Mark Your Calendar
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Wednesday, October 2Board Meeting 6:45
Bobbi Richardson’s house
1417 Fox Hallow Road, Niskayuna
Wednesday, October 9
1:00 Russell Sage
7:00 First Unitarian Society of Albany
Saturday, October 12
Deadline to send in registration form
for District IV Conference
Saturday, October 19
DISTRICT IV CONFERENCE
Poughkeepsie, 9:00 – 2:00
(see page 5)
Wednesday, October 23
Annual Free Concert for Seniors
Empire State Youth Orchestra 1:00
Proctors Theatre
Lunch prior to concert (optional)
Saturday, October 26
Financial Literacy & Responsibility
Program
10am-2pm,Things of My Very Own, Inc.
Proctors – Volunteers Needed / Wednesday, November 6
Board Meeting 6:45
Niskayuna Town Hall (2ndfloor)
Wednesday, November 20
General Meeting – A woman’s
perspective as a military nurse
in Afghanistan
Candidate Forums
Thursday, October 10
Rotterdam Senior Citizen Center
7:00-9:00
Wednesday, October 23,
Glenville Town Hall, 7:00-9:00
Monday, Oct. 28
Niskayuna Town Hall
7:00-9:00
Tuesday, October 29
Schenectady Main Library
McChesney Room, 6:30-8:30
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CO-PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE
Autumn brings us opportunities for participation in many AAUW sponsored activities. Programs
that we are co-sponsoring this fall offer many opportunities for service and a new understanding
of our community, nation and world.
International Focus: On October 9 we have the great opportunity to meet and hear MalalaiJoya, an Afghan woman who served in the Afghan parliament. She will describe her life among warlords and war criminals while serving her country. She has written a book on her experiences A Woman Among Warlords. Malalai is an extraordinary woman raised in the refugee camps of Iran and Pakistan and became a teacher in a secret girls’ schools, hiding her books under her burqa so the Taliban couldn’t find them. She has survived six assassination attempts, travels in Afghanistan with armed guards and has worked tirelessly on behalf of Afghan women. In 2010, Time magazine placed MalalaiJoya on their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Sincethis is an unique opportunity to hear a woman who had the courage to speak out against the corruption in her government, we decided that MalalaiJoya’s talk would be considered our General Meeting for the month of October. This event will take place in Troy in Bush Memorial Halll at Russell Sage at 1 pm. and in Albany at Emerson Hall, 405 Washington Ave. at 7 pm. We will form car pools to hear her speak. Please let Robin know if you would like to attend.
AAUW State Focus TheDistrict IV Conference: This is an opportunity to meet other AAUW members
and also provides discussion on AAUW issues. This year’s theme is Diversity - ethnicity, gender and
culture. Carpooling will be available for this event. (See pg. 5 for the schedule and workshop descriptions)
Local Focus: We are once again co-sponsoring the Candidate Forumswith the League
ofWomen Voters. This year forums will be held in Rotterdam (Oct. 10), Glenville (Oct. 23),
Niskayuna (Oct. 28), and Schenectady (Oct. 29). Our own Maxine Borom and Linda Rizzo will be the
moderators at the Niskayuna and Schenectady events. These events help us become more informed voters.
We are looking for help at all of the forums as ushers, question takers, time keepers and at our
AAUW information table. If you can help with any of these jobs, please contact Robin.
On Wednesday, October 23, join us for the Annual Free Concert for Seniors by the Empire State Youth Orchestra1:00 at Proctors Theatre. If you’re interested in going, contact Ellen Aurerbach , 381-4432. Prior to the concert, join us for lunch (optional).
Service Projects: Worthwhile opportunities benefiting both the children and us.
Things of My Very Own, a non-profit corporation that provides crisis intervention services and programs to children in emergency situations, specifically, those who have experienced extensive abuse or neglect is in need of volunteers for one of their major events for children, Financial Literacy and Responsibility, which will be held at Proctors Theater on October 26. Volunteers are needed for registration, to assist children with onsite "shopping", helping children balance their "checkbooks" and run games. A worthwhile endeavor benefiting both the children and us.
Consider also giving an hour or two a week to spend with young people.
Working Group on Girls is recruiting volunteers to work with middle and high school students
by serving as mentors during the school year.For further information contact at 393-0477.
The Center for Community Justice (CC) needs people to work with children whose families
are involved with family court. For information call Cheryl Vallee at CCJ, 346 128l, Ext. 30.
