Itanyan “To grow by reason”

February 1, 2016Volume 38, Number 5

February Program

Lowell Inn TeaRelax in the beauty of the

inn’s classic dining room asyou enjoy a leisurely tea.

First CourseWarm Scones served with cinnamon-vanillabutterSecond CourseCup of the signature Lowell Inn Cream ofMushroom SoupThird CourseChef’s Choice CanapésFourth CourseAssorted mini desserts

Cost $20.23 ($17 per person. + 18% gratuity feeand 1% city fee)Location: 102 North Second Street, Stillwater,MN 55082 651- 439-1100Setting: The Lowell Inn specializes in High Tea.We will be seated in the main dining room withour own special corner. I will need to know howmany are coming by February 5.Date/Time: February 8 at 1 pm Please call or email Chris if you can drive.Cancellations: There is a $10 cancellation fee.

There will be a brief business meeting at thebeginning of the tea.

Upcoming Programs March 14 Program Change: Presentation and discussion by League of Women Voters representative April 11 Screening of FEMME: Documentary: A Celebration of Women Around the World

May 9 Human Trafficking: Speaker to be determined

June 8 Salad Supper at Christine Johnson’s home

Nancy HendricksonLeaves a Legacy

By Gail Van Horn

Our late longtime member Nancy HendricksonWillroth has left more than $54,000 from herretirement account to the Northeast Metro BranchAAUW to fund scholarships at Century College.This is the largest single legacy the branch has everreceived.

Century College Discussion

Several scholarships at Century are funded by latemembers of our branch, but none carry the AAUWname in their title. There are seven $1,500 AddieWilliams Scholarships, two $1,500 Carolyn andRobert Odegard Cultural Diversity Scholarships, andtwo $1,000 Ellen C. Mamer ESOL StudentScholarships for English for Speakers of OtherLanguages.

We currently sponsor an $800 Northeast MetroAmerican Association of University WomenScholarship to a graduating woman enrolling in abaccalaureate degree program using funds generatedat our annual Holiday Brunch and Auction. Thenewly received funds are a large enough amount toenable us to establish a scholarship program inperpetuity similar to the 11 above-listed ones throughthe Century College Foundation.

Jill Greenhalgh, Century College Foundationexecutive director, explains that a minimum of$25,000 is required to create an endowed scholarshipwith them, where the principal is never touched and 4percent may be spent each year on a scholarship. Thiswould provide a $1,000 annual scholarship on aninvestment of $25,000. The Foundation invests themoney with RBC, Securian and Scottrade companies.

In order for our branch to create a similar endowedscholarship fund on our own, without going throughthe Century College Foundation, we would incuradditional expenses of changing our tax status andobtaining legal help.

Rotary STRIVE Program

STRIVE is an acronym for Students TakingRenewed Interest in the Value of Education. It issponsored by the international Rotary organizationand founded by Don Mooney of the White Bear Lake

club. It is a program for White Bear Lake HighSchool seniors who have faced academic challengesbut want to make the most of their last year of highschool. A group of about 25 students are matchedwith adult mentors from the Rotary who offersupport, encouragement and assistance. They meetmonthly and compete for the largest increase ingrade-point average during the year. The winner gets"full-ride" scholarship of $6,200-6,300 that pays fortuition, books and fees for their first year at Century.The runner-up gets $1,500.

If the Northeast Metro Branch combined its newlybequeathed funds with the Rotary's STRIVEProgram, scholarships could be awarded to both thetop female and top male student. More scholarshipsin amounts ranging from $2,000 on up could beadded.

The following three options are available as LegacyFunds through the Century College Foundation. Wewould retain control over the selection of recipientsunder each option.

1. Convert our present scholarship into an endowedscholarship fund in perpetuity.

2. Create a new scholarship in addition to ourexisting program.

3. Pool our funds with those of the White Bear LakeRotary Club Stan Hill STRIVE Scholarship Program,in order to provide larger and more scholarships.Nancy was an active member of this organization.The new program could be called the NancyHendrickson Rotary STRIVE Scholarship if weagree.

