Branch Lines DECEMBER

2019 American Association of

University Women

Thank You

By Kathy Novotny, VP Outreach

As 2019 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on this past year and the contributions the AAUW Roseville-South Placer Branch has made to our local community. With your generosity and hard work, the following programs have received our support this year:

> Sierra College Scholarships Three worthy women re-entry recipients have met the

required GPA and number of units to maintain their AAUW Roseville-South Placer Scholarships. The Branch scholarships are sent directly to student’s account at Sierra College to provide funding for education-related expenses that support their efforts to obtain college degrees.

> Tech Trek Seven young women from intermediate schools in South Placer school districts were

selected to attend this year’s STEM camp at UC Davis held during the summer of 2019. The camp provides the opportunity for girls to expand their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math in an open environment that encourages participants to explore careers in these disciplines.

> High School Scholarships The seven scholarships provided to deserving young women from local High Schools

were sent directly to their accounts at the colleges they will be attending.

> Speech Trek The Speech Trek contest is open to both female and male contestants from area high

schools and provides substantial prizes for local high school students. For the fourth consecutive year the first place winner of the Roseville-South Placer Branch was one of three students selected from state wide submissions to participate in the AAUW–CA Speech Trek contest, where she placed second.

> Sierra College Leadership The collaboration between AAUW Roseville-South Placer and Sierra College continues

with presenting the AAUW Start Smart workshops, representation on the Gender Equity Committee, recruiting e-students, hosting information and resource tables at campus events, support of the Women and Gender Resource Center and student Food Pantry.

> AAUW Fund Our branch donation supports grants and fellowships to women for their continuing education

and the research AAUW does on gender equity.

Board Meeting Highlights – November 13, 2019

Sierra College Leadership – Lynda Stockwell gave an in-depth report of projects and activities by the committee.

Speech Trek – Co-chairs Michele Stark and Janet Jabri reported on the Speech Trek process and dates scheduled for February 2020. The Semi-final will be held at Whitney High School on February 14th and the Final competition will be held at Presentation Hall, Sun City Lincoln, on February 21st. (See more information on page 6.) Finance: Maria Actis gave an in-depth review of current branch finances and documents required for reimbursements and requests for payment. Budget adjustments will be reviewed by the board in January. Membership: Dotti May reported that membership stands at 162. Philanthropy: Remy Stevens gave an update on No Reservations, Women of Distinction, and Annual Raffle. Programs: Denise Hexom gave an update on Holiday Program. The Annual Meeting in May will feature a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote which became part of the U.S. Constitution on August 18, 1920. Outreach Programs: Kathy Novotny brought the Tech Trek Memo of Understanding agreement to board for approval. Board unanimously approved. The minutes of board meetings are posted on the branch website.

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Women of Distinction Nominations from Philanthropy

At the end of this month's Branch Lines is our form for Women of Distinction nominations. Branch members are not eligible for this prestigious honor, but all Branch members may nominate someone who is worthy of our yearly award. Past recipients include Carol Garcia, Leilani Fratis, Robin Trimble, Celia McAdam, Dawn Clayton, Susan Rohan, Megan Seely, and Kris Wyatt. These women represent philanthropic organizations, businesses, educational institutions, city councils, and other worthy groups. They have all gone above and beyond their professional positions to donate time, talent and energy to worthy causes, especially those that empower women and girls. Many of you know someone who should be recognized.

Please take the time to download a copy of the nomination form and nominate a distinguished South Placer woman—with her permission. The form explains the criteria and the way to fill out the nomination information. Mail nominations to Kim Lillard, P.O. Box 937, Lincoln, CA 95648.

Board Meeting Highlights & Women of Distinction Nominations

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The Energizer Bunny--or so she is called by Branch members who watch Sue Cofer continue to pour out her heart, her time, her resources for the organization. Sue's long-time commitment to AAUW began in the East Bay area before she and Jim moved to Lincoln Hills, and at the first new member event she attended, she agreed to be a Co-VP of program for the following year.

Sue has served this Branch as Co-President Elect,

Co-President and Program Vice President--all jobs requiring enormous commitments. While doing those jobs, she went way beyond her "official duties" and has continued to do so through the years.

