BRANCH LUNCHEON MEETING AT MONTCALM RESTAURANT
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28th
Our first meeting of the new year will take place on Saturday, January 28th, at the Montcalm Restaurant. The social segment will begin at 11:45 am and will be followed by luncheon at 12:15 p.m. Our program for the afternoon, “Beyond Waste,” will begin at 1:15 pm. It will feature a 6-person panel coordinated by Ruth Lamb, that will be an extension of last year’s environmental program. You won’t want to miss this! The reservation form and menu choices are online here. Reservations are due by January 21st. Katherine Trackey and Jan Ritter
FEBRUARY 25th BRANCH LUNCH MEETING
Our meeting program on Saturday, February 25th is explaining "Joint Efforts with Pain". Join Jason Campopiano, PT and Kevin Campopiano, L.Ac. as they discuss two therapies that can help keep your life in balance - Physical Therapy and Acupuncture. Physical therapy is an active therapy that works to adjust and strengthen any discrepancies in your musculoskeletal system, while acupuncture uses stillness to help the body heal itself. Learn about these two therapies that are very different yet complementary to help you reach your full potential.
The luncheon meeting will be at the Glens Falls Country Club, Round Pond Rd., Queensbury. To meet and greet friends arrive at 11:45 am. Luncheon at 12:15 pm will precede the program that will begin at 1:00 pm. The reservation form and menu choices are online here. The deadline is Saturday, February 18th. Nancy Cathers, Program Co-Vice President
READERS NEEDED - MONDAY, APRIL 2
The Women's History Essay contest committee would like volunteers to read the children's essays on Monday, April 2 at 1:00 pm at Linda Campopiano's home. Please call Linda to volunteer for this exciting short-time volunteer effort. It's loads of fun and laughs. Nan Scinta, project co-chair
LOCAL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
For the 57th year the local memorial scholarship is being offered. The Adirondack Branch Memorial Scholarship is available to a student presently enrolled and attending an accredited college, working for a degree at the associates, bachelor or graduate level. Students who have completed at least one full year of college or are completing a two-year college who can show a letter of acceptance to a four-year college also may apply. Graduate students are eligible as soon as they have earned at least four hours of graduate credit. Scholastic record, financial need, and evident commitment to completing the college program are factors considered in the selection process. The branch has budgeted $1,000 this year for the Award. Completed applications are due back by March 1, 2012.
Residents of the area served by our branch are invited to request an application. The application package is available on our website or contact Jan Ritter, Branch Scholarship chair.
SAVE THE DATE - SATURDAY MAY 19th
AAUW GOLF TOURNAMENT
The third annual Adirondack Branch AAUW Golf Tournament will be held at the Queensbury Country Club on Saturday May 19th. The format is a four person scramble, with prizes awarded for first, second and third place teams. Also included in the day's events will be a buffet dinner, silent auction, and putting contest. This Golf Tournament is the Branch’s main fund raiser. The proceeds raised help fund our projects, which include the Notable Women 5th Grade Contest, Deborah Borie’s “Childhood for Sale” presentation and our Local Memorial Scholarship. Your help is needed to plan the tournament, please sign up today to be on the committee! Call Jan Ritter for information.
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR TREASURER
I assumed the treasurer position in July and have found there is quite a learning curve to this position. While I have served as treasurer for other organizations, AAUW is very different in that there are many program accounts and responsibilities for this organization. Mary King has been shepherding me along this far . Thank you, Mary. Primarily, the treasurer is responsible for accounting for membership. Membership is the lifeblood of any organization and I would hope to set a goal for increasing membership by 7 members this year. Please consider bringing a potential member to any of our many events: book club, program meetings, gourmet group, outings, etc. If you have any ideas for programs or know of any projects going on in your community which we could participate in, please let the appropriate board member know.
If you have any questions regarding Adirondack AAUW finances, please feel free to contact me. Regina Hillier, Branch Treasurer
BOARD NOTES
The next Board Meeting is scheduled for February 16 at 3:00 pm in the Community Room at Crandall Public Library. If you cannot attend, please notify Myrna Jantson or Ann Mathewson.
CALLING LIST
We want to thank Margot Hyde for her years of service as Chairperson of the Telephone Committee. She has been a very dependable and loyal member of AAUW. Thank you for your dedication and service, Margot. Cynthia Farbaniec has graciously agreed to assume the position as Chairperson of the Telephone Committee. Many thanks to ALL who make the telephone calls each month! Myrna Jantson, Co-President
NEED A RIDE TO BRANCH EVENTS?
