April 2016 • Volume 43 Issue 8

HIGHLIGHTS JOIN US! AAUW MEETINGApril 2, 2016 | 9:30AM–11:30AMMedford Public Library205 S. Central Ave, Medford, OR 97504

Our program speaker will be SOU Professor Linda Young. She will be speaking about Women’s Pay Equity issues/trends, where we are now and what is being done to address Gender Pay Equity inequality.

Social at 9:30AM | Program and Questions at 10am

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PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGECo-Presidents – Carol Koszyk and Joan Rycraft

We are very excited about our 2016 State Convention on April 22–24th! Medford is hosting this event with assistance from Ashland and Grants Pass. Do plan on attending or volunteering at the convention. There is still time to sign up as the deadline is April 4th. All of the information is in your February 2016 Spring Issue of Oregon News. If you need any assistance finding the Spring Issue, please call us and we can help you!

We also look forward to seeing you at our upcoming General Meeting on April 2, 2016. Besides an excellent program, we will vote for our Officers. The slate is as follows:

Co-Presidents Carol Koszyk and Dee WittenbergMembership Co-VPs Carol Bogedain and Barb OemckeSecretary, General Meetings Sharon FoxSecretary, Board Meetings Joan RycraftProgram Co-VP Janet Brougher

MEMBERSHIP NEWSIt is that time of the year to renew your membership! Enclosed is a copy of the membership renewal form. As a service to members, you will be able to renew your membership through the PayPal button on the branch website; total cost will be $83.00 which includes the cost of using PayPal. Members will be advised when the Pay Pal button is available. If you prefer writing a check, the renewal form is included in the newsletter.

LINDA WILCOXAbout our AAUW Meeting Guest Speaker

AAUW is the leading organization driving the national Gender Pay Equity Debate. April 2016 is Women’s Pay Equity Month for AAUW branches across the United States. Our April program topic will be about women’s pay equity issues/trends, where we are now and what is being done to address pay equity inequality.

Our speaker this month is Linda Wilcox Young, Professor of Economics and chair of the Economics Program at Southern Oregon University. She also teaches in the International Studies and the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Programs. She received her Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California at Berkeley and has also held teaching positions at Middlebury College and at the University of Vermont, where she was recognized as Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Her main fields of study are Labor Economics and Economic Development.

At Southern Oregon University, Professor Young served for ten years as chair of the Economics Department and, more recently, as chair of the Department of Social Sciences, Policy, and Culture. She was vice-chair of the Faculty Senate and secretary of the Associated Professors of Southern Oregon University. For the Latin American Studies Association, Professor Young has served as secretary of the Labor Studies section and as the international congress’ Agrarian and Rural Studies program chair.

Wanda Powell took a bad fall and needed to be moved to foster care. No address a this time.

ABOUT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPSThese small groups provide opportunities for members to meet others who share a similar interest. All groups are free of charge. Members may contact one of the group contacts at any time and/or contact Diane Reiling, Interest Group Coordinator, at reilingd@aol.com for more information.

Great DecisionsWe will not be meeting in April, but will resume in May to discuss the topic of the United Nations, which will be led by Dawn.ContactJanice Williams (541)857-6300

Happy BookersWe meet once a month at a member’s home for discussion of a book which has been chosen. Because our month is so busy. We are foregoing our meeting in April.ContactMonica Wheyhe

Murder Most LiteraryWe met Thursday, March 10 to discuss the topic A Question of Identity, which was led by Terri Wraight. ContactMary Wright Gillespie (541)857-6083

Morning Book GroupWe met last month on Wednesday, March 2 to discuss the book Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis. The discussion leader was Joyce Ellis.ContactMary Wright Gillespie (541)857-6083 or Sharon Purkerson (541)857-6513

ACT (AAUW Community Team)April is our annual collection for Maslow Medford, which help youth who are on the streets. They are in need of personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, tampons, and body wipes. There is also a need for snack items such as granola or power bars. Please bring to the April meeting and we will deliver to their facility. Hopefully helping these kids over a rough patch encourages them that they are not alone.ContactDonna Coreydonnacorey6@msn.com(541)-897-0774

OUT & ABOUT We will meet on April 15 at 5PM at Porter’s restaurant, downtown Medford, to plan summer outings. Events such as N. Umpqua Waterfalls tour, Great Cats World Park, and Wildlife Images. If you want to join any of these outings, please make every effort to attend on April 15. After the meeting, we may visit downtown Medford art galleries for 3rd Friday open houses.ContactRonnie Budgerebudge@earthlink.net(541)773-8019

BOOK GROUPS

CREATIVE ARTS

COMMUNITYACTIVITIES

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Antique StudiesOn Wednesday, April 27 at 1:30PM, we will meet at Diane Reiling’s home (810 Amerman Dr, Phoenix) to share Easter bunnies/rabbits (after the fact...). Prepare to overload on cute!

