Volume 78, Issue  3

January/February President’s Message

Greetings Arlington AAUW Members,

Welcome to 2022! We wish all our members and their families a joyful and productive year ahead-one filled with reconnecting physically with family and friends and building new relationships and enjoying new activities. We finished our Branch activities on a high note with our annual holiday luncheon. Meg Tuccillo graciously hosted 26 branch members in her home beautifully decorated for the holidays. We had a delicious lunch followed by playing some holiday games and learning more about how we can help newly arrived refugees from Meg and Susan Senn. Best of all we were so happy to see each other in-person again to catch up on the last 18 months! Thank you, Meg, for your generous hospitality!

Looking ahead we hope that all branch members will participate via Zoom on January 22 in the Virginia State AAUW meeting on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. For more information, see Meg’s notes below. And don’t forget that In March we will have our annual meeting. Depending on what happens in early winter, we remain flexible for deciding on Zoom or in-person meetings. 

We end with a personal note from co-president Karen Darner:

“I had a memory freeze while headed to a funeral in Illinois and spent a week in the hospital of Ohio State University and with their help and that of my own VHC doctor I am well on my way to complete recovery. In fact, I attended our AAUW luncheon at Meg Tuccillo’s! Magnificent work you all! Thank you.
I am so grateful for the work of our local board members, led by Terry Bratt our co-president. I think I will remember this Thanksgiving as my miracle. I wish each of you a wonderful holiday as 2022 approaches and a COVID threat free life in the New Year. Much love to all, Karen”

Karen Darner and Terry Bratt , Co-Presidents

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Arlington AAUW Program Updates

We are already almost halfway through our year and we have already had the opportunity to learn about STEM programs for young girls, the possibility of a broadband authority in Arlington, the status of women veterans in America and local good Samaritans helping our neighbors in need.

January Meeting

In January, we are excited by the opportunity to join with AAUW – Virginia in a Zoom meeting on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 10 am to 11:30 am where we will learn more about Creating Inclusive Spaces. The panelists include one of our own Arlington AAUW members, Krysta Jones, along with two other experts on inclusive communities.  This issue speaks to our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.  

Please plan to join with other AAUW members throughout the state on this important issue.  Click the zoom link to join the program on January 22.

What’s Getting You Through Covid?

In these challenging times, we have decided to change our program schedule and add a branch meeting on Saturday, February 19^th at 1 pm via zoom.

We’d love to have you all join us on the 19^th for an informal, fun, one-hour chat on this engaging topic – “What’s Getting You Through Covid?!”

We invite folks to share books you have loved, Netflix or other places where you have found great movies, exercises or other activities you’ve enjoyed and other survival tips!!!  We will send out the zoom link during the week prior to February 19^th for your convenience.  Hope to have you all join our chat on February 19^th at 1 pm.

Annual Meeting in March

 Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be our Annual Meeting with elections and will be held on Saturday, March 19^th at 10:30 am.

Check out our full program of meetings on the Meetings page on our website.

Meg Tuccillo, VP Programs

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Let’s Talk About Books

The January Let’s Talk About Books  meeting is Tuesday, January 25, 2 pm at your regular Zoom location.  Our book selection is Caste: The Origins of our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson

Our February meeting will be Tuesday, February 23, 2 pm.  Our book selection is A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemmingway.

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

See all our books for 2021-22 with a brief description of each on the Let’s Talk About Books page.

Barbara Gallagher, Chair

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Winter Plans for THIS/AAUW International Coffee Conversation Group:

The THIS/AAUW International Coffee group will not meet in January.

We will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 9,  10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at the home of Liz Klass to celebrate  Valentine’s Day.

We will meet at the home of Juanita Cullen on Wednesday, March 9 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Members of the AAUW Arlington Branch are welcome to join the group.  For more information please contact Priscilla Becker. (See Branch Directory for her phone and email.)

Priscilla Becker, lead

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AAUW-VA State Lobby Day

Sending on the latest message from our VA PP chairs, Susan and Denise.

State Lobby Day Update – We will be Virtual Again
After considering public health warnings about the new Covid variant, we have decided to forgo an in-person State Lobby Day in 2022 and canceled our plans to host a reception for Virginia’s women legislators.   We are disappointed but mindful of the importance of staying safe and healthy.

As we did in 2021, we ask for your support in virtual lobbying through emails and phone calls to your elected representatives. We will provide resources in the form of fact sheets, talking points, and other materials you can use to engage your delegates and senators.  Virginia’s General Assembly session begins on January 12 and ends on March 12.

In lieu of our reception for women legislators, we are working to host a Zoom session with Virginia women legislators from both political parties on January 25 at 6:30 p.m.   There are lots of moving parts to manage, but we will keep you posted.

In December, fellow Arlington AAUW member Krysta Jones was the guest speaker at the Lunch Bunch holiday luncheon. Krysta spoke to the students about her work in the Peace Corps and as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill advocating for women and social-economic issues. Besides having a delightful holiday luncheon, the students enjoyed getting colorful earbuds donated from BB&T. More motivational speakers are planned for the Spring.

Volume 78, Issue 2

Focusing

Greetings Arlington AAUW Members,

I’m an on again/off again fan of Facebook, and I find words of wisdom I wish I had written. But instead, I copy them and share with others. This week, I found this and it spoke to me and many others.

DON’T GIVE UP ON THIS YEAR!
Keep showing up.
Keep loving.
Keep fighting for the good.
Keep giving back.
Keep being kind.
Keep being brave.
Keep caring.
Keep trying new things.
Keep showing grace.
Keep on.
This world needs you
To believe in the good.

I believe it says what AAUW believes and why it’s part of our lives, and even why it should be.  In fact, it should be a part of our lives daily. We forget, sometimes, what we are supposed to be doing. And we may even forget to whom we should be speaking or listening, or with whom we should be sharing. We get busy and forget these concerns listed, and they’re the bright spots, and actually what may have brought brought each of us to HERE.

Julia Brown, our AAUW Board Chair recently made an official statement that Gloria L Blackwell is the new CEO of AAUW effective Monday, October 18. She serves currently as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Program Officer. Her involvement has been from within AAUW.
Gloria has extensive experience with our fund programs, including scholarships & grants  amounting to over $700m to women, scholars, and programs in the US and abroad. We are proud to say Gloria has a lifelong commitment to AAUW ‘s vision of achieving equity for all. We congratulate our new, enthusiastic leader of AAUW.

We now have a new section on our website highlighting news from our community partner, the Arlington League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City. Click the link to see their October Partner newsletter about the upcoming election.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!

