Grand
Rapids Timberline
NEWS FOR
AND ABOUT
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS
BRANCH
MEMBERS
EDITOR: Arlene Wheaton,
(218) 232-4989
MISSION: AAUW advances gender equity for women and girls through research education and advocacy.
Location: Methodist Church
Social & Registration: 5:00-5:45 Dinner: 5:45-6:30 Business Meeting: 6:30-7:00 Program: 7:00-8:00
Topic: Myths and Facts about Vaccinations &
Immunizations
|
Dr. Stacy Holl is an Internal Medicine physician at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital. She earned her medical degree in 2011 from the Medical School at Des Moines University, Iowa. She came to
Grand Rapids to practice in 2016 and has an interest in preventive care. |
Dr. Holl grew up in Grand Rapids, graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 2001, attended Iowa State University and went on to medical school at Des Moines University. She completed her medical residency in Internal Medicine at University of Iowa-Des Moines. Following this, she stayed at University of Iowa-Des Moines for a chief year of residency, where she served as junior faculty member and was able to mentor younger residents in her program.
Menu: Lasagna, Dinner Salad, Garlic Bread & Creme De Menthe Cake
Cost: $15.00
Food Chair: Marlys Mestemacher
RSVP to AAUWRSVPGrandRapids@gmail.com by Monday, March 14. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Danielle Witherill, 218-244-1793, danielle.witherill@edwardjones.com
President’s Message
Dear Grand Rapids AAUW Branch Members,
Those of you who
have come to the last two branch meetings have heard my call for a new Branch
President. It is so necessary for the leadership and/or organizing the monthly
branch meetings that many of you seem to enjoy.
Here is the
truth. I do not really enjoy the monthly branch meeting. I do not mind the
organizing or the production, but honestly, I do not enjoy that much about
going to the church to eat a meal. I have nothing against all of you, the
church, Justine, the caterers, etc. I just do not find this kind of a meeting
that personally rewarding, BUT I DO it when whenever I am in town.
I received a full
tuition scholarship my final year in college based on the promise I would
volunteer the rest of my life. I just explained to someone the other day that
70 percent of the massive volunteering I do here in Grand Rapids as a relative
newcomer is because no one else is willing to take it on. About 30 percent I do
because I truly want to do it. I truly want to be an officer on the Grand
Rapids AAUW Board! I truly want to be a board member on the Minnesota State
AAUW Board!
The “president”
could be put together in a non-traditional way. Maybe a team? Cyndy and I have
fulfilled our four years. There has to be someone in our relatively large
membership that has enough respect for our branch to step up in some way, shape
or form to lead us through the next couple years.
Also, if you are
interested in attending the annual Minnesota AAUW Convention in St. Cloud on
April 29-30, there are five of us planning to attend, we would love to hear
from anyone else interested. There could be possible financial aid if the cost
is a little much, plus I have 3 rooms with 2 queen beds reserved at this time
with at least two of us willing to drive and commute.
Thank you,
Deanna Ensley, Co-President
College Women Student Leaders program
From Deanna Ensley,
deannaensley@yahoo.com, 360-333-0228
Below is yet another AAUW Program that is
being encouraged at this time, NCCWSL (National Conference for College Women
Student Leaders). I would have jumped on this in a heartbeat as a young college
student.
I realize our Grand Rapids Branch has not
participated in NCCWSL for over six years, but I believe that somewhere amongst
all our granddaughters, nieces, friends, etc. that maybe some young woman might
be interested. This is virtual now due to Covid concerns so travel is not an
issue.
An excellent description of the program
is at: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/nccwsl/attend/
If your interest is sparked or if you
know a find young college student that may be interested in attending, please
contact me.
Note that early-bird registration ends on
March 11. I hope to contact all branches with that info.
Registration is now open for the 2022 NCCWSL on May 24-26. NCCWSL is the premier experience for elevating leadership, advocacy and equity for college women, with access to dynamic speakers, workshops and panels. This year's event will be entirely virtual as was last year’s and although a bit less exciting, virtually in a sense is less stressful.
AAUW State Convention - Mark your Calendars!
April 29-30, 2022, in St. Cloud. See the schedule, flyer and registration documents attached to this email.
