to look back on your accomplishments. The link is: www.salary.aauw.org
Have you joined one of our special interest groups? We have two book groups, a
bridge group, walking group, public policy and an "Exploring Our Community"
group. We will have sign-up sheets at
our September meeting. You may also
email me at cyndy.agle@gmail.com and I will
pass your name to the contact for that group.
This is a great way to get involved and meet other members--especially
if you cannot always make the monthly meetings.
We look forward to an inspiring year with our
remarkable members!
Cyndy Agle
Co-President
September 16 Dinner Program
Location: United Methodist Church
Social: 5:00-5:45 PM Dinner: 5:45-6:30 PM Business
Meeting: 6:30-7:00 PM Program:
7:00-8:00 PM
MENU: Sweet & Sour Chicken on Rice, Green Bean Almondine, Dinner Roll & Chocolate Cake
Food Chair: Jan Bilden
MENU: Sweet & Sour Chicken on Rice, Green Bean Almondine, Dinner Roll & Chocolate Cake
Food Chair: Jan Bilden
Cost: $15.00
RSVPs: RSVP to Deanna Ensley by the end of Thurs., Sept. 12. Call/text (360) 333-0228 or email deannaensley@yahoo.com
TOPIC:
What You Need to Know about the Library
PRESENTER:
Will Richter, Director of Library Services, Grand Rapids
Will Richter has worked for the Grand Rapids
Library for 11 years. He grew up in
suburban White Bear Lake, MN. His master’s degree in Library Science is from Dominican
University in Chicago. He worked for the Washington County libraries for 4
years before moving to Grand Rapids. He
is married to Dr. Sara Gaalaas, who has an orthodontics practice in town.
He was appointed to his current position in
Spring 2019. He is the first man to hold the director position in the library’s
100+ year history. The Grand Rapids
Library is the primary library for much of Itasca County, creating unique
funding challenges. He will talk about the varied services the library offers
and welcomes questions.
Catering change
From Elaine Thorstenson
We decided to look at other options for our
catered meals at the Methodist Church for the coming year. Many businesses and
individuals were interviewed to determine which direction to go. Cost was a big
factor, along with menu selection and the availability of the caterer to wash
dishes. Many members recommended Peggy
Smith and Shirley Nixon for their cooking skills and flexibility to work
with AAUW in keeping costs down.
We will not have an increase in dinner or
lunch meals held at the church. The cost for dinner meals is $15.00 with $10.00
for our two lunch meals in January and February. This amount covers the cost of the catered
meals, and overages go to support the Educational Opportunity Fund, local
scholarships and operating expenses, including rent and supplies. The December
and May dinner costs will vary based on location and menu.
Peggy and Shirley bring many years of catering
experience to AAUW and many glowing reviews from members who have experienced
firsthand their meals. Look for new and exciting menus in the directory and
newsletters.
“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create,
nurture and transform.”
nurture and transform.”
― Diane Mariechild
Northland AAUW Fall
Gathering, September 14, Virginia
Come join Minnesota’s Northland AAUW
Chapters Fall Gathering during Bridge Daze in Virginia on Sat.,
Sept. 14, at the Lyric Annex in downtown Virginia. Registration and
breakfast is between 9-10 AM. The program begins at 10:00 with Suzse Pearsall,
Virginia’s Branch President, giving the welcome. The program follows with Mary
McReynolds, Executive Director for the Lyric Center for the Arts, and then
Whitney Ridlon, Community Development Representative.
Lunch
is at noon, branch business and sharing at 1 pm and closing at 1:30.
For this late registration please contact
Deanna, call/text 360-333-0228 or email deannaensley@yahoo.com, who will
connect with Virgnia AAUW for arrangements.
Deanna Ensley will be driving and has room
for a few more people and Jan Miland has offered to drive if needed.
Membership Report
From Marj Lavalier, Membership Chair
As of our August 5th board meeting, we have 84 members. It’s always a
little exciting for Fall to arrive. It marks the beginning of activities that
took a break over the summer. Now is a good time to invite someone to join you
at AAUW. AAUW is an organization you
believe in. So share it, and that in
itself will attract other women. The new
membership application form has the Interest Groups on the back so new members
can mark which groups they may be interested in. Then we can reach out to them sooner and
encourage their involvement.
** 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
Join members for field trips to various places of interest.
Sat, Sept 7, 11:00 AM in Bovey at Annabella's
Join members for field trips to various places of interest.
Sat, Sept 7, 11:00 AM in Bovey at Annabella's
A tour of the Speakeasy Era of Prohibition in
Bovey, the early history, the Flapper period, to learn about this part of the
Iron Range history and legacy. Wear a flapper costume if you wish! After our tour we are having a High Tea Lunch
at Annabella's.
Reservations are required. High tea is $6.95
per person. Our hostess is Patty Yanwis, 259-9742. RSVP to Juliet Jones at kcjones50@yahoo.com by Aug. 31.
LITERATURE – Monday
group
Group meets on
1st Monday (except for holidays) at 10:00 AM at
Grand Rapids State Bank Annex. Contacts: Jan Hill, 246-9791, or Nancy Salmi,
326-3147.