Karen Darner and Terry Bratt , Co-Presidents

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Arlington AAUW Program Updates

We had an interesting evening on September 20^th hearing about the Rosie Riveters Program for girls ages 4 to 14 right here in Arlington and Northern Virginia.  They are bringing STEM opportunities to young girls through after-school programs as well as Saturday and summer programs – check out their website at https://www.rosieriveters.com/. 

October’s program shared important information about Internet access equity in Arlington with a presentation from the group ArlFiber thanks to Charlie Head -check out more on their website – https://arlfiber.org/.

November Meeting

We are excited to have AAUW member Liz Estabrooks from the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans, share a presentation on opportunities, services and equitable treatment for over three million women veterans.  Liz will do her presentation via zoom on Monday, Nov 15^th  (right after Veterans Day!) at 7 pm.  Watch for the zoom link closer to the date.

December Meeting

In December, we will have our annual Holiday Luncheon (undetermined whether via zoom or in person yet – watch for updates!!) on Saturday, December 4^th at noon with a presentation from our own Norma Kacen about the One Journey Festival she and her colleagues have created showcasing refugee talent.  Stay tuned for updated info as we get closer to the date.  

Check out our full program of meetings on the Meetings page on our website.

Meg Tuccillo, VP Programs

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Let’s Talk About Books

The November for Let’s Talk About Books  meeting is Tuesday, November 23, 2 pm at your regular Zoom location.  Our book selection is Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville.

Our December meeting will be Tuesday, December 28, 2 pm.  Our book selection is The Seine: The River That Made Paris by Elaine Sciolino.

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

See all our books for 2021-22 with a brief description of each on the Let’s Talk About Books page.

Barbara Gallagher, Chair

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Lunch Bunch for 2021-22

Plans are underway for our first three sessions this fall that will be held in person. The dates are Thursdays: 10/21, 11/18 and 12/14. The lunch time runs from 12:40-1:20. Volunteers should be there by 12:20 or 12:25 pm. Due  to Covid guidelines, lunch/ snacks are quite limited. Mary Beth understands that some people may not feel comfortable attending in person.

Covid-19 vaccinations are now required for all volunteers in APS schools.  For those who were already approved to volunteer, you should have received a notice via email to renew your application and provide verification of your vaccination status.  All volunteers need to complete a volunteer form. You can fill out the application online and find additional information regarding volunteering on the APS website.

This year our theme will be, “The 5 C’s: Profile of a Va Graduate.”  This is designed to reinforce the core competencies desired by the business community as designated by the VDOE.  For our October meeting, the young women will complete an interest inventory for future speakers and complete Bio-poems to encourage self- reflection. Our November meeting guest speakers are a registered nurse and school health aide who is an immigrant w/
an inspiring life story.

Mary Beth Pelosky, Chair

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Fall Plans for THIS/AAUW International Coffee Conversation Group:

The THIS/AAUW International Coffee group will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 9,  11 a,m. to 1 p.m for a Thanksgiving Luncheon at the McLean Community Center at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean VA.

The Christmas Luncheon will be held at the home of Karen Russo at 2111 Elliott Ave., McLean VAon Wednesday, December 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members of the AAUW Arlington Branch are welcome to join the group.  For more information please contact Priscilla Becker. (See Branch Directory for her phone and email.)

Priscilla Becker, lead

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Public Policy

This message was sent to AAUW-VA Board members, AAUW-VA Branch Presidents and Public Policy Chairs as well as members who have expressed interest in these communications.

Once again, thanks for the great response to our request for postcard writers for our participation in the “Reclaim Our Vote” campaign. We distributed all 1,500 postcards and addresses to our members and many of you have reported that your cards are done and in the mail! If you are still writing cards.

If you want to continue in the effort to Get Out the Vote, go to the Volunteer Dashboard. You can participate in phone banking and texting. If you do decide to participate, please let us know so we can continue to measure and report our efforts.

We also want to ask you to be aware of key Virginia voting dates and help educate other Virginia voters and those eligible.

• Last date to apply for an absentee ballot is October 22.
• The deadline for voting absentee in person is October 30.
• Mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 2.

Use and share our attached election calendar with hyperlinks for more information about any and all key dates and times.

Have a plan to vote. “When women vote, they change the conversation.”

Sara Anderson, Branch Public Policy chair

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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 Teri at newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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Arlington AAUW Executive Committee 2021-22

Term begins July 1, 2021

• • President: Terry Bratt (2021-2023) and Karen Darner (2021-2023) presarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-First VP for Programs: Meg Tuccillo (2021-2023)
  • Co-Second VPs for Membership:  Michelle Milden (2021-2022) and Gail McGinn (2020-22)
  • Third VP for Communications: Teri Doxsee (2021-2023) newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-Secretaries: Candace Lilyquist (2021-2022) and Susan Senn (2021-2022)
  • Treasurer: Mary Spatz (2021-22)
  • Public Policy: Sara Anderson

Volume 78, Issue 1

Focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-Welcome to Fall 2021 AAUW Arlington Branch Activities!

Greetings Arlington AAUW Members,

Arlington AAUW welcomes you to our 2021-2022 year with thought and care for our nation and the world. We are working and learning together, and striving to keep everyone safe as we plan our activities and events for the coming year . We urge you to pay close attention to the Covid health advisories to keep you and your families healthy and safe from this deadly disease.

Now that summer is winding down and we are looking forward to cooler temperatures, it’s time to get ready for a fall season replete with interesting activities for our branch. Our Vice President for Programs, Meg Tuccillo and her team, have lined up a series of programs this year that focus on AAUW National’s theme of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our September 20 program Celebrating the Arts in Arlington will highlight the work of artists in our schools and community. The following month, on October 25, a local grass roots organization ArlFib will present a program on Equitable Internet Access for All Arlingtonians. While we hope to have in-person meetings this year, the ramifications of the Covid Delta surge require us to be flexible and ready to be back again on Zoom. You can find out more about these programs below. We also encourage you to ask a friend to join you for our meetings – they might want to join us!

And for those who enjoy discussing books, check out the Let’s Talk About Books page. The International Coffees are scheduled to start again in September and meet monthly.  Priscilla Becker has posted more information below.  Interested in working with older Arlington teenage girls? Mary Beth Pelosky and her team plan to start meeting again with their Lunch Bunch group once school is underway. Branch members are also encouraged to participate in other local, statewide conferences and events coming up in the months ahead. Information will be posted on our website as it becomes available.

