Lunch Bunch

We have been pleased to see about 15 to 16 young women attend our monthly lunch
bunch group this year. In November we were all inspired by Karen Vallejos’ sharing of
her journey from a “Dreamer” to law school to executive director of the non-profit, The Dream Project (founded by our Arlington AAUW member, Emma Violand Sanchez!). The Dream Project helps young folks without documentation have access to a college degree. She shared info on scholarship opportunities available to our students.

Our December meeting was cancelled due to required testing before winter break ,and we look forward to our January meeting on January 22nd at Arlington Community High School at 12:30. Our planned speaker is Rachel Carter, the work-based learning specialist from APS’ Career and Technical Education Department.  She will talk with the girls about starting their own business. It is always fun to be part of these discussions, and you get free pizza!!!

Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tuccillo, chairs

Volume 82, Issue  4

Co-President’s Message

Dear Arlington AAUW branch members,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends and is looking forward to attending branch activities this winter. We have a field trip lined up to the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington in February and plan to focus on Arlington women community builders in addition to electing our new officers in March. We need to grow our membership, so invite friends to these activities. Look for more information about these activities and what our book discussion group is reading further down in this newsletter.

I am very sad to share that on January 9, our friend and past president Vivian Kallen passed away at age 96. Vivian was truly a force of nature who dedicated her life to making our society better for all. Vivian was very active in branch activities for more than 50 years. In fact, she was our speaker last year at a branch meeting co-sponsored with The Arlington-Alexandria League of Women Voters. She spoke about the ground breaking work of Delegate Katherine Stone. Arlington leaders including John Milliken were there to hear what Vivian recounted about how Delegate Stone was a voice for school integration.

I fondly remember our lively book club discussions, especially the time we discussed A Vindication of the Rights of Women by the English 18 th Century philosopher and writer Mary Wollstonecraft. At an earlier branch meeting, Vivian also shared memories of growing up in Chicago and being part of the social movement supporting immigrants at Hull House when she was a child with her mother. Vivian lived a very fulfilling life and will be missed by all who knew her. We are sharing her obituary and a favorite photo from Susan Senn below.

Many thanks to all the branch members who have made donations to our scholarship fund. The response to our letter asking for donations to our scholarship fund was fantastic. To date we have raised $4775! It’s not too late to make a donation to the fund. We would love to increase the scholarship amount as college costs, like everything else, are going up for our students.

At our annual meeting in March we will be electing new officers. Open positions include president, vice-president for communications and secretary. Let me know if you are willing to volunteer for one of these positions. Our organization is all-volunteer and we can only continue to function well when
everyone participates in our activities and assumes responsibilities for our branch’s endeavors.

Stay warm this winter and plan to attend as many branch activities as possible!

Terry Bratt, Co-President

---

Vivian Kallen Obituary

Vivian Margaris Kallen of Arlington, Virginia died on January 9, 2026. Born in Astoria, New York, on March 11, 1929. Vivian grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where her parents, Haralambos (Bobby) Margaris and the Greek-American author Theano Papazoglou Margaris, were active in the Greek community. She graduated with a Masters degree in political science from the University of Chicago, where she also met the love of her life, Arthur Kallen. They were married for 62 years, from 1953 until Arthur’s death in 2016. They lived in Arlington, VA throughout this time.

After doing further graduate work at American University, Vivian embarked on a teaching career at Northern Virginia Community College, where she was an Associate Professor of Political Science. While there, she started The Northern Virginia Review literary magazine and was President of the Faculty Senate. She was active over many years in the American Association of University Women (AAUW). In 2012, she received the Award for Notable Support for the Arts from the Arlington branch of the AAUW, and in 2025, at the age of 96, she lectured that group on the legacy of Delegate Katherine Stone. Vivian was also a devoted fan of the arts and theater. She served for 7 years on the Arlington Commission for the Arts and on the Board of the Washington Shakespeare Company.  She was named as a Person of Vision by the Arlington County Commission on the Status of Women.

Vivian had a tireless and passionate devotion to social justice. She was active in the movement to repeal the poll tax, served as the first president of the Northern Virginia Women’s Democratic Club, and was the Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates in 1969. She continued to be politically active, casting her last in person vote for Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger. She despised Donald Trump, and everything he stood for, until her dying day.

Anyone who knew Vivian knows she was one of a kind and a force to be reckoned with. In the words of her late husband, “she’s a dynamo”. Her influence touched innumerable lives.

Above all, she most cherished her family. She is survived by her sons Gregory (Laurie) of Radford, and Jeffrey (Margaret) of Dublin, Ireland; grandchildren Alicia Kallen, Seth Kallen, and Esther Ní Dhonnacha; great-grandchildren Maxwell Lee Kilgore and Sophia Ní Dhonnacha; brother-in-law Roger Kallen of San Francisco; and cousins Roula Papadopoulou and Faní Papadopoulou, of Athens, Greece.

Family and friends are invited to honor Vivian’s life. Arrangement details will be shared once finalized. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the AAUW, the ACLU, or the Arlington Community Foundation; memo line Arthur and Vivian Kallen Fund for the Arts, 818 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22203.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 17, 2026.

---

---

 

Volume 82, Issue    3

Co-President’s Message

Dear Arlington Branch Members,
It has gotten quite chilly these past few weeks and the snow predictions are already starting. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and is looking forward to the holiday season. My husband and I are off to Spain and Italy in December – it’s the trip we planned for April 2020 but had to postpone because of the pandemic. Isn’t it great that we can be out and about again!

I hope everyone has a lovely time at our holiday luncheon on December 6 at Mylos Grill. Don’t forget to bring a book to donate to the Women’s Detention Center. I want to thank everyone again for their generosity last year in making donations to our scholarship and awards fund last year. Your donations enabled us to award academic scholarships, a teacher’s award, and gift cards to science fair winners.

Don’t forget that you can bring your scholarship donation with you to the luncheon. Best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a great 2026!
Terry Bratt, Co-President

Co-President’s Message

Candace Lilyquist, Co-President

---

Holiday Luncheon

Saturday, December 6 at Mylo’s Grill

We have a new location for our Holiday Luncheon this December! Mark your calendars for December 6 from 12-2 PM at Mylo’S Grill, 6238 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Parking is readily available at the restaurant.

Trudy Marietta from AARP will be our speaker and will discuss how we can protect ourselves from fraud!

The menu is shown below. The $30 per person cost includes non-alcoholic beverages. Tax and tip are extra. Alcoholic beverages will be available at a cash bar.

Please let Jeanine Brundage know by December 2 what your menu selection will be. Our room in the restaurant will hold only 25-30 persons. Please let Jeanine know you are coming and how many guests you will bring as soon as you can. Don’t miss out on this wonderful annual event for our branch.