During election years, Sue has repeatedly taken on the most difficult role supervising Branch poll workers as part of fund raising efforts. She can be seen at Branch events putting out beautiful centerpieces such as those she created for last year's Women of Distinction dinner with the tiny airplanes on top. She generously contributed door prizes at Branch programs or donated an item for the 2019 WOD auction. She and her husband, Jim, can regularly be seen hauling in food, ice, drinks, and serving pieces for programs and events. (Thanks, Jim, to you too.) Sue offers her home each month for the Movies on Monday interest group films and has volunteered to have this year's holiday wine group party at her home. She, along with Maria Actis, are keeping the Lincoln neighborhood group going when it seemed no one else wanted to be in charge. And this year she has volunteered for a huge responsibility on the philanthropy committee: she is in charge of securing items for both the raffle and the WOD auction--once again stepping up when others would not. In addition, she has from its beginnings worked with Sierra College Leadership as a Start Smart trainer and continues that commitment still, spending hours each year in Sierra College classrooms. Sue's "out of the box" creativity, her energy, her love for AAUW's mission, and her devotion to the South Placer Branch make her a model of what volunteerism means.

Cheers for Our Volunteer of the Month—Sue Cofer

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Inspire

Who inspired you? Each month we hope to feature a short sketch of a woman who inspired someone in our Branch. Send your inspirational story to Susan Hall to appear in an upcoming Branch Lines.

Who Inspired Me?

By Leslie McNeill

My Mother-In-Law. Rebecca Elizabeth Duncan McNeill born on May 30, 1911 and died on February 21, 2011. She had unconditional love for her children, an acceptance of choices, a quiet faith, and a deep belief in giving back to others so they might prosper. She loved her grandchildren and, as my sister told me, she never knew a grandma who bought a wrestling record for a 10-year-old grandson. She showed that physical distance made no difference when it came to a relationship with her granddaughter. They were as close as close can be, no matter that 3,000 miles separated them. And today, I have that gift with my grandchildren as scattered as they are. Outside her family, she was active in the communities and churches where she lived from California to Vermont, as a docent in the local art museum, the Visiting Nurses Organization, a hospital "pink lady" and sewing more aprons for church bazaars than the Singer Sewing Company. I know that through her example, I have had the honor of becoming a leader over the years, involved in meaningful volunteer opportunities and grown in my worldly and my faith life. She shines through with the humor of my husband and his role as a Dad with his love and his always, "I am proud of you" when ending a visit with our 4 children. As it says in Ecclesiastes, there is time for everything, and I am blessed that I had 46 years of time with my Mother-In-Law, Becky.

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Who Inspired You? A Monthly Feature in Branch Lines—2019-2020 AAUW Year

DON’T MISS THIS FAVORITE EVENT!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

When: Friday, February 21, 2020 What: Speech Trek’s Eleanor Stem Allen Memorial

Speech Contest’s Final Round Time: 4:00 PM Reception follows with

complimentary appetizers and cash bar Where: Kilaga Springs Lodge 1187 Sun City Blvd, Sun City Lincoln TOPIC: Are men and women truly equal today, or are

the suffragists of 1920 still suffering in 2020?

Save the Date for Speech Trek Contest

By Janet Jabri & Michele Stark, Speech Trek Co-Chairs

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Use Amazon Smile and Help Our Branch

So many members order from Amazon, some even using Amazon prime.

Now there is a way to buy your usual items and let Amazon give back to our

non-profit charitable funds.

When you are ready to place an Amazon order:

Find the "Select a charity" space and type in AAUW Roseville South Placer. Then click the select button. Now you are on Amazon Smile. You have just entered Amazon through a different portal. Shop and place your order in the usual way, and Amazon takes care of the rest, giving back one-half a percent to our branch--not a lot, but every few dollars help, and you have no extra charges. You already have your credit card and personal information on file and secured with them, so you are not exposing any information to a third party. If you are already an Amazon Smile user who has selected the Branch as your charity, when you go to Amazon's site, type Amazon Smile login in your browser (top of your screen), and you will see the Amazon Smile link in the middle. Click on that and you should see that you are now in the right connection to have a portion donated to the Branch. Eventually, the branch hopes to have a similar arrangement with other businesses that will work the same way. Keep shopping and help our worthy causes.

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The Welcome Mat

By Lynn Cook, New Member Orientation

Sunshine Chair Welcomes Your Requests

Note: Our current membership is 162.

