AAUW Board Meeting Minutes, September 2, 2023

AAUW Manhattan Branch
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
September 2, 2024, 5:30 – 6:40 p.m.

Present: Usha Reddi, Chris Herald, Barb De Santo, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Kay Stith, Barbara Gatewood, and Paula Ripple.

Usha Reddi, President: Usha called the meeting to order and introduced Kay Stith, the new member-at-large. She hoped to keep the board meetings to one hour. The board retreat meeting minutes are complete but unedited and will be shared soon. In her President’s remarks, Usha said we had a good board retreat and committees have been working throughout the summer. The Branch meetings will be held at Meadowlark with the charge for meals set at $15.00 each, plus beverage and desserts costs. Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m. and the approximately one-hour program will begin at 7:00 p.m. The restaurant closes at 8:00 p.m. and our bill must be paid by 8:00 p.m.

Our meetings will be live-streamed on Facebook if the approval of the speaker has been obtained.

Chris Herald, Membership: Chris reported 63 members, including four who need to pay their dues in order to remain members. See attachment for the full report of all of Chris’s activities this summer, including updates on the website and sending emails to new members and to guests inviting them to join us as members.

Paula Ripple, Board Secretary: Paula briefly reviewed the minutes from the August board retreat. The minutes were approved as corrected by consensus.

Barb De Santo, Treasurer: Barb gave details on dues and memberships; donations of $376.45 from January 1 to June 27, 2024; account arrangements with Landmark; and our current balance of $10,590.94. Marlene VerBrugge submitted a bill and receipt for $38.49 for name badges to be used at branch meetings. Usha moved approval of this bill, Susanne seconded, and the motion passed. See attachment for complete treasurer’s report.

Usha reviewed the budget as tentatively decided at the board retreat. She answered questions and accepted additions of $50.00 for Sunflower Garden Memorials and $275.00 for administration. Usha will present the 2024-2025 budget of $3,589.45 total at the September 9, 2024, Branch meeting. This budget does not include any funds for IWD, which will be kept separately.

Paula moved for approval of the treasurer’s report, Susanne seconded, motion approved. All members expressed their appreciation for the complete information contained in Barb’s report.

Susanne Siepl-Coates, Program Committee: The program year as currently planned:

September        A preview of the AAUW organization and the upcoming year with a small group breakout to learn interests, encourage participation by all, and recruit members to responsibilities
October              Anna Burson, Riley County Appraiser
November         Phyllis Pease, Artist of the Suffragist painting at the capitol
December         Vicki James, Food and Farm Council
January              Elected Officials of Kansas
February           Barb DeSanto, Public Relations
March               International Women’s Day
April                  Danielle Dulin, newly hired Manhattan City Manager
May                  Dinner, Awards, and Reflection

Martha Mather has taken on the leadership role for International Women’s Day. The committee still hopes to secure Melinda French Gates for our celebration of IWD. She is not able to come on March 8; however, Susanne recontacted them and suggested any day during the month of March. Gates’s representative replied that they would check further. Susanne hopes to hear back. The second person contacted is Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson who has recently released a book, Lovely One: A Memoir.

Barbara Gatewood suggested our branch might be able to secure a Community Action Grant from AAUW National for the IWD event. She also complimented Susanne on her writing in the invitation to Ms. Gates. Dede read a list of possible speakers, but no one else has been contacted.

League of Women Voters: In the absence of our League of Women Voters representative, Usha announced the LWV forum of candidates for office on October 5.

Barbara Gatewood, Webmaster: Barbara said she will use the picture of board members at the retreat on the website. She has posted Chris’s reports. Members agreed that it would be good to add encouragement to register to vote by October 15 on our Facebook page and also voting information from AAUW National. The website and Facebook will be updated for the beginning of our 2024-2025 year. Barbara brought a template for program announcements and asked for suggestions. She plans to use the template for all meeting announcements this year.

Chris Herald, STEM: Chris will research appropriate books on STEM topics to donate to USD383 grade schools and will present them to the schools. She also reviewed her STEM report, which will appear at the end of these minutes. Usha urged all members to keep eyes open for opportunities to support STEM learning for USD383 students. See attached STEM report.

Kay Stith, Director-at-Large: Kay introduced herself as an educator of 43 years who finished her career as Director of Libraries for USD383. She will connect with Mary Stamey to learn about the purchase of books to be given to the Manhattan Public Library. These are given in honor of our speakers and their topics after each program.

Barbara said that information about books given in honor of speakers appears on the AAUW Facebook page.

Chris will be absent for the September 10 meeting. Kay will bring the list for guests to sign and the September birthday stickers and will return the list to Chris. Also, Chris asked that membership forms be available at that meeting.

Barbara suggested our branch should join LWV in the K-State Homecoming Parade October 25. Members could hand out votinginformation and candy while walking in the parade.

The meeting adjourned.

The first Branch meeting of 2024-2025 will be at Meadowlark on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. with an optional dinner at Prairie Star at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Paula Ripple
Board Secretary

AAUW Manhattan Branch
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
October 6, 2024, 5:30 – 6:40 p.m.

