a journey into grace november branch meeting€¦ · public policy 2 “estate planning made...
TRANSCRIPT
November Branch MeetingDr. Jean Houston: “The World’s Need for Leadership of Women and Girls”Jean Houston is a visionary thinker and doer. As Advisor to UNICEF in human and cultural development, she has worked in their educational programs around the world. Since 2003, she has been working with the UN Development Program, training women leaders. Her talks inspire, inform, and activate her listeners. The program is open to the public Thursday, Nov 16, at 5:30 pm at SOU Music Recital Hall. Please help publicize this event.
B R E A K I N G T H R O U G H B A R R I E R S OCTOBER 2017
The monthly newsletter of the Ashland, Oregon Branch. http://ashland-or.aauw.net
In This Issue
Public Policy 2“Estate Planning Made Easy” 2WIN (Women in Need) 2Membership News 3Our Directory 3In Our Thoughts 3Oregon News 3Interest Groups 4September Branch Meeting 5
Looking Ahead
October Meeting Oct. 7
Grants Pass Kitchen Tour Oct. 21
Estate Planning Workshop Nov. 6
November Meeting Nov. 16
Holiday Party and Fundraiser Dec. 8
Mission: AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.
A Journey Into GraceJoin us to hear the inspiring story of Irene Kai and her journey of self-discovery. Born into a culture where her life was not worth living as a female; crossing the barrier of culture, language, economic class, racial prejudice and religion; as a survivor, explorer, learner and educator, Irene discovered from her many life choices that fame and money do not equal happiness as she was taught in different cultures. As a child she was guided by a strong desire to search for happiness, and through her courage, discipline and devotion to her inner guidance, she discovered that true happiness is to know who she is authentically and to live it. Irene Kai is the co-founder of the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission (ACPC). She is an artist, author, publisher, teacher and activist. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts, NYC and received her Master of Design degree from the Royal College of Art, London. She taught Graphic Design at Penn State University and teaches art at RCC. She is the author of “The Golden Mountain: Beyond the American Dream.” She and her partner, David Wick live in Ashland. They founded the ACPC and are bringing the World Peace Flame to Ashland.When: Saturday, October 7, 9:30 am-12 noonWhere: SOU Stevenson Union, Diversions Room
SAVE THE DATEDecember 8, 2017
AAUW Annual Holiday Party“SPARKLE AND SHINE”
November 16, 2017THURS., 5–7:30 pmBranch MeetingSpeaker: Jean HoustonSOU Music Hall
December 8, 2017FRI., 7:00–10:00 pmHoliday Party andMaslow Project FundraiserDiversions Room, SOU
January 13, 2018SAT., 9:30 am–12 noonPublic Policy PresentationsDiversions Room, SOU
February 15, 2018 THURS., 5–7:30 pmBranch MeetingSpeaker: Sky Loos,Planned ParenthoodDiversions Room, SOU
March 10, 2018SAT., 9:30 am–12 noonProgram TBDDiversions Room, SOU
April 14, 2018SAT., 9:30 am–12 noonAAUW Ashland Annual Meeting Diversions Room, SOU
May 22, 2018TUES., 6–9 pm Celebration of ScholarsRogue River Room, SOU
June 22, 2018FRI., 10 am–2 pmAnnual Board RetreatAshland Public Library, Guanajuato Room
Calendar: 2017–2018October 7, 2017SAT., 9:30 am–12 noon Branch Meeting Speaker: Irene Kai, Ashland Culture of Peace CommissionDiversions Room, SOU
Irene Kai
2
Women in NeedThe WIN (Women in Need) group will be gearing up for the annual January fundraiser. As chair of the group, I’ve been in contact with Dawn, Dunn House manager, to ask that she and the staff determine what the clients’/shelter’s greatest need is. We raised $130 at the book sale at our September AAUW meeting! All of the proceeds buy bus tokens for Dunn House residents. WIN has also received a next-to-new vacuum and dishes for clients’ use. If anyone has questions regarding books or other donations, please contact Carol Ryan.
Public Policy
What Legislative Priorities for the 2018 Oregon Legislative Session?
