Prickly Pear Postings

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1 Prickly Pear Postings Co-President s Message submitted by Jeannine Reynolds As I write this in early August before I leave for a respite in cooler parts of northern Arizona, I find myself reflecting on some AAUW events that have occurred since our last newsletter. Nine members attended the AAUW-AZ state convention in Tucson in April. If you saw the Splash article, you may remember that we learned an interesting tidbit--that AAUW Funds had enabled Rachel Carson to write her book Silent Spring. AAUW National executive director Linda Hallman, among others, inspired us to move forward with new ideas and energy, and we are doing just that! Because of outreach by our branch, Central Arizona College (Coolidge) is the newest college in Arizona to become a college/university AAUW partner. If you have viewed our website over the summer, you have seen that our grant application was approved (kudos to Margaret Noser, grant writer) to have a 25th anniversary celebration luncheon on February 22 (instead of our usual international dinner) that is being planned by a committee of Southeast Valley Branch past presidents. It is shaping up to be an exciting time with Lisa Maatz, AAUW National VP for Government Relations, confirmed to moderate a panel of speakers, including Laurie Roberts of the Arizona Republic. Stay tuned for further developments. Also in the Splash and now on the website (take a look) is an engaging picture of Paulette Schutes with our two high school scholarship winners, Mary Sulaiman and Samantha Incorvaia. Thanks to donations from our members through the birthday raffles and otherwise, we were able to fund two $1000 scholarships. In addition to noting the 25th Anniversary Celebration on your calendar, please note that our AAUW Funds Holiday Luncheon will be held on December 7, and Fall Forum will be October 26. Our interest groups will be starting up again in October, and you will be hearing more about them soon. Actually, for those of us who have remained in Sun Lakes for most of the summer, Diane Beatty arranged a Summer Lunch Bunch, and Jan Bobbett started a Spanish language interest group. Some members of the Public Policy committee viewed the documentary film "Miss Representation" (of women who are underrepresented in positions of power and influence). As announced at the April branch meeting, we are making a site change for our monthly meetings. Beginning in October, our meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn Ocotillo. Maybe more persons outside the Sun Lakes community will begin to realize that membership is open to the whole Southeast Valley, not just Sun Lakes. Paulette and I are anticipating a good year with AAUW, and look forward to seeing all of you as you arrive back in town from your "snowbird" locations or vacations. Hard as it is to believe, time is drawing nigh. Volume 25, No. 1 September 2013 Inside this issue: A New Look Website Community Action Lunch Bunch Meet our Advertisers Afternoon Book Club Evening Book Club Great Decisions 25th Anniversary Celebration Scholarship Committee Newcomers College Univ Partnership Afternoon Bridge Fall Rendezvous Agenda Holiday Luncheon Fall Rendezvous Registration Form State Board Branch Executive Board Past Presidents AAUW Events Sept 5 Singles Sept.10 Evening Book Club Sept. 11 Summer Book Club Sept. 18 Lunch Bunch Oct. 3 Singles Oct. 7 Afternoon Bridge Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 23 Oct. 24 Oct 26 Oct. 28 Dec. 7 Feb Evening Book Club Board Meeting Afternoon Book Club General Meeting Great Decisions Southwesters AAUW-AZ Fall Rendezvous Lunch Bunch Holiday Luncheon 25th Anniversary

