Volume 80, Issue 2
President’s Message
Dear Arlington AAUW members,
The weather has started to turn just a bit cooler and the leaves are starting to change color and fall. It’s a time for brisk walks outside and catching up with friends back from their summer travels. We had a wonderful presentation on AI and Chat GPT at our September meeting and I hope you have put Monday evening, October 16 on your calendars. Our very own fellow member Emma Violand Sanchez will be presenting on the challenges that face immigrant women in our community. On Saturday morning, November 18 our program will be a discussion on the book, Proving Ground: The Untold Story of the Six Women Who Programmed the First Modern Computer by Kathy Kleiman. More information on these programs is provided later on in this newsletter.
We have had some leadership changes this summer. Teri Doxsee has graciously agreed to assume the Treasurer responsibilities for the rest of Mary Spatz’s term. I know that you all join me in thanking Mary for her years of serving us as Treasurer and keeping our records in great order. Unexpectedly, our new Vice-President for Communications, Joy Gatewood, has had to resign to handle some family commitments. We are looking for a volunteer to assume her responsibilities until we can hold our annual elections this spring. The responsibilities include pulling together our bi-monthly on-line newsletter, updating the web page with our upcoming events, and keeping our goggle group list-serv updated. Please note that the newsletter editor does not write the articles; the editor compiles the submissions into Word Press. If you can volunteer or if two members want to volunteer together, please let me know as soon as possible. Teri is doing the October/November newsletter but as she is assuming our Treasurer responsibilities, we need volunteers to step up as soon as possible.
As you know, 2023 is an election year in Virginia. Our branch is co-sponsoring two candidate forums in October with the Arlington and Alexandria City League of Women Voters, so please mark these dates on your calendar. Both events will take place from 2:30-5:00pm at the Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 S. 16th Street. The first one on Sunday, October 8 is for Arlington County Board, Arlington County School Board, and Arlington County offices. The second forum on Sunday, October 22 is for General Assembly races in Senate and House districts spanning Arlington and Alexandria – Senate 38, Senate 40, and House Districts 1-5. These forums are a great opportunity to meet the candidates and get your questions answered.
Do You Have Information You Want Other Members to Know?
Rather than sending me e-mails to forward on to other members, why not just send the message directly using our goggle list-serv. The address is aauw-arlington@gogglegroups.com. Not only would this save time, it would prevent my forgetting to forward on the information.
Enjoy our fall weather and I look forward to seeing you at our next membership meeting on October 16.
Sincerely,
Terry Bratt, Arlington Branch President
Join us October 16th for our Program Meeting
Information on upcoming programs:
In November, we will have a book talk with Kathy Kleiman, author of “Proving Ground: The Untold Story of the Six Women Who Programmed the World’s First Modern Computer.
Our December meeting will be our holiday luncheon on Saturday, December 2.
Barbara Gallagher and Barbara Smith, Co VPs Program
Let’s Talk About Books
The October meeting for Let’s Talk About Books will be Tuesday, October 24 , 2 pm at the home of Terry Bratt. Our book selection is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Please RSVP to Terry Bratt to let her know you are coming.
See our book list for the coming year and the meeting dates. All meetings except October and July 2024 have hosting opportunities.
Happy reading!
Barbara Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair
AAUW-VA Public Policy Update
Sara Anderson has been our Public Policy representative for AAUW-VA but is unable to continue serving in this role. Sara has done a wonderful job of keeping us posted on the issues, so join me in thanking her for a job well done! If you are looking for a great volunteer job, this is it. Just about every meeting is on Zoom and you just need to relay the information on to members via a newsletter article or forwarding an information e-mail from AAUW-VA Public Policy. I have been attending these meetings in Sara’s stead and have found them pretty interesting.
AAUW-VA reports that thousands of Get-Out-the-Vote post cards have been sent to voters across the state. Voter Information Guides have also been prepared for those running for office that reflect either their voting records if currently in office or pre-election statements if running for office for the first time. The guides look at votes/stances on women’s health issues, the ERA, economic equity, voting rights, and full funding for quality K-12 public education. To access these guides, go to aauw-va.aauw.net and on the menu, click on Public Policy, The link is in the text on the Public Policy page.