Members present: Barbara Gatewood, Martha Mather, Usha Reddi, and Sujatha Psearash

Reports

Chis Herald’s report was shared.  We have 61 members

Barbara —Discussed next program—Riley County Treasurer

Programs:  The October branch meeting will be held at Prairie Star at Meadowlark from 6-7 pm. The dinner is $15.00.  For more information one may find information on manhattankansasaauw@gmail.com

International Women’s Day – There was a a lot of discussion on this topic. Claire Mc Kaskol will be asked to speak. The cost to our group is $42,000.00The date of the program is March 8, 2025. Reviewing the price is being event is being questioned. Members were given instructions on alternative to accomplish the event. Our AAUW group is seeking funds from the National group, Greater Manhattan Foundation, etc. The group is proceeding to find solutions for the convention details

Respectfully submitted,
Kay Stitch
Acting Board Secretary

AAUW Manhattan Branch
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
November 4, 2024, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

Present: Dede Brokesh, Usha Reddi, Chris Herald, Lynn Ewanow, Barb De Santo, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Barbara Gatewood, Martha Mather, Kay Stith, and Paula Ripple.

President Usha Reddi called the meeting to order. Attendance at the October meeting was down. Anna Burson gave a thorough, informative presentation. Barbara said she had posted the entire recording of the October branch meeting on Facebook, where she will also livestream the November meeting. Everyone agreed we are looking forward to Phyllis Pease’s presentation, and board members were encouraged to bring guests. Usha will invite The League of Women Voters members. The LWV will be discussing the election at their meeting Thursday, November 7.

Reports of the board followed.

Martha Mather, President-Elect: No report.

Chris Herald, Membership: Chris sent the menu out for members to reserve for the November meeting. We have 61 members. She invited 50 people to this month’s meeting. Lynn asked if we have a list of former speakers that we could automatically include in meeting notices. Usha said she would work on that list for the Gmail account that takes reservations. See the membership report attached to minutes.

Paula Ripple, Board Secretary: She reminded the group that we need a branch secretary for her absence in November and for the remainder of the year. Dede had a correction for the minutes: it is Anna Burson, not Amy Burson.

Barb De Santo, Treasurer: We have $11,255.94 in the treasury. Chris requested $250.00 for books to give to Manhattan elementary schools as part of our STEM project. We approved this with the budget approval. We discussed that there was no book ready to be given to the library in honor of Anna Burson’s presentation at the October meeting. Kay Stith will work with Mary Stamey to get books to honor Anna and   future speakers.

Programs: Susanne Siepl-Coates said that Phyllis Pease, artist and entrepreneur, has sent a Power Point for the November 11 meeting. We will use the projector and also an easel for her preliminary drawing of the mural of the suffragists at the Capitol. Lynn Ewanow has sent a reminder to Vicki James for the December program. Members will bring food contributions for the Flint Hills Breadbasket.

Barbara Gatewood, Webmaster: Barbara said Facebook is up-to-date and she is working on the website.

Program: Dede Brokesh has not heard from Marlene Ver Brugge so there is no report at this time.

Chris Herald, STEM: She noted it’s Native American Heritage Month and in the STEM world it’s Black Hole Friday on the day after Thanksgiving. See STEM report attached to minutes.

Kay Stith, Member At-Large: Kay said she enjoys AAUW and will learn the job.

Martha Mather, AAUW Fellowships and Grants: Martha said she will maintain the grant information and encourage student applications. She hopes to get the college members more involved in our branch and branch meetings.

International Women’s Day: Susanne reported that Martha, Lynn, Barbara, and she have been meeting. We are now focused on Claire McCaskill as the keynote speaker and a budget of $60,000 to bring her to Manhattan. Lynn said that in the effort to involve K-State in IWD Barbara had invited Jackie Hartman Borck to their meeting. The committee developed a fundraising letter describing the effort to bring Senator McCaskill which has been shared with K-State leadership. They have not heard back at this time. The committee has learned that collaborating with the Landon Lecture series is not possible; however, Jennifer Kassebaum has said she will talk to the Kassebaum family. Jackie has recommended contacting the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

As for sites, the Forum at the Student Union is busy; the committee has reserved McCain Auditorium and is looking for further site ideas. They are updating lists of contacts, searching grant possibilities, and continuing to contact people at the university.

The IWD committee has developed a scale for sponsorships and will send it with the letter asking for donations with sponsorship levels and appropriate benefits for each level of sponsorship. Martha commented that the information letter is a powerful public relations tool and also said they are searching for a personal connection to Senator McCaskill. The committee asked members to send any ideas of entities or people who might be sponsors or who might be interested in donating. Barbara said the committee is working on a schedule for McCaskill to meet with university students and to have meals with donors.

The committee will continue to work, and members are reminded to send any ideas of possible donors.

The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. The November branch meeting will be at Prairie Star, Meadowlark Hills, on Monday, the eleventh, at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and 7 p.m. for the meeting and program.

Respectfully Submitted,
Paula Ripple
Board Secretary

Treasurer’s Report            November 4, 2024

The Landmark Bank statement ending 9/30/24 states the chapter has a $11,255.94 balance in its checking account.

The 11/04/24 statement from AAUW National shows four actions in the account:\
 6/30/24: Adrian Walker (renew)
 9/10/24: National Renew start date 7/1/24
 9/18/24: Graduate Student Join (No name provided)
 9/30/24: Maureen A. Mojekwu (renew)

Business: Chris Herald has asked for a check for STEM book donation to USD 383 Library Services for $250.00.