MENU

• APPETIZER: Pita Tzaziki
• ENTREE SELECTIONS:
• MYLO’S SIGNATURE CHICKEN KABOBS, marinated to perfection, served on a bed of rice and vegetables with onions, peppers and Parmesan grilled Roma tomatoes
• PASTITSIO, homemade Greek style lasagna made with ground beef, ziti noodles, fresh herbs and spices topped with bechamel sauce, served with Greek salad
• GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON, topped with olive oil and lemon butter sauce, served with vegetables, rice and salsa Fresca
• PASTA PRIMAVERA, Linguini and zucchini squash, onions and peppers tossed with your choice of marinara, Alfredo , or oil and wine sauce served with garlic toast
• DESSERT: GALATOPOUREKO

Do You Have a New or Gently Used Book in Need of a New Home?

We are once again collecting new or gently used books for the Women’s Detention Center like we did last year. The women like all kinds of books, especially mysteries and thrillers. You can bring your books to the holiday luncheon on December 6 at Mylos Grill at noon.

Jeanine Brundage, VP Programs

---

It’s Time to Make a Donation to our Scholarship/Award Fund!

Every year the Arlington AAUW Branch joins AAUW member branches across the United States in awarding local academic scholarships. You should have recently received a letter from me with information on how to make a donation this year to our scholarship/award fund.

We can be so proud of our awardees. Our 2025 scholarship recipients are attending Columbia University in New York City, Harvard University, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In April 2025, once again because of the generosity of members, we were able also to give APS Science Fair winners gift certificates to a local bookstore. Nominations come from APS administrators and teachers, and the awardees are named after a nomination committee reviews the candidates.

Since our Branch elected years ago not to engage in fundraising, our ability to award these scholarships depends on the generosity of our membership in making donations to the scholarship/award fund. We ask you to consider donating today to the Arlington AAUW Scholarship/Award Fund by sending your donation to our treasurer, Teri Doxsee, or bringing your check with you to our December 6 holiday luncheon. Your generosity makes a difference!

Terry Bratt, Co-President

---

Let’s Talk About Books

On Tuesday, December 16 at 2 pm the book club will meet at the home of Kathy Scruggs to discuss Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Stout. Please let the hostess know if you are coming.

Our January meeting is scheduled for January 27 at 2 PM at the home of Barbara Gallagher.  Our book selection is Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter.

If you would like to host any of the other meetings, please contact Barbara Gallagher.

Barbara A Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

---

Membership Renewal 

Good bright morning, fellow AAUW members, this is Susan Senn, your membership chairwoman for the next two years. I have been in touch with some of you lately regarding dues. There is a new way National is using now to renew (the timing mainly). I will be notifying you on a rolling basis according to what date your current membership is recorded in the National roster (how you paid – online or by check). This applies to yearly and Lifetime members who pay state and local dues.

My most important plea to you is to go into your AAUW account to make sure your contact information is up-to-date including address, cell/home phone numbers, and email address. This is so critically important to maintain communication with you and all of us. If you are unsure how to do this, I am perfectly willing to come to you individually to take care of this task. One-to-one would be quite nice.

 As you know, a dwindling membership is our most serious threat. We have 55 current members, down from over 120 in the last 10 years. The Gen X’s and Gen Z’s just don’t do membership in the old way. They are more likely to participate in spontaneous events. And, there is much greater competition for our time spent on the  important, current state of affairs. In March, we will need to elect a new President and a new Treasurer, two very important roles in our AAUW.

Also, we have had some very excellent meetings this year for a painfully small number of attendees, even after making our meetings more accessible by conducting the meetings  on Saturday mornings at Lubber Run Community Center where it is very easy to park despite being underground. So, I ask you to think and write, call or text me if you have any ideas about how we can encourage more of you to attend every month.

 My goal is to see more of all of you for whatever reason re: AAUW. I do think it is critically important in this day and time to continue to support all of the ideals that formed AAUW in the first place 140 years ago.

Susan Senn, VP Membership

---

Lunch Bunch

We were pleased to welcome seventeen young women from The Arlington Community High School to our first “Get to Know You” gathering on October 22. Terry Bratt, Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tuccillo welcomed them with pizza and cookies and shared our appreciation for Patricia Sanguinetti, the School Counselor and our Spanish language translator. We asked the young women about their dreams for the future and introduced ourselves. They had very interesting goals for themselves, including having a career as an independent business owner, careers focused on communications, dog grooming, fashion design, law — and my favorite — acting! A very diverse range of goals!!

Our November meeting has Karen Vallejos, Executive Director of the Dream Project, coming to share her journey coming from Bolivia as a young child and becoming a lawyer and executive director. We plan to have other women come to share their journeys as well and provide support for our lunch bunchers. We will have speakers on financial planning, how to start a business, and scholarship opportunities.

Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tuccillo, chairs

---

Mark your Calendar for future Branch Meetings

• February 21, 2026 10:30 am – Field Trip to the Arlington Black History Museum
• March 21, 2026 10:30 am– Annual Meeting with a speaker on Women’s Health
• April 18, 2026 10:30 am – STEM Science speaker
• May 16, 2026 10:30 am – Scholarship Awards

 

---

Arlington AAUW Branch November 15 Program on Banned Books

 

Did you know that Judy Blume is still the most banned author in the United States? That the Warren County, VA, Board of Supervisors voted to withhold funds from the Samuels Library starting July 1, 2025? During her very interesting and informative presentation at our November 15 Branch meeting, Arlington County Libraries Director Diane Kresh gave members a brief history of public libraries in the United States and spoke about how public libraries play a major role in being beacons for free speech. Book banning is alive and well in some areas in the United States but not in Arlington.

The Arlington Public Library is an official book sanctuary. On September 26, 2023, then County Board Chair Christian
Dorsey issued the following resolution that was adopted unanimously by the County Board, “Arlington County Libraries as book sanctuaries, committed to protecting banned and challenged books and the right of residents to read the books they choose without fear of suppression.”

In her wide ranging presentation, Ms. Kresh also talked about the history of the Carnegie libraries in the United States. Andrew Carnegie, an immigrant from Scotland, was an industrialist and philanthropist who made a fortune in the steel industry. Recognizing the importance of education, he provided the funds for 1,795 public libraries in the United States from 1883 to 1929. Ms. Kresh also described the
role of the Library of Congress today, established in 1800 when John Adams was president, as a law library, and how Thomas Jefferson’s personal library became the foundation for the library’s collection in 1815 after British forces burned the Capitol in 1814.

We had a lively discussion about our own early memories of getting our first library cards, how important libraries were and are in our lives, and the first books we remember reading as children. We also recommended a book that our Let’s Talk about Books group read last year, Lulu Dean’s Little
Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller. It’s a very funny book about a very serious issue.

Theresa Bratt, Co-President

---

AAUW-Arlington Branch Supported the LWV’s Candidate Forum in October

The League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City hosted their annual Arlington County Candidate Forum on October 14, 2025, at the Walter Reed  Community Center. Terry Bratt, Meg Tuccillo, and Barbara Smith of the AAUW-Arlington Branch displayed information about the Branch’s activities and participated in the discussions with the candidates.

The forum used a “candidating” format: candidates sat at designated tables while small groups of voters rotated among the tables for 10-15 minutes each. This provided voters with direct contact with candidates. This year Arlington residents had the opportunity to vote in the following races: House of Delegates for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Districts; one County Board seat; and one School Board seat.