Emphasis on high end porcelain figurines. Questions to Dawn at (541)779-3315.Questions? Please contact Diane Reiling (541)499-6622 or reilingd@aol.com

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DINE (Dinner Is Never Enough)DINE will meet Thursday, April 28 at 6PM at Gogi’s restaurant (235 W. Main St., Jacksonville). Reservations to Ellen by the Monday, before the 25th. Contact: Ellen Wakefield(541)772-3614

Lunch BunchWe will meet at New China (409 E. Barnett Road, Medford)on Tuesday, April 12 at 11:30AM for a tasty chinese lunch. RSVPs toDiane Reiling (541)499-6622 orreilingd@aol.com Wine & WhineWe will meet on April 15 at 2PM at Ledger David (245 N Front St, Central Point). We will host our interest group plus those who come to town early for the convention.Contact: Gail Etchie (541)664-3744 or Jan Purkeypile (541)621-4916

First Wednesday BridgeThe First Wednesday Bridge group meets the first Wednesday each month at 12:30PM for dessert and “party” Bridge. We are looking for members to give us 2 full tables.Contact: Carol Koszyk (541)608-7799thekoszyks@msn.com

Mah JongThe Mah Jong group meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month to play. Our group plays a version of American-Far East style Mah Jong. We do not use cards for hands. Joyce Ellis, one of our members, has taught the game for years to many groups, and we are fortunate to have her coaching us. We take turns as hostess, we meet at 1:30PM. Everyone is welcome.Contact: Jackie Baker (541)772-1478

Garden JoysOn April 28 at 10AM we will be gathering at Kathy Allen’s Rock Garden in conjunction with her annual sale. Kathy’s garden is at 2850 Taylor Road in Central Point. Please RSVP.ContactBarbara Basden (541)772-0579 or Marlene Olson (541)245-1117

Outdoor Adventure GroupApril is a busy month for all! I would encourage all of you to join in with our community at the Pear Blossom Walk, which is on Saturday, April 9. Participants can walk his/her own pace and join in on the fun. If you would like to participate, you can register on-line or go to YMCA on Friday, April 8. I hope to reconvene our group in May and possibly join in on the BLM Hilkes at the Table Rocks. ContactJan Purkeypile (541)621-4916

INTEREST GROUP SUGGESTIONSHow about a new group? Suggestions have included Light Gourmet, Genealogy, 3rd

Sunday Culture Vulture (attend a play, event), Euchre (card game), orNoon Time Mystery Readers.

With enough numbers signed up we can get a group up and running!

If you have a suggestion please contact Diane Reiling at (541)499-6622 or reilingd@aol.com

DINING &WINE TASTING

OUTDOORADVENTURES

FUN &GAMES

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KidsSpree. Photos courtesy of Dave Baker

Join us for theAAUW 2016

Convention inApril!

WOMEN’S FOUNDATION OF OREGON LISTEN TO HER TOUR AND TOWN HALLS: COMING SOON!Gayle Clason

Thursday, April 14 at the Medford, Rogue CC/SOU Higher Education Center, 101 S. Bartlett St. Room 132 from 5:30PM to 7PM.Your opportunity to participate in a ground-breaking effort to collect information about the status of women and girls in Oregon. The Foundation has already done a great deal of research on this topic—the first data of its kind since the early 1990’s, but in order to amplify their information, the Foundation is embarking on a statewide Listening Tour that includes interactive Town Halls. The information obtained from these events will be included in the Women’s Foundation Report. To learn more information, go to womensfoundationoforegon.org. AVENUES OF PURSUING NEW MEMBERSSherry Schroeder We often hear “Membership is everyone’s responsibility.” A funny thing happened at my Bridge Club this week. I was playing in a tournament and had my folder with me for keeping score, which is also where I keep my AAUW business card. It was sitting on the table when a lady, Leslie Klecan, asked if I belonged to AAUW. Leslie told me she was an AAUW member long ago and desired to join again. We exchanged contact information and when I got home I took a moment to email Carol Bogedain and Barbara Oemcke with Leslie’s contact information to forward membership information. This experiece is a good example of the multiple opportunities there are to gain new members as we go about our daily schedules—offering a business card, carrying an AAUW tote bag, wearing an AAUW name-tag, mentioning our Garden Tour in casual conversation. All these small possibilities add up to a stronger and healthier branch as we all continue to solicit new members to join.