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara DeSanto
Treasurer

2024 November AAUW Membership Report 
  1.  We have 61 current members (new member is a graduate student).
  2.  Sent email to two members reminding them to renew. No response. Both memberships have expired.
  3. Invited our October speakers, Anna Burson and Vivienne Leyva, to join and come to the November meeting. Invited over 50 people to our next meeting.
  4. Sent emails to student members reminding them to renew and a welcome email to our newest member, Maureen Amaka Mojekwu.
  5. Will continue to tweet the meeting info, ask guests to write in our guest book, and hand out birthday stickers at each monthly meeting.
  6. Reminder: Created step by step directions for KSU students interested in joining National AAUW for free. Our state requires a $3 fee, if they choose to join. This year’s coupon code for undergraduates is CUStudentFY25 for graduate is CUGradStudentFY25.
  7. Birthdays for November — Shelley Carter, Sydney Carlin, Tresa Landis, Maurine Pruitt, Paula Ripple, Audrey Swartz.

For the Board only. Please do not share this information with the general membership or online.

  • Sujatha still has not renewed her membership, but I counted her in our total.
  • Barbara Mitchell’s membership expired on September 30th.
  • New member = Graduate student Maureen Amaka Mojekwuamojekwu@mail.yu.edu has been added to the MHK Branch email group
  • We still have Dachao Sun listed in our roster even though she lives in NY, NY. I have tried to delete the entry several times.
  • We have 61 members. Please welcome our newest member, Maureen Olewnik (a welcome email was sent to her).

Sent emails to a variety of previous speakers and other women inviting them to the

Submitted by Chris Herald on November 3rd, 2024

 2024 November STEM newsletter for AAUW Manhattan Branch 
celebrate people in STEM https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov 

Night Sky Storytelling & Indigenous Ways of Knowing resources (need to scroll down past the list of STEM Story books) https://www.nisenet.org/books 

November 15 America Recycles Day https://kab.org/our-signature-programs/america-recycles-day/

November 18 Pride in STEM Day  http://prideinstem.org/lgbtstemday/ 

November 23 Fibonacci Day  https://nationaltoday.com/fibonacci-day/

November 28 Thanksgiving. Turkey breast feathers are iridescent due to nano-sized structures within the feathers; for more about iridescence click on the link “Biomimicry: From Nature to Nanotech” https://www.nisenet.org/catalog/biomimicry-nature-nanotech

November 29 Black Hole Friday https://science.nasa.gov/universe/black-holes/

See how screech-owls pull off their masterful camouflage. https://youtu.be/XuRlfeMkK1k

A Season of Change: 20 Mighty Girl Books Celebrating Fall

https://www.amightygirl.com/blog p=13023&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=em ail&utm_campaign=20241024&ts=20241024

Learn why you should “Leave the leaves” in your yard

https://www.almanac.com/more-ways-use-fall-leaves-garden

AAUW Manhattan Branch
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
December 2, 2024, 5:30 – 7:15 p.m.

Present: Dede Brokesh, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Lynn Ewanow, Martha Mather, Usha Reddi, Paula Ripple, Barbara Gatewood, and Kay Stith.

President Usha Reddi opened the meeting by complimenting the November program by artist Phyllis Pease. Several members joined in to agree. The dedication of her Suffragist mural at the State Capitol Building will be Kansas Day, January 29, 2025. Perhaps a contingent from our branch can go. Kay Stith said she had purchased a book requested by Phyllis Pease to be given to the Manhattan Public Library in her honor.

Elected as new Kansas legislators in the November elections are Brad Starnes, Angel Roeser, and Megan Steele. They will be asked to join federal congressman representing Kansas for a program in January. Barbara Gatewood asked that their biographies and  pictures be attained soon so she can prepare the meeting announcement.

Usha shared the AAUW template for a succession plan, one of the elements our branch needs to have in place to qualify for the AAUW Five-Star Program. Members considered it, and several suggested we may have most of the offices in place. The details can be found in the branch by-laws. Usha will send the by-laws to board members and perhaps form a subcommittee to make suggestions regarding how our chapter’s by-laws fit the AAUW succession plan. We could adjust our by-laws if needed.

We need a branch secretary, and several names were discussed.

Another part of the Five-Star Program is to send a member to NCCWSL (National Conference for College Women Student Leaders), a leadership conference for college women. It can be a game-changer for the attendee. Possible funding sources were discussed; scholarships are available. This year the conference will be a part of NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators), the professional home for student affairs administrators in higher education. Martha suggested a publicity campaign aimed at our student members to notify them of this conference opportunity and to invite them to our monthly meetings. We will also ask the office of Dr. Rana Johnson for suggestions.

REPORTS

Martha Mather, President-Elect: No report.

Chris Herald, Membership: See membership report at the end of the minutes.

Chris Herald, STEM: See report at end of the minutes.

Paula Ripple, Board Secretary: Susanne moved the minutes be approved as presented, Barbara seconded, motion approved.