All candidates were invited. The candidates attending included Jeramy Olmack and Audrey Clement who were running for the County Board seat; Wendy Sigley who was running for the House of Delegates in District 2, and Patrick Hope, who won the House of Delegates election in District 1.

Although attendance was affected by the fact it was a holiday weekend, the voters who participated in the Candidating event were very engaged in discussions with the candidates who attended.

---

AAUW VA State Conference 2026

The 101st AAUW-VA 2026 state conference will be held April 18, 2026, at the Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond, 11049 West Broad Street, Glen Allen VA 23060. Join us for afternoon tours and evening entertainment on Friday, April 17. Then on April 18, we will spend the day together with:

• Interesting speakers,
• Informative panels,
• Catered lunch, and
• Irresistible raffle baskets to support AAUW Greatest Needs Fund

Hotel amenities include free parking, complimentary hot breakfast, complimentary evening drinks and snacks, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, business center, fitness center and pool.

Reservations may be made by visiting the following link:

https://www.druryhotels.com/bookandstay/newreservation/?group no=10150185

Or you may call 1-800-325-0720 and reference your group number, 10150185, to make your reservation.

To get the group rate, be sure to reserve your room by Sunday, March 15, 2026. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability.

Terry Bratt, Arlington AAUW Branch Co-President

---

Note from the Editor – February/March 2026 Newsletter

Volume 82, Issue   2

Co-President’s Message

It is an honor to serve with you in the American Association of University Women – Arlington Branch. There has never been a better time for us to step up and serve the cause of learning and education for all. Advocacy in this area takes many forms, and we AAUW members are equipped through our relationships and memberships to take on the mountains of the day.

Winston Churchill said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Through the years, AAUW has demonstrated its perseverance by not only surviving the pandemic, but emerging with a plan to become stronger. In this new time of uncertainty we will continue to persevere against the challenges of the day and build the muscles we need to climb even higher.

Recent cuts to the US Department of Education as well as the job insecurity many are facing have rattled the professions and the pursuit of higher learning. AAUW remains active in support of federal agencies working to advance public policy based on good science, sound technology, and meaningful collaboration. AAUW-Arlington Branch is focused on its mission and vision. Although there may be storms swirling around us at times, our organization is committed to serve so that we as members can each make a true impact on our community. As an organization, we must persist.

Things will change. AAUW will make certain those changes are positive. Our tools include an excellent series of programs and a book club, too. Please read below to learn about the programs we have for you this year. I look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.

Candace Lilyquist, Arlington AAUW Branch Co-President

---

FIVE STAR PROGRAM

I am delighted to share that the Arlington-VA Branch earned four stars this year for our excellent activities and programs in the categories of:  Public Policy & Advocacy, Governance & Sustainability, Programming and Communications, & External Relations. This achievement reflects our branch’s commitment to advancing gender equity, and aligning our programs with National AAUW’s strategic priorities for advocacy, and sustainability. We can be very proud of our branch!

Terry Bratt, Co-President

---

Shout-Out to Postcard Writers!

Many thanks our branch members who answered the call and volunteered to write Get out the Vote Postcards. We have met our goal and the postcards are in the mail!

Our branch had committed to writing 200 postcards to encourage voters to participate in the upcoming November elections. Our postcards this time went to voters in the Richmond, VA area.

Terry Bratt, Arlington AAUW Branch Co-President

---

2025-26 Arlington AAUW Branch Programs & Calendar Updates

Saturday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m., in Room 412 at Arlington Mill (909 South Dinwiddie Street, Arlington 22204). Author Nicholas Reynolds will discuss his most recent book, Need to Know:  World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence. Mr. Reynolds has worked in the field of modern history on and off for 40 years.  He has taught at the Naval War College, John Hopkins University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Please Note this is a change of venue! Parking is available in the garage beneath the building. Turn on Dinwiddie (right or left depending from which direction you are coming from), then turn right, and you will see the garage.

November 15 at 10:30 am in the Magnolia Room at Lubber Run. Diane Kresh, Director of the Arlington Public Library, will discuss the issue and process of the banning of books.

December 6 at 12 pm we will hold our annual holiday luncheon at Milo’s Grill in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center, 6238 Old Dominion Drive in McLean, VA 22101. Our speaker is from AARP and will discuss protecting ourselves from fraud and identity theft. Note: there is ample parking and easy access to the restaurant.

Jeanine Brundage, VP Programs

---

Let’s Talk About Books

On Tuesday, October 28 at 2 pm the book club will meet at the home of Kathy Scruggs to discuss Money, Lies, and God by Katherine Stewart. Please let the hostess know if you are coming. There is no book club in November.

If you would like to host any of the other meetings, please contact Barbara Gallagher. Our previous newsletter had a list of all books and meeting dates for the year.

Barbara A Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

---

AAUW Arlington co-sponsors 2025 Candidate Forums with the League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City

Mark your calendars! The Arlington Candidate Forum will take place on Saturday, October 11, from 1 to 4 pm at the Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th Street South, Arlington VA). This forum is an important opportunity to hear directly from those running for office and ask your questions. Stay tuned for more details, including an announcement with details about the Alexandria Candidate Forum.

The League likes to call these forums “Candidating,” and sees them as being somewhat like speed dating for democracy. Candidates sit at tables while groups of 5-6 constituents/ community members rotate through every 10-15 minutes. Lively and engaging, the Candidate Forums are one of the best ways for voters to connect directly with those running for office. The League has found this format to be popular in past years.

The 2025 Arlington Candidate Forum will feature:

• Five County Board candidates (one seat)
• Three School Board candidates (one seat)
• Contested races in House Districts 1 and 2
• An uncontested race in District 3

The 2025 Alexandria Candidate Forum will feature four uncontested races, including:

• Commonwealth’s Attorney
• Sheriff
• House Districts 4 and 5

Even in uncontested races, this format gives constituents a valuable chance to engage with incumbents.

Would you be interested in volunteering to participate in one or both forums? A kickoff meeting for volunteers interested in helping plan and/or participate in the Candidate Forums will take place sometime soon. Details to follow.

Barbara Smith, Member at Large

---

All-District Meeting: The National Popular Vote vs. The Electoral College

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 7 PM, the first virtual All-District meeting for this year will be presented: One Person, One Vote: The National Popular Vote vs.The Electoral College.  This program will be presented by Jane D. Newell, Greater Richmond Branch (GRAAUW) AAUW Funds Chair, as well as Director of Transformation for the League of Women Voters of Virginia (LWVVA).  “Five times in our history, the presidential candidate with the most popular votes wasn’t elected.  That’s because the people do not elect presidents– the Electoral College does.”  Jane will provide a fascinating program on the current system and the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact to abolish the Electoral College.

---

Northern District Meeting November 1

---

AAUW VA State Conference 2026

The 101st AAUW-VA 2026 state conference will be held April 18, 2026, at the Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond, 11049 West Broad Street, Glen Allen VA 23060. Join us for afternoon tours and evening entertainment on Friday, April 17. Then on April 18, we will spend the day together with:

• Interesting speakers,
• Informative panels,
• Catered lunch, and
• Irresistible raffle baskets to support AAUW Greatest Needs Fund

Hotel amenities include free parking, complimentary hot breakfast, complimentary evening drinks and snacks, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, business center, fitness center and pool.

