AAUW

PLEASE RSVP for the

Nov. 5 meeting to

MaryAnn Gambitta at

mgambitt@gmail.com

or 423-8356 ASAP!

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Nov. 5 meeting 1

Schedule 2

New Member Spotlight 3

District Conference 4-5

AAUW News 6

Local Announcements

Geranium Sale Form

7

8

Cortland Branch

November, 2018

NEWSLETTER

AAUW Cortland Branch Meeting

Monday, Nov.5 5:30 pm -The Sherman House 11 N. Main St. Homer

Please join us on Monday, November 5th, for Advocacy for Women,

Children and Families. Speakers are Judge Julie Campbell, Family,

County, Surrogate Courts Judge, Katherine Compagni, Chair of the

Global Relations Committee for YWCA USA, and Mardis Kelsen,

local Attorney.

Cost is $20 for dinner.

KATHERINE COMPAGNI Kathy is currently a director on the YWCA USA Board. She chairs the Global Relations Committee and serves on the Finance and Governance commit-

tees. Her second three-year term ends in June 2019.

Kathy’s thirty-year career as an educator included teaching introductory and advanced expository and persuasive Departments of SUNY Cortland and TC3. She also taught in the English Depart-ment at Homer High School. She recently completed an eight-year term as a governor-appointed SUNY Cortland College Council member. She served as a director on the Board of Association of Council Members and College Trustees.

She was a member of YWCA Cortland’s Board of Directors for eight years, two as president. She chaired Community Relation writing courses at Ithaca College. She was an adjunct instructor in the English ns, Women in History Essay Contest, Capital Campaign Steering, and Capital Campaign Advanced Gifts committees. She also served on the Cortland College Foundation Board of Directors as secretary and vice-president and on the Cortland Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. She has been a member of the Zonta Club of Cortland for twenty-one years. She earned a BA and MA in English from SUNY Cortland, and a PhD in Public Communication from Syracuse University. (continued on page 2)

(Monday’s speakers continued from page 1) HON. JULIE A. CAMPBELL Julie A. Campbell serves as the senior Cortland County multi bench Judge presiding in County, Family and Surrogate’s Courts. She was first elected in 2003 and re-elected to a second term in 2013. Judge Campbell has been designated by the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department as an Acting Supreme Court Justice since 2008. She currently presides in Integrated Domestic Violence, matrimonial and foreclosure parts of Supreme Court in addition to her county level duties. From 1999 to 2016 she was designated as the county’s lead Judge for the Office of Court Administration’s Child Welfare Improvement Project. She currently serves as the lead Judge for the development and implementation of Cortland’s plan pursuant to the State’s recently adopted Raise the Age legislation. Prior to her election Judge Campbell was a partner with the law firm of Riehlman, Shafer and Shafer for 16 years, serving as principal attorney in the firm’s Cortland office, specializing in family law, criminal law, adoptions, wills and trusts. Judge Campbell attended Colgate University (A.B. 1984) and Western New England University School of Law (J.D. 1987). She is admitted to practice law in New York, Connecticut and the District of Columbia. She maintains memberships in the Cortland County, New York State, Connecticut, and District of Columbia Bar Associations. She is a member of the Family Court, County Court and Surrogate Judges’ Associations, the Cortland County Criminal Justice Advisory Board and chairs the 6th Judicial District’s Gender Bias and Gender Fairness Committee. Judge Campbell is active in the Cortland community, formerly serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of Cortland Regional Medical Center and a member of the J.M. Murray Center and Cornell Cooperative Extension Boards of Directors. She has been a member of the Zonta Club of Cortland since 1988. Currently, she serves on the Blatchley 4-H Foundation and volunteers as a mentor with the Boy Scouts of America.

MARDIS KELSEN

Mardis Kelsen began her career as Justice of the Cortlandville Town Court and McGraw Village Court. While serving in these capacities, she discovered her strong interest in the legal system and decided to go to law school and shortly thereafter graduated from Syracuse University Law School. Mardis has been an attorney with a practice in Cortland for the past 19 years.