Branch decisionYour Executive Committee and Board of Directorsare seeking input from all Northeast Metro Branchmembers as to the best way of implementing Nancy'swishes. We have been given a wonderful opportunityand believe that each member who has known Nancyand participated in our branch has the answers thatwe need for you to share with us.

Randy Johnson ofthe Century CollegeFoundation showsthe spot where aphoto plaquedesignating NancyHendrickson's NEMetro AAUWscholarship willhang. (Photo byGail Van Horn)

MINUTES FOR BRANCH MEETINGNE METRO AAUWMonday January 11, 2015White Bear Lake Public Library

The meeting was called to order at 6:50 pm with13 members in attendance. One member wasattending via phone. Meeting start was delayed bysome technical issues. We are learning.

President’s ReportGail announced the bequest donated by long timemember Nancy Hendrickson. Nancy donated$55,000 + to be used for Century CollegeScholarships.

ProgramThe Webinar speaker Elizabeth Holdenstarted with ways we can advocate throughgrassroots tools. She mentioned the 2Minute Activist which all members canreceive if they sign up for AAUW ActionNetwork.

Elizabeth also mentioned the AAUWactivities to GOTV (Get Out The Vote) .There will be a Webinar on Jan 13 at 6:30CST. All AAUW members are welcometo attend.

The final topic was the Title IXCoordinators Delivery Project. Everyschool has to appoint a Title IXcoordinator. Elizabeth said she wouldsend us materials and encouraged us tosign up for training in early February.

After the Webinar Doris pointed out somebuttons and locations on the screen thatallow for chat, submitting questions to thespeaker, and mute phone.

MembershipGail distributed additions and corrections to theDirectory.

Secretary’s ReportThe minutes of the October 12, 2015 minuteswere approved as published.

Treasurer’s ReportN/A

Itanyan Editor/Webmaster Report N/A

Century College Liaison ReportN/A

Legal Advocacy / AAUW Funds ReportN/A

Holiday Auction and BrunchWe need a volunteer for the 2016 Event. AnyVolunteers?

HospitalityNo Hospitality needed for February Program.

New BusinessGail gave more information on Nancy’sdonation. She explained the CenturyCollege and Rotary Club options. LouAnnrequested that the options be written up forbetter understanding. This will bepublished in the February Itanyan.

AnnouncementsChris invited people to her house to viewthe GOTV Webinar.

AdjournmentThe meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,Chris Koentopp

We are in the midst of an exciting year for theNortheast Metro Branch. Our most successful AnnualBrunch and Auction raised more funds than it has inrecent memory, and Hillcrest Golf Club has alreadybeen booked for the next one on Saturday, December3. The late Nancy Hendrickson bequeathed more than$53,000 toward our scholarship program and we areseeking your ideas on how best to implement herwishes. And we held our first-ever webinar in Januarywith a speaker from the AAUW Association staff inWashington, D.C., demonstrating technology to thosein attendance.

It is time to plan for another biennium of vibrantprogramming and member involvement. We needvolunteers to serve on a Nominating Committee.Officer nominations are coming due for the offices ofProgram Vice-President and Treasurer. Keep in mind

that branch bylaws prohibit anyone from being electedto the same office for more than two successive terms.These officers will be elected at the annual meeting inApril.

The branch's current yearCentury College scholarshipwinner, Renee Cortez, hasexpressed interest incontinuing her relationshipwith AAUW as ourrepresentative at the NationalConference for CollegeWomen Student Leaders(NCCWSL) June 2-4 at theUniversity of Maryland inCollege Park. What a thrill for us to sponsor thedevelopment of this promising young woman!