CHILDREN’S FESTIVALDee Wittenberg

Please anticipate volunteering 1 to 3 times to help with selling snow cones, water, and juice. This is our only fund raising activity for financing our operating account. If you are unable to assist in-person, perhaps consider helping financially. A check can be written to AAUW Medford with “operating funds” as a note and send to Regula Pepi. For volunteering, please contact Dee Wittenberg, (541)840-6611.

Children’s Festival DatesSaturday, July 9 4:30PM-8:30PMSunday, July 10 4:30PM-8:30PMMonday, July 11 10AM-1:30PM

EQUAL PAY DAYGail Etchie On April 12, AAUW Grants Pass and Medford will be giving out Payday “fun size” candy bars at several public locations. Each candy will have a card attached with Equal Pay Day info. Tables will display materials about EPD and AAUW Medford Branch information. We will need 1 to 2 people to help staff of our info/Payday giveaway table from 9:30AM until Payday Candy and info cards are gone.

CONVENTION AAUW FUNDS AUCTION BASKETSCathy de Wolfe

A big thank you to members who made donations to the Wines of the Rogue Valley Basket and the “Unconventional” Conventions Mystery Books Basket. Look for these baskets and other great items from branches around the state at convention on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

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SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON Mary Wright Gillespie, AAUW Funds Chair

On May 21, 2016, we will celebrate our program year with the Scholarship Luncheon, at the Rogue Room of the Skyline Plaza. The meal will be served at 12PM and the committee will be there to greet you starting at 11:30AM. Please make reservations by May 13 and write your check for $18. I will be accepting checks at the April 2 meeting or you can send your check to Mary Wright Gillespie and send to 2127 Quail Point Circle, Medford, OR 97504. Please make all checks out to AAUW Medford.

This is a wonderful time to bring a guest as we celebrate the accomplishments of our scholarship women. Our branch accomplishes wonderful things for women and girls in our community. This is a perfect day to invite a friend to share this luncheon and hear from our scholarship recipients.

Volunteer and stay

involved!

MEDFORD HOSTS 2016 OREGON STATE CONVENTIONGayle Clason, Co-Local Arrangement Committee

AAUW members from all around the state will be attending the annual convention to be held at the Inn at the Commons, in downtown Medford. Plans include celebrating the 80th birthday of our Branch with cake and a toast during the Saturday night gala. There will be many opportunities for exchange of ideas and friendship for those who attend. Many volunteers are needed to help make this three-day event run smoothly. If you would like to volunteer, please take a moment and visit www.vols.pt/uwqfHV and choose the spot(s) you are available. You do not need to register for a VolunteerSpot account to sign up as a volunteer.

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Gayle Clason, she can sign you up manually. Local Arrangement Chairs Gayle Clason and Kit NillesProgram VP Marge Biggers Facilities and A/V Laision Gayle ClasonRegistration Table Chair Donna CoreyRegistration Ann Evenson Treasurer Christine FernlandCredentials Sue KlumphEnrichment Camille KorsmoSilent Auction Chair Cathy deWolfePhotographer(s) Jan Waitt and Diane ReillingPublicity Dee WittenbergVIP Gifts Susanne HarmonyDecorations Chair Dawn StewartNametags Lee Bollschweiler & Georgia ApplegateWorkbook Editor Marcia SimonBranch Display Gail EtchieMenu/Seating Joan RycraftPackets Donna CoreyShowcase Kit Nilles

PUBLIC POLICYDee Wittenberg

The Women’s Foundation of Oregon is presenting town halls, titled Listen to Her Town Halls, throughout Oregon from March 31 through May 2. On April 14, Medford will have a town hall, which is a fantastic opportunity for women and girls to talk about issues that affect them most often. This can also be a time for any of us to share a story. Also, it’s not too soon to urge Oregon legislators to take up fair pay in the 2017 session, since it is not a finalized topic.