The next meeting will be Monday, December 3. Please bring new slippers, large print books, audio books to

give to the senior center and/or new children's books, undies and pjs for the Salvation Army and the YW

Bridges for Kids program children. We will wrap gifts in bags while listening to flute music by Nan

Pasquarello and Jolie Roat.

There are no AAUW Cortland branch meetings in January and February. We will return in March.

Monday, March 4th Going Global: Research in Action. SUNY Cortland faculty, Jena Curtis, Health; Mecke

Nagel, Philosophy; Elizabeth Okuth, Chemistry; Tientien Zheng, Sociology/Anthropology will speak.

Monday, April 1st, Philanthropy Fun: BUNCO games.

Monday, May 6th, Annual Meeting; Making Health a Priority, Bonni Hodges and Donna Videto, SUNY Cortland Health Department

Monday, June 3rd, Bean Pickers- Portrait of My Italian-American Immigrant Family, Karen Hempson, Faculty Emerita, SUNY Cortland

Welcome New AAUW Cortland branch members:

Mindy Gardner, Kathy Hemingway-Jones, Bonni Hodges.

So that we may get to know each other a little better, in each newsletter we will spotlight an AAUW

branch member.

MINDY MINNOW GARDNER

Mindy was born in Binghamton and grew up in Poughkeepsie, second oldest of 5 children. Her higher

education path was not a straight one, but one filled with life-changing experiences.

She attended Duchess Community College and received her degree in Childhood Education. During this time she worked at the Children’s Museum as a floor operator and worked her way up to Weekend Supervisor. From 2005-2007, she attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont studying History Education. In 2007, Mindy decided to move back to Binghamton to live with and care for her grandmoth-er who was suffering from early dementia. At that point, Mindy continued her education online through SUNY Empire and received her Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology in 2012. By the time she graduated, she had over 200 credit hours, when a Bachelor’s only requires 120! She worked at the Children’s Discovery Center in Binghamton, an experience she cherishes. She notes that due to her influence and fun time learning science at the Discovery Center, her sister decided to major in Aerospace Engineering!

From 2008-2010, Mindy worked in Binghamton School District as a teacher’s aide in a 6th grade

inclusive classroom. In 2010, Mindy became a Nursery School teacher at the YWCA Cortland, moving to

head Supervisor in 2011. In September 2017, Mindy became the Mentoring Director at the YWCA, over-

seeing the Bridges for Kids and GEMS mentoring programs for children and young adults.

Mindy married Matthew Gardner, a Dryden high school US History teacher in 2013. They have a son,

Nicholas, and are expecting a new family member in February!

Welcome to AAUW Mindy!

District 3 Conference

AAUW District III Conference: Women and Leadership

October 27, 2018

At some point last spring, our branch members were surprised to learn that it was time for the Cortland branch to host the District III conference this fall. Two of our District branches, Mohawk Valley and South-ern, have become inactive. This leaves Cortland, Oswego and Ithaca in District III.

Following the AAUW State Convention and AAUW NYS Leadership Conference at Cazenovia College last summer, a few Cortland branch members discussed several options for the theme of our conference. We began by considering multiple forms of education through the life-span currently available to women and girls. After much discussion locally, with our members, friends, and colleagues, we considered the theme of Educating Women for Leadership; the theme ultimately evolved to Women and Leadership. We wanted to highlight women who provide exemplary leadership in critical fields intimately related to education and the mission of AAUW, whether members or not. While we eliminated education from the title, it was explicitly or implicitly evident throughout. Speakers were women who provide leadership in critical areas relevant to AAUW’s mission and goals: STEM; Sustainability and the Environment (STEM related); Civics and Politics; and Addressing Sexual Assault on Campus. We intend to make explicit the connection of the presentations and the mission and goals of AAUW.