Our next Board meeting is on September 1. If you have any items you want the Board to discuss or act on please let one of us know beforehand. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our September meeting. In the meantime, stay well! If you need to talk or just want a hug,  we are here, for you, nearby. Phone numbers are listed in the Branch Directory.

Here we go! Welcome to the journey with Arlington AAUW!

Terry Bratt and Karen Darner, Co-Presidents

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WE’RE SEEING STARS!

AAUW Arlington, Virginia branch received two stars as part of the 2019-2020 AAUW national 5 Star program. This was a pilot program to reward branches for achievements in Programs, Advancement, Communications & External Relations, Public Policy & Research, and Governance & Sustainability. Based on the pilot, updates have been made for the 2021-22 program year, which began July 1st. Branches qualify for stars on an annual basis.

We received two stars for 2019-2020 for the Advancement and Programs areas. This was announced in the August 2021 Membership Matters newsletter from AAUW national.  We will also be recognized for virtual programs during the pandemic at the upcoming national Five Star celebration event because we had a full schedule of programs, all held virtually

Our star for the Programs area was awarded for holding 6 strategic-plan related meetings open to the public during 2020-21. (We also had 2 programs on DEI just for branch members, which didn’t figure into this count.) All of our public meetings last year were virtual, which is the basis for the recognition we’ll receive at the national celebration of the 5 Star program coming up.

Our star for the Advancement area was awarded for meeting three of the four criteria for this area:

• • gifts to AAUW’s Greatest Needs Fund averaging at least $30 per member;
  • an increase of at least 25% in total giving to the Greatest Needs Fund in 2020 compared to 2019; and
  • at least 90% retention of members from 2019-20 to 2020-21.

We look forward to the challenge of working towards the standards of the 2021-22 5 Star program!

Carol J Dabbs, Immediate Past President

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Change in September Membership Meeting

We are announcing a change in our 2021-22 program planning for September 20^th due to concerns about our announced in-person meeting, which had been scheduled at Meg Tuccillo’s home.  With Covid still of concern to folks, we have decided to move our in-person presentation on Arts in APS to our spring  Scholarship Awards evening in May and instead have a Zoom meeting with a presentation by a local non-profit, Rosie Riveters.

Join us Monday, September 20th at 7 pm

The Arlington branch of AAUW is excited to connect with a local non-profit, Rosie Riveters, whose goal, as stated on their website, is “to provide meaningful engagement with STEM before the drop-off point rather than during it. Children can enroll in Rosie Riveters beginning at age 4 and programs currently extend through middle school; this structure is designed to get young women excited about and interested in STEM well before they encounter barriers discouraging their participation.”

Susan Senn and Meg Tuccillo had the opportunity recently to meet with the executive director, Brittany Greer, and hear about the terrific work being done by Rosie Riveters for girls in Arlington as well as Alexandria and Fairfax.  We are excited to have Brittany join us on September 20^th at 7 pm for a zoom meeting where we can all learn more about this organization and its work with Arlington girls in STEM activities!  There are opportunities to volunteer and support this group that we will hear more about on the 20^th!!  Please join us for our 2021-22 kick-off meeting focused on the future for our young women in Arlington!!!!! 

Brittany Greer, the executive director will share their work and their plans for the future at this fun and exciting meeting!!  Check out their website at https://www.rosieriveters.com

A zoom link will be sent closer to the September 20^th Please plan to join us and join in the excitement for this great opportunity for Arlington girls!!!!!!!

Check out our full program of meetings on the Meetings page on our website.

Meg Tuccillo, VP Programs

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Reminder to Renew your AAUW Dues for 2021-22

The Arlington Branch AAUW would like to welcome two new members: Jeanine Brundage and Sharon Valencia. Please encourage your friends to join us.

Thank you to those members who have already paid your AAUW dues for 2021-2022. If you have not paid yet, your membership expired this past June 30, 2021 and info regarding payment is below.

While the amount of AAUW national dues has increased by a few dollars for the 2021-22 fiscal year to $62 (of which $59 is deductible), state dues remain $15, and branch dues remain $16 for the new fiscal year. This means that the total dues for an Arlington Branch Member will be $93, or $31 for a paid Life Member. Honorary Life Members (those who have paid dues for 50 years) do not pay dues to national, state, or branch. 

Our treasurer, Mary Spatz, would prefer that you pay dues directly online at aaauw.org and click on Membership. Once you complete your membership number and password, scroll down on the left side to Renew Membership and fill in the rest. If paying by check, please email Michele Milden for more info at membershiparlvaaauw@gmail.com.

THE EASIEST WAY IS TO PAY ON-LINE is when you receive a dues notice from memberinfo@aauw.org (AAUW National). The subject line will be: AAUW Membership Renewal for Fiscal Year 2022. Once you receive the email to renew from AAUW, click on the link, enter your credit card number, and your membership is renewed in less than 30 seconds.

Thank you for renewing your membership at this time. We look forward to seeing you either on Zoom and/or in person next year.  

Michele Milden and Gail McGinn, Membership Co-VPs

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Let’s Talk About Books

The September meeting is Tuesday, September 28, 2 pm at your regular Zoom location.  Our book selection is Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson.

Our October meeting will be Tuesday, October 26, 2 pm.  Our book selection is The Great Alone by Kristin Hanna.

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

See all our books for 2020-21 with a brief description of each on the Let’s Talk About Books page.

Barbara Gallagher, Chair

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Fall Plans for THIS/AAUW International Coffee Conversation Group:

The THIS/AAUW International Coffee group will begin the season with a morning coffee on Sept.8.  Juanita Cullen  of Vienna will be the hostess.

On October 13 the group will meet at the home of Arlene Shapiro in Alexandria for morning coffee and a Halloween program.

November 10 is the date of the November meeting which will be a Thanksgiving luncheon.

Members of the AAUW Arlington Branch are welcome to join the group.  For more information please contact Priscilla Becker. (See Branch Directory for her phone and email.)

Priscilla Becker, lead

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Wearable Technology Summer Camp

Cohosted by Arlington AAUW and Qualcomm

Arlington AAUW co-hosted a Wearable Technology Virtual Summer Camp which took place July 12-16, along with Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus STEM programs and  Qualcomm, a company designed to create innovative technologies that transform how the world connects, computes and communicates. Qualcomm was our corporate sponsor. We connected through Jim Egenreider, a former APS teacher and technology guru, who is currently a professor at Virginia Tech, Northern Virginia campus, and the director of the Qualcomm Think-A-Bit lab, designed to teach young people of all ages electronic and robotic technology. Teri Doxsee and Susan Senn worked with Jim previously in APS. Qualcomm sponsored all fees for the electronic kits and other needed supplies that were distributed to 24 girls, ages 10-17, in the Arlington area who were recruited through APS Equity and Excellence Coordinators. Teri worked with the IT supervisor to ensure each girl had equal access to the Zoom platform. We offered participation to the eight girls who were the Science Fair awardees.

