Musings from Andie

Dear Ladies of the AAUW,

I must apologize before I go on any further. I realize lately that my behavior has been erratic and forgetful. I hit a really rough stretch of road about a year ago and it was really rocky. I'm just beginning to pull out.

I hope you are all set for the holidays. I'll probably see you at the Madison come December for cookies and tea. A tea party at this time of year is really great, and I am sure it will lift our spirits.

And once more... keep your appetites under control. Lift those weights. Be good. There's always the gym. And bread and water. Feed your Christmas cookies to the dog. The cats get the eggnog. Cheers!

  Most sincerely,

                                                Andie

December Meeting Saturday, December 6, 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Tea Madison Restaurant McElhattan
Hope to see you there!

CARE and CONCERN

Barb Breon is currently on dialysis.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as we extend to Barb our best wishes for strength throughout this time of difficulty.

The membership and the community were deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of June C. Almes on November 5, 2008.

June graduated with her bachelor’s degree in library science from Indiana University of PA.  Prior to her retirement in 1994, she taught elementary and secondary education candidates for some 20 years at the Stevenson Library, Lock Haven University of PA.

While serving on the board at Ross Library, June played an important role in helping to orchestrate the construction of the library’s new wing.  In addition, she actively served in Clinton County’s Democratic Women.

June enjoyed travelling, and, for a number of years, resided in China.  During that time, she noted the lack of textbooks available to Chinese students that provided a fundamental overview of the British and American societies, and also a paucity of academic treatments of subjects written in English.

As a result, she fostered a unique Sino-British-American cooperative effort, and, along with C. W. Pollard, June spearheaded the writing of a textbook for Chinese students titled A Survey of the United Kingdom and the United States.

June and Carol designed this textbook specifically to assist people studying the English language, people studying British or American literature and culture, people planning to study in or travel to the United Kingdom or the U.S., or people planning to work with the British or Americans.

This effort required the coordination of multiple American, British, and Chinese authors on a variety of topics including philosophy, history, geography, politics, economics, education, and culture.  And, both she and Carol worked tirelessly with the editor and publisher in China.

This past summer, June and Carol began a complete revision of the text, updating and expanding the manuscript.  Much of the material had been completed and was on its way to China just prior to her death.

Minutes of NOVEMber 6, 2008
Meeting of the Lock Haven Branch of AAUW

Meeting was called to order by President Andi Bennett at 7:15 at the Community Room of Great Island Presbyterian Church.  Guest speaker was Jenn Meanor who spoke on Sign Language and signing for the hard of hearing.  Jenn has a Master of Education from Bloomsburg University in Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Jenn signed a children’s book Colors All Day and then proceeded to teach the members the signs for all of the words from the book.  In addition, she taught members the signs for the alphabet, common phrases, and numbers.  She talked about teaching the deaf and the methods used by English Sign Language.  Speech classes for the deaf incorporate both speaking aloud and signing.  Jenn also brought a guest named Dolly to her presentation.

Members present at the meeting were Andi Bennett, Linda Frye, Toni Tomasi, Pat Burd, Roberta Doyle, Laura Long, Ellie Zimmerman, Diane Whitaker, Michelle Long, and Bonnie Rosamilia.

A general meeting was held following the presentation by Jenn Meanor.  News of the death of June Almes was given by Andi Bennett.  Toni Tomasi provided information concerning her sudden death on
November 5.  At this time no arrangement information was available.

Minutes as presented in the Lockletter were approved.  Treasurer Angela Black was unable to attend, so there was no treasurer’s report available.

Diane Whitaker reported on our next meeting to be held on December 6 at 2:00 p.m. at The Madison Restaurant in McElhattan.  This will be a holiday tea with finger food and tea served.  Cost will be $10 per person plus tip.  Members are urged to wear their best hats and gloves and make it a nostalgic affair.  The meeting in March is to celebrate women in Clinton County.  Since this is our AAUW chapter’s 40th anniversary year, it was decided to coordinate this celebration of women with the anniversary in April.  The 40th anniversary gemstone is Ruby.  Other suggestions on how to celebrate are welcomed.

Membership:  No report.

Legal Advocacy Fund:  Beth Brobst was absent.

Publicity:  Andi Bennett will ask C. W. Pollard to take over for the remainder of the year.

Book Sale:  Toni Tomasi reported that the next Price & Sort will be held on a Thursday in January.  The exact date will be forthcoming.  AAUW has been using a new, although smaller, garage for storing the books.  Payment of the rent is $40 per month.  Toni is going to check on storage units to see if a storage unit that is larger than the garage is available for approximately the same rent.

Care & Concern:  Reported that Barb Breon is in ill health.  Members were asked to remember her with cards.

AAUW-LHUP:  Andi Bennett reported that she and C. W. Pollard are still working to establish a liaison between the college and our AAUW branch.

NEW BUSINESS

Write/Read/Write:  Laura Long reported on Write/Read/Write for the upcoming year.  She contacted Avis Elementary School 5^th grade.  This class is very small, so she has decided to do both 4^th and 5^th grades.  She will bring letters to the February meeting and hopefully we will receive our final letters back at the April or May meeting.

AAUW Circle Legacy:  Andi Bennett got information on Circle Legacy.  If anyone is interested in including AAUW as a benefactor, please contact Andi for this information.

Outstanding Woman Award:  Andi suggested that the Outstanding Woman for our AAUW chapter might be given to June Almes, posthumously.

Five Outstanding Women of Clinton County: A lengthy discussion was held concerning the upcoming celebration of Five Outstanding Women of Clinton County.  Each candidate as listed was discussed and their community involvement was reviewed.  Several members suggested that the list ONLY include non-members of AAUW.  Attached is the revised list with only non-members on it.  A poll of all members is being conducted asking for each member’s input as to what names should be included on the list.  Pat Burd has agreed to receive the poll which will be done through email.  Laura Long and Andi Bennett will contact those who do not have email.

Results will be discussed at the next meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 on a motion by Linda Frye, seconded by Pat Burd.  Motion passed.

Bonnie Rosamilia, Secretary

Congratulations
General Ann E. Dunwoody

 AAUW salutes
Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody on becoming the US military’s first four-star general.  We join all women in uniform serving this country with courage and distinction in celebrating this historic achievement.

2008-2009
AAUW Lock Haven Branch
Board of Directors

Elected Officers

Andie Bennett

Dianne Whitaker

Jo Anne Hoberman Michele Long

Bonnie Rosamilia

Angela Black

Beth Brobst

Committee (chaired by Branch President)

Toni Tomasi
Carol Hildebrand

Pat Burd

Roberta Doyle
Becky Gilbert

JoAnn Marcinkevage

Linda Frye

Gerry Cierpilowski
Betty Nelson

Dianne Whitaker

Dianne Whitaker
Bobbie Way

Ellie Zimmerman
Bobbie Way