Aug 26: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See (rescheduled due to Labor Day holiday)
Aug 26: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See (rescheduled due to Labor Day holiday)
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 or kbzimmer@q.com
This 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
Sept. 11: Dear Mrs. Bird: A Novel by A. J. Pearce
PUBLIC
POLICY
The Public Policy group will meet on Thurs., Sept. 12, 3:45, at the KAXE meeting room. Jan Miland will have a presentation titled “Equity in Middle School Science Instruction.” Specific activities any of us can do will be discussed. We hope to have some people who like to help young people attend.
The Public Policy group will meet on Thurs., Sept. 12, 3:45, at the KAXE meeting room. Jan Miland will have a presentation titled “Equity in Middle School Science Instruction.” Specific activities any of us can do will be discussed. We hope to have some people who like to help young people attend.
WALKING & TALKING
The Walking and Talking Group remains on the
summer schedule of walking at 9 AM on Wednesday mornings. The winter schedule, probably starting in October,
will switch the walks to Tuesday afternoons at 1 PM. 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 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 addeed to the
group, send your email address to k.karls@yahoo.com
SCHOLARSHIP FUND FUNDRAISER
Each December, we have a new theme for our
"Fundraiser with a Twist" to benefit our scholarship fund. This year it will be "Shiny & Bright."
It could be everything from candles, a scarf with shine, flashlights,
jewelry, brightly colored mittens, a shiny picture frame, Christmas decor, honey,
a brightly colored package with a pair of gloves inside. We will end up with
many fun and unique items—all for a good
cause!
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS BOARD MEETING
August 5, 2019,
Central Square Mall Conference Room
The
August 5, 2019 AAUW board meeting was called to order by Co-President, Cyndy
Agle. Members present: Marj Lavalier,
Deanna Ensley, Cyndy Agle, Cheryl Vogel, Julie Skallman, Marge Domish, Jan
Miland, Helen Ahlbrecht, Karen Karls, Elaine Thorstenson, and Juliet
Jones.
Karen
made a motion, seconded by Marj to accept the June 2019 board minutes, passed.
Cheryl
presented a detailed report with handouts to show the figures. She stated that
$2,575 was gained from the state convention. Her report included the annual
financial summary and the fourth quarter summary.
Marj
reported that as of now, the membership count is 84 with no new members during
this summer. In October, members may bring a qualified, first time, guest for
the cost of $7. The membership application has interest groups on the back so
new members can be contacted right away for participation. Marj has the
application forms and little blue cards to hand out to interested new women.
She will do an orientation for new members in November.
Marj
Domish and Julie Skallman have done lots of work on the new year programs. They
haven’t missed a detail and have everything listed and handed out to the board
members. We appreciate their organization and attention to all areas needed.
Deanna
and Cyndy would like the April program, “Gitchigumi Scouts” to be promoted even
more than the usual.
Karen
continues to do an excellent job writing the communications. She would like
information from members on anything special that is happening.
Elaine
did a thorough investigation of caterers. She thanked Marj for helping with
interviews. After much consideration, they recommend Peggy Smith with the help
of Shirley Nixon. They are two retired ladies that will wash dishes. They
charge $15 for evening meals and $10 for the luncheons, which can be paid the
day of the event. Elaine has all the monthly food chairs in place, but does
need more committee members. There will continue to be a charge for no shows.
Thanks to Elaine for a job well done.
Marlys
Mestenmacher will serve on the funds committee with Nancy Raymond. There will
be a book sale in October.
Reservations
will continue to be made to Deanna by texting, calling or email.
Helen
passed around a thank-you from Susan Lynch that she received because she
attended the scholarship reception.
Juliet
continues to send birthday cards and also congratulations, retirement, sympathy
or any other cards members might request. She likes to send cards and can do it
from anywhere as she is not in Grand Rapids some of the months of the year. A
suggestion was made to send a welcome card to new members. We certainly
appreciate all she does and we continue to hear appreciation and compliments.
The
hospitality committee did a great job last year. We all need to watch for
members who are alone and talk to them. Cheryl appreciates someone sitting with
her at the pay table, Marj, Jan Miland and Jan Hill like to do it, but others
are welcome. We are proud to have Deanna on the state board program committee.
She reported that the state needs applicants for NCCWSL and will pay $1,000
toward the expenses.
We
received the regional meeting invitation. The fall gathering will be held on
Saturday, September 14, 2019, in Virginia. The registration form can be
obtained online or from Cyndy or Deanna. It needs to be sent in by August 15th.
Also let Deanna know if you are attending so we can arrange carpooling.
Myrna
Peterson keeps up our branch blog with the address on page 5 in the
booklet.
Cyndy
encourages anyone to start another interest group. It’s a good way to meet and
get to know people better.
Arlene
needs the directory information by August 19th and the newsletter information
by August 29th. She does a lot of work for our organization and is greatly
appreciated.
Cyndy
says, “What a great board!” Editorial comment from the secretary: The co-presidents
are greatly appreciated for all the organization they do. They are creative and
thoughtful. We do have wonderful ladies that share their talents and caring.
I’m impressed with how hard volunteers work. We can be proud of our Grand
Rapids AAUW branch.”
Respectfully
submitted,
Jan
Miland, Secretary
Websites
for local, state and national AAUW information:
Our Grand Rapids AAUW blog: http://grandrapidsaauw.blogspotcom/
Our Grand Rapids AAUW blog: http://grandrapidsaauw.blogspotcom/
ADVANCING EQUITY
FOR WOMEN & GIRLS
– FOR MORE INFORMATION
AAUW MINNESOTA www.aauwmn.net