President’s Message

Gail Van Horn

Book Club Invitation and News By Gail Van Horn

If you have ever thought ofdiscussing a good book overbrunch with friends, consider thebranch's Book Club. It meets from10 a.m. to noon on the fourthMonday of the month, not onSaturdays as it did in the past.

The next event will featureRemarkable Creatures, a 2009historical fiction novel by TracyChevalier. It features a realpioneering 19th-century English

fossil hunter named Mary Anning,whom the author learned aboutwhile visiting a small dinosaurmuseum. The fossil discovery setoff a change when scientistsrealized that the world was mucholder than 6,000 years and that theanimal in this specimen wasextinct.

Chevalier is best known for her1999 historical fiction novel, GirlWith a Pearl Earring, based on the1665 Dutch artist JohannesVermeer painting and adapted as

an Oscar-nominated 2003 filmstarring Scarlett Johansson andColin Firth.

Joni Henry will host the meetingon Monday, Feb. 22. Notify her at651-777-1997 if you plan toattend.

Book Club for January

1. Book Club members Lou Ann Hoppe and hostess Chris Koentoppdiscuss the cultures of various Southwest American Indian tribesportrayed in "Dance Hall of the Dead" by Tony Hillerman.2. A map illustrates locations of the author's various works of fiction.3. Dog Frodo explores underfoot.

Proposed Changes to the Gourmet ClubThe Gourmet Club was formed decades ago underthe guideline of international studies. It was seen asa way to experience the food and culture of anotherarea of the world. Besides the food there was astudy of the agriculture, climate and history of thecountry. As many as 70 members attended as manyas five concurrent meals. Now the membership hasdeclined and menus have changed to a variety ofinteresting topics. Dishes are assigned and food iscarried to one or two assigned homes. The cost isdivided by members present

The participants in Gourmet Club are aging. Drivingat night is a struggle for some. There aremanydietary needs to be considered. Not allcan partake in the food and drink

offered. Is it fair to charge for what isnot consumed? Recipes need to besimplified and food needs to be kepteither cool or hot over a period of time.Some members are away in the winter,others are away in the summer

I am suggesting that we continue to gather togetherfor food and fellowship, but take our club on the roadto ethnic restaurants in the area for late lunch.Everyone could eat what they wantto try, drink what they choose,and pay for what theyconsume. If we had lunch atabout 1:00 PM the restaurantwould be quieter and moreavailable. Also lunch prices areless than dinner prices. We all seem to eat lessanyway.

We would welcome anyone who is a member of NEMetro AAUW and their family members or closefriends. One person would volunteer or be assignedto choose a restaurant and make arrangements andannouncements to all.

Can we discuss this at a monthly meeting?Respectfully, LouAnn Hoppe

Discussed at Jeannine’s homein no particular order

Compiled by LouAnn Hoppe

Gone to Soldiers by Marge PiercyThe Martian by Andy WeirThe Outsmarting of Criminals by Steven RigolosiThe Shadow of the Wind (about Spanish Civil War)by Carlos Ruis ZafonJohn Adams by David McCulloughDetective books by M C BeatonOrhan’s Inheritance by Aline OhanesianBlack Beauty by Anna SewellWreckage by Emily BleekerCalib’s Crossing by Geraldine BrooksAll the Lights You Cannot See by Geraldine BrooksGoodnight, Mr. Wodehouse by Faith SullivanWinter of the World by Ken FollettFall of Giants by Ken Follett (Both Part of the Century Trilogy)The Source by James MichenerClan of the Cave Bear Series by Jean M. AuelLast Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik LarsonTake Me With You by Catherine Ryan HydeFour Spirits ( Civil Rights) by Sena Jeter NaslundTThe Big Burn by Timothy Egan

