Manhattan Mercury – 06/03/2012

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met May 14th at the Little Apple Brewing Company. President Joan Strickler called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. Olivia Collins and Karen Tinkler were welcomed as new members. The minutes of the April meeting and the April treasurer’s report were approved as presented.

Joan gave a state of the branch report as this is her last meeting as president. We have accomplished many things during her term. Thanks to membership chair, Barbara Gatewood, we’ve welcomed several new members and a branch website is up and running. Thanks to Claudia Jones, scholarship chair, for her work in facilitating the scholarship fund transfer to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Thanks to Nancy Bolsen, president-elect, for her work on establishing the K-State connection.

Tresa Landis, secretary, announced the recognitions that the branch received at the April state meeting. The branch was recognized as a Kansas Star Branch, for second place in giving to AAUW Funds and for contributions to the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund.

Nancy announced that over the summer we will continue to work on many of the initiatives that were started this past year in addition to some new ones. The group expressed heartfelt thanks to Joan for her excellent leadership as president. Joan thanked the Board for their work and dedication during her term.

Claudia reported that the Scholarship Committee met on May 6th to interview candidates. Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded for the 2012-2013 academic year to K-State students Angel Alvarado, junior in construction science and management; Tonya Hodson, Aeronautical Technology Professional Pilot program; and Catherine Pearl, sophomore in elementary education.

After a break for dinner, the meeting resumed at 7:30 p.m. for the installation of officers. New officers installed were: Dede Brokesh, director-at-large; Tresa, program chair; Joan, secretary, and Nancy, president. In closing, Joan shared Kudos with all and thanked the branch for her card and gift. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. to shop at the Silent Auction. The next meeting will be September 10th at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

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, go to http://manhattan-ks.aauw.net, email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com or contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.

Manhattan Mercury – 04/29/2012

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met April 9th at the First Congregational Church. President Joan Strickler called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.

Claudia Jones introduced Oreandra Renee Carter, our guest speaker and most recent K-State scholarship recipient. Renee is a junior in public health nutrition. She is a two-time cancer survivor and has always been interested in health. Renee will graduate in May 2013 and has been accepted into the Master of Public Health program. She is a bright, energetic, caring young woman whom we know will be a positive influence throughout her career.

Barbara Gatewood, membership chair, gave a presentation of our new branch website. AAUW National supplied the website template and technical support. Several board members worked on the content to ensure it was an accurate representation of our branch. A password protected area containing privileged information is available to branch members.

Rosalie Thompson introduced Karen Tinkler as a guest. The minutes of the March meeting and the March treasurer’s report were approved.

Claudia, along with Tresa Landis, presented the board’s recommendation to transfer our scholarship funds to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF). The Scholarship Preservation Committee has been working diligently on this for the last eighteen months. After much discussion, it was moved and seconded that the branch scholarship funds be placed with GMCF. Motion passed unanimously.

On behalf of the Nominating Committee, Nancy repeated the slate of officers for the 2012 – 2014 term presented at last month’s meeting. It was moved and seconded that the nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for the slate. Motion passed.

Serendipity will meet April 24th at the Bluestem Bistro with a surprise program. Torry Dickinson suggested a morning swim group meet at Ahern as a new interest group for members.

Public policy chair Mavis Fletcher shared updated contact information for our elected representatives. Joan recognized several members who made important contributions this last year. A donation was presented to Joye Schell in appreciation of the church women’s hospitality this year. Birthday wishes were extended to those celebrating in April. A collection of $188 was received for the Flinthills Breadbasket tonight.

Next month’s meeting will be held at Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill on May 14th. New officers will be installed and the Silent Auction fundraising event will take place. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

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, go to http://manhattan-ks.aauw.net, email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com or contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.

Manhattan Mercury – 04/08/2012

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met March 12th at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. Gloria Freeland was introduced as a guest and Barbara Lutjemeier was welcomed as a new member.

President Joan Strickler called the business meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. The minutes of the January meeting and the January and February treasurer’s reports were approved.

Nancy Bolsen, president elect, reported that the Outreach Committee met with Gayle Spencer who informed them that the Women of K-State group is pleased to support the AAUW-KSU connection and will assist in furthering our goals to include formation of a faculty /staff group and a student branch.

The branch website is complete and includes five sections. A professional photographer will be at the September meeting to take casual pictures of the group to post to it. The Membership Committee will meet soon to discuss recruitment.