Child care and dinner will be provided as well as a Spanish interpreter. Visit www.w-for.org for more information.

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Participate howeveryou can in

fundraisingevents

DON’T BE LATE FOR THIS VERY IMPORTANT DATE!Gail Etchie, Scholarship Fundraising Chair

We are almost to the end of our fundraising year for our local scholarships as March 31st is just around the corner. Be aware we can forward your money to the foundations all year long. As of today we have collected $4045. I would love to see this number top $5000 at the end of our collection, as that would make 5 scholarships. We, at the Mad Hatter Tea Party are appreciative for generous members! Of course we hope that some of you will dash off to your desk and write the check you have been meaning to write and send it to MUWCF, PO Box 8201, Medford, 97501.

Make your check payable to MUWCF with the school of choice in the memo section of your check. Your gifts are tax deductible! Thank you to all that have contributed and to those that will.

AWSEM AND ACADEMY 2016Monica Weyhe

Members at the March meeting voted to sponsor/fund 3 AWSEM and 2 ACADEMY scholarships for the 2015-16 budget. Both are Pre-College Youth Programs at SOU for middle school girls. An AWSEM scholarship is $35; three for $105 makes us a second level Sponsor/Inventor. With sponsorships comes recognition in the community that AAUW-Medford supports the education of girls in STEM programs, our chapter name and logo on brochures and newsletters, a sponsor listing in the AWSEM program, and a tax deductible contribution deposited at the SOU Foundation. ACADEMY is $750, and Medford Branch sponsored two at $700, with each girl contributing $50 herself, for a total of $1400.

Thank you so much to Sharon Fox and Marlene Olson who volunteered their services on behalf of our branch for AWSEM this year!

I LOVE COOKIES!Gail Etchie, Garden Tour Executive Committee

A special thanks to the 18 volunteers at the last Branch meeting who have pledged 2 dozen cookies each for the hospitality Garden at this Spring’s Garden Tour. More information will be forthcoming from me, closer to the event.

8TH ANNUAL GARDEN TOURScholarship Fundraiser

Our 8th Annual Garden tour will be Saturday, June 11, and we have a splendid line up of five gardens for the tour! From the historic Harry Holmes Mansion, to a commercial rose hybridizer with hundreds of varieties, to a jewel of a small garden created by husband and wife Master Gardeners! We are partnering with Caprice Vineyards for a glass of wine and food (for purchase) along with our usual Hospitality Garden over at the Holmes Mansion.

Patty Finch will be organizing our volunteers for each garden. We need volunteers to be greeters, walking around the gardens, and helping with parking. Currently, we have filled our requests for cookie bakers. For more information about volunteering, please contact Patty.

Tickets will be available, for purchase or donation, to our members at Convention in April, in our Interest Groups in May and at our June meeting. We will sell advance public tickets at the Grange, at the Master Gardeners Fair, at the Blue Door in Jacksonville, and at Caprice Vineyards, various Garden Club events, and in each garden on the day of the tour. Please invite a friend or family member and plan to tour that day. We promise you a wonderful time! Please remember that this is our major, scholarship fundraiser of 2016!

Medford Branch8813 Blackwell RdCentral Point, OR97502

MEMBERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERSCo-PresidentsCarol Koszyk Joan Rycraft(541)608-7799 (541)499-0350

Program VP Program VP AssistantTricia Wood Janet Brougher(541)702-2124 (541)857-2862

Membership Co-VPsCarol Bogedain Barbara Oemeke(541)670-7699 (320)224-9576

Secretary Finance VPHindey Moser Regula Pepi(541)772-3492 (541)779-1329

We’re on the web!Visit us at

www.medford-or.aauw.net

National AAUW websitewww.aauw.org

For questions or to submit articles for the next Medford Musings Newsletter, contact

Amanda Denbeck at denbeckdesigns@gmail.com

Send articles by the 15th of each month no later

than 5PM.

MEDFORD UNIVERSITY WOMEN CHARITABLE FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Vice PresidentJoan Rycraft Gail Etchie(541)499-0350 (541)664-3744

Secretary Finance OfficerPatty Finch Jan Purkeypile(541)282-8547 (541)621-4916

MUWCF Liaison for AAUW Medford Marlene Olson(541)245-1117