Kay Stith, Member-at-Large: Kay will work on getting books for the September, October, and November meetings to be donated to the Manhattan Public Library’s Children’s Department. She will work with the children’s librarians to get a book on the topic presented by the speakers and will ensure that the Branch AAUW book plate is added to the book.

Barb Santos, Treasurer: No report.

Lynn Ewanow, Programs Co-Chair: Lynn will introduce Vicki James who will present the December program on the topic of building a local food program. She will have materials to hand out and a slide program. Members will have several opportunities to donate to different parts of the food systems. Barbara has posted several notices of Ms. James being our speaker.

For the legislators at the January meeting, we will ask Tresa Landis to give the background of AAUW. Our plan is to educate them on AAUW values, public policy agenda, and priorities and to remind them that we as women are also their constituents. We will urge members of our cohort organization, League of Women Voters, to attend.

Susanne Siepl-Coates and Martha Mather, Programs and International Women’s Day Event: The speaker we had hoped would come is not able to come in March. Susanne and others have been searching and suggested multiple people as possible speakers for IWD. Name recognition will be the draw for the community. The committee will meet on Friday to decide and initiate an invitation.

Usha adjourned the meeting. The next branch meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on December 9 at Prairie Star, Meadowlark Hills. The next board meeting will be January 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Paula Ripple
Board Secretary

2024 December Membership Report for AAUW Manhattan Branch December meeting.

December birthdays are Tendai Gadzikwa, Claudia Jones, and Karen Penner.
Reminder– Created step-by-step directions for KSU students interested in joining National AAUW for free. Our state requires a $3 fee if they choose to join. This year’s coupon code for undergraduates is CUStudentFY25 for graduate.

Shared our December meeting information on Twitter

Feb. 5, 2025, is National Girls & Women in Sports Day! Join WSF in this nationwide celebration by finding an event near you and sharing your story with the hashtag #NGWSD2024. https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/

From National AAUW: Update your information with AAUWLog in to your AAUW personal snapshot account to update your education, preferences, and demographic profile with us. Here’s a video HERE on how to access your account.Tax-Smart Giving: As we look ahead to 2025, tax-smart giving options can help empower women and girls while also reducing your tax burden. If you own stock or cryptocurrency or have an IRA or a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), please learn more here.

Fellowships & Grants applications close 11/22.
Application season for AAUW fellowships and grants for the 2025-26 academic yearcloses November 22. Please share this opportunity with your networks.Stay Informed with AAUW Webinars:
Explore AAUW’s Webinar archive for expert-led discussions on key topics like economic security, education equity, and public policy advocacy. Featured: Securing the Future: A Post-Election Conversation on Women’s Economic Security. Gain insights on what’s ahead under the new administration and the 119th Congress.

Secretary’s note: The PDF file did not translate all the links from AAUW. Please check your email, the AAUW website, or Google search.

2024 December STEM newsletter for AAUW Manhattan Branch

Sign up for KSU College of Health & Human Sciences summer classes.

Farm to Fashion is June 17-20 for 7 – 12th graders and costs $100. This class exposes middle school and high school students to a range of career opportunities within the fashion industry and immerses them into the fashion studies program at K-State.

Health Professions Exploration Program for 11th – 12th graders. Cost: TBD This program is a week-long program designed for incoming high school juniors and seniors who are interested in a career helping others through the health care industry. https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/events/

Climate Smart cereal is made with Kernza grain, a perennial wheat developed by The Land Institute in Salina. It only needs to be replanted every 5 to 8 years, has 10’ deep roots to hold soil and runoff, less plowing and fertilizer/pesticide maintenance. Find it in your grocery store! https://www.cascadianfarm.com/products/climate-smart-kernza-grains-cereal

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) and Hour of Code (second week in December) IS AN ANNUAL CALL TO ACTION

TO INSPIRE K-12 STUDENTS TO LEARN COMPUTER SCIENCE

CS Ed Week www.csedweek.orgHour of Code http://hourofcode.com/us click on the link for free postersSurprisingly STEM Career Exploration: Memory Metal Engineer

Audience: Grades 6-12     Registration Deadline: Thursday, Dec. 5       Webinar Date: Thursday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. EST

Surprisingly STEM is a monthly video series that highlights careers at NASA. This month, bring your STEM questions for Dr. Othmane Benafan, a shape memory metal engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. Learn about Dr. Benafan’s journey from Morocco to an engineering job at NASA, how he creates alloys that can change shape when heat is applied.

Take a Virtual Journey With NASA STEM Kids: Artemis Missions to the Moon Audience: Grades K-4     Registration Deadline: Monday, Dec. 9 Event Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10-11:30 a.m. EST

Join the Office of STEM Engagement for a virtual journey to the Moon. Young explorers will learn about NASA’s missions, engage in conversations with NASA experts, take a virtual tour of the Simulated Lunar Operations Laboratory, and design and test their own crew modules. Visit the site for registration guidelines and additional information.

