Grand Rapids Timberline
Volume 47, Issue 5 January 2023
NEWS FOR AND ABOUT AAUW GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH MEMBERS
EDITOR: Myrna Peterson
(218) 301-6028
MISSION: AAUW advances gender equity for women and girls through research education and advocacy.
January 16, 2023
Location: United Methodist Church
Social and Registration begins at 11:30 AM
Lunch at 12 PM
Menu: Baked Potato Bar, Crusty Bread, Brownies
Food Chair: Karen Karls
Food Committee: Kathleen Spencer, Dianne Anderson, Emille Zasada
Program: DNR Bear & Medtronic Study
Presenter: Dr. Andrew N. Tri, CWB, Ph.D. DNR Wildlife Research Biologist
TITLE: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Lessons Learned from Four Decades of Bear Research in Minnesota
Andrew Tri is the Bear Project Leader for the Minnesota DNR’s Forest Wildlife and Populations Working Group. He has worked with bears for DNR since 2015 and has been working with bears since 2010. His PhD is from West Virginia University and was on the ecology and population dynamics of urban and suburban bears in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. His Master’s degree was on bobwhite quail from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, and earned a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife at UMN-Twin Cities. He grew up in Northern Anoka County, MN, and now lives in the woods, south of Hibbing, MN, with his husband and two dogs. He’ll be speaking about the DNR’s long-term bear monitoring project, which is one of the longest running bear projects in the country (early 1980s-present).
**RSVP to AAUWRSVPGrandRapids@gmail.com by Monday, January 9.
AAUW Night at Grand Rapids Girls Basketball Game. In November, our dinner program was led by Anne Campbell, GRHS Activities director, along with two coaches, Kim Hamling (basketball) and Marlo Gangl (Nordic skiing). Title IX, the federal law that prohibited discrimination by gender in educational institutions receiving federal monies, has resulted in a great many more opportunities for women in athletics. We were impressed with their dedication and professionalism, and a bit envious of the opportunities that were not available to most of us as students.
To support young women athletes and to have an evening of excitement and entertainment, we are invited to attend a basketball game between Grand Rapids and Bemidji girls on Tuesday, January 17. The game begins at 7:15 but we hope to have a brief talk regarding rules, strategy and other points to help us enjoy the game and then sit together. Anne will provide passes for free admission to those who indicate they will be attending and spouses and partners are also welcome. Email Jan Bilden at jpbilden@gmail.com or leave a message at 218-492-4129 by January 11 if you would like a free pass.
President’s Message
Happy New Year! Our January and February meetings will be lunch meetings at the Methodist Church. This has worked well in the past. Be sure to RSVP before the deadline.
Speaking of RSVP, this continues to be a problem for us. We continue to have no shows, late RSVPs, and walk-ups. This is such a problem because we are either paying for more meals then are being eaten, or we won't have enough meals for everyone to eat. It is important to get that RSVP in before the deadline to make sure that we have a meal for you at the dinner.
At our December meeting/fundraiser "Eat Your Words", we raised a very generous amount toward scholarships.
Stay warm and cozy!
Laurie Clausen, President
Travel Treasures
There were no Travel Treasures in December as it was our annual fundraiser. All money raised went towards our Scholarship Fund. It was a very fun evening! Please remember to bring any Travel Treasures to this January meeting.
Norma Eppinga and Marlys Mestemacher
Treasurers Report
Our December Scholarship Fundraiser was a fun and successful event. I think our members enjoy putting together a raffle item as much as they enjoy winning something to take home. We had 32 members and guests in attendance which was down a bit from past years.
We sold $635 in raffle tickets, two members who could not attend sent me a total of $75 with directions to add it to the raffle funds. That means we raised $710 from the raffle.
Brenda Rudd had generously donated a mink coat to the fund raiser as she was moving out of the area. Marlys Mestemacher placed a high bid of $500 for the coat saying they planned to gift it to their daughter-in-law who saw it at their home and loved it. She and her husband Tom decided to add another $100 to the check when they sent it to me for deposit.
So thanks to all of you who participated in the event in some manner, our scholarship fund was increased by $1310.
Since the beginning of the fiscal year in July we have also been given $65 in memorials and $126 from Anita Firman from the sales of her jewelry at our May meeting.
That makes a grand total of $1501 in 6 months. Thank you for your commitment to education for women!
Julie Skallman
julie.skallman@gmail.com
** INTEREST GROUPS **
*EXPLORING OUR COMMUNITY
The group goes on outings to area organizations and activities. Contact is Cyndy Agle, cyndy.agle@gmail.com
No January outings planned.
*LITERATURE
The Monday Morning Lit Group will meet on Monday, January 9th, at 9:30 AM in the private dining room at Majestic Pines. Jan Bilden will lead a discussion of TRAVEL AS A POLITICAL ACT (3rd edition) by Rick Steves. For more information, contact Nancy Salmi at 326-3147 or nsalmi@earthlink.net.
*PUBLIC POLICY
Deanna Ensley is trying to organize a new Public Policy group. If you have an interest in a more action-based group, including discussion of what and how we will move forward, please think about letting her know of your interest and wait for more specifics. You can reach Deanna at (360) 333-0228 or at deannaensley@yahoo.com
*WALKING & TALKING
We walk each Tuesday afternoon at 1 PM. We walk for about one hour, always outside. The location in the Grand Rapids area changes from week to week and members receive an email with the walk location. If the weather looks really awful, you will get a cancellation notice. Members walk when they want or are able; no need to RSVP. We welcome new walkers. If you are interested in joining, send your email and cell phone number to k.karls@yahoo.com.
*Sunshine & Caring
If any member of AAUW needs a bit of sunshine because of illness or a sympathy card, please let me know and I will send a card from AAUW. You can email me at: cyndy.agle@gmail.com.
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS - Best Wishes!
25 – Alexandra Zimmerman
27 – Marian Barry, Gayle Coyer, Louise Koglin Fideldy,
Karen Wennen
28 – Brenda Ruud
31- Dianne Anderson
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