“Civics 101”: Civics and Political Leadership was very well received. Meaghan Palmer, Social Studies 7-12 Teacher at Morrisville-Eaton High School teaches Civics. She explained how she approaches the teaching of civics with her high school students and how she encourages their participation in community service. Ryann Hudson, Intern, SUNY Cortland Institute for Civic Engagement (ICE) explained how she developed a passion for political science and the work she is doing to register voters and facilitate deliberative dialogues on campus with ICE. Kelly Preston, Cortland County Legislator, gave us a birds-eye view into running for po-litical office despite the fact that her party was supporting the incumbent. She also talked about the project she is working on to bring VERA, a group that advocates alternatives to incarceration, to Cortland

Sustainability and Environmental Leadership panel presented a view of sustainability in several different settings. Mary Faith Miller, Founder/Director Lime Hollow Forest Preschool, talked about her outdoor preschool and the philosophy that she has implemented. Kat McCarthy, Executive Director, Cultural Council of Cortland County/former Tompkins County Waste Reduction and Recycling Specialist, explained the programs she lead in the Ithaca area and how the principles can generalize to her work with the Cultural Council. Theresa Baker, Director of Food Services, SUNY Cortland talked about how the college is working towards sustainability and what she is doing to lead that charge. She gave multiple examples of how she is helping to reduce the college’s carbon footprint. Sharon Todd, Chair Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department, SUNY Cortland explained how sustainability is integrated into the department’s curriculum as well as the curriculum of many departments across the College. Sharon noted that “When SUNY Cortland sets out to do something, they follow through and do it well.”

District 3 Conference continued

Chair Yoga for Leaders, Nora Lynn Masselink, Professor in the English Department at SUNY Cortland, and Yoga Instructor Cortland YWCA, lead a fun 20 minutes of chair yoga and mindfulness training before lunch. It was a perfect break to get us moving after sitting through the earlier sessions.

After a very satisfying lunch, there were two workshops before the branch share and wrap up.

STEM Leadership was another enlightening and impressive panel. Janet Ochs, Computer Applications Program, SUNY Cortland/Tech Savvy Mentoring Project, talked about programs offered at the College and how she is connecting college students in the computer applications programs with students at the YWCA and at St. Mary’s school; this is an extension of Tech Savvy. Janet had participated in Tech Savvy three years in a row. The third year, she oversaw development of the Tech Savvy workshops at the conference. Kim Blanchet, Interim Dean/Director Instructional Design, Onondaga Community College, gave a personal story of how she found her way to Instructional Design and what that entails; she also gave examples of the multiple avenues for online learning across the life span, including some that are free and enroll hundreds if not thousands of students e.g. MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses). Jolie Roat, Math Department, SUNY Cortland, had participated in Tech Savvy for three years in a row doing several interesting math workshops, including one on math modeling and animation, one of her strong interests. She provided examples of how she works to be a role model in a field where women are in the minority.

Nanette Pasquarello, Title IX Coordinator, SUNY Cortland gave us a snapshot of how she is Leading a Multifaceted Approach to Confronting Sexual Violence on Campus. It was heartening to hear about the multiple programs and staff involved in these programs under Nan’s leadership.

The Branch Share and Wrap Up is always enlightening. It was helpful to hear what other branches are doing and for us to be able to talk about our priorities.

The event had better attendance than anticipated, 40 in all. Three members came from the Ithaca branch and four from the Oswego branch. Twelve of our members attended. SUNY Cortland faculty, staff and students attended as did community members. The speakers were all excellent and provided valuable information for the audience. SUNY Cortland was hospitable. The president’s office made it possible to use the facility free of charge and covered the cost of staff. Through the Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies, Mecke Nagel, Center director, covered the cost of food. She also recruited students who assisted Sue Sherman Broyles with registration.

ASC’s catering staff did an excellent job of setting up and serving some tasty and satisfying food and beverages throughout the day. ASC’s bookstore provided folders for participants. Registration fees will cover gift memberships for presenters. It would be nice to have these impressive leaders be part of our branch.

We can be proud of ourselves for pulling off a successful conference!

AAUW News from AAUW NYS website

“PowHer The Vote” in November

The November 6 mid-term elections

are crucial for women.

