Manhattan Mercury – 11/06/2011

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met October 10th at the First Congregational Church. Introduced guests were Mary Stamey, Melissa Kirkwood, Linda Duke, and new member Judy Cattell and her husband, Richard.

Dixie West, Adjunct Research Associate in Archaeology at K-State, was the guest speaker. Since obtaining her Ph.D., Dixie’s research focus has been the study of the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Despite the harsh environment, a rich ecosystem exists which is home to many marine mammals and 4.5 billion nesting birds. Archaeological sites are accessible by kayak, protected and easily identifiable by vegetation which grows in a different pattern, greening up more quickly due to the scraps discarded by previous inhabitants. All excavated artifacts are water screened to remove the dirt, laid out to dry, brushed off and then analyzed by specialists. They must be kept in order to preserve the provenance of the article. Only 5% of the research takes place in the field with the remaining 95% done in the lab. Research has identified people living in this region from 170 to 2,500 years ago. Thanks to Dixie for this fascinating look into the Aleutian Islands and their native people and animals.

President Joan Strickler called the business meeting to order. Treasurer, Claudia Jones, gave the September report including scholarship fund holdings. The report was approved as presented. Secretary, Tresa Landis, read the minutes of the September meeting, which were approved with one correction.

Membership Vice President, Barbara Gatewood, shared an update from the membership task force committee that met in September. They discussed specific ways to increase branch membership and re-connect with K-State. She also contacted the national AAUW office for additional recommendations for membership growth. Among other things, they suggest that we concentrate on creating an online presence. They offer a website template and low cost web support.

There was discussion of the format of the branch meetings and how they could be modified to attract younger women, taking into consideration their work schedules, family responsibilities, and the length and venue of the meetings. The branch considered an invitation to participate in the Sunset Zoo SPOOKtacular. The event would provide good exposure but as there is insufficient time to adequately plan this year, it was determined that participation should be considered again next year.

Next month’s meeting will be held at the First Congregational Church on November 14th. Cheryl Collins, Executive Director of the Riley County Historical Museum, will share stories of remarkable women in Manhattan and Riley County’s past.

Membership in AAUW is open to anyone holding an associate or equivalent (RN), baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Student Affiliation is open to anyone who does not already hold an undergraduate degree and is enrolled in a two-or four-year regionally accredited educational institution. Students enrolled at K-State receive a free e-Student affiliation. For more information, contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.