Throughout the week, these girls learned to program circuitry using Arduinos, Breadboards and LED lights to design hats that reflected themselves – who they were, what they loved to do, and what, perhaps, their future careers might be. One of the most creative hats was a magician’s hat. It was decorated with a pair of dice, a model of an 8-ball on the front which turned when you asked it a question, and a top with a stuffed bunny that popped out.

Susan arranged for three speakers during the noon hour of the camp on three of the days. They included Shaida Johnson, one of the directors of the Landsat IX project for NASA and Aerospace Corporation. The Landsat IX is due to launch in September. Second was Dr. Argyro Kavaada, a NASA earth scientist and consultant for Booz-Allen Hamilton. This was Argie’s third time presenting for an AAUW function. Third was Lynn Pressey, an electrical engineer who worked for years on managing Nuclear Reactors. All three presenters began by first describing how they came to do the job they do or did; second, the trajectory of their careers including personal stories; and third, by describing how all their jobs went beyond the initial work into sub-careers. Lynn even told the girls how happy she was that now, in retirement, she was able to do what she initially thought would be her career – being a vet.

Susan Senn, STEM Chair

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Public Policy

The Northern District meeting is scheduled via Zoom for October 9.  An in-person meeting at a Fairfax County library is still possible, but given the situation with the Delta variant of Covid-19, unlikely.

We will let you know about it as soon as plans are definite, but  do save the date, at 10:00 am.  Meg Tucillo is on the program with information about the diversity programs in Arlington Schools.

 Lobby Corps News

The current convener of Lobby Corps, Becky Gaul,  has been working with the National AAUW office on arranging Lobby Corps for this year.  Things are still unsettled; Kate Nielson told Becky  she’s  working on it, concluding with this:

“I appreciate your eagerness, but in large part the circumstances are out of my control. I just checked in with two staff members on the Hill to ask their opinion and was told their offices are only taking virtual meetings, and while guidance is supposed to be updated in the fall, with the Delta variant running rampant, they are skeptical of changes. Please know that once we are able to safely and effectively lobby, we will figure out a way to resume.”

Becky also said memorial service plans for Kitty Richardson, of the Falls Church Branch, are still indefinite.

Sara Anderson, Branch Public Policy chair

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In Memoriam

Betty Loome, an honorary life member of AAUW and a member of our Arlington branch, died on August 12, 2021 surrounded by her family. Betty had moved to Moultrie, GA in 2003. Her full obituary can be read at https://obituaries.moultrieobserver.com/obituary/betty-loome-1083035210.

 

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Congratulations to Former AAUW Arlington Branch Member on New Book

 

Dr. Anita Nahal was a very active Arlington Branch AAUW Board Member until she moved out of state. She has now published her third book of poetry, “What’s Wrong With Us Kali Women?” The book is published by Kelsey Books.

 

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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 Teri at newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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Arlington AAUW Executive Committee 2021-22

Term begins July 1, 2021

• • President: Terry Bratt (2021-2023) and Karen Darner (2021-2023) presarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-First VP for Programs: Meg Tuccillo (2021-2023)
  • Co-Second VPs for Membership:  Michelle Milden (2021-2022) and Gail McGinn (2020-22)
  • Third VP for Communications: Teri Doxsee (2021-2023) newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-Secretaries: Candace Lilyquist (2021-2022) and Susan Senn (2021-2022)
  • Treasurer: Mary Spatz (2021-22)
  • Public Policy: Sara Anderson

Volume 77, Issue 6

Transitions

It is with very mixed emotions that I begin a break from elected office for the Arlington branch of AAUW. I am extremely pleased that we have an extraordinarily talented and experienced team who will assume office on July 1, led by Terry Bratt and Karen Darner, and look forward to working with them. And I’m also sad to be stepping away from the hustle and bustle of serving as President; I like being where there’s lots of action! 

But after 10 years as an elected officer (two two-year terms as Treasurer, one as Vice President–Membership, one as Co-President, and one as President), it is time for a change. I have offered to continue as branch Bylaws Chair and as one of our delegates to Arlington County Civic Federation, so I will still be engaged, just at a different level. This break will also afford me the opportunity to serve in leadership in other organizations, which I found difficult while serving as President of the branch. 

I want to thank those who gave me a chance, as a new member, to assume elected office (Michele Milden); those who mentored me along the way (Arlene Wilson, Sara Anderson, Marcy Leverenz, and Meg Tuccillo); and those who supported me in serving in each of these offices, including every member of the Board of Directors, every year. Special thanks to Meg Tuccillo, who both helped me learn how to be President in real time during the years we were Co-Presidents, and who continued as a sounding board when I “soloed” as President. 

There were expected challenges, like our gradually shrinking membership, and unexpected ones like life in the time of Covid-19, and while our nation grapples anew with racial equity issues. But with the imagination of the entire Board and membership, we’ve managed to stabilize as a branch and continue our programming relating to AAUW’s strategic goals. The challenges we’ve faced have given us confidence that we can adjust again (and still again) as life evolves. I look forward to our continued progress together!  

Carol Dabbs, President

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Time to Renew your Dues for 2021-22

It’s that time of year when AAUW will be asking you to renew your membership dues. While the amount of AAUW national dues has increased for the 2021-22 fiscal year to $62 (of which $59 is deductible), state dues remain $15, and branch dues remain $16 for the new fiscal year. This means that the total dues for an Arlington Branch Member will be $93 or $31 for a paid Life Member. Honorary Life Members (those who have paid dues for 50 years) do not pay dues to national, state, or branch. 

Members will receive an email with a link to pay your dues online or by check in the next few weeks. If paying by check, please make your check payable to Arlington Branch AAUW and mail it to Mary Spatz by June 30, 2021. (Address in Membership Directory and in the email that sent you the link to this newsletter.)

Thank you for renewing your membership at this time. We look forward to seeing you either on Zoom and/or in person next year.  