December 17 Wright Brothers Day commemorates the Wright brothers’ first successful flight in a mechanically propelled craft on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

December 21 is the Winter Solstice Our location on Earth is tilted as far away from the Sun as possible, which means that the Sun’s path across the sky is as low in the sky as it can be

December 31 Celebrate the New Year by making these simple noise makers & learn the physics of sound https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/new-years-noisemaker-science-activities?from=Blog

PLAY: Fun and Educational Games for All Ages
Sometimes you just need a moment to recharge. For an arcade experience, try Flap to the Future. You start as a flightless dinosaur—can you develop the ability to fly as a modern-day bird? Or take a musical break with Beast Box. Build your own song using snippets of wild animal sounds, while learning about the ecosystems where they live. https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/learning-games/

Free Poster Celebrates a World of Woodpeckers. Enjoy illustrations and facts about woodpeckers worldwide in this beautiful poster featuring more than a dozen species. It’s free to download!

Our Great Horned Owl Cam reveals the softer side of this fierce nocturnal predator—as mama owl “Athena” and her mate raise a downy duo at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. Watch the top moments from this year’s nesting season.

A Mighty Girl’s Holiday Gift Guide showcases the best in girl-empowering toys for babies, kids, and teens! To find the perfect toy for your Mighty Girl, you can sort our recommendations by both age and theme https://www.amightygirl.com/holiday-guide?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_c ampaign=20241125&ts=20241125

Michael Rechtin’s vehicle transitions from driving to flying via a four-bar linkage system. A retracting linear actuator rotates the wheels and prop guards to a vertical position for flight. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/inventor-creates-transformer-drone-tank?utm_sou rce=twitter&utm_medium=article_post

AAUW Manhattan Branch
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Via Zoom
January 6, 2025, 5:30 – 7:15 p.m.

Present: Susanne Siepl-Coates, Dede Brokesh, Usha Reddi, Barb DeSanto, Martha Mather, Barbara Gatewood, Chris Herald, and Paula Ripple.

President Usha Reddi opened the meeting with hopes that all members were safe from the cold and snow that assaulted Manhattan and prevented a face-to-face meeting. Several members agreed with Usha that the December meeting had been a success with Vickie James giving a thorough and complete program on Building a Healthier Local Food System. Barbara Gatewood noted that more than 88 people had watched the presentation on Face Book, including Ms. James. Martha commented on the value of AAUW programs, which offer information on community efforts to Manhattan citizens who are likely to take action to help.

Usha asked Martha to preside over the January 13 meeting. Details were discussed to clarify actions needed to lead the meeting and program. The program will host elected officials or their representatives and provide information on AAUW’s mission and priorities.

Usha is working on a grant request to Leena Chakrabati, KSU Office of International Programs, for the International Women’s Day event. The group discussed details and settled on an amount and portioning for the request. Usha urged everyone to embrace and celebrate the 10th year anniversary of our branch hosting a community event to mark International Women’s Day.

REPORTS:

Dede Brokesh, Co-Vice President of Programs: Dede will present information on AAUW and questions at the January 13th program with elected officials. Martha suggested we present all elected officials with a bulleted page delineating AAUW priorities and goals. Barbara added that AAUW National has complete information on public policies that could be added to the white paper for elected officials. The City of Manhattan will be responsible to publish a notice of the open meeting since a majority of the city commissioners will be present at our meeting.

Paula Ripple, Board Secretary: the minutes were available to all by attachment. Dede moved approval of the minutes, Susanne seconded, and the minutes were approved.

Barb DeSanto, Treasurer: Barb presented the treasurer’s report and answered members’ questions. She will look into getting an online account in order to print out bank statements rather than pay $5.00 per month to get a printed copy. See attachment at the end of the minutes.

Chris Herald, Membership: See attached report at the end of the minutes.

Programs, International Women’s Day: Susanne reported that we are awaiting an answer from a possible speaker for the IWD event. Board members discussed a venue for the event and arrived at a consensus to make a reservation at the Manhattan Country Club with the Holiday Inn at the Campus as a second possibility. Focusing on the 10th anniversary of the AAUW Manhattan Branch’s celebration, Usha urged enthusiasm for the event. Perhaps we can have a cake, a signature beverage, and/or a memento for each attendee.

Barbara Gatewood, Webmaster: Barbara has announced the January meeting on Facebook and our website. She has been updating the website with information from AAUW and our own branch.

Chris Herald, STEM Report: Chris called attention to her printed report and added a few comments. See report at the end of the minutes.

The January AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting will be January 13, 2025, at Prairie Star, Meadowlark Hills, at 6:00 p.m. for optional dinner and 7:00 p.m. for the program.

Respectfully submitted,
Paula Ripple
AAUW Board Secretary

2025 January Membership Report, Chris Herald

  1. We have 61 members. Please welcome our newest member, MaureenOlewnik.
  2. Will forward the January meeting information to previous speakers and other women.
  3. Reminder—Created step-by-step directions for KSU students interested in joining National AAUW for free. Our state requires a $3.00 fee. This year’s coupon code for undergraduates is CUStudentFY25. For graduates is CUGradStudentFY25.
  1. Will share our January meeting information on Twitter & Facebook group.
  2. January Birthdays : January Janet Carls,  Leena Chakrabarti,  Randi Dale, Carol Dixon, Marzenna Jankowiak, Loretta Johnson, Kathy Lanksbury, and Carol Wichman
  1. A special webinar organized by AAUW National’s Advancement Committee to share best practices from fellow AAUW Branches, big, small, and virtual, about their member retention and recruitment programs and the resources that may be used to help improve any branch’s membership. https://youtu.be/1MCcZrAFwbA
  2. How to Engage with Elected Officials – Learn how to effectively engage on policy issues through meeting with elected officials and how to advocate for policy priorities that are important for you. This webinar will help prepare you for meeting with officials at any level.