Do you need a ride to any of our meetings? Please contact your Membership Co-VPs, Emily and Doris. We will make arrangements for car pooling. Please do not hesitate to call us. This is a WONDERFUL way to meet new people and to get better acquainted with those whom you might have already met. Try this out, but remember, we need a little time to make arrangements. Emily O'Hare & Doris Stoll
COME TO THE AAUW-NYS CONVENTION
APRIL 20-22, 2012 IN ROCHESTER!
This year's state convention theme, "In Their Footsteps", will celebrate the historic women's rights movement centered in New York State. It will begin with a Friday afternoon tour of the Susan B. Anthony House and continue on Saturday with a dialogue between impersonators of Anthony and of Matilda Joslyn Gage which will bring alive the conflicts within the women's suffrage movement - surprisingly relevant to today's political divisions. Workshops on "The Haudenosaunee Influence", "Harriet Tubman", African-American "Uncrowned Queens", "Elizabeth Cady Stanton", "Women of the Chautauqua Movement", and "The Seneca Army Depot Peace Encampment" will all expand on this theme.
Keynotes by Cathy Kelm, head of AAUW's Lobby Corps in Washington, and by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, as well as workshops on The Temp Economy and "Clean Money, Clean Elections", a dialogue on the Women's History Trail, and "Project Women" will show how we can continue the mission today. We'll extend that mission throughout the world with our international speaker, Jane Roberts.
By popular demand we will again have military bridge on Friday evening, an exercise session (yoga this year!) on Saturday afternoon, musical entertainment on Saturday evening, and opportunities for swimming, walking, and bidding on LAF offerings (purses this year!). As a special treat, the Branch Showcase will be a presentation by the Bath Branch of the play "Momoirs" on Sunday morning.
For more information, please see the state website at www.aauw-nys.org. Register early to qualify a drawing for a free spa visit and/or scholarship money for your branch! From Peggy Kelland, AAUW-NYS V.P. Program
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black history in America is a story of people rising above great injustice to make incredible contributions to our country. Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate African Americans and the accomplishments that enrich our multicultural, national heritage and possibilities for the future. It is a time to celebrate the considerable contributions of African Americans in the United States. February was chosen for Black History Month because of the month's many important anniversaries and remembrances relating to African Americans, including Frederick Douglass's presumed birthday (February 14) and Abraham Lincoln's birthday (February 12).
This is a good time to refresh our minds as to
AAUW's stand on Diversity:
In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership.
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.
Anne Horwitz, Branch Diversity Chair; source, NYS AAUW web site
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - MARCH 8TH
Thousands of events throughout the world will be held on International Women's Day, March 8th. Since the early 1900's this day, and other days in March, have been observed to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. The theme this year is "Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures." There is lots of information available at the internationalwomensday.com website.
They urge, "So make a difference, think globally and act locally! Make every day International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding." Joyce Smith, International Affairs
A LOOK BACK
AAUW is 130 years old, and our past is an inspiration. Our history made us what we are today. AAUW's first research in the 1880's refuted the prevailing opinion that women's health was too delicate to withstand the rigors of four years of college.
Almost 100 years ago AAUW issued its first pay equity study in 1913.
In 1921 we lobbied for independent citizenship for married women (!).
AAUW began lobbying in 1969 for a woman appointee to the Supreme Court (took 12 years to get Sandra Day O'Connor).
In 1972 AAUW was instrumental in the passage of Title IX with AAUW member Patsy Mink (HI) co-authoring the bill.
This organization was founded by women who knew you have to educate and lobby and act to move women along. That is still our mission: keep pushing and breaking the barriers to women's education and equity. So Look Back at what our AAUW foremothers accomplished and keep building on that foundation. Excerpted from article by Caroline Pickens, AAUW-VA President
YOUR VOICE WAS HEARD!
After reviewing more than 200,000 comments from the public - many of them from AAUW Action Network members - the Obama administration announced earlier today that almost all employers will have to include coverage for women’s preventive health services, including contraceptive services, starting in August 2012. This is a victory for women’s health, and would not have happened without our raising our collective and persuasive voice.