Reservations may be made by visiting the following link:

https://www.druryhotels.com/bookandstay/newreservation/?group no=10150185

Or you may call 1-800-325-0720 and reference your group number, 10150185, to make your reservation.

To get the group rate, be sure to reserve your room by Sunday, March 15, 2026. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability.

Terry Bratt, Arlington AAUW Branch Co-President

---

September Braver Angels Presentation at Lubber Run

At our September 20, 2025 branch meeting, Braver Angel presenter Don Hardy spoke to a packed room filled with very interested branch and community members. Don is from the Fairfax office of Braver Angels and he explained how Braver Angels from its inception in 2016 has been working to depolarize our country.  He explained the history of Braver Angels and how it is a national movement to bridge the partisan divide by bringing people together to understand each other beyond stereotypes, forming community alliances, and reducing the vitriol. During his presentation, he showed us a clip from CBS Sunday morning, so we could see their activities, which include community workshops, debates, campus engagement, podcasts, in action. He also explained that their activities require leadership and participation to be pretty evenly divided between red and blue sides. The audience asked great questions and we all left thinking about what our next steps need to be.

For more information, check out Fairfax.BraverAngels.org.

---

Membership Renewal 

Please remember to renew your membership in the month you last joined. Recently five members have rejoined us, plus we have one new member! There has been a slight dues increase for the national level membership of $2.00. The total for national, state and local dues is $105. The new dues rate started on April 1, 2025.

People who have Lifetime membership should pay $31 for state and local dues.  You can pay online or send a check to Teri Doxsee or myself. I will be contacting you via email or text to remind you to pay those state and local dues. Our branch relies on those payments for many things.

Please let us know how we can help you with any questions you might have about your membership.

Susan Senn, VP Membership

---

Lunch Bunch

It’s the start of a new school year, and we are excited to meet with a new group of committed young women from Arlington Community High School! Each year these young women share their dreams for their future, and we help by providing informative workshops, inviting motivational speakers, and mentoring in choosing their next goals. It’s fun, it’s a learning opportunity for them as well as for us — and there is always free pizza!! We meet once a month at 12:30 generally on the third Thursday of the month. If you are interested in being part of the team, please reach out to Meg Tuccillo for more details. We will be starting in October, and we guarantee you will enjoy it.

Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tuccillo, chairs

Volume 82, Issue   1

Co-President’s Message

Meet your Co-Presidents of AAUW – Arlington Branch, Theresa Bratt and Candace Lilyquist. Between us, we represent a spectrum of AAUW of Arlington membership with 50+ years in the organization. As Co-Presidents, we will facilitate your vision for the Arlington Branch of AAUW in 2025-2026. We are thrilled to build with you.

The issues confronting females determined to learn and grow are different but still daunting. When the first AAUW was established in 1882, young women were not able to study in many of the institutions of higher learning. Let’s honor the generations of women who struggled to improve circumstances that we sometimes take for granted by toiling to push back against the erosion of those hard-won rights and fighting for the equity due all women. Look for action items from our organization, the state, and the national, too.

The focus of AAUW – Arlington Branch, for 2025-26, will be delivering the high quality programs we are known for, STEM activities, and fundraising to support individuals in their learning and development. Greetings Arlington AAUW Branch Members!

Candace Lilyquist, Arlington AAUW Branch Co-President

AAUW VA STATE CONFERENCE 2026 – SAVE THE DATE

We received an announcement from Carol Stephens, Chair of the AAUW VA State Conference 2026 Committee, to save the date for next year’s AAUW VA State Conference. Details are forthcoming. The website indicates the conference will be held in Glen Allen VA with a planning date of April 18, 2026. Be on the lookout for further details.

Terry Bratt, Arlington AAUW Branch Co-President.

---

GET OUT THE VOTE!

Our branch has committed to writing 200 postcards to encourage voters to participate in the upcoming November elections. We will be looking for volunteer postcard writers. An email will be sent out to members in mid-August with more information on how you can volunteer.

Terry Bratt, Co-President

---

2025-26 Arlington AAUW Branch Programs & Calendar Updates

To start off our 2025-2026 programs:
We begin with a presentation on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lubber Run Community Center in Arlington, by a representative from the Braver Angels Alliance.    Braver Angels Alliance’s goal is to introduce citizens to their process of depolarization and civil discourse through workshops, debates and public presentations designed to bridge the political divide in our country.

On Saturday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m., at the Lubber Run Community Center, we will host author Nicholas Reynolds who will discuss his most recent book, Need to Know:  World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence. Mr. Reynolds has worked in the field of modern history on and off for 40 years.  He has taught at the Naval War College, John Hopkins University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Jeanine Brundage, VP Programs

---

Let’s Talk About Books

We don’t meet in August, but our list of books for the coming year is shown below.

Our September meeting will be at 2 PM on Tuesday, September 23 at the home of Elizabeth Anderson.  We will be discussing The Accidental President by A. J. Baime. Look forward to seeing you then. Please let the hostess know if you will be attending the session at her home.

If you would like to host any of the other meetings, please contact Barbara Gallagher.

Barbara A Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

---

Membership Renewal 

Please remember to renew your membership in the month you last joined. There has been a slight dues increase for the national level membership of $2.00. This is $.16 a month. The total for national, state and local dues is $105. The new dues rate started on April 1, 2025.

People who have Lifetime membership should pay $31 for state and local dues.  You can pay online or send a check to Teri Doxsee.

Please let us know how we can help you with any questions you might have about your membership.

Susan Senn, VP Membership

---

Lunch Bunch

Monthly Lunch Bunch activities with students at Arlington Community High School will begin in October. More information about how you can join in will be in the next newsletter.

Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tuccillo, chairs

Volume 81, Issue   6

President’s Message

Greetings Arlington AAUW Branch Members!

I hope everyone’s summer has gotten off to a great start although it seems we went from late winter weather to summer overnight. We had a great year of fellowship activities highlighted by celebrating our branch’s 80th birthday, meeting author Diana Parsell, and hearing former branch president Vivian Kallen discuss the life and times of former Virginia House of Delegate Kathryn Stone.

Our year concluded in May with a wonderful evening. We met our amazing science scholarship winners and were fascinated to hear about their projects. We were very impressed by our top scholarship winner as she described her project and shared the results. Our Educator of the Year gave an impassioned talk about her work and its many accomplishments.

In June your Board members met to plan the 2025-26 calendar and discuss possible topics for next year’s branch meetings. We will meet on Saturday mornings this year at 10:30 am at Lubber Run. More information about our programs is further on in the newsletter. Other activities coming up include writing Get Out the Vote (GOTV) postcards in early fall, a September theater trip to Signature Theater in Shirlington to see Play On, and a museum field trip. Following up on our presentation last year from the Arlington Historical Society on the Stepping Stone Project memorializing formerly enslaved people, we are also looking into our branch sponsoring a stone. More information on these activities will be in the next newsletter or via e-mail if they are time sensitive.