This month we are happy to welcome the following new members. Advia Rosendale is a teacher in Elk Grove, graduating with a B.A. in Education from Sacramento State. Advia lives in Roseville. Margie Bianchi Santarpia also lives in Roseville and graduated from University of Arizona with a B.A. in Communications. Janice Bianchi lives in Roseville and graduated from University of Nevada with a B.S. in Administration.

The three new members above were referred by Denise Hexom. Frances Saumure, Roseville resident, is a returning member. Her B.A. in Criminal Justice is from SCU Sacramento She is a retired courtroom clerk.

Patricia Glover is our Sunshine Chair. She welcomes your requests to send a card or make a friendly call to members who are ill, need encouragement, or are to be congratulated. See Branch Handbook for her information.

Scholarship Chair Betty Manning received the following note from one

of the Branch's most recent graduates, a Vietnamese immigrant with two children. She finished her AA degree at Sierra College and has gone on to CSUS to work toward her goal as an accountant. She looks forward to becoming a U.S. citizen next year. She will be forever grateful for the

financial assistance she received from members like all of you.

Dear Mrs. Betty!

I have been started in my new school for 3 weeks. Everything are more difficult than the old school but I feel happy. I have a chance to learn and grow up. I continue to enjoy the challenging.

I miss you so much!. I look on my graduation pictures and miss you. I hope you are doing well. I will try my best to continue learning. I need to do pay back in this country because I have been supported from every people. I wish you and your family have good health and happiness! Love! Dung Pham

Members: Check your own entry in our 2019-2020 Branch Handbook for correct information. If you find errors or if you have updated information, please send to Amy Cho, our new Handbook Chair, so that updates can appear in the January issue of Branch Lines.

Thank You!

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Your Contributions at Work From Betty Manning, Sierra College Scholarships

Our Branch Handbook

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Interest Group Meetings in December —Open to all members

Wednesday Evening Book Group December 4, at 6:30 p.m. Hostess is Barbara Gorden in Lincoln In December: Choose books for 2020 RSVP to Barbara if attending. Questions: Jane Watkins

Casual Gardeners Wednesday, December 4

CA State Capitol - 10th and L Streets, Sacramento Lunch at 11:00 a.m. at Vines Restaurant

in the Hyatt Hotel. We’ll attend the 12:30 p.m. Holiday Music Program

in the beautiful Capitol Rotunda featuring the Davis High School Baroque String Ensemble. Enjoy the Capitol gardens and see the huge

Christmas tree on the West lawn. Contact Marilyn Gregory for details

and to RSVP for lunch.

New Members Group Dotti May and I look forward to seeing you at the AAUW holiday party on December 5. We will be

having a new member event after the first of the year. Happy Holidays to each of you.

Lynn Cook, New Member Chair

Mah Jongg Thursday, December 5 and 19, at 1:00 p.m.

Group plays twice monthly in members' homes on first and third Thursdays. Players will be contacted by Coordinator Joyce Wade. Or RSVP to Joyce if you plan to attend.

Women’s Gourmet Group Our Holiday Dinner will be held on December 9

at Buonarotti’s Restorante in Lincoln. More Information to come.

Contact Kim Bovee if questions. January gourmet group will be hosted by Janet Johnson on January 27th.

AAUW members who may be interested in our group, please contact

Margaret Maher or Janet Johnson.

Great Decisions

Expand your mind—2nd Friday of the month Raley’s Event Center

1915 Douglas Blvd., Roseville Awesome 2020 topics!

Order book @ $29.00 Now Send Check to Elsie Gaura.

No meeting in December. Happy Holidays! See you Friday, January 10, 2020

Questions? Contact Elsie. Hand and Foot Card Game Tuesday, December 10, at 1:00 p.m. Group meets on the second Tuesday monthly at the Granite Bay home of Darlene Baldwin.

We are open for new participants, so come and have fun with us. RSVP to Darlene.

Social Bridge Wednesday, December 11, at 1:00 p.m.

Chicago scoring 2-table bridge is played on the second Wednesday at a player’s home.

If you would like to play or be a sub, come join us. RSVP to Leslie McNeill

December Interest Group Meetings —Open to All Members

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Duplicate Bridge

Friday, December 13. at 1:00 p.m. Barbara Gorden in Lincoln

is the hostess for our game. Please let her know if you can play.

We need eight players. If you are interested in joining this group

or being a substitute, please contact Sandi Roullier.