2 Page 2 Prickly Pear Postings WEBSITE Last spring at the Town Hall, it was suggested that we include personal information to facilitate conversation and interaction among our members. Due to space limitation in the Branch Directory and the newsletter it was not possible in the past to include all members. Now, however, we have almost unlimited space on our website. I will be adding personal information to the Member Roster which is password protected thus it not available to the general internet public. I have already linked biographies and interviews that have previously appeared in issues of the Prickly Pear Postings. As this process will take awhile and in honor of our upcoming 25 th Anniversary, I will start with the earliest members of our branch. One of the first questions in the interview will be the date you joined Southeast Valley Branch. (National supplies the year members join AAUW but not the Branch.) When you receive the list of questions via in early September, please take a moment to complete and return to me. I will be calling members that do not have a computer. Thank you for your participation. - Margaret Noser, Website A NEW LOOK Notice anything different? AAUW in an effort to have more consistency in their brand among the states and branches has designed new logos for all. The new AZ state logo is top left page 2, and our new Southeast Valley Branch logo is top right page 3. These logos may not be altered in any way. National has also instituted color standards the primary colors are leaf green and admiral blue. The secondary colors are paprika, perfect ruby honey gold, eggplant, fern and slate blue. All of our borders have been changed to these colors. What about the teal and the iconic Teal Machine? Apparently, they have not been retired, yet there is not a mention of them on the AAUW website. Donna Haugland Newsletter COMMUNITY ACTION WANTED 6 minutes of your time at San Marcos. AAUW is being asked to help with the Six-Minute Solution which is a research-based highly effective instructional procedure that builds reading fluency in only 6 minutes of the instructional day. All students can benefit from it. ART MASTERPIECE volunteers are needed to assist the volunteer teacher in various classrooms several times during the year. No training is needed. HUGS to returning San Marcos AAUW teaching ART Masterpiece volunteers : PRIS CORBUS,SHEILA PETRIELLO, AND JANE WAGNER. PLEASE let me know if you have time to help us this year. Sandy Shepoiser shepmilk@aol.com

3 Volume 25, No. 1 Page 3 LUNCH BUNCH Lunch Bunch will meet at Bernard's at Ocotillo Golf Resort on September 18 at 11:30. It is located at 3751 S. Clubhouse Drive in Chandler. Bernard's is traditionally where we meet in September and their lunch menu features varied salads and sandwiches. Their house favorites are wild salmon and chef's flat bread. The local owners feature local Arizona products and gluten free options are available. If you wish to attend contact Diane beattybooks@yahoo.com or phone by September 13 so she can make the reservation. Carpooling will not be arranged but Diane suggests that members try to ride together because parking is limited. Hope to see several members return from their summer homes. Kathy Burns Meet our Advertisers Sean and Dustin Miller better known as the brothers have been offering Physical Therapy in the Sun Lakes area for the past 7 years. They both run Kinect PT and along with the other therapists believe they offer a higher level of care. Higher level of care means that they take a hands on, individualized approach to your condition. This starts from the minute you enter their facilities, from the front desk to your treatment. When you come to Kinect PT you will feel their genuine care and concern for you as an individual. This is achieved by taking the time to listen to their patients and to examine them thoroughly. They have found that by treating each person, and their injuries, as unique to them will achieve a better outcome. All of their treatments are based on clinically supported research. This means that they are treating their patients with what research has proven to be most effective. This, coupled with their over 35 plus years of combined experience, will continue to lead to better outcomes for you. They absolutely love the Chandler/Sun Lakes area and cannot find a better place to work. They feel that they are part of the community and love to give back to them. Their greatest joy comes from seeing their patients getting back to doing the things they love to do. Donna Haugland REALTOR, Direct: Fax: dhaugland.re@gmail.com S. Arizona Ave. Suite 4 Chandler, AZ SEVBAZ Member Representing buyers and sellers since 1985.

4 Page 4 Prickly Pear Postings EVENING BOOK CLUB The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian is a powerful, mesmerizing, historical novel depicting the Armenian Genocide of It s an epic story of love and war that will linger with you long after you finished the novel. Our September 10 Evening Book Club will meet at 7:00 PM at the home of Judy Manley Beech Creek Drive. Lois Fitzsimmons will lead the book discussion. Guests and new members are welcome. If you plan to attend please call or our hostess Judy Manley. ( ) manley@wbhsi.net Barbara St. Peter October 14 November 11 December 9 January 13 February 10 Some members of the Afternoon Book Club are Pris Corbus, Cindy Nugent, Carol Knudson, Judi Edmonds AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB LIST for Democracy, Henry Adams Alice, Stacy Cordery Holiday Luncheon Moloka'i, Allan Brennert Someone Knows My Name, Lawrence Hill GREAT DECISIONS The Great Decisions Program is sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), a private, non-profit and non-partisan educational association. The FPA promotes awareness and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the months of October, November, January, February, March and April from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. No special knowledge is necessary, just an interest in U.S. foreign policy and international affairs. We welcome all points of view. Each month the group selects one of the current year's topics for discussion. Members of the group take turns facilitating the discussion and/or hosting the meeting. Our next meeting is Wednesday October 23, The topic for the meeting is Humanitarian Intervention. We will be meeting at the home of Toni Corrigan. The annual cost of the materials is about $20 which covers the cost of each member's briefing book and the DVD that provides additional discussion on the topic. The books for 2014 will be pre-ordered in early October to take advantage of FPA cost savings. If you are thinking about joining our group please contact Cynthia Cantor as soon as possible so that I can collect $20 and order your materials. The $20 price may be adjusted when the actual cost for 2014 becomes available. Cynthia Cantor March 10 Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell Next General Meeting October 21 Ocotillo Holiday Inn AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB The Afternoon Book Club meets the second Monday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in private homes. The book discussions are facilitated by members of the group. Our schedule for is listed here and in the Directory. New members are welcome. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to the appropriate host prior to the meeting date. For additional questions contact Holly DeVinck or Betty Raveret, Co-Chairs.