I know it might seem early to start talking about lobbying our legislators but February 2018 will be here before you know it. The Oregon legislature alternates between a long session, 160 days, in odd numbered years and a short session, 35 days, in even numbered years. This year, a long session, there were 2,829 bills introduced and 809 completed. In comparison, in 2016, a short session, there were 283 bills introduced and 143 completed. These numbers illustrate how fewer legislative days result in substantially fewer bills being introduced and ultimately voted on. With a short session in 2018, it will be crucial for our state Public Policy Committee (which I sit on) to prioritize and focus its resources on lobbying for the legislation that is most likely to move forward in a limited period of time. Patricia (Trish) Garner, State Public Policy Chair, has already begun looking at prioritizing the issues such as access to reproductive healthcare options and increased financial assistance for childcare costs of student parents that she thinks can realistically move forward. They may not get a bill put forward in this short session but they will be in a good position to move forward the following year in the longer legislative session. Consider joining the Ashland Public Policy team at the 2018 Lobby Day in Salem on Friday, February 9. The more people we bring to Salem to talk to our two legislators, Representative Pam Marsh of District 5 and Senator Alan DeBoer of District 3, the better our chances are of getting women and their family’s needs addressed legislatively. State Public Policy Committee Members: Patricia Garner (Chair), Georgia Applegate, Regina Ayars, Shilpi Bannerjee, Claire Berger, Judy Coyle, Kathi Dew (State President), Andrea Goss, Linda Lybecker, Joyce Zook (Past State President) —Regina Ayars, Public Policy
Estate Planning Made Easy“Get Your Act Together Before It’s Over”AAUW member, Jean Conger, will present a free Estate Planning seminar at the Elks Lodge dining room on Monday, November 6th from 10:00 to noon. Jean will cover information needed for an attorney, how to choose a personal representative, and mistakes to be avoided.To sign up call or email Jean Conger soon. There is room for eight participants. Lunch is available at noon at your own expense.Jean earned an MS degree in Financial Planning at Golden Gate University in San Francisco and was a Financial Planner for Independent Financial Corporation in Marin County.
Charitable Partners These four members have pledged to make a donation to either the AAUW/SOU or AAUW/RCC Scholarship Fund every time an AAUW member uses their services or refers someone who uses their services. We thank them for their generosity and dedication to AAUW.
Julie Downey, Broker Gateway Real Estate 541 261 -7939www.gateway-realestate.com/julie-downey
Liz Murphy, CFP MBA/Financial AdvisorRaymond James Financial [email protected]
Annette Pugh, BrokerGateway Real [email protected]
Sara Walker, BrokerPatricia Sprague Real Estate541-951-5454 [email protected]
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
Jimi Hendrix
3
Membership News
Our member and visitor attendance at the September meeting was over 100 strong! One of the positive aspects of that was that many members now have the brand-new directory in hand. It is an enjoyable and useful adjunct to our Branch activities. If you missed the September meeting, your directory will be available at the upcoming October 7 meeting, or you can contact me at [email protected] to arrange to pick it up.We are already getting new members. The information about those who joined at our September meeting will be in the next Vision’s edition. Additionally, the Membership Committee is planning a new member orientation for late October. For this month, we welcome Leah Moll to our organization.Leah Moll was born in Portland and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Denver, and a Master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. Leah has extensive experience teaching mathematics in both college and secondary schools in Illinois, Colorado and California. She was awarded the Edith May Slithe national award for excellence in Mathematics Teaching in 2008. She has coached young women toward excellence in STEM study over the past several years. Leah moved to Ashland last summer to semi-retire with husband Alan. She enjoys the cultural and active life-style here, and loves spending time with her children and grandson who visit often.
— Priscilla Arnold, Membership Chair
AAUW Grants Pass Branch MeetingThursday, October 19, 6:00 pm Fruitdale Grange
Program: “Is Diversity on Life Support?” presented by Marjorie Trueblood, SOU Director of Diversity and Inclusion
AAUW Grants Pass Kitchen TourSaturday, October 21The 13th Annual Tour: Tickets available at The Kitchen Company, Oregon Books, and any Grants Pass Branch member. Started in 2005, the Kitchen Tour is the sole fundraiser for the Grant Pass Branch. In the past 12 years the Kitchen Tour has raised more than $125,000 for local and national scholarships.
AAUW Oregon News
Our DirectoryMany thanks to our amazing Directory Editor, Linda Lipkind, for once again creating our indispensable AAUW Ashland Directory. We love seeing all the photos of ourselves and our friends—and this year our names too. Linda has been Directory Editor for 8 years, and she is now retiring from that job. Thank you, Linda!And thanks to Alice Mallory for all the wonderful photos, and to Priscilla Arnold and Diana Quirk for their big contributions to making the Directory as accurate and up-to-date as it could possibly be.
Next Year’s DirectoryWe’re happy to report that Chris Licata, the designer of our beautiful newsletter, volunteered at our September meeting to create our Directory next summer. She and Linda have already been talking, so the transition has begun. Please send Chris your interest group photos and other event photos as you take them throughout the year. Thanks for volunteering, Chris!