Human Trafficking Update – We Can Help

Notebooks (not spiral bound) and Journals (not spiral bound)Bath and body products (lotion, body spray, skin care, etc.)Hairbrushes, combs, hair elastics, styling productsClothing (NEW, for teen girls):All in-season items in a variety of sizes (we tend to run out of larger sizes quickly)Pants (leggings, sweat pants, fleece, etc. are fine – we go through these very quickly)Tops (sweatshirts, t-shirts, tank tops, all are fine)Bras – particularly larger sizes Socks, UnderwearArts and crafts supplies (paint, markers, jewelry making, stamping, scrap booking, etc.)Yarn – heavy weight (5 or 6) preferred, Puzzles and board games

Drop-Off Instructions and Location:Please mark your donation bag or boxes "Human Trafficking: Brittany's".Drop-off (during office hours) or mail donation to: St Mary of the Lake Parish Life CenterAttn: M. Palkert 4690 Bald Eagle Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110For St Mary of the Lake Parish Life Center hours, please phone 651-429-7771.If making a donation by check, please write "HT: Brittany's Place" in the memo line.

A new shelter for victims of human trafficking opened in 2014 on the East Side of St. Paul This is:Brittany’s Place is named after Brittany Charise Clardy (June 29, 1994 – February 11, 2013) a youngSt. Paul woman who was raped and murdered after being lured in by a predator. On February 11, 2013Brittany left her home and never returned.

LAF-Supported Plaintiffs Win Settlement

In January 2016, the plaintiffs in the LAF-supportedcase Moshak v. University of Tennessee successfullysettled their Title IX lawsuit against the university.As part of the settlement, the university will paymore than $1 million.

Jennifer Moshak, Heather Mason, and CollinSchlosser are former employees of the University ofTennessee’s women’s athletic department. In 2012,they filed suit against the university, alleging sexdiscrimination and unlawful retaliation under TitleVII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of theEducation Amendments of 1972, and the Equal PayAct of 1963. The plaintiffs claim they wereunlawfully discriminated against and eventuallyforced out of their positions during a university-ledmerger of the men’s and women’s athleticdepartments.

Gender discrimination in sports remains asignificant problem, for athletes as well as forcoaches and administrators who support women’sathletics. The Moshak plaintiffs shared a

professional commitment to women’s athletics at auniversity that has a rich history of excellence inwomen’s sports. Their allegations show just howpervasive discrimination against women’s sportsand women athletes can be.

AAUW is thrilled for the plaintiffs and proud tohave supported the case.

AAUW Signs On to Support Women’sReproductive Health

AAUW joined an amicus brief in the U.S. SupremeCourt case Whole Women’s Health v. Cole,challenging a Texas state law that imposessignificant restrictions on clinics that provideabortion care. The law would have the effect ofclosing the majority of the abortion care clinics inTexas. AAUW supports choice in the determinationof one’s reproductive life and increased access tohealth care and family planning services.

We discussed Whole Women’s Health in ourSupreme Court preview call last October. Stay tunedfor more information after the court hears argumentsin March.

Printed with AAUW permission LAF Express Updates January 2016

WhenTuesday March 15, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 3:00PM CDT

WhereCentral Presbyterian Church | State Capitol500 Cedar StreetSt. Paul, MN 55101

Sign up to join weekly statewide conference callsThursdays at 3 p.m. during the legislative session

http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001KoyZ43z4t0i2dY1mr5KNhQsxa6OAjkO-lue2rZNGgtoR3kJ5vpoyGKVWoubKF8niSeiAGtQS-NF-

Minnesota Coalition Homeless

2016 Legislative GoalsThe Minnesota Coalition for the Homelessadvances policies to promote housing stability,economic opportunity, and racial equity throughoutthe state.

1. Homes for All

Invest $130 million in bonds for housing.

Develop or preserve an estimated 4,100 units ofhousing for Minnesotans experiencinghomelessness and low-income households.

2. Prosperity for All

Increase MFIP cash assistance by $100 permonth. (SF734, HF869)

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)provides work support and temporary cashassistance for children and their parents who arestriving toward full-time employment. MFIP cashassistance for a family of three is a maximum $532per month.