Priority issues for AAUW members include:

• Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act to strengthen existing em-ployment discrimination laws aimed at closing the gender pay gap;

• Passing the Family Act to create a national paid family and medi-cal leave insurance program;

• Preventing further erosion of Title IX protections;

• Ensuring women’s access to contraception without co-pay or cost-sharing, no matter where they work or go to school; and,

• Preventing the repealing or weakening of the Affordable Care Act.

These issues are crucial to women’s health and economic well-being! Keep them at the forefront of political discourse during these final weeks of the campaign season, by organizing and/or attending candidates forums. Download a Voter Guide Template

AAUW-NYS is a member of the PowHerNY Network, an inclusive statewide network committed to securing economic equality for all New York women, which has developed a list of 10 questions to help identify a candidate’s posi-tion on our priority issues. Please share this list with everyone you know, utilize it at your forums, and remember to PowHer the Vote on November 6th!

SAVE the DATE - AAUW-NYS Convention - April 26-28, 2019

in Cooperstown

Please add the 2019 Cooperstown Convention being held at The Otesaga Resort Hotel from April 26th thru 28th to your calendar.

In addition to AAUW Mission-Focused Programming, the weekend will include:

• Group visits to the Fenimore Art Museum, Farmer's Museum, and Baseball Hall of Fame, including time to ride on the Empire State Carousel.

• Opportunities to play golf, go for guided walks, swim in the heated outdoor pool, participate in two different styles of yoga classes, and time to visit the Hawkeye Spa.

• Time to explore local wineries, breweries, unique shops, etc. before the tourist season starts. Cooperstown has lots to offer you and your friends, along with attending a great convention!

Women Working Together Friday, Nov. 1, 2018 The Sherman House Restaurant 11 North Main Street, Homer

Speaker: Alice Anderson

In honor of Veteran’s Day-A veteran tells her story

Buffet style service begins at 11:45 AM Lunch is $13, cash or check

Payable at the door to “Linani’s” Please RSVP to 753-9651 or mary@cortlandywca.org

The Sherman House opens at 11:30 AM

Women Working Together is sponsored by the YWCA Cortland

LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Legislators and the Public are invited to a social organized by the League of Women Voters of Cortland County

Thursday, Nov. 15 4:30-6:30

Finger Lakes Tasting Room, Main St. Cortland

Visit our website: www.cortlandlwv.org

Zonta Fashion Show

Sunday, Nov. 11

11;30-2:30

Cortland Country Club

Tickets $25 available at

the YWCA and Bev & Co .

Help your favorite local non profit agency win $10,000 through the Cortland Community Foundation

Philanthropy Contest!

Submit your donation through the Cortland Community Foundation challenge and your non profit will be entered into

the Philanthropy competition to win $10,000! 100% of your donation will go to your agency There is a minimum

donation of $100.00 and maximum of $5,000.00. Checks are made out to CCF but put the name of your dedicated

nonprofit in the memo line. Donations must be received or postmarked no later than November 15, 2018

Donations may be mailed to:

Cortland Community Foundation

P.O. Box 466

3334 NYS Route 215

Cortland, NY 13045

Contribute to a local non profit. Cortland values its many not for profit agencies.

Help them as they help make Cortland a better place for us all to live!

Geranium Sale American Association of University Women Cortland Branch

Supports the AAUW Eleanor Blodgett Scholarship Fund

2019 marks the 25th year of the AAUW Cortland Branch Geranium Sale fundraiser This fund provides scholarships to women continuing their education at Tompkins Cortland Community College and SUNY Cortland.

For 2019, we will purchase plants from Schaeffer Gardens again; their plants proved to be

attractive and hardy and got rave reviews.

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend….

Price: 3 plants for $12.00 (4 ½ inch pots)

Make checks payable to AAUW Cortland Branch

Order forms with payment are due by May 1st.

Mail form & payment to Mary Roberts, 782 Clark St. Extension, Groton, NY 13073

Geranium Order Form Name:________________________________________________________________________________

Phone ___________________________________ Cell ________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________________________________________

Pick-up: TUESDAY, MAY 21st 1:00 - 3:00 at Yaman Park (1 day only)

COLOR NUMBER of PLANTS COST (3 for $12)

White

Salmon

Red

Pink

TOTAL