AAUW applauds the administration for releasing this rule, and is relieved the administration worked to protect women’s rights to access preventive care including contraceptive services. This decision means that women’s preventive services will be covered without co-pay or cost-sharing. As the Institute of Medicine put it when proposing what should be covered, “Positioning preventive care as the foundation of the U.S. health care system is critical to ensuring Americans’ health and well-being. Women particularly stand to benefit from additional preventive health services.” AAUW couldn’t agree more. Source: AAUW Action Network email, Jan. 20, 2012
AAUW OUTLINES PRIORITIES, RECOMMENDATIONS WITH NEW FEDERAL POLICY AGENDA
Top policy goals include fair pay and educational and workplace opportunities
Linda Hallman, CAE, Exec. Director of AAUW, stated, “...Given the nation’s ongoing economic struggles, there is no better time to capitalize on the unique strengths of women as workers and caregivers. Investing in women is smart economics as we are the crucial drivers of the countries financial recovery. Lisa Maatz, AAUW director of public policy and government relations added, “ . . .women are clear about [the economy and job creation. They] make up more than half the workforce, and as such, are an important part of the 21st-century economy. . .”
Some of the highlights from AAUW’s 2011-12 federal policy agenda include: Expanding educational opportunities, Promoting economic security, and Ensuring civil rights. Adapted from AAUW Washington UPDATE, Mar. 17, 2011
In response to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics which says the pay gap has narrowed one cent to 78 cents on the dollar, AAUW has launched a grassroots campaign with a clear message: "Keep the Change until Women Have Real Change." While this is the narrowest the wage gap has ever been, it's still only an additional one cent on the dollar. While women have been hard at work to earn their extra penny, Congress has failed to pass legislation that would give women effective equal pay protections. In light of this development, AAUW and our friends will tell Congress: "Keep the Change until Women Have Real Change."
See the AAUW Pay Equity page for current information.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Check out all the current discounts included with your AAUW membership (the linked page has details about each affinity partner). With each purchase AAUW receives a royalty, which is used to support our programs and services, including community programs, leadership development, NCCWSL, and branch resources. Be sure to access the partners' sites from the AAUW page and take advantage of the discount codes offered by some. List of benefits is from the AAUW web site as of January, 2012
Please call the hostess if you plan to attend or have questions.
MORNING LITERATURE
This group meets at 9:30 am on the second Wednesday of most months. See the Branch Calendar listing for the current schedule. New members are always welcome when this group gathers to hear one person give a book report, we have a guest author talk, we share poetry or talk about a topic of interest. Contact Joyce Smith for further information.
EVENING LITERATURE
The group meets monthly, usually on a Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Please contact the hostess if you plan to attend.
See the Branch Calendar listing for the schedule of the next few meetings. Our plans through July 2012 are below, and in a pdf file here:
TUES., FEB. 21 - 7:00 p.m. “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand - at home of Emily O'Hare
TUES., MAR. 20 - 7:00 p.m. “Major Pettigrew's Last Stand” by Helen Simonson - at home of Bibsy Nace
TUES., APR. 7 - 7:00 p.m. “Sarah's Key” by Tatiana de Rosnay - at home of Marge French
TUES., MAY 15 - 7:00 p.m. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot - at home of Mary Strycker
TUES., JUNE 19 - “America, America” by Ethan Canin - at home of Jan Ritter
JULY - MEETING TO SELECT TITLES FOR AUG. 2011 - JUNE 2013
Every member is welcome to join us for the meetings and if you would like to bring a friend, please do as you will find that our book discussions are always interesting. For further information, contact Elayne Leonelli.
GOURMET GROUP
The Gourmet Group will be going to the Bistro LeRoux on Friday, February 3rd. We will meet there at 5:30 pm. The restaurant is located on the corner of Bay Rd and Rte. 149. It was previously the Cherry Tomato Restaurant. I have heard many good things about this restaurant and I do hope we have a good turnout. All AAUW members and spouse or guest are always welcome at our gatherings. Please call me for reservations by Feb.1st or sooner if possible.
Rachel Quackenbush
GIVE A GRAD A GIFT
AAUW members can now give a recent grad - a friend, daughter, granddaughter, or niece - a free AAUW membership. At no cost to you or her! Your grad will receive a one-year member-at-large membership - a $49 value. She can join a branch at any time but will be responsible for paying branch and state dues.
Visit the aauw.org website, click on Member Center, sign in with your member number; then click on Membership Campaigns, Give A Grad A Gift. Complete the online form or download a form to mail. You'll find your member number on your Outlook mailing label, or you can look it up on the site.
Mary King, Assistant Treasurer
INTERNET NOTES AND LINKS
Please share this digital newsletter with your friends and prospective members!
CLICK FOR A CAUSE - At The Breast Cancer web site, click on Fund Free Mammograms
to help raise funds for underprivileged women's services. It's supported by the sponsors,
who donate funds in exchange for advertising. You'll find it at www.thebreastcancersite.com.