In Our ThoughtsAn expression of good wishes for
effective treatments and improved health was sent to:
Sarah CottrellSue Nelson (on behalf of her husband CP)
Kate Wolf-Pizor for healing following surgeryCarol Custodio wishing her hope and
strength as she faces another health challenge
Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make
violent revolution inevitable. John F. Kennedy
4
Arts and LanguageAFTERNOON MOVIE GROUP meets on the third Tuesday of each month to watch a movie at the Varsity or Ashland Street Cinemas. We will meet in the lobby ten minutes before the selected movie begins. If you wish, we can discuss the movie at a local hotspot afterwards. The selected movie and the time will be announced by email.Coordinator: Jean CongerGRAPHIC DESIGN: Bring a laptop and a design project to create in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. We’ll discuss the steps to subscribe to Adobe® online access ($50 a month). Share ideas for graphics projects and help each other accomplish them. Instruction for processing photos, creating illustrations, and page layout will be provided as needed. We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 1-4 pm, at home of Coordinator: Chris Licata MUSICALS meets the third Monday of the month at 4:30 pm, usually at the home of Ed Perkins. Look for a group e-mail. Coordinator: Diane NovakOPERA meets at 4 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting is October 3 at the home of Barbara Willson. The opera selection will be announced via email. Bring a hearty appetizer/potluck dish and wine or other beverage to share. Coordinator: Nancy KramarenkoPLAY READING will meet at Carolyn Peake’s house at 4:00 Friday, October 27. We are reading “Vietgone” with “Sense and Sensibility” next. Both are available at Tudor Guild. Coordinator: Annette LewisSHAKESPEARE AT OSF will meet at Annette’s house 12:30 to 3:00 October 11 and 25. We will be reading “Othello.” Coordinator: Annette Lewis
Book Groups
ADELANTE! Online book group sponsored by AAUW. Go to www.aauw/org/resource/adelante-book-list. The book for October is “A Disability History of the United States” by Kim E. Nielsen. This book places the experiences of people with disabilities at the core of the chronicle of American history. Using primary sources and social histories, Kim Nielsen portrays familiar stories like slavery and immigration in a new light. In so doing, she skillfully illustrates how conceptions of disability have had a deep effect on how we understand the American experience.
BRAIN BOOKS meets on the 4th Tuesday at 1:30-3:30 pm at the Ashland Public Library. On October 29 we will discuss “The ALL NEW Don’t Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate” by George Lakoff (2014). Be sure to get the new edition (2014), not the older (2004). Lakoff stresses importance of “framing” in non-rational persuasion, especially in politics. Coordinator Sandra Coyner
DAY NONFICTION: meets on the first Wednesday at 1 pm. Our next meeting is October 4 at the home of Debra Barth. We will discuss “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance, Priscilla Arnold leading. On November 1 we will meet at the home of Sue Nelson to discuss “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande, with Sue leading us. Coordinator: Linda LipkindEVENING NONFICTION meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. On October 18 we will meet at the home of Margaret Karsten to discuss “On The Move: A Life” by Oliver Sacks. We would welcome new members! Coordinator: Ellen FowlerFICTION DAY BOOKS meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 1-3 pm. On October 18 we will meet at the home of Rae Otto to discuss “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. All are welcome to join the group. RSVP to Coordinator: Kate Wolf-Pizor
MONDAY EVENING BOOKS will meet on Monday, October 9 at the home of Cheryl Goldman to discuss “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah. Coordinator: Shannon StuverTHURSDAY EVENING MYSTERY will continue to meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. We will gather on Thursday, October 12. Coordinators: Carol Ryan or Rosemary Adalian
Games, Genealogy, Knitting and DiningBOARD GAMES meets the 4th Wednesday at 7 pm. We will meet on Wednesday, October 25th. We will be meet-ing at Shannon Stuver’s home. Please let Shannon know if you are planning to attend. Coordinator: Marcella TheemanGENEALOGY Our meeting time is 1:30 pm on the 4th Thursday at the Jackson County Genealogy Library, 3405 S. Pacific Hwy., Medford. Any AAUW Ashland member interested in family research (beginning or advanced) who would like to participate in the exchange of family history discoveries, stories, photos, and tips is welcome to join us. Our next meeting is Thursday, October 26. Since Thanks-giving falls on the 4th Thursday, our November meeting (and Holiday Party) will be on the 5th Thursday, Novem-ber 30. Coordinator: Linda LipkindKNITTERS AND STITCHERS will meet on Thursday, October 12 from 1-3 pm. As a courtesy, RSVP to Peggy if you plan to attend, and bring a hand project to work on. Coordinator: Peggy AudibertPOTLUCK DINNERS: will meet again later in the fall. Coordinator: Elaine Sweet
Interest GroupsContact the Coordinator to join a group.
Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.
Marianne Williamson
5
September 2017 Branch Meeting
Peggy Audibert
Linda Lipkind, Debra Barth, Chris Licata
Stephanie Bullock, Pam Shay
Vivian Stubblefield, Jean Conger, Christy Austermann
Shannon StuverTricia Acheatel
Susan Elsom, Sherri Morgan
Julie Benezet and Lesley Kaufman
Sunny Anderson, Carol Mockridge
Suzanne Duncan, Kathy Gorman
Ashland Vision is a monthly newsletter of the Ashland,
Oregon, Branch of AAUW
Vol. 32, No. 2 — October 2017Co Presidents:
Sandy Theis and Gretchen King
Financial Officer: Diana Quirk
Recording Secretary: Peggy Moore
Membership Chair: Priscilla Arnold
Public Policy Chair: Paula Wiiken
Contact Secretary: Rosemary Adalian
Newsletter TeamEditors:
Pat Brewer, Ellen Fowler and Marisa StoneDesigner:
Chris Licata Photographer: Alice Mallory
Readers: Rae Otto, Alice Mallory, Margaret KarstenNewsletter deadline is the 15th of the month.
Photos of interest group activities are welcome.
AAUW Ashland Website:
http://ashland-or.aauw.netIn 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.
Share your smile with the world. It’s a symbol of
friendship and peace. Christie Brinkley5