The Nominating Committee is pleased to present the following slate of officers for the 2012 – 2014 term:  Program Vice President – Tresa Landis with Nancy Bolsen assisting, Secretary – Joan Strickler, and Director at Large – Dea Brokesh. Elections will take place at the April branch meeting.

Joan introduced Linda Duke, director of the museum, to present the program. She spoke on how eventually everything connects and discussed programs that connect art and science to develop students’ critical thinking and communication skills. In anticipation of K-State’s 150th anniversary next year, the museum has been borrowing articles from many departments to create Wunderkammers, or a cabinet of curiosities, that group disparate, unusual, and unique items together in one collection. In conclusion, Linda highlighted the museum’s current exhibits. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.; members were invited to stroll and enjoy the galleries.

Next month’s meeting will be held at the First Congregational Church on April 9th. The branch’s 2011-2012 KSU scholarship recipient, Orendrea Renee Carter, junior in public health nutrition, will be our guest. In addition, membership chair, Barbara Gatewood, will preview the new branch website.

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, go to http://manhattan-ks.aauw.net, email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com or contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.

Manhattan Mercury – 02/19/2012

club NEWS – AAUW

The February 13th meeting of the Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) was cancelled due to inclement weather. Next month’s meeting will be held at the Beach Museum of Art on the Kansas State University campus on April 9th. The group will enjoy dinner and a “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Museum” by Linda Duke and staff.

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, go to http://manhattan-ks.aauw.net, email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com or contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.

Manhattan Mercury – 01/29/2012

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met January 9th at the First Congregational Church. Mary Stamey and Melissa Kirkwood were welcomed as new members.

Tresa Landis, Branch Secretary, provided the program. She presented AAUW’s most recent research report released in November entitled Crossing the Line:  Sexual Harassment at School. Sexual harassment is a widespread problem in middle and high schools. Sexually harassed students reported having trouble studying, not wanting to go to school, and feeling sick to their stomach. Some students stayed home from school. Sexual harassment led others to skip classes, drop activities, or even change schools. Girls were especially negatively affected because they faced a higher rate of sexual harassment than boys did, including the most physical forms of sexual harassment. The report offers ways for administrators, teachers, parents, students and community groups to address and prevent sexual harassment. The full report can be downloaded at www.aauw.org.

President Joan Strickler called the business meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. The minutes of the previous meeting and the December treasurer’s report were provided earlier for review. They were approved as presented. Joan touched on several accomplishments made by AAUW National in 2011 including recognitions by Charity Navigator and Greatnonprofits.org.

Nancy Bolsen, president elect, made a report informing the membership of several initiatives that the Board continues to advance. A nominating committee has been formed and will present a slate of officers to fill the 2012 – 2014 term for the positions of Program Vice President, Secretary and one Director at Large. Barbara Gatewood, membership chair, passed around a sign-up sheet for volunteers to work at the Community Fair at the Manhattan Town Center on February 4th.

Public policy chair Mavis Fletcher noted that the Kansas Legislature opened its 2012 session today. Local representative Susan Mosier is leaving the House; contact information for her replacement will be provided when it becomes available. A card was sent to Mary Lois Smith, who is recovering from eye surgery. Vadaline Strohm announced that donations are being accepted for the monthly Pop-Up Market being sponsored by the Riley County Seniors’ Service Center at The Dusty Bookshelf.

Florence Schwab, interest group chair, reported that Booktalk will meet on January 13th, Great Decisions meets January 12th; Serendipity meets January 24th at Meadowlark Hills and on February 28th at Bluestem Bistro. The groups are open to all members.

Next month’s meeting will be held at the First Congregational Church on February 9th. New member Melissa Kirkwood, Development Officer for the Flint Hills Discovery Center will be the speaker. In closing, Joan extended birthday wishes to those celebrating in January. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

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, go to http://manhattan-ks.aauw.net, email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com or contact Barbara Gatewood at 539-8804.

Manhattan Mercury – 12/23/2011

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met December 12th in the Manhattan room at Meadowlark Hills. Jan Freeby introduced Michelle Florence, who provided the evening’s entertainment. She shared the history of some popular Christmas carols and regaled us with her beautiful flute music. Thanks to Michelle for preparing us for the holiday season through her Christmas music.

President Joan Strickler called the business meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Long-time Honorary Life Member Zelma Dodge passed away on December 9th one day before her 95th birthday. She will be greatly missed. Her profile will be reprinted in next month’s newsletter in remembrance.