Michele Milden and Gail McGinn, Membership Co-VPs

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Wearable Technology Summer Camp

Cohosted by Arlington AAUW and Qualcomm

Arlington AAUW  has agreed to co-host a Wearable Technology Virtual Summer Camp to take place July 12-16, along with Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus STEM programs and  Qualcomm, a company designed to create innovate technologies that transforms how the world connects, computes and communicates, which is the corporate sponsor for this camp. We have connected through Jim Egenreider, former APS teacher and technology guru, who currently is a professor at Virginia Tech, Northern Virginia campus, and the director of the Qualcomm Think-A-Bit lab, designed to teach young people of all ages electronic and robotic technology. Qualcomm is sponsoring all fees for electronic kits and other needed supplies to be distributed to 20+ girls in the Arlington area who have been recruited through APS Equity and Excellence Coordinators. Teri Doxsee is working with the IT supervisor to ensure each girl has equal access to the Zoom platform. We will offer participation to the 8 girls who were the Science Fair awardees.

“These camps are designed to help the girls develop new skills (algorithms, programming, engineering design processes) but to do so in highly engaging ways. The camp will include college and career exploration. The girls will design and build their own wearable-based creative project using these skills”.

If any of you who have had a STEM-related technology career and would be willing to talk to the girls (via Zoom) on one of the four eligible days of the camp between 12:00 – 1:00 pm for 15 minutes, please contact me.

Meg Tuccillo and Mary Spatz also are working with me on this project.

Susan Senn, STEM Coordinator

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Let’s Talk About Books

TheJune meeting for Let’s Talk About Books is Tuesday, June 22, 2 pm at your regular Zoom location.  Our book selection is A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum.

Our July meeting is schedule for July 19, at 7 pm.  Our book selection is A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

At our July meeting we will have the opportunity to lobby for our suggestions for next year, but the vote of the group will determine if it makes the list.  We need 11 titles since we do not meet in August.  When considering your suggestions (a maximum of three) we ask that it be readily available at the library or in paperback.  If you send me your suggestions with a short blurb about the book, I will compile the list and send to all before the meeting so you can be contemplating your choices. Here are links to the Master Book List so you can see what we have already read.   Let me know if you  have any problems. Link to Master list by title.  Link to Master list by author.

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

See all our books for 2020-21 with a brief description of each on the Let’s Talk About Books page.

Barbara Gallagher, Chair

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Welcome New Members

Krysta Jones

Krysta Jones, has committed her life to public service and developing leaders and is passionate about the power of politics to change lives.

Krysta serves as the inaugural director of the Virginia Promise Partnership which aims to achieve access to affordable, quality childcare for all Virginia families by 2030. Krysta serves as the voice of the Coalition before policymakers and the media and oversees the Virginia Promise Advocate community.

In 2006, Krysta founded Vote Lead Impact to educate Black leaders about the political process, and has served as Director of Outreach for two Members of Congress. She has held leadership roles for several local, state and national organizations and is currently the president of the National Women’s Political Caucus – Virginia, and the national co-chair for the Women’s Vote Centennial Initiative.

Elizabeth Estabrooks

From her youth, Elizabeth Estabrooks has had a passion for social justice, which she has used in her career for nearly three decades. In that time, she has had the privilege of focusing her work primarily on issues related to women, particularly peer support services, recovery, gender- and culturally- responsive services, domestic violence and sexual assault, and advocacy for women Veterans.  

In 2001 Ms. Estabrooks earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Gender Studies and Political Science from Eastern Oregon University. In 2013 she was selected as a Fisher-Cummings Washington D.C. Fellow and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University, where she began developing policy papers on the topics of military sexual assault, military culture, and women veterans and  was invited to serve on the Department of Veterans Affairs National Domestic Violence Task Force. 

During her career Ms. Estabrooks has worked with government, non-profit, and private agencies nationwide and in Canada. She is currently the Acting Director at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Center for Women Veterans in Washington, DC.

 Ms. Estabrooks is a Peacetime veteran of the U.S. Army and makes her home in Woodbridge, VA with her adorable Shih Tzu Beyonce (aka Queen B) and enjoys dragon boat racing, kayaking, yoga and walking with Beyonce along the river.

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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 Teri at newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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Arlington AAUW Executive Committee 2020-21

• • President: Carol Dabbs (2019-21) presarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-First VPs for Programs: Meg Tuccillo and Chioma Eni (2019-21)
  • Co-Second VPs for Membership:  Michelle Milden (2019-21) and Gail McGinn (2020-22)
  • Third VP for Communications: Teri Doxsee (2019-21) newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Secretary: Marie Schryver (2020-22)
  • Treasurer: Mary Spatz (2021-22)
  • Public Policy: Sara Anderson

Arlington AAUW Executive Committee 2021-22

Term begins July 1, 2021

• • President: Terry Bratt(2021-2023) and Karen Darner (2021-2023) presarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-First VPs for Programs: Meg Tuccillo (2021-2023)
  • Co-Second VPs for Membership:  Michelle Milden (2021-2022) and Gail McGinn (2020-22)
  • Third VP for Communications: Teri Doxsee (2021-2023) newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-Secretaries: Candace Lilyquist (2021-2022) and Susan Senn (2021-2022)
  • Treasurer: Mary Spatz (2021-22)
  • Public Policy: Sara Anderson

Volume 77, Issue 5

Denise Decker Graveside Service on April 2, 11 am

Denise’s inurnment will take place on Friday April 2nd at 11AM at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington VA 22201.  Services will be conducted graveside by the Reverend Catherine Campbell. Her family has asked that we let them know if we plan to attend. If you did not receive the email with this information so that you can respond individually to the family, please send an email to presarlvaaauw@gmail.com and I will pass on the information to them.  

Carol Dabbs, President

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AAUW Branch April and May Programs

We have had an interesting year of zoom meetings, presentations and experiences that we didn’t imagine a year ago!!!  Stay with us as the year isn’t over yet!!!

On Monday evening, April 12^th at 7 pm on Zoom.  We will celebrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by recognizing the young women in Arlington who are the top winners at both the middle and high school levels in the Northern Virginia Regional Science Fair. They will also present their projects in virtual format! See below for more information about the STEM initiative and the list of science fair winners.

We are also fortunate to have Dr. Argie Navvada, a prominent NASA scientist, speak with us on women and STEM.  Dr. Kavaada enthralled  24 young women who attended the November, 2019 Lunch Bunch meeting with a discussion of cholera and how her research as an earth scientist is used to predict incidence of cholera in many developing countries. Please plan to join us – and maybe invite your daughters/granddaughters to join in for this evening!!!

Our final meeting of the 2020-21 year will be held on Monday, May 17^th at 7 pm on Zoom  will be our celebration of the 2021 Elizabeth Campbell Scholarship, Lunch Bunch Scholarship and Arlington AAUW’s Educator of the Year winners!! We are delighted to have this opportunity to hear from our Arlington student winners on their plans  and our APS educator on their work with our Arlington students!  Please join in the celebration!!!!!!