Submitted1/5/2025

AAUW Treasurer’s Report, Barb DeSanto

January 6, 2025

The December statement from AAUW headquarters lists two members due for renewal: Stephanie Johnson and Martha Mather

The statement also lists a new member: Maureen Olewnik

The total deposit from AAUW National was $45.00.

Kay A. Stith has given me a check (amount $93.00) for her dues renewal to deposit.

The most recent Landmark Bank statement ending 11/29/2024 shows a checking account balance of $10,872.45.

I will pay the $5 paper statement fee per month to continue to receive the paper bank statements.

Respectfully submitted:
Barbara DeSanto
Treasurer

January 2025 STEM Newsletter for AAUW Manhattan KS Branch, Chris Herald

January 2-National Science Fiction Day

Every year on the 2nd of January, authors and fans celebrate National Science Fiction Day. It’s held on famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov’s birthday. Read any science fiction book to celebrate!

January 17 is Benjamin Franklin’s birthday. He was not only a world-renowned statesman, inventor, and scientist but was also fascinated by agriculture. Learn about his inventions, quotes, and some fun facts.

https://www.almanac.com/happy-birthday-benjamin

January 27 starts Radon Awareness Week. This is an invisible, silent home-invader, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer. One in four homes in Manhattan KS, have radon gas. It is easy to test.

https://www.cdc.gov/radon/php/radon-awareness-week/ or learn more locally at https://kansasradonprogram.org/ Test your home this week!

January 29-National Puzzle Day
For this fun day, you can celebrate by solving different kinds of puzzles like a jigsaw, crossword, sudoku, trivia, and many more. Don’t forget the Rubix Cube or LEGOs! Which will you choose? https://geniuslabgear.com/blogs/for-scientists/stem-holiday-calendar

Other STEM ideas to try at home
Warm up with hands—on science and engineering! Match winter’s cold weather, snow, and ice with these free lessons and activities for engaging hands—on STEM. https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/winter-science?from=Blog.  Have you ever wondered what happens when chemistry meets microgravity? In the latest STEM, NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick demonstrates a chemical reaction using an effervescent tablet to clean his retainer while living on the International Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/search/?fsearch=STEMonstrations

What is new at NASA? Practice reading skills with read-along function. https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/pictureshow/

The study found certain biological differences between male and female pipe fish. https://interestingengineering.com/science/pipefish-demonstrate-male-pregnancy

2024 Best STEM books from The Children’s Book Council: https://www.cbcbooks.org/cbc-book-lists/bsb-2024/ There are 23 books suggested.

A second list appears on a Science Friday segment with Mahnaz Dar, young readers’ editor at Kirkus Reviews and Carrie Wolfson, collection developmentlibrarian at the Boulder Public Library.

2024’s Best Science Books For Kids

And more books: https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10834
Big Dreams for a NewYear: 50 Books to Inspire Your Mighty Girl in2025
And finally, some nature-themed books for your book club suggested by Hesston KS Dyck Arboretum of the Plains:  https://bookshop.org

AAUW Manhattan Branch
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Manhattan Public Library
February 3, 2025, 5:30 – 6:40 p.m.

Present: Barbara Gatewood, Chris Herald, Lynn Ewanow, Dede Brokesh, Usha Reddi, Barb DeSanto, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Martha Mather, and Paula Ripple.

President Usha Reddi opened the meeting saying she’d heard good things about the February meeting, presided over by Martha Mather. Our branch has been invited to the League of Women Voters meeting on Thursday, February 6, at Prairie Star. Barbara shared a printed program of Kansas Day at the capitol and said we had a good group attending in support of local artist Phyllis Garibay-Coon at the dedication of the Suffragists mural.

REPORTS:

Martha Mather, President-Elect: Martha thought the February branch meeting went well, people were engaged, and she communicated AAUW’s efforts to work with the university and the community.

Chris Herald, Membership: Chris relayed the ongoing problem with dues being recorded at the national level and the lack of communication from them. Barb will work with the bank to be able to submit dues. Chris has sent messages and has checked on members’ payments of dues. She asked board members to reach out to these members. See full report at the end of the minutes.

Paula Ripple, Branch Secretary:  It was moved, seconded, and voted to approve the January minutes. Paula had a complaint against the Mercury for cutting off our column.

Barb DeSanto: Treasurer: Barb didn’t receive a bank statement from the bank. She will go to the bank and get the documents to prepare a report and to prove actual memberships.