5 Volume 25, No. 1 Page 5 Southeast Valley (AZ) Branch Looking Back & Beyond Saturday, February 22, 2014, 11:00 to 2:00 Ocotillo Country Club, Chandler EXCITING NEWS!!! Southeast Valley Branch turns 25" in We have received a grant from AAUW-AZ for our Celebration. This milestone celebration will clearly state: Here is who we are - AAUW! We are educated, proud, nonpartisan, motivated and here to stay!! Our Purpose: To promote AAUW s mission and contribution to education within the communities of Chandler, Gilbert, Ahwatukee, and Tempe at a luncheon and panel discussion, Education: Changing the Equation, moderated by Lisa Maatz, AAUW Vice President of Government Relations, from the National offices in Washington, DC!! AAUW National is making it possible for Lisa to join us at no cost to the Branch. The panel will feature key leaders in education: Dr. Camille Casteel, Supt. of Unified Chandler Schools, Dr. William Harris, CEO of Science Foundation Arizona. A panel invitation has also been extended to Dr. Doris Helmich, President of Central AZ College, our college/university partner. Just received confirmation that Laura Roberts, columnist for the Arizona Republic, will also be on our panel! What a great opportunity for AAUW to develop a media partner and receive much deserved media coverage. Besides the panel and a lovely luncheon, members and guests will be able to explore tables displaying past Branch programs and community achievements including the latest STEM program at San Marcos. Information of upcoming AAUW programs and fellowships and local scholarships will also be displayed. And of course, Membership will be prominent to assist all who wish to join our dynamic organization. This luncheon replaces the Branch s traditional International Dinner for this year. Mark your calendars NOW, tell your friends, and check our website frequently for updates. southeastvalley-az.aauw.net/activities/25thanniversary/ We will be sending out individual invitations to key community leaders, private and public, as well as other AAUW branches and state organizations. AAUW-AZ is fully invested in this event to make a big AAUW splash in our community. The Past Presidents are taking the lead but we need participation from the entire Branch to take that step from a nice event to a fantastic one! There will be much to do so consider an area where you could contribute. Let s shoot for 100% Branch Member attendance.