There will be notification about the Zoom link for each program provided via e-mail just prior to each meeting. 

Meg Tuccillo, Co-VP Programs

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2021 Awards Program

Although these are extraordinary times, the branch board of directors has determined that we should continue our awards program at the same level as last year, for a total of $2500:    

• • one Elizabeth Campbell Award (a $1000 scholarship for an Arlington County graduating senior who plans to study the arts in college),
  • one Lunch Bunch Scholarship (a $1000 scholarship for a graduating senior from the Lunch Bunch program who is continuing to college), and
  • one Teacher of the Year Award ($500).

This is where you come in! We need contributions from branch members to fund these awards this year.  To reduce complexity for both you as the donors and for the Treasurer in accounting for contributed funds, the board has further determined that contributions this year be solicited for the overall awards program, rather than for specific awards, which was done in the past.  

Please send your contributions by check made out to “AAUW Arlington, Virginia” with Awards Program in the memo line, to our Treasurer, Mary Spatz, whose address is in our directory. Her address will also be sent by email to branch members with a copy of this message about a week after newsletter publication. (To clarify, such contributions are not deductible from your federal or Virginia income for tax purposes because the branch does not have 501c3 status.)

Carol Dabbs, President

Arlington Branch Named Honorees for 2020

At the recent AAWU Virginia Annual Conference, our seven named honorees for 2020 were revealed. An honoree may be selected to be recognized by AAUW of Virginia for service to the branch or community for each $500 donation to AAUW Funds made by branch members, or by the branch itself.  Honorees receive a handsome certificate.

Our members donated $3,649 in 2020, an increase of more than $1,000 over 2019 levels. This meant we could award seven honorees, an increase of two over 2019. There are many deserving members, and it is always difficult to make a choice. Join me in congratulating the following honorees for 2020:

Dottie Clarke, for her service on our Nominations Committee, contributing to a full officer slate in a year with many offices needing candidates, and who contributed a charming introduction to Mary Margaret Whipple at our Awards program in December;

Karen Darner, who not only served on the Nominations Committee, but agreed to be nominated for Co-President for the next two years;

Denise Decker (in memoriam), for her steadfast support of AAUW for many years, capped off by her service to AAUW Virginia as the Arlington point of contact for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group there;

Terry Bratt, for her service as Secretary 2017-19, and for her willingness to be nominated for Co-President for the next two years;

Barbara Gallagher, for her long-term guidance and organization of the branch book group;

Marjorie Hobart, for her many years of active service to the branch and for her new role as the point of contact for the Arlington branch in the AAUW Virginia Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group; and

Meg Tuccillo, for her many years of active service to the branch, including her most recent incarnation as Co-VP Programs, guiding continuous improvements to our public programs relevant to AAUW Strategic Goals.

It is my hope that I will soon have the opportunity at an in-person gathering to present these honorees (as well as those from 2019) with their certificates.

Carol Dabbs, President

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Let’s Talk About Books

The April meeting for Let’s Talk About Books is Tuesday, April 27, 2 pm at your regular Zoom location.  Our book selection is The Pearl that Broke its Shell by Nadia Hashimi.

Our May meeting will be Tuesday, May 25, 2 pm.  Our book selection is A Place For Us by Fatima S. Mirza.

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

See all our books for 2020-21 with a brief description of each on the Let’s Talk About Books page.

Barbara Gallagher, Chair

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April and May Plans for International Coffee Conversation Group:

We will continue to meet by Zoom on Wednesday, April 14 and on Wednesday May 12.  The April meeting at 10:30 will talk about how the COVID pandemic has changed our lives.  On May 23 at 10:30 we will discuss the plans for 2021/2022.

AAUW Branch members are welcome to join us.  For more information please contact Priscilla Becker (see directory for contact information.)

Priscilla Becker, lead

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Dues Changes For 2021-22

While the amount of AAUW national dues has increased for the 2021-22 fiscal year to $62, $59 of that amount is deductible. State dues remain $15, and branch dues remain $16 for the new fiscal year. This means that the total dues for a branch member are $93 and for a paid life member, $31. Honorary life members (those who’ve paid dues for 50 years) do not pay dues to national, state, or branch. You will receive an email with a link to pay your dues online or by check in the next few weeks. 

Carol Dabbs, President

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AAUW Arlington, Virginia Branch Annual Meeting, March 20, 2021

The branch’s annual meeting was held by Zoom on March 20, 2021, attended by sixteen members, well over the required quorum of seven members. Carol Dabbs called the meeting to order at 10:40 am.  

First, we enjoyed learning about Women’s Financial Security from Ann Summerson, a Financial Advisor. In a nutshell, she indicated that financial planning is saving, investing those savings, and covering the risks of both saving and investing. 

Our branch business meeting followed. We first unanimously approved minutes from the 2020 Annual Meeting and received the 2019-20 Financial Report. Carol Dabbs introduced Mary Spatz, who was elected by the Board of Directors to complete the unexpired 2020-22 term as Treasurer vacated by the resignation of Gloria Rothman. 

We then turned our attention to the Election of Officers. 

It was announced that Liz Estabrooks had withdrawn her name from consideration as Co-Secretary; the nominations committee will identify a replacement candidate for consideration by the Board of Directors. 

It was further announced that there was an omission from the slate of officers circulated to the membership on February 21^st; the term of Teri Doxsee as 3^rd Vice President for Communications is ending this year, and she had been asked and agreed to be re-elected to this position. Teri Doxsee was nominated from the floor with a second, and so added to the slate of officers. Terry Bratt conducted the election using the polling function of Zoom. The Slate of Officers, as amended, was approved unanimously.  

Prior to adjournment, we had announcements from Susan Senn, Carol Dabbs, Meg Tuccillo, Terry Bratt, Margo Horner, Sara Anderson, Michele Milden, and Marjorie Hobart.  

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 am. 

Carol Dabbs, President

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Election of New Officers

The following officers were elected at our Annual Meeting on March 20^th; their new terms begin on July 1, 2021.

Co-Presidents (2021-23)

Terry Bratt, a native New Yorker, has been a member of the Arlington AAUW branch for approximately 40 years. Over the years, Terry has served our branch in several leadership roles including president, vice-president for programs, and most recently, secretary. While she was principal of Arlington’s Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School, the Arlington AAUW branch became active in school activities and sponsored the first annual Arts and Writers Fair. Members also became active in the Book Buddies program and helped with RIF book distributions. Terry retired from Arlington Public Schools in 2013 after a career as an educator and administrator that spanned 42 years.