And one last note – For many of us, June is also time for us to pay our dues. National will send you a note about paying on line or you can send a check to our treasurer. All the best for a very happy July 4 holiday, and I look forward to seeing everyone again at our first branch meeting of the new year on September 20 at 10:30 am at Lubber Run.

Terry Bratt

Arlington AAUW Branch President.

---

2025-26 Arlington AAUW Branch Programs & Calendar Updates

Mark your calendars now! For the 2025-26 year, the branch will meet on Saturday mornings at 10:30 am at Lubber Run. The dates are September 20, October 18, November 15, February 21, March 21 (our annual meeting to select new officers), April 18, and May 16. Our holiday luncheon is planned for December 6 but we are looking for a new location with better accessible parking. If you have any ideas please let us know.

Program topics being considered include Brave Angels, Book Banning, Fraud Prevention, a talk by author Nicholas Reynolds, a Stepping Stones Update, Women’s Health Issues, and our Scholarship program. If you heard other great presentations, let us know. We are still in the planning stage!

---

Community Picnic

On May 31, AAUW-Arlington was one of 28 organizations participating in the Arlington Central Library’s Community Picnic and Joining Fair.  Each organization was provided with a table on which to display information about their group. The library provided free popcorn and drinks.  Susan Senn, Meg Tuccillo, and Barbara Smith ‘manned’ the table for AAUW-Arlington. We displayed a colorful handout created by Candace Lilyquist and Teri Doxsee  that described the many benefits of joining AAUW and offered a drawing for a set of AAUW inscribed wine glasses and a Keurig coffee maker.  The drawing provided us with the names and contact details of potential new members. During the four hours of the fair, we had a number of young women stop by to talk with us about AAUW.

Barbara Smith, VP Membership

---

Let’s Talk About Books

Our June meeting is on Tuesday, June 24, 2 pm at the home of Terry Bratt.  Our book selection is James by Percival Everett. Look forward to seeing you then.

Our July meeting is scheduled for July 22, at 2 pm at the home of Barbara Gallagher. Our book selection is Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller.

Please let the hostess know if you will be attending the session at her home.

Even if you haven’t finished the book, come join the fun!

Barbara Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

---

Membership Renewal 

Please remember to renew your membership in the month you last joined. There has been a slight dues increase for the national level membership of $2.00. This is $.16 a month. The total for national, state and local dues is $105. The new dues rate started on April 1, 2025.

People who have Lifetime membership should pay $31 for state and local dues.  You can pay online or send a check to Teri Doxsee.

Please let us know how we can help you with any questions you might have about your membership.

Candace Lilyquist, VP Membership

---

Lunch Bunch

The lunch bunch met for the last time this year in April with a well-received presentation by Naoual Benjelloun, owner of the Hair Play salon in Shirlington. She described her own immigrant experience coming from Morocco, her early entry level jobs while she went to school, and her training and licensure process in cosmetology. The follow up discussion included other post high school training the high school students were interested which included HVAC and the culinary arts and scholarship opportunities.

Next year we will be mentoring a new group of students at Arlington Community High School, so think about joining us. Our next meeting will be in October.

Mary Beth Pelosky, Meg Tuccillo and Terry Bratt

---

2025 Award Winners Honored at Meeting

On May 19th we were delighted to have about 25 folks attend our annual Awards Event at Lubber Run. We had two of our scholarship winners and our Educator of the Year in attendance – our Arts Scholarship winner, Charlotte, decided to go to her senior prom that night instead!! Our Lunch Bunch Scholar, Marieth, shared her story and her goal of becoming an early childhood educator by attending Northern Virginia Community College and getting certified in Early Childhood Development. Our STEM Scholarship winner, Nadia, wowed the audience with her presentation on her Science Project titled “Mathematical Interpretations and Diagnoses of Pediatric EEG Seizure Disorder” – yes, pretty impressive!!!!

Our Educator of the Year, Monica Lozano Caldera, is a repeat winner having initially earned the award in 2013. She is a tireless advocate for her students at the Career Center empowering girls in STEM through a cohort model and inspiring her students to dream big. As one of her students advised other students, “Ms. Monica is like a diamond in a pile of coal, and it would be worth your time to introduce yourself to her”. It was a wonderful evening and we look forward to next year to see what our new awardees have to share with us!!!!!!!

Meg Tuccillo, Susan Senn, and Terry Bratt

Volume 81, Issue   5

President’s Message

Dear Arlington AAUW members,

At age 96 Vivian Kallen rocks-what an example for all of us!  At our annual March meeting, longtime branch member and  retired Associate Professor of Political Science at NOVA-Annandale, Vivian Kallen vividly presented a program entitled “Profile in Courage: Kathryn Stone vs the Byrd Machine and the Massive Resistance Movement against School Integration in the 1950s”.  Vivian herself was part of the group fighting against the Byrd Machine and was able to share her inside information on those who worked tirelessly to oppose the Byrd Machine.

Vivian’s presentation shed new light on some forgotten yet very important moments in recent Virginia history. Kathryn Stone (1906-1995) was a co-founder and first president of the League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City. She was also the first woman to serve in the Virginia General Assembly’s House of Delegates from Northern Virginia. In fact, while she served, she was the only woman!  During her time in the House of Delegates, she worked to improve funding levels for education and social services, the establishment of a minimum wage, and the integration of schools.  She also served on President John Kennedy’s Commission on the Status of Women. Kathryn Stone was truly a Person of Vision, which she was posthumously named by the Commission on the Status of Women. Then in a joint resolution in the General Assembly in 2001, she was recognized for all her achievements. Why isn’t she in more history books?

At our Annual March meeting, we had 18 members attending and 4 who sent in absentee ballots, well over the 10% needed for a quorum to elect our new slate of officers: President – Candace Lilyquist, Co VPs for Programs Jeanine Brundage and Terry Bratt, VP for Communications –Rebecca Moscoso, and VP for Membership –Susan Senn.  Teri Doxsee continues in her role as Treasurer and Francesca Reilly McDonnell as secretary. We send many thanks to these members for stepping up and volunteering to keep our branch running.

In early June, the Board will plan our calendar of events for next year and would love to have ideas from the membership. Do you have a topic you would like to more about or know an author who would like to be a speaker? Just let us know by sending me an email! Also check your email for alerts from National about your dues. I got mine last week. If you have trouble navigating the payment on-line, you can just send a check to Treasurer Teri Doxsee.

I hope to see you at our meetings in April and May so you can meet our scholarship recipients.  Happy spring to everyone!

Terry Bratt
Arlington AAUW Branch President.

---

Arlington AAUW Branch meetings  in  2025

Here is some information about programs for the months of April and May 2025:

• Monday, April 7, at 7 pm, Lubber Run Community Center. Dr. Heather Spence, Marine Biologist, will be our guest speaker. An exiting event this year — Arlington Science Fair AAUW scholarship winners will present summaries of their amazing projects in person! See below for further details on the winners.
• Monday, May  19, 7 pm, Lubber Run Community Center – The winner of our $2,000 Lunch Bunch scholarship will be introduced and will tell us a little about her goals and plans.

