Southern Highlights

Volume 10 Number 7 April 2012

Shaping the World One Woman at a Time

Marijo Alexander and Liz Richardson, Co-Presidents

Co-President’s Thoughts

As our 2011-2012 year is winding down, let me remind you of a few opportunities for involvement. Our state convention at Ruttger’s Resort is coming up April 27 – 29. We are allowed five delegates and have $500 to help pay expenses. If you would like to stay to enjoy golfing, hiking, or shopping, the resort will allow delegates to stay three days previous and three days after for the reasonable rate of $69 per night. The Pine lists the many activities of the convention. Names need to be submitted by April 20 – please let Marijo or me know if you would like to attend.

The book sale with Friends of the Library is also that week-end. Now is the time to choose books you would like to donate and drop them off at the library. Thanks to Laura Tjomsland for coordinating this effort with the library.

We were treated to a delightful program in March by four international students entitled “It’s a Small World.” On March 15 a few of us were able to attend “Miz Wizard’s Science Secrets” assembly at the high school. Jane Curry (Miz Wizard) was an entertaining guest at dinner the evening before. Carolyn Bogott and Peggy Benzkofer are already searching for next year’s program candidate. Ideas?

At our April 10th meeting, winners of the high school Women’s History Month project will present their entries. They interviewed local women whose careers are in math, science, engineering, medicine or technology. Don’t miss this!

A big “thank you” is due Eunys Kloempken who came to the rescue when we were sent a request for “Conformance of AAUW State and Branch Bylaws with the 2011 AAUW Bylaws Revisions and Recent Changes in the Laws of Washington, D.C.” When our bylaws needed updating in 2009, Eunys worked on changes. I was confident she was the person to tackle this huge task again. She painstakingly made the changes, and after our bylaws are reviewed by our board, they will be sent on to Barb Link, our State Bylaws Chair.

Mark your calendars for May 8th, the day for our spring banquet at the Historic Hormel Home when we wrap up the year and look forward to the 2012-2013 year.

Liz Richardson

Co-President

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Southern Highlights

Volume 10 Number 6 March 2012

Shaping the World One Woman at a Time

Marijo Alexander and Liz Richardson, Co-Presidents

Co-President’s Thoughts

Since I have been away care-giving the last two weeks, I missed our last program. I believe it was very timely. It was timely because this fall the “marriage amendment” to Minnesota’s constitution will be on the ballot for its citizens to decide how they wish to treat another issue of equal rights.

You recently received the spring issue of the Pine. Please keep abreast of what is happening in AAUW statewide by reading it. What the state organization is doing and what is happening in other affiliates concerns us too.

I hope you are finding time to participate in at least one of our small groups. In them you not only are learning and sharing, but also becoming better acquainted with fellow members, a real bonus.

An exciting program is being planned for our branch in March. We will be celebrating Women’s History Month at high school assembly and at our membership meeting. Read specifics in another article and plan to attend.

Liz Richardson

Co-President

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Southern Highlights

Volume 10 Number 5 February 2012

Shaping the World One Woman at a Time

Marijo Alexander and Liz Richardson, Co-Presidents

Co-President’s Thoughts

We were treated to an interesting and entertaining presentation at our January meeting. Thank you, Carolyn Bogott, for sharing with us your experiences and pictures from a recent trip to China. Our understanding of that corner of the world has been broadened.

Sandy Folk and Dani Heiny willingly accepted our request for them to be the nominating committee. In checking our by-laws we discovered a third person was required and Marijo volunteered. This committee has secured co-presidents, a program co-president, and a membership co-president to be on our board next year. They will be voted on at our next board meeting. Nominated are: Sue Grove and Marijo Alexander as co-presidents; Yesenia Mendoza on program with Kari Bain, and Kathy Kester on membership with Marsha Kuehne. Thank you to these people who are willing to share their time and talents.

State convention is right around the corner: April 27, 28 and 29. If the warmer weather for this year holds true into April the Ruttger’s Bay Lake location might be a very appealing location for those of you who are golfers. New officers should consider going if possible.

Liz Richardson

Co-President

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Southern Highlights

Volume 10 Number 4 December 2011

Shaping the World One Woman at a Time

Marijo Alexander and Liz Richardson, Co-Presidents

Co-President’s Thoughts

Thanksgiving 2011 is now past, and we hope you all have an “attitude of gratitude” for the richness of your lives. We do indeed have much to be thankful for. We are thankful for: what AAUW stands for, our AAUW branch, each of our members, and what you contribute as a member.

Now the Christmas season is upon us with all its busyness. May it be a season of hope, love, peace, and joy. Remember our Christmas party at The Coffee House on Main Tuesday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m., and bring a children’s book to share with a needy child.

We are looking for a couple members to serve on the nominating committee. If you have been in AAUW for a few years and feel you know who might be a good fit for our offices, this is a job for you. Please let one of us know if you would be willing to serve on this committee.

Since there will be no January newsletter we’ll take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year and all the best in 2012. We look forward to a great year in AAUW!

Marijo Alexander and Liz Richardson

Co-Presidents

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