Volume 81, Issue   4

President’s Message

Dear Arlington AAUW members,

Congratulations are in order for our branch! We met our goal of collecting 100 books to donate to the Women’s Detention Center in honor of AAUW’s 100th birthday. We send many thinks to our members for getting their donations to us at our November and December gatherings.

 

 

 

 

 

It is also with great pleasure that I share some more exciting news — AAUW Arlington (VA) Branch has achieved a star in AAUW’s FY24 Five Star Program! Our branch attained the Programming star. We thank our co-vice presidents for programs, Barbara Smith and Barbara Gallagher, for bringing us such great programs.

We have more great programs ahead, and I hope everyone has marked their calendars for our upcoming branch meetings and the AAUW State Conference in Alexandria on March 29. Our book discussion group also has some great books to share. Check out more information further on in the newsletter.

It’s time again to consider taking on an office for our branch next year. Terms are for two years.  We need to fill the following positions: President, VP for Communications and VP Programs. Michelle Milden, Susan Senn and I head up the Nominations Committee and may be calling you.

Please be sure to scroll all the way to the end of the newsletter to read the moving piece written by our friend, member, and local activist, Emma Violand-Sanchez. A message at the conclusion shows how to pre-order her book.

All the best for great adventures in 2025 while staying warm this winter!

Terry Bratt
Arlington AAUW Branch President.

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Arlington AAUW Branch meetings  in  2025

Here is some information about programs for the months of February, and March 2025:

• Sat., Feb. 22, at 10:30 am, Lubber Run Community Center – CDR Sandra Lawrence, USN Ret., will speak about “Women in the Military: A Long and Honored Tradition”.
• Sat., Mar. 22, 10:30 am, Lubber Run Community Center – Annual meeting – Program about the Arlington women who protested “Massive Resistance”, the political campaign in Virginia in the 1950s to prevent the integration of schools.

Barbara Smith, Program Chair

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Officer Elections at the March 22 Annual Meeting

Volunteers needed! The annual March election of officers is coming up. Our annual meeting where we elect our new officers is scheduled for March 22. Our branch officers are a group of volunteers and we need our members to consider stepping up and taking on one of the open positions. Open officer positions include President, VP for Programs, and VP for Communications. The Nominating Committee will meet and select a slate of candidates for
these positions. Members who are interested in one of these positions should contact a member of the Nominating Committee (Terry Bratt, Susan Senn, Meg Tuccillo, and Michele Milden) as soon as possible. The slate will be sent out to the membership to review in February.

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Let’s Talk About Books

Our February meeting is on Tuesday, February 25, 2 PM, at the home of Terry Bratt. Our book selection is Only Street in Paris, Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino. Look forward to seeing you then.

We will meet at 2 PM on March 25. Our book selection is The Women by Kristin Hanna. The meeting will take place at the home of Barbara Gallagher. Please let each hostess know if you will attend the session at her home.

Barbara Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

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STATE CONFERENCE MARCH 29, 2025 

The next AAUW of Virginia State Conference, hosted by the AAUW-VA Northern District branches, will take place on March 29, 2025, at the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria, 801 N. St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Pre-conference activities begin on March 28 and include 2 different tours of area locales of interest.

The State is celebrating its 100th Anniversary, with the theme of 1925-2025:100 Years of Changing the Conversation. Our branch will place a half-page ad about our exceptional programs and the wonderful 100 year celebration we had in the conference program. We look forward to a great turnout from our members.

Click here for the 2025 conference brochure  which has instructions for reserving guest rooms, and a complete description of activities. Room reservations are open now.

Register now – Early registration pricing until February 25

Due to popular demand there will be a basket raffle. Individual branches may submit one or more themed baskets. Our branch basket will feature stem-themed books for young learners.  Raffle tickets cost $7 for 1 ticket, $15 for 3 tickets or $30 for 7 tickets. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the AAUW Greatest Needs Fund. Winners will be announced at the close of the conference on Saturday, March 29. Winners or a proxy must be present at the end of the conference to pick up their baskets.

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Rewards and Renewal in Membership

You are making an impact with your dues in AAUW

Membership dues impact this community and beyond. The results can be seen in many different areas and in the organization’s operations. Here are a few examples:

Programs and Activities: Membership dues help to fund the programs and activities that make our organization unique. This can include STEM activities, scholarships, events, and educational opportunities, as well as advocacy for learning conditions and issues directly impacting women.

Operations: Membership dues also help to cover the day-to-day expenses of running the group, such as office supplies, postage, and occasional expenses to administer scholarships.

Development and growth: With a stable source of funding from dues and donations, we are able to invest in development and growth, expanding our reach and impact.

Community Building: Investing your dues demonstrates a commitment to help to build a sense of community and strengthen the bonds between members.

In conclusion, membership dues are critical. They are a funding source, demonstrate commitment, and help to support the programs, activities, and operations that make AAUW Arlington Branch unique. We appreciate the value and work done with dues and look forward to your continued commitment that insures the success of our mission.

Candace Lilyquist, VP Membership

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Scholarship Donations – Update

We are very pleased to announce that our branch’s generous members have once again donated enough funds to pay for 3  student scholarships, 1 teacher scholarship, and to cover as well the winners for the 2025 Science Fair, $4765.00 from 27 donors. Thank you!

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Lunch Bunch

Last year’s scholarship winner, Nicole Sotelo, spoke at the  December Lunch Bunch. She talked to the students about high school and post-high school educational opportunities. She also told them she was starting at NOVA this winter instead of the past fall so that she could save more money.  About a dozen young women eagerly attended to her thoughts and suggestions. The picture below shows the December turnout including Nicole and this year’s participants.

Mary Beth Pelosky, Meg Tuccillo and Terry Bratt