Barbara Smith, Program Chair

---

Stem – AAUW Science Fair Awards

At our April 7 Monthly Branch meeting, the girls whose science projects won awards from our AAUW branch will present a summary of their projects to the attending membership. In the past, we have held this meeting on Zoom. This year, depending on the responses of the girls to our request for them to present in person, we hope for an exciting set of live performances. The meeting will be held at Lubber Run, beginning at 7:00 pm. I am sure we all will be just blown away by the depth of their research and their skill at presentation. We also will have Dr. Heather Spence, Marine Biologist, as our guest speaker. The hope is all of you will attend to hear these presentations. This is our premier STEM event for our branch.

The girls presenting were chosen at the Northern Virginia Regional Science Fair held on March 1, 2025 at Wakefield High School. Susan Senn, Rebecca Moscoso and Sara Anderson collaborated in advance by reading ~150 abstracts written by Arlington Public Schools Middle and High School girls in order to select a list ~30 projects to visit on the day of the fair.

Following is list of the award, their names, and the titles of each of their projects:

Outstanding High School Project – $1,000 Scholarship

• Nadia Lach-Hab, W&L – 11^th Grade –“Mathematical Interpretations and Diagnoses of Pediatric EEG Seizure Data

2^nd Place – High School – $25 Gift Card from One More Page Books

• Charlotte Waggy – Arlington Tech – 9^th Grade – “The Effect of Natural Repellants on Isopod Presence”
• Tesla Pfautz – W&L – 10^th Grade – The Effect of Chemical Treatments on Blue-Green Algae”
• Margaret Saperstein – W&L – 9^th Grade – “The Effect of Colloidal Silica Concentration in a Biodegradable Gel on Flame Retardation”
•  Cassidy Wells – Yorktown – 9^th Grade – “The Effect of Different Colored Wavelengths on the Power Output of Different Solar Cells”
• Sabrina Yimer – W&L – 12^th Grade – “Utilizing a Random Forest Model for Glaucoma Diagnosis Through Gene Expression Modeling”
• Anna Brodsky – Yorktown – 12^th Grade – “The Impact of Climate Change on Educational Outcomes: A Global Analysis”

Outstanding Middle School Project – $100 award

• Kayla Sibley – Kenmore – 8^th Grade – “The Effect of Different Machine Learning Models on the Ability to Predict Market Success of a Book Using Cover Art”

2^nd Place – Middle School – $25 Gift Card from One More Page Books

•  McKenzie Kelly, Alessandra D’Amico – Swanson – 8^th Grade – “Purifying Salt Water Using Thermal Desalination”
• Evaleen McClinch – Williamsburg – 7^th Grade – “The Effect of Thickness of Body Protector on Force of Impact”
• Maedot Ayalew – Kenmore – 8^th Grade – “The Effect of Solar Magnetic Flux and Spatiotemporal Interplanetary Magnetic Field Variations on Space Weather Prediction Accuracy”
• Rebecca Zee – Kenmore – 8^th Grade – “The Effect of Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dot Diameter on Photocatalytic Water Purification Efficiency”

Susan Senn, AAUW STEM Coordinator

---

Officer Elections at the March 22 Annual Meeting

The following slate of officers was elected by the members at the March 22 annual meeting. Thank you for stepping forward to support our branch in important activities and initiatives!

• President – Candace Lilyquist
• Co VP for Programs – Jeanine Brundage and Terry Bratt
• VP for Communications – Rebecca Moscoso
• VP for Membership – Susan Senn

Terry Bratt, AAUW Branch President

Arlington AAUW Executive Committee 2025-26

Term begins July 1, 2025

• President: Candace L. Lilyquist (2025-2027) presarlvaaauw@gmail.com
• Co-First VP for Programs: Jeanine Brundage and Terry Bratt (2025-2027)
• Second VPs for Membership:  Susan Senn (2025-2027) Memberarlvaaauw@gmail.com
• Third VP for Communications: Rebecca Moscoso (2025-2027) newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com
• Secretary: Francesca McDonald (2024-2026)
• Treasurer: Teri Doxsee (2024-2026) Treasurer4AAUW@gmail.com
• Public Policy:
• Book Group: Barbara Gallagher
• Lunch Bunch: Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tuccillo
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

---

Let’s Talk About Books

Our April meeting is on Tuesday, April 22, 2pm at the home of Barbara Gallagher, bgallag2@gmail.com. Our book selection is Horse by Geraldine Brooks.   Look forward to seeing you then.

In May we will be meeting at 2 PM on May 27.  Our book selection is The New Dominion by John Milliken and Mark Rosell The meeting will take place at the home of Terry Bratt, theresabratt@gmail.com.

Please let the hostess know if you will be attending the session at her home.

Even if you haven’t finished the book, come join the fun!

Barbara Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

---

STATE CONFERENCE MARCH 29, 2025

AAUW-VA Celebrates 100 Years!
On March 28 and 29, AAUW-VA celebrated its 100th birthday in style with many members coming from all over the state to Alexandria to recognize AAUW’s many achievements in the past century and to look ahead at the challenges facing us in both the long term and the short term. The conference whose theme was Changing the Conversation was subscribed to capacity and packed with great women and lots of ideas to share.

After a Friday evening social where conference attendees got acquainted and chatted, the next morning the Alexandria Town Crier rang the bell and called everyone in to the Conference Room to hear a welcome from AAUW-VA State President Lane Stone. She, in turn, introduced City of Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins who welcomed us all to Alexandria and told us how much she appreciated the work that our organization has done over the years for women and girls. President Stone next introduced Representative Jennifer McClellan of Virginia’s 4th Congressional District who gave the Keynote Address. She included Virginia history milestones and highlights from her family’s history in the United States before identifying the challenges including voter suppression that lie in the decade ahead. Following her address, VA House of Delegate Elizabeth Parker- Bennett read a proclamation from the General Assembly honoring AAUW Virginia. President Lane also read a resolution that Representative Gerry Connolly read in the US House of Representatives recognizing AAUW-VA’s achievements. The accolades continued when later on in the conference, City of Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam read her poem commemorating AAUW-VA’s centennial, Lessons from the Moon.

Other presentations included hearing about community projects funded by AAUW-VA mini grants in McLean, Hampton and the Smith Mountain branches, a panel discussion with experts on Title IX — Emma Grasso Levine from Advocates for Youth and Shiwali Patel from National Women’s Law Center –on how we can continue to advocate for opportunities and safety in education at all levels for women and girls. And that was all before lunch!

After lunch we heard from Rose Dawson, Alexandria City Library Executive Director about the 1939 Alexandria City Library Sit-In and its impact on libraries today. Lisa Varga, Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association spoke about the continuing threats of censorship in schools and public libraries. The last presentation was from Ashley Giordano from the National Inventors Hall of Fame located in Alexandria who spoke about women who innovate and invent.

Every presentation was very informative and interesting and ended with a Q and A where conference attendees had an opportunity to ask for information and advice. I have no doubt that every participant walked away with a wealth of information to share with their branches and friends.