AAUW logo items: As a convention fundraiser, several AAUW Minnesota items—a long-sleeved navy t-shirt, a hoodie and a canvas tote bag—are being offered for sale. (See attached flyer to see what they look like). One change is that the “V-neck” t-shirt is no longer available; you may order the round neck version only. If you would like to place an order, you may do so using the convention registration form even though you may not be attending.
Meet a
MEMBER
Julie Erickson
First-year member of AAUW
I am relatively new to Grand Rapids and
have come to appreciate all there is to do here! I have enjoyed First Friday
Art Walks, MacRostie Art Center, performances at the Reif, live local music, as
well as biking, hiking and snowshoeing the gorgeous trails in the area. I also
enjoy reading (my go-to is True Crime), drawing, teaching drawing, movies and
some of the streaming series, Sudoku, Free Cell, word games and planting and
tending to annuals in spring and summer.
I live with my significant other, Jack, our dog (Kate) and our two cats (Daisy
and Shadow). I moved around every few years growing up due to my dad's job
transfers and have somewhat continued that pattern as an adult. I’ve lived in seven
states, a couple of them twice. I attended three grade schools, two high
schools, University of Tennessee, University of Nebraska, University of
Minnesota, Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis (BA in Organizational
Communication and Management) and University of St. Frances out of Joliet, Illinois
(MS in Health Services Administration). Change doesn't scare me much!
My career path, not surprisingly, has
taken a circuitous route as well. I began as a respiratory therapist (RRT),
first in hospitals, later in home care. After being a hands-on care provider
for several years, I found that I (mostly) enjoyed managing. I held several
management-level positions: first, in home medical equipment companies; later,
in physician clinics, from which I retired. Along the way, I did short stints
as a cosmetology instructor and realtor. I guess I like variety!
We are losing my dad to dementia, but my mom is sharp, strong and capable. I make a trip to the Cities every 2-3 weeks to see them and help out with a variety of things. My younger sister, Kathryn, is a retired RN and lives Washburn, WI; my older brother, Ross, died by suicide at age 38.
I look forward to meeting other people in the area and forming lasting friendships; I have no plans of moving again! Also, please check out my new drawing classes at MacRostie this Spring. I would love to have a full class!
************************************
** INTEREST GROUPS **
*BRIDGE
Day/Time/Location TBD. Group meets year-round. If interested in playing
Bridge, contact Dianne Anderson, 218-327-2651 or 515-450-9252.
*Exploring
Our Community
This group goes on outings to area organizations, typically gathering for a meal. Upcoming outings will be planned for late April, May and June. Contacts are Cyndy Agle, cyndy.agle@gmail.com and Juliet Jones, kcjones50@yahoo.com
*LITERATURE
– Monday group
The group will
meet on Mon., March 7, 9:30 am, Room 121 at Zion Lutheran Church, to discuss The
Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult. Please wear a mask and bring
your own beverage. For more information, contact Nancy Salmi, 326-3147 or nsalmi@earthlink.net
*LITERATURE
– Wednesday group
The group will meet on March 9,10:30 am, Room 121 at Zion Lutheran Church, to discuss Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd. The book for the next meeting on April 13 will be West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Note that masks are required by the church. For more information, contact Vicki Holmstrom at agiledog5@aol.com or 218-245-2294.
*Walking & Talking group
We are on our winter schedule of walking on Tuesdays at 1 pm. The locations change from week to week but will be in the Grand Rapids area. The group is open to new members interested in walking. If you would like to join us, send your email and cell number to Karen Karls at k.karls@yahoo.com
You will receive an email with the weekly walk location. Members walk when they can or want to; no need to RSVP. We generally walk for about one hour. If the weather is very dreadful, we may cancel, and we’ll let you know. However, we are a hardy group of women who value the fresh air and exercise as well as the companionship.
Three
Opportunities to try Curling
The Itasca Curling Association, 902 Hale Lake Pointe, is offering a chance for those of you who watched the Olympics to give curling a try. Friday evenings--March 4, 11, and 18--the club will be open to walk-ins, starting at 5:30 pm and ending at 7:30 pm. Club members will be there to greet you and take you out on the ice to give it a try.