AAUW-VA is also planning two lobby days – one in person in Richmond on January 31 and the other virtual on February 28. More information on both will be coming later on this fall.
Important Dates for the November 7, 2023, Election
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- Register to vote by October 16
- Check and update registration information by October 16
- Apply to vote absentee by mail by October 27
- September 22 – Early in-person voting begins
- October 16, 5 pm – Deadline to register/update registration (in person or receipt by mail) to vote by regular ballot. Voters may register at local registrar’s office through November 7 to vote with a provisional ballot.
- October 16, 11:59pm -Deadline to register to vote or update registration (online)
- October 27, 5pm – Deadline to apply to vote absentee by mail
- November 4, 2pm – Deadline to request emergency absentee ballot
- November 4, 5pm – Deadline to request replacement absentee ballot or vote early in- person at your local registrar
- November 7 – Deadline for postmark on absentee ballot submitted by mail
- November 7 – 6am – 7pm –Election Day Voting at assigned polling places. Non-registered voters may register and submit a provisional ballot.
- November 7, 7 pm – Deadline for receipt of absentee ballot delivered in person
- November 10, 12pm – Deadline for receipt of absentee ballot mailed to registrar
- November 13, 2pm – Deadline for provisional No ID voter to provide acceptable photo ID via fax, email, mail, or in person to local registrar.
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Lunch Bunch
Please consider joining AAUW members Meg Tucillo and Mary Beth Pelosky in their monthly Lunch Bunch group with dynamic young women from Arlington Community Hugh School! This group of motivated learners have re-dedicated themselves to their education, and their individual and collective stories are stories of resilience and perseverance.
The theme this year is based off of Maria Shriver’s, “I’ve Been Thinking” column. Our question of “What Are You Running Toward?” frames our efforts to help these young women set goals for their education, for healthy self -care, for being a part of Arlington and for generating hope for their future. Meg and Mary Beth strive to select inspirational speakers who can share their journeys, tips for self advocacy, strategies for overcoming disappointment and healthy ways for self-care.
- Thursday, October 19th
- Thursday, November 16th
- Thursday, December 14th (21st is winter break for students and teachers.)
Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tucillo,, Lunch Bunch
Now more than ever AAUW Membership matters
Events and news items reflect our ever changing environment. AAUW is the voice of women who are engaged. We are aware of the ramifications of changes in leadership, law, and the symbiotic connections of the landscape.
We come together to support one another to amplify our voices. 2023-2024 will be filled with action, learning, and growth. Please take time to renew your membership today.
AAUW-Arlington Branch is continuing our outreach to new potential members. Please let us know if you would like to promote membership and need some support. Or you may want to sponsor a new AAUW member for the year?
Let us know if you have questions.
Candace Lilyquist, VP Membership
Mark Your Calendars for 2023-24!
Using feedback from members, board members took a slightly different approach to our calendar planning this year. Dates selected for our branch meeting and Let’s Talk about Books discussions now avoid weeks with holidays.
Branch meetings on Monday evenings are September 18, October 16, April 15, and May 20.
Branch meetings on Saturday mornings are November 18, January 20, February 24, and March 16.
Our holiday luncheon will take place on Saturday, December 2.
Let’s Talk about Books meet on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm on September 26, October 24, December 12, January 23, February 27, March 19, April 16, May 21, and June 25
AAUW Calendar
Our AAUW Calendar has moved to google which means you can check it online from the website or subscribe and see it directly on your phone or laptop! Additional information about the events is available by clicking the item. Contact newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Arlington AAUW Executive Committee 2023-24
Term begins July 1, 2023
- Presidents: Terry Bratt (2023-2025) presarlvaaauw@gmail.com
- Co-First VP for Programs: Barbara Smith and Barbara Gallagher (2023-2025)
- Second VPs for Membership: Candace L. Lilyquist (2022-2024)
- Third VP for Communications: vacant (2023-2025) newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com
- Secretary: Denise M. Hassanein (2022-2024)
- Treasurer: Mary Spatz (2022-2024)
- Public Policy: Sara Anderson
Note from the Editor – December/January 2023/24 Newsletter
Any articles for publication should be emailed to newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com with the SUBJECT line: Newsletter by November 15, 2023
MISSION OF AAUW
Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.