Movies on Monday

December 16, at 11:30 a.m. Meeting at the Lincoln home of Sue Cofer

Our film: “Bottle Shock” 2008 Wine Our movie theme for the AAUW year: Food & Wine

Please join us for lunch, conversation, and great movies.

Bring your bag lunch. $2 includes chips, beverage, and dessert.

Seating is limited to 15 so please RSVP as soon as possible to our

reservations gal Carol Mahany. Questions: Contact Darlene Baldwin.

Tuesday Book Group December 17, at 10:30 a.m. Meeting this month at the home of Susan Hall in Sun City Roseville December: Any favorite book—Open Forum January book: A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell Questions: Patricia Glover.

Wednesday Book Group December 18, at 10:30 a.m. Meeting at the Lincoln home of Nancy Taylor with Potluck Lunch to follow. Polly reviews: Transcription by Kate Atkinson January book: Red Mountain by Bob Walker

RSVP to Nancy Taylor.

Mexican Train

We will not be playing Mexican Train in December

as the train will be speeding through town

to help Santa deliver special gifts

to children all over California.

May all of you have a joyous holiday

and we'll plan to meet in January .

If you would like to be added to the list of players,

please email me. Joan Urry

Wine Group December 20, at 5:30 p.m.

Meeting at the Lincoln home of Sue Cofer Food provided

Couples $5 plus a bottle of wine Singles $10 and no wine

Makes checks out to Sue Cofer. Deadline for checks—Dec. 15

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December Neighborhood Groups Events

Granite Bay/Loomis/Newcastle/E. Roseville/ Orangevale: In December, members are encouraged to attend the Branch Holiday Party. Our group will be taking a hiatus this winter. We'll reevaluate the group and its activities in March with the goal of possibly starting up again in April. Meanwhile, if you have any suggestions for activities or would like to help out with the group, please contact Sally Altman or Schelly Jensen.

Rocklin/Springfield: We will not meet for lunch this month.

However, there are several Christmas events you might like to attend: the Branch Holiday Party on December 5, the Capitol Rotunda Christmas music on December 6, and the Tuba Christmas concert on December 14. Detailed information about each event will be emailed to members. To join the Rocklin/Springfield

group contact Jerri Yeager.

Sun City Roseville/West Roseville: Ellen Thomas will be hosting a Holiday Drop-in Open House on Tuesday, December 17, between 4:00 and 6:00 PM. Please come and see her wonderful Christmas decorations and enjoy some wine and appetizers.

Noreen Briggs will be assisting. Ellen’s home is located in Sun City, Roseville. See Branch Handbook for address and contact information. RSVP by Dec. 10 to Ellen Thomas. To join this neighborhood group, contact

Sandy Haley.

Lincoln Neighborhood Group: We don't have an activity planned for December. Instead, we're encouraging members to attend the Branch Holiday Party on December 5th.

To join the Lincoln Group, email Sue Cofer or

Maria Actis.

Neighborhood Group Leaders Granite Bay/Loomis/Newcastle/E. Roseville &

Orangevale: Sally Altman Rocklin/Springfield: Jerri Yeager

Sun City Roseville/West Roseville: Sandy Haley

Lincoln: Sue Cofer

For further information about our neighborhood groups,

contact Coordinator Schelly Jensen

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AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

Board Meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month at

the Raley’s Conference Room.

Our next Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, December 11

at 10:00 a.m. at Raley’s in Lincoln.

Anyone interested in attending our board meetings is welcome.

Please contact our Branch President with your discussion item a week before the

meeting so you can be placed on the agenda.

Board Meeting Notice

Misplaced your copy of Branch Lines? No problem!

Contact Editor for a re-send.

OR: The current issue of Branch Lines can be found

on our Website. Check it out.

Hold CTRL on keyboard, then click on addresses below to visit our Branch Website and

Facebook page, as well as State and National sites, for a wealth of information about AAUW

events present, past, and future—also to access links to articles of concern for today’s women.

http://rosevillesouthplacer-ca.aauw.net/

http://www.aauw.org/

http://www.aauw-ca.org/

http://www.facebook.com/aauwrsp/

To access the Members Only section on our Branch Website, you must use the branch password. Branch Lines Deadline: 15th of the month

Visit AAUW Media Sites

AAUW ROSEVILLE-SOUTH PLACER BRANCH LINES

Adele Tarantino, Editor Gini Christiansen, Distributor

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