Lynn Ewanow, Susanne Siepl-Coates, Dede Brokesh, Co-Vice-Presidents of Programs: For International Women’s Day in March they have contacted the President of University of Iowa, Dr. Barbara Wilson, who has excellent credentials in leadership nationwide. The program committee hopes to hear back from her soon. Martha mentioned being in contact with Jennifer Kassebaum who told her former Senator Nancy Kassebaum wanted more information because she’s interested in the event and AAUW Manhattan Branch. In the event that Dr. Wilson cannot come to speak, a lengthy discussion followed with many suggestions for speakers or a panel. Usha had put together a checklist for IWD, which she reviewed item by item. Members volunteered for tasks to prepare for the event. Barbara reported on ideas for hosting the venue at Manhattan Country Club: a buffet menu, social from 5-6, buffet from 6-7, speaker or panel from 7-8, recognition from 8-9. Members discussed multiple ideas and plans, keeping in mind the celebration part of the 10th anniversary of the event. Usha announced earlier in the meeting that we had received a $2,125.00 grant for IWD from the Dow Center for Multicultural and Community Studies.

Chris Herald, STEM: Chris read through the highlights of the STEM newsletter. See attachment at end of minutes.

The February 10, 2025, meeting will be at Meadowlark Hills with Dr. Barbara DeSanto speaking on her academic focus of public relations. The optional dinner at 6:00 p.m. will be followed by the program.

Respectfully submitted,
Paula Ripple
Board Secretary

Membership Report, Submitted February 3, 2025 by Chris Herald

2025 February membership report for AAUW Manhattan
Emailed 11 members whose membership expired this fall & in January

Forwarded the Febuary meeting information to a variety of previous speakers and other women.

Reminder- KSU students can join National AAUW for free. Our state requires a $3 fee, if they choose to join the State. This year’s coupon code for undergraduates is CUStudentFY25 for graduate is CUGradStudentFY25

Will share our February meeting information on Twitter & Facebook group.

February Birthdays: Dea Brokesh, Patricia Calvo, Catherine Hedge, and Sujatha Prakash

There are 12 members that paid in the spring, but are no longer listed in the roster at the National AAUW.

I will attend the National AAUW Winter Member Meeting on Zoom on Feb 5.

February 2025 STEM newsletter

February is African-American History Month Check out these resources from the Library of Congress African Americans in Science and Technology internet resources and books for all mighty girls about inspiring women https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=28604 or this link from NASA Black History Month with crafts and resources to spark creativity and test your knowledge as you learn about the trailblazers who light the way for future generations.

NASA Space Place printable Valentine cards

Print these wonderful NASA Space Place Valentine’s Day cards and give them to family and friends! Here are two examples.

National Periodic Table Day is observed on February 7th to commemorate the publication of the first periodic table by a man named John Newlands in 1863. To celebrate its creation, you can play trivia games about different elements with your friends and family.
February 11th marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The day honors the vital role played by women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It promotes full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Join the conversation on social media with #WomenInScience and inspire a young girl with a book like Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World!
Darwin Day is an annual commemoration of Charles Darwin’s birthday, which falls on February 12th. On this day we honor Darwin’s contributions to science and to encourage people to be curious and the world around them.
Engineering Week is February 16 – 22, 2025. This year’s theme “Design Your Future” is   about celebrating today’s achievements and paving the way for a brighter and more diverse futur in engineering. https://discovere.org/engage/engineers-week/
Thanks to data collected by dedicated participatory scientists from Project FeederWatch, researchers observed 7,653 interactions between 136 species to map out who wins and who loses at the feederResearch about shrubs taking over the Konza Prairie – this is work that was done by Dr. Rachel Keen during the past 6 years https://lternet.edu/stories/shrubs-take-over-the-prairie-cascading-changes-reshape-grassland-water-systems/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIIlr9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHe3TwpSy5sDbEQgCxR28HUM0GDMHMK1WzbiMmWdFm17qYkDWe5YSuvTb_w_aem_m6N2fbzW3FzdLhKwY-HsZA
Tune in live to watch in-flight education downlinks between students on Earth and astronauts orbiting in space. Students will ask questions of NASA astronauts living and working on the International Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/in-flight-education-downlinks/
AAUW Manhattan Branch
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
1801 Westbank Way
March 3, 2024, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

Present: Barbara Gatewood, Dede Brokesh, Usha Reddi, Martha Mather, Chris Herald, and Paula Ripple.

President Usha Reddi opened the board meeting and discussions began about AAUW Manhattan Branch’s 10th anniversary event to celebrate International Women’s Day. We have 77 reservations with time for more people to register. Sponsors are AAUW Kansas, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, and our largest grant, The Dow Center for Multicultural and Community Studies at Kansas State University. Members examined and discussed printed materials developed by Barbara, which showcase the celebration and the programs for each place. A review of the panelists Lana Oleen, Sheila Ellis-Glasper, Dr. Chardie Baird, and Paige Vulgamore followed. Members brainstormed ideas for the questions to be considered and answered by panelists at the event. Audience members will be able to add their own questions after the branch questions.

The program from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. will begin with the AAUW and IWD histories, continue with the introduction of panelists, the questions for panelists, and will end with the audience questions.

Other details were discussed. Ten to fifteen international students will be attending. We will need a microphone for audience questions. We will meet at the Manhattan Country Club at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, to prepare. Members volunteered to attend proclamations at the city and at the school district. The meal cost will be $30.00 except for students who will pay $20.00. Dr. Songwha Chae will provide music throughout the social hour. Members volunteered for and coordinated tasks to be accomplished and carried out at the IWD event. These tasks include publicity, flowers/gifts for panelists, decorations, posters, table favors, celebration cake, and getting biographical information from panelists.