6 Page 6 Prickly Pear Postings SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Helping Local Students What does the Scholarship Committee (SC) do? For newcomers to AAUW, it will be helpful to know that the SC raises funds so our branch can award at least one scholarship to a local high school student so she can attend an accredited college or university in Arizona. You help us raise those funds in two ways. You help us raise funds through our monthly Scholarship Birthday Raffle. We love to see what consumable goodies you bring each month. We ask that you bring a $10 raffle item only once a year, based on the month of your birth. For our October meeting you're on if your birthday is in August, September, or October For November November or December For January it's the J months: January, June, July For March February and March For April April and May Of course, the fundraising part of the raffle is the purchase of tickets at our monthly meetings, so we encourage you to bring some loose dollars to each meeting. 2) Each year we also have a large event. Last year it was the very successful jewelry party. This year is different. Because this is the branch s 25th anniversary and we have a gala event forthcoming, we are throwing a non-party. Instead of inviting you to dress up and attend yet another event, the SC with the blessing of our presidents has decided to engage in a "Pay Education Forward" campaign. For this campaign we challenge our members to contribute $100, $50, or $25 to this fund. Totally voluntary, and we don t need 100% participation. This is not a precedent to be repeated each year. But for this anniversary year it provides a simple demonstration of our branch s commitment to education. And if you do choose to participate, Paulette has paved the way to make it tax deductible by working through the Chandler Education Foundation. (Call Jan or Kris at to find out how to donate.) Three of us are already in for $100. Consider joining us with a donation of $100, $50, or $25. The rewards? Satisfaction and your smiling face in our group Special Donor photograph. By Jan Bobbett and Kris Eikelberger, your SC contacts NEWCOMERS We want to welcome all new and returning members to our AAUW branch. At our final meeting in April, we had four new sign-ups. Since then, I ve been in touch by and snail mail. At this time, we have no specific plans for getting together, but Janet and I are definitely looking forward to having Newbie events so we can all get better acquainted. If there are any new or potential members reading this who would like more information about our branch, please feel free to contact me at peck.ellen@gmail.com. Janet Bideaux Elllen Peck

7 Volume 25, No. 1 Page 7 OUR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY PARTNER CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE Meet our new College/University Representative: Sherrie Soria, M. Ed. I am honored to represent Central Arizona College as the new College/University Representative. I look forward to serving current and future AAUW members in pursuing common goals of equity and education. I foresee a future in which a new branch is created in the greater central Pinal County region, encompassing Casa Grande, Coolidge, Florence, and San Tan Valley. I am greatly moved by the work accomplished by AAUW and hope to continue this tradition of excellence here in Pinal County. Currently as the Project Director for TRIO Student Support Services at Central Arizona College, my work focuses on assisting first-generation and low-income students to achieve their dreams of a college education. We recently finished up a very successful TRIO Summer Bridge week and are looking forward to a year of activities and experiences for students which will enrich their educational experience and engage students in the learning process. I hold a Bachelor s Degree from the State University of New York, College at Cortland in International Studies and French, and a Master s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. I am currently studying for my Doctorate in Educational Leadership at NAU. In addition to these degrees, I have completed all coursework in Rio Salado s Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Certification program for high school French and Spanish. I have traveled abroad extensively and spent several years teaching and working at the Universidad de la Sierra in Huauchinango, Puebla, Mexico. I live in San Tan Valley, Arizona with my husband, Javier, and our two children, Isabella and Elena, ages ten and three. In our free time we enjoy traveling and exploring the state of Arizona and frequently visit family and friends in my hometown of Buffalo, New York. Note: You will be able to meet Sherrie in person at our first branch meeting in October. Stop by and say hello. Find out more about Central Arizona College with its own menu item on our branch website ( plus the CAC website is directly linked (see right hand column). -Margaret Noser, C/U Chair AFTERNOON BRIDGE Our regular AAUW BRIDGE will meet on October 7 in the Saguaro Room at Cottonwood Clubhouse at 1:00 P. M. In September our SUMMER group will meet on the 16th in the Saguaro Room at Cottonwood at 1:00 P. M. If you wish to join us for lunch before we play, please be in the Cottonwood Bar and Grill at 12:00 Noon. Each of you on my list will be sent an and asked to respond with a Yes or No as soon as possible as to play. Each time we meet we contribute $3 to the AAUW Funds as well as $.50 for prize money. We will welcome new members so please call me if you are interested. Margaret Horn