The minutes of the previous meeting were provided earlier for review. They were approved as written. Claudia Jones presented the treasurer’s report, which was also accepted without changes. Barbara Gatewood, membership chair, reported that Linda Duke, Mary Tolar and Mary Stamey have joined as new members. She also provided updates on the branch website.

Thanks were expressed to Helen Janes and Jan Freeby for their assistance in facilitating tonight’s meeting. A courtesy card will be sent to Barbara Wilson who recently fell and has been moved into assisted living.

Nancy Bolsen, president elect, reported that the Board is considering the write-up of AAUW’s purpose and benefits and three sentences that we can use to describe and define our local branch.

Next month’s meeting will be held at the First Congregational Church on January 9th. Board members will present AAUW’s most recent research report released in November entitled Crossing the Line:  Sexual Harassment at School. In closing, Joan extended birthday wishes to those celebrating in December and wished everyone Seasons Greetings. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

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.

Manhattan Mercury – 12/11/2011

club NEWS – AAUW

The Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met November 14th at the First Congregational Church. Gayle Spencer was introduced as a guest while Mary Stamey and Melissa Kirkwood were welcomed as returning guests.

Cheryl Collins, Executive Director of the Riley County Historical Society was the guest speaker. She discussed three women of influence in the early settlement of Manhattan and Riley County.

Charlotte Felt Wilder was a well-known author. She began at the age of sixteen writing magazine articles and books, many of which were religious pieces. She taught a young men’s Sunday School class at the Methodist Church for over forty years and was a founding member of the local Dorcas Society.

Elizabeth Hoyt Purcell helped establish the Domestic Science club, worked with the Dorcas Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution and served on the Board of the Kansas State Historical Society. She was instrumental in securing $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie to establish the public library.

Eusebia Mudge Irish moved to Manhattan in 1866 when her father, Benjamin F. Mudge, a prominent figure in education and science in Kansas, became a professor at the Kansas State Agricultural College. She helped found the Riley County Historical Society and served as its first president. Thanks to Cheryl for sharing the lives of these women who all left a lasting mark on our community.

President Joan Strickler called the business meeting to order. The Secretary and Treasurer reports were accepted as presented. The Board has discussed ways to run the branch meetings more efficiently and suggests that these reports be provided to the membership in advance and then approved at the meeting. This will begin next month.

Committee and chair reports were given by Nancy Bolsen, president-elect; Barbara Gatewood, membership; Vadaline Strohm, arrangements; and Mavis Fletcher, public policy and courtesy. Barbara informed the group that our branch website is live. She continues to update it and welcomes suggestions for improvements. Interest group chair, Florence Schwab, noted that the Benefit Bridge group has disbanded. Serendipity will not meet in November or December, but will resume in January. Great Decisions will also not meet in December. Joan announced that the Kansas state convention will be held in Wichita on April 14, 2012.

Next month’s meeting will be held at Meadowlark Hills on December 12th where the group will enjoy holiday music.

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.

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.

Manhattan Mercury – 10/09/2011

Club NEWS – AAUW

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) branch met September 12th at the First Congregational Church. Introduced guests were Mary Tolar and Marchelle Pierre.

Doug Meloan was the guest speaker. He gave an enjoyable program on Route 66 and its rich history. His interest began with a show he saw on television several years ago and since then Doug and his wife have taken one week of their vacation each year driving different parts of Route 66 until they have now covered the entire route. Thanks to Doug for this entertaining look at America’s love affair with Route 66.

President Joan Strickler called the business meeting to order. The current interest group leaders gave a description of their group and invited members to join. Secretary, Tresa Landis, read the minutes of the May meeting taken by Marilyn Bunyan. Treasurer, Claudia Jones, presented reports for May and the summer months. All were approved as presented.

Membership Vice President, Barbara Gatewood, reported that a committee has been formed to reactivate our connection with Kansas State University and to work on student membership. She also discussed a possible University interest group. Joan noted that AAUW has a lot to offer through the National office and the branch will be working on new ways to facilitate sharing information with K-State. Claudia announced that this year’s K-State scholarship winner is Renee Carter. She will receive $1,000 for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Next month’s meeting will be held at the First Congregational Church on October 10th. Dixie West, Adjunct Research Associate in Archaeology at K-State, will talk about her research in the Aleutian Islands.

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.