The posters designed by Usha representing AAUW’s IWD events from 2016-2024 were admired by the board members. They will be displayed on easels at the vent.

REPORTS
Martha Mather, President-Elect
Chris Herald, Vice-President of Membership: We have 58 members. See attached membership report.
Paula Ripple, Board Secretary: Minutes approved.
Barb DeSanto, Treasurer: Budget for the IWD event was discussed.
Barbara Gatewood, Webmaster: Barbara contributed information on publications and publicity throughout the meeting.
Dede Brokesh, Co-Vice-Presidents of Programs: Dede provided program information throughout discussion of the IWD event during the meeting.
Chris Herald, STEM: Chris read through her STEM report which appears attached. Members complimented her on her information.

2025 March AAUW Manhattan Branch Membership Report

  • We have 58 members (my best guess at this time). Please welcome our newest member, Carol Higley. All members should create an account on the national website to receive urgent email notices and membership information. https://www.aauw.org/
  • Sent emails to several members reminding them to renew. Three are not renewing for different reasons but two will renew online. Some members did not respond.
  • Sent two emails to prospective members after they RSVP’d for IWD (Alison and Amy).
  • Invited several previous speakers to attend The International Women’s Day event. Invited over 40 people to our next meeting. Shared IWD on Twitter and Facebook.
  • Attended National AAUW webinar on February 5th hosted by Cheryl Sorokin, AAUW Board of Directors; Gloria Blackwell, CEO; Meghan Kissell, Sr. Director of Policy and Member Advocacy; and Katrina Sun Breese, Sr. Director of Institutional Advancement Membership and Fundraising. They discussed 5 ways to strengthen our pathway forward (join, learn, share our voices, act, and give). FY25 updates will be launching in April for application as a Five-Star Branch. Watch for a Branch survey to be completed.
  • Birthdays–Nancy Bolsen, Jane Dale, Carole Hay, Karen McCulloh, Mary Stamey, Edie Thomson.
  • Reminder– Created step-by-step directions for KSU students interested in joining National AAUW for free. Our state requires a $3 fee, if they choose to join. This year’s coupon code for undergraduates is CUStudentFY25 for graduate is CUGradStudentFY25.

STEM books donated to all USD 383 elementary schools for 2025
Ask a Scientist – Robert Winston – 2 copies
Shark Lady – Jess Keating – 3 copies
Building a Beak – Becca McMurdie – 3 copies
The Fire of Stars – Kirsten W. Larson – 4 copies
I Wonder – Kari Anne Holt – 2 copies
Sew Sister – Elise Matich -3 copies

There was also enough money left over that titles were placed in the pre-school libraries at Eugene Field and College Hill, and a few titles will be distributed via the Summer Reading program, as well as the Little Free Library in Lincoln Education Center.

2025 March STEM Newsletter for AAUW Manhattan Branch
March is Women’s History Month, the 2025 theme, “Moving Forward Together” celebrates “Women Educating and Inspiring Generations”. It reflects on the achievements of engineers who have shaped the world with hands-on activities at https://shorturl.at/pviKi .
Inspiring quotes at https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month
SciGirls Strategies: How to Engage Girls in STEM https://ktwu.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/scigirls/ 60 Books to Inspire Science-Loving Mighty Girls https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=13914
This set of hands-on activities accompanies NASA’s “First Woman” graphic novel series. Intended for use in informal education settings, this First Woman Camp Experience Guide brings the excitement of NASA’s Artemis Mission. https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/first-woman-graphic-novel/NASA STEM resources https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/search/Be a satellite engineer with the CubeSat Builder game from NASA. Learn about CubeSats–small, relatively low-cost cube-shaped spacecraft–and the standardparts that are used to create them. Then dash around the NASA cleanroom tobuild as many as possible before time runs out. https://climatekids.nasa.gov/cubesat-builder-game/

On March 5th Get actionable tips and tools at Lean in Girls virtual event: 5 Strategies for Empowering Girls to Push Back Against Stereotypes. https://shorturl.at/7OG4w

March 14 is Pi Day https://www.piday.org/ and International Day of Mathematics. https://www.idm314.org/
Pi day puzzle at https://momath.org/activities/pi-day-puzzle/  Check your local bakeries for their celebrations.

March 22 is World Water Day. The theme of World Water Day 2025 is ”GlacierPreservation”. https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day/resources Investigate how water flows in your neighborhood.https://www.sciencefriday.com/educational-resources/water-journeys-through-city-sewers/

Science Friday is kicking off Brain Awareness Week on March 7. Join us for aninteractive livestream where learners will discover cutting-edge science about the brain and kids can get answers to their questions. RSVP to get updates about the schedule, guests, and free activities. https://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/hack-your-brain/

Check birdhouses for damage and give them a spring cleaning before tenants arrive for the season. Learn how to attract birds to your garden athttps://www.almanac.com/shrubs-and-trees-birds and do not start your spring garden cleaning until the temperatures are over 50 degrees for 7 straight days. https://savvygardening.com/spring-garden-clean-done-right/
In this delightful video, discover which owls are the biggest, smallest, oddest, and most beautiful from around the world.  https://t.ly/jwCCd

 

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