At the top of the page, you'll find tabs that link to other causes,
including Literacy, Hunger, and Child Health.
AAUW ISSUES - Legislative resources are available to all of our members. Often we do not pay attention to politics until an issue is raised that will impact us in some manner. There is a wealth of information on legislative issues available on the web sites of both the national and state AAUWs. You'll find policy statements and information on current legislation which the association and state division are supporting or opposing. On the Association web site, the ACT tab will lead you to the issues.
On the NYS AAUW site, check out the Public Policy section for more information on AAUW issues.
SIGN UP YOUR FRIENDS AND AAUW COLLEAGUES FOR ACTION NETWORK!
Action Network is a convenient and effective way to pressure Congress to act on equity for women and girls. The more people in the Action Network, the more effective AAUW will be. Anyone can sign up for Action Network, AAUW members and nonmembers alike. It is an excellent way to introduce potential members to AAUW's advocacy.
By visiting AAUW's Action Network you can print out flyers to sign up friends, family and co-workers to the AAUW Action Network. These flyers are great to use at branch events, community events, etc.
Want to write to your elected federal or state officials right now?
Enter your ZIP code and click on GO, and you will reach an AAUW page with links to forms to send e-mail to them and more.
POLITICAL ACTION "QUICK CLICKS" -
Check out these web sites which will provide information on where your elected officials stand on the issues and how you can contact them.
www.aauw.org - Under ACT, go to the Two-Minute Activist to read about the latest issue in Congress and then e-mail your opinion to your representative.
www.vote-smart.org - This is a non-partisan website informing voters about candidates and public officials in five categories: backgrounds, issue positions, voting records, campaign finance, and performance.
Source: Sister Branch, Carlisle, PA newsletter
AAUW ONLINE AT AAUW.ORG -
Have you visited our national AAUW web site? The Member Center offers immediate clicks to all the membership information you need, as well as today's hot issues of concern to women and girls and a "Take Action Now" button for you to make your voice heard in Washington. You'll also find quick links to convention, ShopAAUW, publications, and much more. You can even update your membership record online. Check it out at www.aauw.org!
AAUW IS NOW ON FACEBOOK -
You're invited to join a growing community of AAUW members who are connecting with each other on Facebook.com, a popular social networking site. Why would you do this?
To learn - social networking sites have the potential to help you filter the information overload and pick out items recommended by your friends
To teach - there are 50 million people on Facebook, most of whom (sadly) have never heard of AAUW. To reach out to them with information about pay equity, our partnership with CARE, our funding opportunities, our legislative priorities and all the rest that we do, we need more interested members to do the legwork involved in getting our message out.
To connect - share tidbits with AAUW members, relatives, and other friends through Facebook's wide range of communication tools. As life gets busier, alternatives to "let's do lunch" help build and maintain connections and add a rich texture to long-distance relationships.
AAUW-NYS ON FACEBOOK - Whether or not you have a Facebook account, you can visit AAUW NYS's Facebook page. Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/AAUW.NYS Take a look around. Facebook members can share information and make comments. Source: NYS AAUW FOCUS, Spring 2011 issue
AAUW JOINS THE BLOGOSPHERE -
AAUW recently launched an online blog, AAUW DIALog (AAUW Discussion, Information, Advocacy Log), to provide timely commentary on current news and events and the way they relate to AAUW's mission. Periodic entries from guest "bloggers," including outstanding AAUW members, fellowship and grant recipients, and donors, will help illustrate the work of AAUW at all levels. AAUW joins several states and branches already using blogs to spur dialogue and spread the word about our critical work. All visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts about the issues covered in the blog. Stay up-to-date on all the latest! Visit the AAUW blog regularly at blog-aauw.org Source: AAUW Mission & Action e-News
Marjory Moeller, Branch Newsletter Co-Editor and Webmistress
Mission Statement: AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.
AAUW Value Promise: By joining AAUW, we belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.
Vision Statement: AAUW will be a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy, and measurable change in critical areas impacting the lives of women and girls.
Diversity Statement: In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.
PUBLICATIONS ONLINE
The quarterly newsletter of our state AAUW, NYS Focus, is online,
as well as the national AAUW Outlook magazine.
The branch newsletter will be posted each month as soon as it is printed, generally several days
before the branch meeting. If you would like to be notified by e-mail when the new issue is
available, send us an e-mail with your request.
AAUW PRINCIPLES
