Volume 79, Issue 2

November/December President’s Message

Greetings Arlington AAUW Members!

First of all, early voting began in Virginia on Friday, September 23, and Karen has voted already. Please remember this is one of our true responsibilities. Many women and men fought long and hard for women to assume this responsibility over 100 years ago — please don’t forget to vote by November 8, 2022. Then make sure you wear your “I voted!” sticker everywhere — wear it with pride!

Thank you so much to those of you who wrote post cards to Virginia voters who may have to check with their registrar to ensure they have not lost their voter registration slot. They’re checking now so there will be no question about their registration at all. Please encourage others to register and/or vote right up through election day – November 8!

Our State President of AAUW, Lane Stone is from Alexandria and we have already extended her an invitation to join Arlington’s members in the near future. Needless to say, there are many opportunities for her to be a part of one of our programs in the near future. We are looking forward to seeing her look of pride when she does join us. Stay tuned.

The National office of AAUW has begun a new process of paying our dues to National, State, and local. Our membership year goes from July 1 – June 30, but because of difficulties changing to the new Community Hub, there’s a grace period that has been established that ends November 30 this year. Let Terry Bratt or Karen Darner know if you have questions.

Lobby Day will be held in Richmond on  January 19 for AAUW members to contact their legislators during the 2023 General Assembly.  Plan on joining other women and men in Richmond that day. AAUW is also planning on a reception in Richmond for women in the legislature that will be held the night before Lobby Day, January 18. I’m sure we will get more information to prepare us for this visit and an opportunity to meet with our legislators. (virginiageneralassembly.gov)

We are very fortunate this year to have our members Meg Tuccillo and Krysta Jones serving as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Co-Vice Presidents on the State Board. Here’s a good introduction to the definition of each component: Diversity is having a seat at the table,; Inclusion is having a voice, and Belonging is having that voice heard. It is our
responsibility to work together so we incorporate the ideals of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging throughout our programs and policies. Each branch is expected to work on this throughout the year.

Do you have ideas for celebrating women and girls on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023? Karen was in the Peace Corps in Jamaica in 1989, and that country had a wonderful conference set up in Kingston for a thousand women to participate. It was fantastic! And we learned about this incredible day to be grateful to so many women who have been great role models for us and other womee throughout the country. It’s time to think about some activities for us to share with our Arlington neighbors.

Finally, the State Conference for AAUW in Virginia will be in Williamsburg next year on March 18, 2023. Start planning to join some of your Arlington members in Williamsburg where other women will be presenting ideas and programs from their local branches. More details to follow…

“Back to the beginning – please don’t forget to cast your vote for the people and policies on the ballots in various locations of Northern Virginia. It is so important! In honor and memory of our suffragettes long ago.

Karen Darner and Terry Bratt, Co-Presidents

---

Join us November 19th to Tour the Women’s Military Memorial

(NOTE TIME CHANGE!! 1 pm) – Tour of the Women’s Military Memorial, guided by Sandy Lawrence, past president of Virginia State AAUW and Retired Navy Commander.

Come join us for this unique opportunity to learn about the history (herstory!) of women in our country’s military.  The Women’s Military Memorial is located at Memorial Ave and Schley Dr, Arlington 22203 with parking available at the Arlington National Cemetery visitor lot located on Military Ave.(picture ID such as driver’s license required) 

Celebrate with us at the Annual Holiday Luncheon December 3!

We are excited to announce updated plans for our December 3th Holiday Luncheon!!!!  You guessed it – we will be celebrating at the lovely restaurant, Cote D’Or, 6876 Langston Boulevard (formerly Lee Highway), Arlington 22213!!!

We have secured a separate dining room at the restaurant for us and will have a three course meal provided at a cost of $26 per person. In addition to salad and dessert, you will have your choice of sautéed tilapia, grilled chicken panini or spinach, mushroom and cheese frittata. After lunch, we can stroll across the street to the One More Page Bookstore to browse and perhaps make some holiday purchases!!!!

Please plan to join us at noon on Saturday, December 3^rd at Cote D’Or!!! A separate message will be sent out closer to the date with more specific details – so stay tuned!!!

Meg Tuccillo, VP Programs

---

Let’s Talk About Books

The November meeting for Let’s Talk About Books is Tuesday, November 22, 2 pm at your regular Zoom location.  Our book selection is The Sentence by Louis Erdrich.

Our December meeting will be Tuesday, December 27, 2 pm.  Our book selection is The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher.

Shortly before each meeting Terry Bratt will send an invitation with the Zoom information. So, watch your email and come join the fun!  Look forward to seeing you then.

Go to the Let’s Talk About Books page to see all the books we are reading for the 2022-23 year.  Here are links to the Master Book List so you can see what we have already read.   List by title – List by author Let me know if you  have any problems with the files. 

Barbara Gallagher, Chair

---

AAUW Calendar