As an added bonus, several local women owned businesses set up mini shops for browsing during the breaks. The conference ended with a birthday cake celebration with the basket raffle that raised approximately $2000 for the Greatest Needs Funds. There were 23 first time attendees at the conference and 5 books were raffled off. VP for Programs Barbara Smith was one of the lucky five to win a book!

Mark your calendars for next year – the tentative date for the conference in the Richmond area is April 17-18, 2026!

 

---

Rewards and Renewal in Membership

We belong! Spring is here with a sense of renewed hope about many things. We can continue to affect the affairs of our nation and the world by working with other members of AAUW. This is why we continue our commitment each year to the mission.

Let’s take a minute to recognize the impact of AAUW. There are significant advances to gender equity; including the passage of the Equal Pay Act, Title IX, and the Family Medical Leave Act. We have awarded over $135 million in fellowships and grants. AAUW is the largest scholarship program for women in the world.

The work accomplished at the national level, mirrors the work of AAUW_Arlington Branch. We have scholarships and STEM activities for students. Plus, we regularly honor the work of educators in our community.

Please remember to renew your membership in the month you last joined. There has been a slight dues increase for the national level membership of $2.00. This is $.16 a month. The new dues rate starts on April 1, 2025.

Please let us know how we can help you with any questions you might have about your membership.

Candace Lilyquist, VP Membership

---

Lunch Bunch

Our Lunch Bunch young women had a wonderful opportunity on March 20th to hear from our own Arlington AAUW author, Emma Violand Sanchez! Emma shared her personal memoir, Dreams and Shadows, An Immigrant’s Journey. The students were enthralled by her story and engaged in personal dialogue with her. AAUW was able to purchase a copy for each of our young women, and Emma personally signed each book. It was truly a memorable experience.

Another piece of good news regarding our Lunch Bunch is that our board was able to increase our scholarship amount from $1000 to $2000 using some of our contingency funding to better support our students paying college tuition. Since NOVA tuition, for example, is about $6,000 per year, this increase will enable our scholarship winner to better manager her college finances. We will be selecting our scholarship winner in April and celebrating with her at our May 19th meeting.

Mary Beth Pelosky, Meg Tuccillo and Terry Bratt

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

___________________________________________________

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!

---

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

Volume 81, Issue   3

President’s Message

Dear Arlington AAUW members,

The holiday season is upon us! At least I think it is because the weather has been a bit unseasonably warm after a cool October. I hope everyone has Saturday, December 7 on your calendars. We are gathering at the Cote d’Or for our festive holiday luncheon celebration. For more information, check out the Program section below.

This year National AAUW is celebrating its 100th Birthday, and AAUW Virginia has asked branches to make donations of 100 something to a community group. Our board has decided to donate 100 books to the Arlington Women’s Detention Center. I bet that you have books around your home looking for a new home, so we hope that members can bring new or gently used books to our holiday luncheon to meet our goal.

We send many thanks to our panelists who shared their memories of earlier days in our branch as we celebrated our 80th birthday at our November 16th meeting. Gloria Blackwell, CEO of the National AAUW, sent our branch a Certificate of Honor, recognizing our 80th anniversary and expressing “sincere appreciation” for our branch’s “exceptional service and demonstrated commitment to advancing equity for women and girls.”

We want to remain a vibrant branch that continues to support women and girls in our community, so bringing in new members is an important goal for us this year. Please invite your friends to join you in any of our branch activities. Everyone is welcome to come to our branch meetings, book club, lunch bunch, and field trips.

It’s also time for us to fund our scholarship program for high school girls going on to a two- or four- year college. I’ll be sending you a letter asking for donations like I did last year. The girls we gave scholarships to last year are going to MIT, NOVA and VCU. I’m looking forward to meeting this year’s scholarship winners in the spring and I hope you are, too.

And…
Remembering Lilly Ledbetter
Activist Lilly Ledbetter passed away on October 12, 2024 at age 86. Lilly championed equal pay for women. When she was close to retirement, she discovered that men in comparable administrative positions were paid several thousand dollars more monthly than she was at Goodyear Tire and Rubber
Company. Although she initially won her sex discrimination case against Goodyear, she later lost her Supreme Court case in a 5-4 decision. Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote the dissenting opinion. Lilly continued the fight for equal pay and was with President Obama in the Oval Office when he signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009. AAUW continues the fight for equal pay and we can all thank and remember Lilly Ledbetter for persevering in this cause of importance to all women and girls.

Best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful holiday season!
Happy 2025!

Terry Bratt
Arlington AAUW Branch President

---

Arlington AAUW Branch meetings  in  2024

Sat., Nov. 16, at 10:30 am, Lubber Run Community Center – Our program was a  celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Arlington Branch of AAUW, with coffee and a very special cake. We heard a brief history of the Arlington Branch since its founding in 1944. Barbara Smith did some research at the Charlie Clark Center for Local History at the Arlington Public Library. The Center has copies of the minutes of every meeting held by the Arlington Branch of AAUW from its founding in 1944 until the early 2000s. Barbara summarized some “pretty interesting stuff” she found in the minutes.

We heard from several of our longer-serving members, Vivien Kallen and Marjorie Hobart, about their experiences with the Arlington Branch. They provided color commentary to the summary of the minutes. We also were updated on current activities of AAUW-Arlington: the Lunch Bunch (Meg Tuccillo), the International Coffee Group (Priscilla Becker), the Book Club (Barbara Gallagher), the Science Fair judging (Susan Senn), and Public Policy (Sara Anderson).

Finally, everyone present had an opportunity to share stories and recollections about our experiences with AAUW-Arlington. The day was a relaxed and enjoyable celebration of the 80^th anniversary of the Arlington Branch of AAUW in which we reflected on what this branch has done in the past, what it is doing in the present, and what it could do in the future.

Sat., Dec. 7, noon – Our holiday luncheon will be held again at Côte d’Or. There will be a choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert. The room for the luncheon seats only 30; contact Barbara Smith and reserve early.

 

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

• Sat., Jan. 25, at 10:30 am, Lubber Run Community Center – Charles Meng, CEO of the Arlington Food Assistance Center, will speak about the programs and activities of AFAC.
• 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 – 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

---

Let’s Talk About Books

The December meeting is on Tuesday, December 10, 2 pm at the home of Terry Bratt. Our book selection is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. We look forward to seeing you then.

In January we will meet at 2 pm on January 28 a the home of Barbara Gallagher. Our book selection is Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. Even if you have not finished reading the book, come join the fun!

Barbara Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

---

Public Policy

• • Post-Election Conversation

  • Rep. Gerry Connolly is having a post-election conversation sponsored by AAUW branches of Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Mt. Vernon, Reston-Herndon and Vienna on Monday, December 2 at 5 pm.  Here is the advanced registration zoom link!

AAUW of Virginia Lobby Days in Richmond

•  January 15, 2025 – Evening Reception and Talk
  

  

Hampton Inn and Suites, Richmond – Room reservation link at Hampton Inn & Suites $157

• January 16, 2025 – Lobby Day

Make our Voices Heard in Richmond and Connect with our Lawmakers

Diane Schrier wants you to let her know if you can attend.