Wear loose
fitting clothing and bring a pair of clean sneakers. It is cool on the ice so
gloves and a hat might be desirable. Some of the members who have tried it
suggest you ask to use the delivery stick or a crutch if you find it difficult
to balance when throwing the stone. If you miss this chance, you will have to
wait until next November to give it a try!
“Judge Ketanji Jackson has already inspired young
Black women like my daughters to set their sights higher, and her confirmation
will help them believe they can be anything they want to be.”
― Former President Barack Obama on Supreme Court
Justice nominee
AUGUST BRANCH POTLUCK
In past years we have had an annual potluck at a member's home. If you would have an interest in hosting the dinner in August, please let Laurie Clausen know at laurel.clausen@edwardjonew.com We are flexible as to which Monday in August and we will work with your schedule.
AAUW Grand Rapids, MN Branch General Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2022
The Grand Rapids branch met at the United
Methodist Church January 17, 2022. Twenty-eight attended. Health measures
included wearing masks and limiting four individuals per table for both lunch
and program.
A social hour and lunch preceded the general
meeting and program. Deanna Ensley, co-president, opened the meeting by
welcoming all and reading the AAUW Mission Statement. Travel Treasures reported
raising $50.
Karen Teff, owner of Clara’s Cupboard and
Clara’s Closet provided the program.
She shared her experiences in opening a business in mid-life (while continuing a career in Math Education) and incorporating community support as part of her business model by collaborations with Second Harvest and Crafted by Itasca Life Options.
Respectfully submitted by
Dianne Anderson, Secretary
HIBBING AAUW BOOK SALE
Location: Hibbing Armory, 2310 Brooklyn Dr.
(across Hwy 169 from Hibbing Community College)
Friday, April 8 9:30AM-8
PM $1/book
Saturday, April 9 9:30AM-5:30PM $.50/book
Sunday, April 10 9:30AM-2:00PM $2/bag
Masks may be required.
AAUW
Minnesota Board member has died
|
Earlier this month, AAUW Minnesota lost a most valuable member, finance wizard, helpful, selfless and inspiration figure. David Kirkwood had served on the state board in Finance and Bylaws chair roles. I did not know Dave extremely well but enough to fully appreciate his value, not only to AAUW, but to society. As a
new member and new AAUW state board member, Dave was a great assistant to me
numerous times, i.e. setting budget for our 2019 convention, understanding
finances, bylaws and policies. We had a virtual state board meeting on
February 5th and Dave was present. Within days we had lost him. |
Dave has
been one of my inspirations to be so active in AAUW, and now feel I must try to
live up to his expectations.
OBITUARY
David L. Kirkwood, age 80, of Apple Valley, passed away on Feb. 13, 2022, from complications of lung cancer. Born in Rochester, MN, to Albert and Dorothy Kirkwood on Nov 15, 1941. After graduating high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State. While in college, he starred in a stage production of the musical "The Pajama Game." He was employed his entire career at Univac-Sperry-Unisys where he became a Vice President and General Manager. Dave valued every employee; he had an "open door" management style and made himself available to employees at all levels of the divisions he managed. At home, Dave had many interests including photography, astronomy, meteorology, woodworking, and electronics. In retirement he served on both the state and national boards of the American Association of University Women. In addition to extra time for various projects around the house, retirement brought the opportunity for international travel. He also found time to revisit his interest in music, and recently compiled several clips from the golden age of Hollywood musicals to share - repeatedly - with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Karen; sons Matthew (Sarah), West Saint Paul, MN; and Jonathan (Cara), Brandon, SD; grandson Benjamin, and granddaughters Danielle, Ariana, and Laina. He will be missed by all, including his dog, Abby. A celebration of Dave's life will be held Saturday, March 5, at White Funeral Home, 14560 Pennock Ave, Apple Valley, with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 1 pm and a sharing of memories at 2 pm. If attending, please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the American Association of University Women at aauw.org or 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington DC, 20005, or Minnesota Public Radio at support.mpr.org, or Twin Cities Public Television at tpt.org/give.
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
ADVANCING EQUITY FOR
WOMEN & GIRLS
– FOR MORE INFORMATION
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION www.aauw.org
AAUW MINNESOTA www.aauwmn.net