Improve the Working Family Credit.

The Working Family Credit is a part of our taxcode that provides a tax credit for working peoplewith lower incomes, which helps them meet basicneeds and support their families. MCH supports theproposal to increase the amount of the tax credit,expand eligibility, and include younger workers.

3. Restore the Vote

Restore voting rights for ex-offenders. (SF355,HF342)

Minnesotans with criminal backgrounds facebarriers to housing,employment, and civicparticipation. Proposed legislation will reinstatevoting rights for ex-offenders on probation orparole.

Contact: Dan Kitzberger, Policy Director,dan@mnhomelesscoalition.org o

The Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless is comprised of 150 member organizations.Our mission is to generate policies,community support, and local resources for housing and servicesto end homelessness in Minnesota

Submitted by Editor Chris Koentopp in keeping with our branch’s support of affordable housing asa solution for homelessness.

Picture PageJanuary Program - Webinar From Association

Members snack before the technology webinar

begins in the newly remodeled White Bear Lake

Library.Janet Brownell, Nancy FitzGerald, Joni Henry

and Clara Gray partake of treats provided by

Kathy Burleson and Chris Koentopp.

Photos by Gail Van Horn

Gourmet Group New Year’s Dinner

Photos and Story by Gail Van Horn

Gourmet Group rang in 2016 with a Dutch meal atthe home of Ted and Janet Brownell. Hot wineaccompanied smoky Gouda cheese dip and Dutchsausage roll appetizers.

The soup course consisted of a split pea varietythat incorporated ham, bacon and smoked sausage.

Unflavored gelatin provided the base for an egg,chicken and tuna aspic salad.

Pork chops with apricots and a mashedpotatoes/apple/bacon dish made the main course.

Desserts included powdered sugar spice cookiescalled peppernuts and a date oatmeal shortbreadcake.

Hostess Janet Brownell describes her

Dutch tulip Christmas centerpiece to

Clara Gray, Joni Henry and Donna Wen.

Joni Henry arranges thepeppernuts cookies shemade as Vernita Kennencuts her date cake.

Seated in the back room are VernitaKennen, Linda Ruggles, Dick Wen,Floyd Ruggles, Lou Ann Hoppe and JanetBrownell.

Dear Northeast Metro Ameriacn Association of University Women,

I would like to send my sincerest gratitude for the generosity of your organization, When I startedCentury College my education aspirations were in the shadows because I did not know what I wantedyet as well as I come from a very low-income family. Receiving your scholarship has meant a greatdeal to me because as I grew, so did my academic goals.

About my second year a Century I figured out I wanted to go into English. I eventually switchedthat to Communication earlier this year. I also decided that I wanted to go to Bethel University. Iyearned for an atmosphere where people were accepting and the college was small and near home.Family is very important to me so I knew I did not want to go out of state. For years I was sure Iwould go to Bethel. Then last year I received an email to go to Concordia Saint Paul’s open house. Idecided to go.

I found out Concordia is the cheapest private school in the state and the enrollment is very smallcompared to what I was use to at Century. I met some people and felt welcomed. I changed my dreamschool that day and applied to Concordia.

However, even with being the cheapest private school in the state it is not that cheap. The onlyreason I can attend this wonderful place that I have called my academic home not for two and a halfmonths is because of people like you. The generosity that you have presented to me and many beforeme as well as many after me is astounding and worth much respect. What your organization is doingfor women like me is phenomenal. In today’s world, a college education is an expensive thing andmany cannot afford it. I feel extremely blessed that while I am indeed in the low-income bracketnearest to poverty, I have attained an Associate of Arts Degree and am now going for a Bachelor’s inCommunications. I cannot wait for that day when I can hold that degree in my hand and say, “I did it.”Thank you to the many people who helped me get here.”

Thank you,

Renee Cortez