Robin Eddy, 346-1683
Bobbi Richardson,
Public Policy:
AAUW Opposes Private School Vouchers
AAUW has always been at the forefront of educational change and innovations. It promotes gender fairness, equity, and diversity in our public educational system. However, the organization has a concern about the promotion of charter schools and private school voucher programs as a way to improve public education. Charter schools are public operated schools that are exempt from many state regulations. Once a charter school is given permission to operate by a school board, a state education department, or a special charter school board, it receives taxpayer money. AAUW believes “the flexibility granted to charter schools must still come with clear responsibilities; all publicly funded schools must be accountable to the public for academic achievement, health and safety standards, and the civil rights of all students.” Regulations governing charter schools differ from state to state. Decisions regarding these regulations are made at the state and local level. These regulations include who is allowed to sponsor the school, the amount of funding given for its operation, curriculum development, and teacher certification requirements. These schools also receive the same amount of funding as the public schools in the same district.
Private school voucher programs are another school choice issue. AAUW has strongly opposed this concept. The Executive Director of AAUW stated that the organization “stands firmly by the belief that our nation should provide an excellent education for all children, not private school vouchers for a few.” The AAUW believes that “vouchers fly in the face of our nation’s commitment to public education; they siphon off scarce resources to private or religious schools that selectively admit students.”
The National Education Association (NEA) agrees with the position of AAUW on this issue. The NEA also opposes a private school voucher system because it diverts resources from public schools that are already in need of funds. If the voucher system becomes a national reality, the burden to support public schools will fall even more on the “backs” of the taxpayers. Other organizations such as the National School Board Association (NSBA) cite several reasons why private school vouchers would harm the foundation of our public school system. Besides diverting funds from the public schools, vouchers eliminate the need for public accountability. Private schools do not have to adhere to open meetings and record laws. They do not have to report on student achievement or follow federal laws such as special education regulations. According to NSBA, the Cleveland and Milwaukee state voucher programs do not demonstrate major differences between private and public school student achievement.
The success of innovative educational alternatives depends largely on how they are designed and implemented. Oversight of these innovations is crucial to their success. AAUW “believes that innovation and flexibility should not come at the expense of public accountability.”
Linda Rizzo
Membership: A Treat That Keeps on Giving
Now that autumn is upon us and we settle into our old routines, we cannot become too complacent about our branch. We need help to spread the word about the many opportunities that our branch has to offer to prospective members. We have great programs this year to expand our knowledge and enhance our understanding of the world around us, and wonderful opportunities for social interaction in our study and interest groups. Share the advantages of membership with colleagues and friends.
Point out that we can now deduct $46 of our dues from our incometaxes. We have informational brochures that are available to distribute to interested individuals and these brochures will be available at all of our general meetings. Let people know what a “treat” it is to belong to such a dynamic organization.
AAUW National Convention – Highlights
This year’s biannual convention was held in New Orleans from June 9-June 12, 2013. Schenectady AAUW member Andrea Versaci attended. She met people from other branches all across the country.
Program highlights reflected AAUW national initiatives. These included:
- A panel Discussion entitled Equal Pay, 50 Years Later. Lilly Ledbetter, Lisa Maatz, Catherine Hill, and other distinguished panelists discussed the successes and challenges of the pay equity fight since 1963.
- Some specifics concerning legal advocacy. “The Invisible War” was shown, followed by a Q&A Session with Andrea Neutzling, AAUW LAF-Supported Plaintiff.
- The importance of female leadership. Robin Gerber spoke about Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way and What Would Eleanor Do? Robin told the story of a very human Eleanor Roosevelt, who overcame fear and despair by drawing on the wisdom and strength of many people, regardless of their age or background. Roosevelt lived her famous words, “you must do the thing you think you cannot do.” The presentation was timely. The same topics that Eleanor had to deal with are still present today.
- The need for change of the cultural mindset. Cynthia D’Amour spoke about How to Getbeyond “We’ve Always Done It That Way”. D’Amour led participants in an engaging, easy-to use process for encouraging growth, development, and change in their branches and communities
Business aspects of the convention were somewhat limited by changes in the bylaws. Former New York State AAUW President Eileen Hartmann was elected a National AAUW Director.
The convention events were reinforced by the New Orleans culture. Andrea especially enjoyed the food and southern hospitality. She participated in a walking tour focusing on the Women of New Orleans. What a wonderful experience sharing several days with new AAUW friends!
The next AAUW National Conference will be in San Diego, June 18-21, 2015.
Diversity in Programming
AAUW-NYS District IV
October 19, 2013
Washington Hall, Dutchess Community College
53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
This conference is not to be missed! Our presenters are outstanding women and you will learn about a highly successful project and help plan a ground breaking program.
Cost: $30
Includes continental breakfast and lunch
Reservations: Include your name and branch with check payable to Poughkeepsie Branch AAUW, Inc.:
Mail to: Kathy Brown
8 Wilbur Blvd
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Questions: or 845/486-4605
Deadline for Reservations: October 12, 2013
9:00 - 9:30 amCoffee, Tea and bagels, etc.