---

Rewards and Renewal in Membership

Each member of AAUW-Arlington Branch came to the organization on a different path of life’s journey. In membership, we find the rewards of connection, belonging, and growth. ‘Tis the season of giving thanks; we must take time to celebrate how our pathways converged to bring us together. This month we did just that with the recognition of 80 years of service on November 16.

AAUW-Arlington Branch is a place for everyone. You belong to the nation’s largest source of scholarships for women who wish to advance their studies. Through grants and fellowships we grow the skills and knowledge of girls and women. This allows participants in AAUW-Arlington Branch to work for greater equity and opportunity for all. We have come together to accomplish a lot.

We find renewal in one another. With many hands we promote and enhance scholarship, learning, equity, and the betterment of our whole community. This is AAUW-Arlington Branch — 80 years strong!

Candace Lilyquist, VP Membership

---

Lunch Bunch

The Arlington Community High School leadership team is thrilled to have our continued collaboration on behalf of young women looking toward their future. Efforts over the past few years have focused on student career interests as well as goal setting, career awareness, mental health, and self care. Past themes have been centered around the APS socio-emotional Standards of Learning goals, as well as the Virginia 4 C’s, Profile of a VA Graduate.

This year we have started with about a dozen young women from countries around the world. At our first get-to-know- each-other meeting, we all shared stories about the origin of our names. One girl’s name means hope in her language. Another is named for her grandmother and others had similar interesting stories. In November, we had Karen Vallejos, executive director of The Dream Project, share her life journey as a Dreamer.

We meet on the third Thursday of the month at 12:30 (with pizza) and invite you to volunteer with us. We meet at the ACHS -It is located at 4420 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203.

Mary Beth Pelosky, Meg Tuccillo and Terry Bratt

Volume 81, Issue  2

President’s Message

Dear Arlington AAUW members,

Autumn has certainly gotten off to a very wet start. As I write Hurricane Helene has devastated several states, and Hurricane Milton promises to bring even more destruction. Our hearts go out to the suffering people are experiencing in those hard-hit areas.

Our September branch meeting speaker was Donna Parsell. Her presentation on the life and adventures of early 20th century journalist Eliza Scidmore was a wonderful way for members to start our fall meetings. Her biography, Eliza Scidmore: From Early White House Reporter to Washington’s Cherry Trees is well researched and written, and is of interest to all.

Members have lots of activities to join in the next few months. In October we will have the opportunity to learn more about DEI initiatives in Arlington, and in November we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of our branch with a panel discussion. Our October book discussion will be on The Art Thief. More information about these branch activities can be found further down in this newsletter. I am also looking forward to joining other branch members in seeing the Sondheim Tribute Review on October 20 at Creative Cauldron in Falls Church.

This summer our branch committed to sending out 200 Get out the Vote postcards, and branch members stepped up to fulfill our promise. Our postcards, sent out on October 1, were mailed to women voters in
Seminole County, Florida. I want to thank the branch members who volunteered to write the postcards. We joined branches throughout Virginia in sending out approximately 5000 postcards. Early voting has started here in Virginia, so be sure to vote now or on Election Day at the latest. Every vote counts! Best wishes to everyone for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Terry Bratt
Arlington AAUW Branch President

---

Arlington AAUW Branch meetings  in  2024

 

• Mon., Oct.21, at 7:00 pm, Lubber Run Community Center – “Empowering Voices: A Student-Led DEI Professional Development Workshop,” with Monica Lozano Caldera, MA, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, Arlington Career Center, Arlington Public Schools; and Marlene Reyes, Senior, Arlington Tech/Arlington Career Center, DEI Student Leader — The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recipient 2024.
• Sat., Nov. 16, at 10:30 am, Lubber Run Community Center – A celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Arlington Branch of AAUW with coffee and a very special cake. Bring your memories to share as we hear about the early history of the Arlington Branch and the activities of the Lunch Bunch (Meg), the International Coffee group (Priscilla), the Book Club (Barbara G.), the Science Fair judges (Susan Senn), and the Public Policy group (Sara Anderson). Marjorie Hobart and Vivian Kallen, as long-time members of AAUW-Arlington, will discuss their experiences and changes they have seen.
• Sat., Dec. 7, noon, Holiday luncheon at Côte d’Or. There will be a choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert. The room for the luncheon seats only 30; reserve early. Information on reservations will be sent out in early November.

Barbara Smith, Program Chair

---

Let’s Talk About Books

The October meeting is on Tuesday, October 22, 2pm. Our book selection is The Art Thief by Michael Finkel. The meeting will be at your regular Zoom location. Shortly before the 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.

There is no November book group meeting.

Barbara Gallagher, Let’s Talk About Books Chair

---

AAUW Membership is in Season

Traditionally members of AAUW had to be invited to join the organization. In effect, this is still true today. People do not often join organizations; they join people. When you feel that sense of connection with a community member and want to spend more time with them, or even take an action, make sure to invite them. Invitation is our link to growth. It often takes a few negative responses to get to an affirmative response. So, ask early and often as you venture through your day.

Think about the medical providers you connect with in Arlington or our surrounding area. Invite them to join. Do you have children in your life who attend school? It does not matter where. Ask the children’s teacher to become a member in the community where they are living.

The latest tool to support your invitation is a QR code. A quick response (QR) code is an array of black and white squares that can be read by a machine’s camera. The QR code usually takes the user to a URL connecting them to information on a website. AAUW Arlington Branch will be looking into securing a QR code for our membership materials, after board approval. Your membership ensures a powerful voice is amplified on critical issues affecting women of all ages and girls. Each year we renew our commitment to focus on economic security, education and Title IX, and civil rights. Until next time, invite anyone who you think might be a wonderful addition to our group.

There is still time to renew! Continuing members can log on to renew or send a $103 check to Teri Doxsee for the full dues amount. Lifetime members pay $31 for state and local dues. This can be paid via the website or by sending a check to Teri Doxsee. Individuals who have trouble logging on may need to change their passwords.

Candace Lilyquist, VP Membership

---

Lunch Bunch

Lunch bunch meetings will be starting soon.

 

 

 

Mary Beth Pelosky and Meg Tucillo, Lunch Bunch

---

Public Policy

Lane Stone, President AAUW-Virginia sent all state branches a list of this year’s Equal Pay Days to share with all members. As you will see, there is still a lot of work to be done in leveling the playing field for women and girls.

• 2024
  • July 2024
    • 27 Black Women’s Equal Pay Day
  • August 2024
    • 7  Mom’s Equal Pay Day
    • 26 Women’s Equality Day
    • 26  104th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment
    • 28 Native HI/Pacific Islander Equal Pay Day
  • September
  • October
    • 3  Latina’s Equal Pay Day
  • November
    • 21 Native Women’s Equal Pay Day
• 2025
  • March
    • 5  Equal Pay Day
    • 8 International Women’s Day
  • May
    • 3  AAPI Equal Pay Day

Terry Bratt, Branch President