8 Page 8 Prickly Pear Postings 8:30 Registration and Social Time 9:00 Welcome Claudette Haney AAUW-ARIZONA FALL RENDEZVOUS Saturday, October 26, 2013 Leisure World, Mesa Preliminary Agenda 9:15 Round Table Discussions: Officer Training, Social Media, Fund Raising, Mentoring, Recruiting/Retaining Members, Collaboration, etc. 10:30 Know the New Generation: Speaker/Panel Discussion, Harriet Young 11:45: Lunch 12:15: Lunch Speaker: Carolyn Warner, Introduction to ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) 1:00 Julia Brown, Association Board Member: Sex Trafficking 2:00 Jane Adrian: Building legislative Day Introduction of Association Liaison to Arizona 3:00 Invitation to next meeting: February Event Other Announcements Breaks will be inserted as program is refined. Comments and suggestions are welcome: swolters@cableone.net SOUTHWESTERS Oct.24th St Anthony s Greek Monastery, Florence HOLIDAY LUNCHEON It may only be September on the calendar, but our annual Holiday Luncheon is approaching in just a matter of weeks. Mark down the important date of Saturday, December 7 and save it for a great party. We'll be meeting in the lobby and bar area of Oakwood Country Club at 11 AM for a lovely social hour that will include music and lots of laughter as we greet old friends and make new ones. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for you to purchase at the clubhouse bar during this interval. At 12:00 we will move into the formal dining room for a delicious luncheon including dessert. At 1:00 we'll enjoy a performance by the Chordaires to complete our festivities. You'll be hearing much more about this upcoming gala event at the October and November AAUW meetings. The cost will be $25 per person plus whatever you choose to contribute to the annual red envelope campaign. We are excited about the plans we've made so far. Now all we need is for each and every one of you to come and enjoy a lovely afternoon of holiday cheer with us. Judy Hastert, Linda Kleinschmidt, Ann Slattery - Co-Chairs

9 Volume 25, No. 1 Page 9 AAUW ARIZONA FALL RENDEZVOUS AAUW-AZ Members Make A Difference Saturday, October 26, 2013 Leisure World 908 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ REGISTRATION FORM: Deadline October 16, 2013* NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE AFTER THE DEADLINE Name Branch Address City Zip Code Phone Current Office: State Branch Registration Fee: Must be postmarked by October 16 *Late Registration after October 16 $ 30 $ 35 Includes Continental Breakfast and Jimmy Johns Gourmet Box Lunch Indicate your choice of lunch sandwich: Beef Turkey Veggie Make checks payable to AAUW-AZ and mail, along with this form, to: Gail Garrison, AAUW-AZ 1931 E Canyon Wren Way Green Valley, AZ Directions: From the South I-10 to Exit 161, AZ-202-Loop E; AZ-202-Loop E to Exit 36, Power Road; North (left) on Power Rd; Leisure World is on the left between Southern and Broadway. (Look for BIG world globe with waterfall.) Directions: From the North I-17 to AZ-101-Loop E; AZ-101-Loop E to AZ-60E, Exit55A; East to Exit 188, Power Road; North (left) on Power Rd; Leisure World is on the left between Southern and Broadway. (Look for BIG world globe with waterfall.)

10 Page 10 Prickly Pear Postings AAUW-AZ ELECTED OFFICERS President Claudette Haney President Elect Jane Adrian Treasurer Susanne Burgess Membership Vice President Sharon Groves Recording Secretary Rhysa Davis Corresponding Secretary - Donna Haugland Program Vice President Harriet Young Please send all your articles and pictures by September 15th to: prickly.pear.postings@gmail.com APPOINTED OFFICERS College University-Relations Ann Mitchell Communications: Editor Arizona Sun-Elizabeth Beyrer Webmaster-Karen Willett Community Action Chair Claudia Greenwood Special Branch Projects Gail Garrison Public Policy Chair Jane Adrian Parliamentarian Southwesters Dolly Steamboat Save the date March 1, 2014 for the 3rd annual Arizona Women's Conference to be held at Scottsdale Community College SE Valley Branch Board SE Valley Presidents Past and Present Front row Left to right: are Co-Presidents, Paulette Schutes, Jeannine Reynolds, Pres-Elect, Janet Cox, second row: Membership, Suevoone Negaard, Treasurer Karen Melching, Membership, Jana Green, Programs Marjorie Wright, and Secretary, Alise Puckett Front row Left to right are: Jeannine Reynolds, Margaret Noser, Nathalie Smith, Paulette Schutes, Second row: Betty Raveret, Carmen Otero, Donna Haugland, Margaret Horn, third row: Holly DeVinck, Barbara Mattes, Sue Garretson and Diane Larson AAUW National Website AAUW Arizona State Website Donna Haugland and Karen Shaffer Co-Editors