9:30 - 10:00 am3 minute sharing of important events from each of the branches attending
10:00 – 11:30 am Workshops:
Ethnicity- Dr. Nada Halloway, Assistant Professor of English, Manhattanville College. Explore the related ideas of race, country of origin, and nationality. Analysis in relation to multiple Diasporas represented in America and their contribution to the formation of the American identity.
Gender – Dr. Cathy Collins, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Newburgh. This presentation will discuss the focus on Alice Walker’s definition of Womanist Theory. This redefines the presentation of women in literature and the media as it rejects the stereotyping of women as either innocent and childlike or arrogant and aggressive or self seeking and manipulative. It instead considers the total development of the woman which includes the social, emotional, psychological, intellectual and physical development.
Culture – Jacqueline Goffe-McNish, President of Poughkeepsie AAUW, Inc. and professor of English at Dutchess Community College - Explore the sociological definition of culture. Discussion of the twelve artifacts of culture which investigates the way individuals live these lives. These artifacts include choices made about mores, traditions, education, politics, religion, and celebration. The workshop participants will look at the role these play in their lives and the lives of the members in their branches.
11:30 – 12:00 noon Activity led by Betty Harrel and the "Leading to Reading" community project committee from Poughkeepsie. “Leading to Reading” will show how to form the “book kit” they use to enhance the enjoyment and educational value for the children receiving the books. Please bring 2 or 3 new or gently used books. You may take your book kits with you or leave them for distribution in the Poughkeepsie area.
12:00 – 1:00 pmLunch/ Speaker: Ellie Nieves, Leadership Speaker, Writer and Coach. Developing Your Visionfor Success
1:00 - 1:45 pmWorkshops- participants will help to plan a program for their branch using the discussions of the day. Facilitators: Mary Coiteux, Marcine Humphrey and Ellie Charwat
1:45 – 2:00 pmWrap up
CONTACT Robin Eddy, or 346-1683 for carpool info.
Study and Interest Group Meetings for October 2013
If you’re interested in attending a meeting, contact the leader.
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Book Exchange I
Leader: Dottie Potochnik (399-3854)
No regular meetings
Niskayuna Book Exchange
Leader: Ellie Rowland (370-1958)
No regular meetings
Couples Gourmet
Leader: Jennie Pennington (372-7503)
Co-Leader: Jackie Mendini (869-3816)
October 11, 2013, 7 p.m.
Theme: Middle Eastern
Hostesses: Pat/Dick Terry
1059 Garner Ave., Schenectady
Diverse Topics
Leader: Gail Karl (393-7590)
October 21, 2013, 1:30p.m.
Program: SCCC – What Are We All About
By Public Relations Specialist II Heather L. Meaney
Hostess: Barbara Aldi
Location: 15 Haviland Dr., Scotia
Co-Hostess: Gerri Pinkerton
Modern Literature
Co-Leaders: Joan Amell (399-4709) and
Andrea Versaci (370-1455)
October 14, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Book: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Reviewer: Pat Gregory
Hostess: Sue Leon
Location: 12 Laury Lane, Glenville
Co-hostess: Barb McEvoy
Mah Jongg
Leader: Robin Eddy (346-1683)
New members welcomed.
October 14, 2013, 1:30 p.m.
Hostess: Jackie Mendini
Location: 28 Via Maria Dr
October 28, 2013, 1:30 p.m.
Hostess: Linda Zuckerman
Location: 11 37 Fernwood Dr., Niskayuna
Quilting
Leader: Pat Terry (372-8431)
October 22, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Program: Christmas Project
Hostess: Pat Buczkowski
Location: 23 Haviland Dr., Scotia, NY
Science Topics
Leader: Sally Dewes (346-1781)
October 7, 2013,7:30 p.m.
Program: Mini-Topics
Discussion Leaders: Winnie Balz and Emily Hart
Hostess: Winnie Balz
Location:1121 Baker Ave, Schenectady, NY
Scotia-Glenville, Burnt Hills Varied Interests
Leader: Arlene Maranville (384-1639)
Co-Leader: Toni Walsh (372-8764)
October 10, 2013, 1:00 p.m.
Program: Tour of Albany Airport
Hostess: Arlene Maranville
Serendipity
Co-Chairs: Jennie Pennington (372-7503) and
Reba Mehan (374-7886)
October 16, 2013, 10:30 a.m.
Program: National Bottle Museum, Ballston Spa
Coordinator: Jennie Pennington
Meet at the museum about 10:30 a.m. Rides and carpooling from Niskayuna and Scotia will be offered, if needed. Lunch after the museum visit at the Charlton House in Charlton.
RSVP to Jennie Pennington by Oct 11
PROPOSED NEW STUDY & INTEREST GROUPS
You are welcome to make any/all suggestions. Some ideas are:
Singles Gourmet for single members interested in cooking and gathering to share. Art History Bridge Poker Arts and Crafts
Interested? Contact: Karen Huggins
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Quote of the Month:
“Women are like teabags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water.”
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Eleanor Roosevelt
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