Karen Darner was a speech/language and hearing pathologist in the Arlington Public Schools from 1971-2008, during which she was on leave for two years in the U.S. Peace Corps and returned to teach in Arlington. She also was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for 13 years, representing primarily Arlington. Her legislation focused on education, youth, women, social justice, transportation, the environment, and Dreamers. During her 40+ years of civic activism, Karen has been an active member of the AAUW Arlington branch, where she served as Treasurer, Co-Vice President for Programs, and on local committees. Karen has served as a board member & volunteer of numerous civic and nonprofit groups, such as the Arlington Planning Commission, Status of Women Commission, the Arlington League of Women Voters, Committee of 100, and the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). In 2009 Karen was the recipient of the Arlington Community Foundation’s Spirit of Community Award and has served on their Board of Trustees. Karen is currently a member of the Virginia Commission on Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders and is assigned to a team that lobbies Member of Congress Donald S Beyer on Alzheimer’s and related issues in Congress.

1^st Vice President for Program (2021-23)

Meg Tuccillo (second term), a native New Yorker (same as Terry Bratt!) has been a member of Arlington AAUW branch for about 15 years.  As a member, Meg has held positions as Program Chair for four years and as Co-President for four years. Professionally, Meg served as principal at Tuckahoe Elementary and Abingdon Elementary before being appointed Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services for Arlington Public Schools.  In that role, Meg served as the Title IX Coordinator and worked to ensure equity for young women in the school system.  Although Meg retired in 2012, she continues to connect with the school system through the branch AAUW Scholarships and Educator of the Year processes. 

Co-2^nd Vice President for Membership (2021-22)

Michele Milden (one year term extension), a former Bostonian, has been a member of the Arlington Branch AAUW since 2000 when she first became Membership VP Co-Chair. Michele also served as President, Co-President, Arlington Civic Federation Alternate, Bylaws Chair, Photographer, Lunch Bunch Chair (and later Co-Chair), RIF (Reading is Fundamental) distribution, and Membership VP Co-Chair again. 

Michele retired from the Arlington Public Schools after 35 years of teaching elementary school and ESOL/HILT. In addition to volunteering with AAUW, Michele serves on two other boards; ARTA (Arlington Retired Teachers Association) and BNC NOVA (Brandeis National Committee). She is married to Michael Wiener (Ret. Col. USA). 

3^rd Vice President for Communications (2021-23)

Teri Doxsee (second term) is originally from St. Louis, Mo. but has lived in the DC area since she attended Georgetown.  Teri was an ESOL/HILT teacher and Instructional Technology Coordinator in Arlington Public Service until she retired in 2018.  She originally joined AAUW in the late 1990’s serving as Membership VP and Newsletter editor. She rejoined in 2018 and has served as VP for Communication (newsletter and website) and participates in the Lunch Bunch and Book Group.

Co-Secretaries (2021-22)

Candace L. Lilyquist (2^nd year of term of Marie Schryver, who resigned) joined the Arlington branch of AAUW in 2020, because of the organization’s ongoing work in equity for women and girls. She has been a member of AAUW on and off for 20 years. Ms. Lilyquist is active in local politics; serves as an orientation chair and regional leader in her professional organization Association of Field Service Employees (AFSE); and is the secretary/treasurer for her condo association. In addition, Candace has held numerous leadership positions (including all executive roles) in her professional organization, League of Women Voters, and in her church affiliations. Ms. Lilyquist is an Organizational Specialist with the National Education Association. She has lived in Texas and Virginia but is originally from Minnesota. 

The nominating committee is working to identify a Co-Secretary to serve with Candace for this one-year position. Please contact Susan Senn with any suggestions—and self-nomination is allowed!

The following officers are continuing in their positions:

Co-2^nd Vice President for Membership (2020-22) 

Gail McGinn has been a member of the Arlington AAUW branch for about 2 years, but was a Member at Large for many years before that.  Gail retired from the Department of Defense with 37 years of service, serving as a Senior Executive in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.  She spent many years working on military family issues and is a member of the Board of Governors of the National Military Family Association, where she also served as Chair for four years.

Treasurer (2021-22)

Mary Mace Spatz was elected by the Board of Directors at the March 3, 2021, meeting to complete the term of Gloria Rothman, who resigned. There will be a short transition period while the bank signatures are changed.

Mary was given a life membership in AAUW when she finished her Master’s Degree in Secondary Science from GW University as a graduation gift from her mother, Lucyle Mace (who was President of the AAUW Arlington Branch 1982-84.)  Unfortunately, Mary did not have the time to enjoy the lovely gift for many years, between raising her two children, and following her husband to assignments overseas to Hawaii and England. And when she did live in the DC area she was busy teaching anything from General Science to AP Biology and AP Chemistry in FCPS.  One of her great joys was helping the girls in her Science Honor Society at Hayfield Secondary School develop a monthly after school science program for the 6th grade girls at Hayfield Elementary School.

Carol Dabbs, President

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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 Teri at newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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Arlington AAUW Executive Committee 2020-21

• • President: Carol Dabbs (2019-21) presarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-First VPs for Programs: Meg Tuccillo and Chioma Eni (2019-21)
  • Co-Second VPs for Membership:  Michelle Milden (2019-21) and Gail McGinn (2020-22)
  • Third VP for Communications: Teri Doxsee (2019-21) newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Secretary: Marie Schryver (2020-22)
  • Treasurer: Mary Spatz (2021-22)
  • Public Policy: Sara Anderson

Volume 77, Issue 4

AAUW Branch Program Plans through May

We are excited about the opportunities for our branch members to learn, grow and celebrate during the coming months!  During this time of caution regarding Covid, we will continue to plan for our meetings to be conducted via Zoom.  Each month you will receive an e-mail with the zoom link for that program.

Racial Equity and Equality in Arlington

If you were able to join us for our January 23^rd meeting, you had a valuable opportunity to begin the work of engaging in important, relevant, and powerful discussions on diversity, inclusion and belonging.  Part Two of this work will be provided on Saturday, February 20^th at 10:30 am.  Krysta Jones, a powerful advocate for racial equity and women’s voices and new Arlington branch member, will continue to guide us in understanding the issues and our own roles in moving forward as individuals and as an organization! You are welcome to attend even if you were not able to join the first part of the program in January! (Please note that this is intended to be an internal discussion, so we will not be inviting the public to join us for this meeting.)

Annual Meeting March 20th

Besides the important work of electing officers for 2021-23 and other branch business, our annual meeting on Saturday, March 20^th at 10:30 am, will include a useful and relevant presentation on Women’s Financial Security provided by Ann Summerson, a certified financial planner and well-regarded expert in this field.

On Monday, April 12^th at 7 pm, we will have our long-awaited (postponed from last year!) Girls and STEM program featuring the young women awardees from the Northern Virginia Regional Science Fair and a presentation by Dr. Argie Kavvada, Program Manager for Sustainable Development Goals for NASA.

Our final meeting of the 2020-21 year will be held on Monday, May 17^th at 7 pm, where we will celebrate our winners of the Elizabeth Campbell Arts Scholarship, the Lunch Bunch Scholarship, and the APS Educator of the Year.

There will be notification about the Zoom link for each program provided via e-mail in advance of each meeting.  

Meg Tuccillo, Co-VP Programs

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2021 Awards Program

Although these are extraordinary times, the branch board of directors has determined that we should continue our awards program at the same level as last year, for a total of $2500:    

• • one Elizabeth Campbell Award (a $1000 scholarship for an Arlington County graduating senior who plans to study the arts in college), 
  • one Lunch Bunch Scholarship (a $1000 scholarship for a graduating senior from the Lunch Bunch program who is continuing to college), and 
  • one Teacher of the Year Award ($500).  

This is where you come in! We need contributions from branch members to fund these awards this year.  To reduce complexity for both you as the donors and for the Treasurer in accounting for contributed funds, the board has further determined that contributions this year be solicited for the overall awards program, rather than for specific awards, which was done in the past.  

Please send your contributions by check made out to “AAUW Arlington, Virginia” with Awards Program in the memo line, to our Treasurer, Gloria Rothman, whose address is in our online directory. Her address will also be sent by email to branch members with a copy of this message. (To clarify, such contributions are not deductible from your federal or Virginia income for tax purposes because the branch does not have 501c3 status.)

Carol Dabbs, President

Let’s Talk About Books

The February meeting for Let’s Talk About Books is Tuesday, February 23, 2 pm at your regular Zoom location.  Our book selection is Just Mercy: A story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson.

Our March meeting will be Tuesday, March 23, 2 pm.  Our book selection is The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power.

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

See all our books for 2020-21 with a brief description of each on the Let’s Talk About Books page.

Barbara Gallagher, Chair

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International Coffee Conversation Group:

The Arlington group met via WebEx on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.  Sahar Khan, one of our diplomat members, discussed recipes from her instragram food blog “What’s Cooking Sahar”.  Sahar is the wife of a diplomat from the Australian Embassy.

In February we will meet on Wednesday, February 10 at 10:30 a.m.  We will be discussing Valentine’s Day origins and rites we follow today.

AAUW Branch members are welcome to join us.  For more information please contact Priscilla Becker (see directory for contact information.)

Priscilla Becker, lead

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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 Teri at newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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Arlington AAUW Executive Committee 2020-21

• • President: Carol Dabbs (2019-21) presarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Co-First VPs for Programs: Meg Tuccillo and Chioma Eni (2019-21)
  • Co-Second VPs for Membership:  Michelle Milden (2019-21) and Gail McGinn (2020-22)
  • Third VP for Communications: Teri Doxsee (2019-21) newsarlvaaauw@gmail.com
  • Secretary: Marie Schryver (2020-22)
  • Treasurer: Gloria Rothman (2020-22)
  • Public Policy: Sara Anderson

 

Now is the time to renew!! Check your email!!

Membership dues should be paid by June 30, 2021. Membership dues are $93–national $63, state $15, and local $16. Of the $63 for national dues, $59 is tax deductible. Your emailed receipt will show this information.

Pay Online – THE EASIEST WAY IS TO PAY ON-LINE after you receive a dues notice from memberinfo@aauw.org (AAUW National) the first week of May. The subject line was:  AAUW Membership Renewal for Fiscal Year 2022.

Once you receive the email to renew from AAUW, click on the link, enter your credit card number, and your membership is renewed in less than 30 seconds.  Look for that email and renew that day!

Contact Mary Spatz if you can not find the email and ask her to send you a new one.

Pay by Check – If you prefer to renew by check, please send your check for $93, made payable to AAUW-Arlington Branch to: Mary Spatz, Treasurer, AAUW-Arlington, (see membership directory for address)  Please mail your check so it is received well in advance of June 30.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND your dues payment directly to National AAUW.  DO NOT RENEW through National’s web site. You will not be listed as an Arlington branch member.

Annual Meeting Rescheduled for May 30th 10:30 a.m. on Zoom

AAUW Arlington, Virginia Annual Meeting will take place virtually, using Zoom software.  Our Bylaws require an annual meeting, but state law exonerates us from the requirement that it take place in March based on the emergency situation. There are 3 pieces of essential business:  to approve last year’s minutes, vote on the nominations committee’s slate of officers, and vote on bylaws changes.

Branch members will be sent notification of this meeting at least 20 days in advance.  That email will include the link for Zoom and instructions.

Here are the reports needed for the meeting:

• Annual Business Meeting Agenda
• Minutes from March 2019 Annual Meeting – for member approval
• Nominating Committee Report
• Financial Report
• Arlington Branch Bylaws amended March 2019
• Proposed Changes to Bylaws

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Proposed Slate of Officers for 2020-2021

The membership will vote on the following slate of new officers for two year terms, July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 at the annual business meeting:

• Co-second VP for Membership: Gail McGinn
• Secretary:  Marie Schryver
• Treasurer:  Gloria Rothman

The following officers’ terms of office continue through FY 20-21:

• President: Carol Dabbs
• Co-first VPs for Programs: Chioma Eni and Meg Tuccillo
• Co-second VP for Membership: Michele Milden
• Assistant Treasurer: Teri Doxsee

Science Fairs in schools today are the birthplace of most research performed by students all the way from 1st grade through high school. Elementary schools have adopted the challenge and are working much harder to foster scientific literacy by having children plan and conduct their own research projects.  Often, students’ research leads them to careers in scientific fields. Recently, Arlington was ranked #3 best place for Women in Technology.

We would like to raise the profile of our Branch of AAUW by encouraging young women to pursue studies in scientific fields.  Susan Senn and Sara Anderson have secured a place among the organizations who judge selected projects after the official judging is over at the Regional Science Fair on March 21. We propose one first place and three runner-up awards in each division (Middle and high school), for a total expenditure of $375.  The Branch Board of Directors gave preliminary approval to this proposal at its January meeting.