Club News, The Manhattan Mercury
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, April 11, 2022
President Marlene VerBrugge opened the AAUW Manhattan Branch dinner meeting at Meadowlark Hills on April 11, 2022. Usha Reddi introduced speaker Alex Van Dyke who organized the Manhattan March for Our Lives and now serves as communication lead for the Manhattan Chapter of Moms Demand Action (MAD), founded by Shannon Watts after the Sandy Hook shooting. There are now MAD chapters in every state, and together with Mayors against Gun Violence and Everytown for Gun Safety, it is the largest gun violence prevention group in the U.S. (8+ million supporters). Major initiatives include Emerge America (encourages women to run for office), Demand a Seat (supports “violence prevention” candidates), Demand Action App (to promote events), Wear Orange Day (to raise gun violence awareness), Students Demand Action (advocate for gun safety), and Be-SMART (gun safety initiative).
MAD “victories” discussed were the BATFE designation of “ghost guns” as firearms and the H.R. 8, Background Checks Act (stalled in the Senate), requiring background checks on all gun sales by dealers and online/gun show sellers. Stand Your Ground laws have been overturned in many states, and Extreme Risk laws enable police to confiscate weapons from at-risk individuals.
Myths and facts on gun safety were discussed. Laws do not prohibit all domestic abusers from having guns. Suicide rates are significantly higher (90%) when a gun is involved. Carrying a gun does not make people safer and increases the likelihood of being mistaken as a perpetrator. People are 2X more likely to be killed by a gun if they own one. The Kansas concealed carry gun law has resulted in a 50% increase in aggravated assaults and batteries. Threat assessment programs, background checks, and gun safety laws are more effective in keeping kids safe rather than arming teachers. Children are involved in hundreds of unintentionally shootings, making firearms the leading cause of death in ages 1-19 in 2020. Black people experience higher rates of gun homicides (10X), assaults (18x), and police shootings (3x), compared to whites. Alex shared his personal experience with gun violence. The Everytown Survivor Network provides services for gun violence survivors. Mary Stamey announced that the book We Can Be Heroes will be donated to the library in Alex’s honor.
AAUW’s spring activities highlighted were International Women’s Day events on March 7-8, LWV Mid-term Legislative Forum on April 2, and participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Upcoming events include Grow Green Match Day (April 22) and AAUW Kansas Conference (April 23). Upcoming applications deadlines are: AAUW’s scholarships for K-State Students (April 29), 6–7th grade girls in USD 383 to attend the STEM Summer Institute (April 21), and college students to the NCCWSL Conference (April 30).
The 2022-2023 slate of officers was unanimously approved and will be installed at the May branch meeting on May 9 at Meadowlark Hills along with a silent auction coordinated by Jane Mullen and dinner at 6:15 p.m. Learn more at www.aauw.org/membership/, www.manhattan-ks-aauw.net, and www.facebook.com/AAUW.Manhattan.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, March 8, 2022
The 6th annual International Women’s Day celebration, sponsored by the AAUW Manhattan Branch, was virtually held on March 8, 2021. President Marlene VerBrugge welcomed the 57+ attendees. IWD is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The 2021 theme #ChoosetoChallenge encourages us to call out gender bias and inequality to create a more inclusive world. Event sponsors were Sunflower Proofreading Plus, LDB Architecture & Engineering, S&N Design, and Nancy Bolsen.
Program moderator Usha Reddi stated IWD is especially important this year because of the increased challenges to women during the pandemic. The IWD panelist of four accomplished women with origins outside of the U.S. answered questions on their backgrounds, what they missed, traditions, surprises living in Manhattan, gender equity, education and racism. Niloufar Fattahi is a K-State doctoral candidate in chemical engineering, originally from Tehran, Iran. Laura Belozerco, a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the executive designer for Victoriana Gifts. Rose Ndegwa from Kenya is working at Emory University and was previously an export control compliance officer at K-State. Sidonia McKenzie from Kingston, Jamaica is an economics doctoral candidate. Panelists agreed that the most missed items are family, friends, and foods. Traditions in Jamaica, Kenya, and Argentina are similar to the U.S. Kenya also celebrates some Muslin holidays. Niloufar finds it difficult to celebrate Iranian traditions in the U.S.
Some gender disparity exists in all countries. In Iran it has resulted in a huge women’s rights movement opposed by the government. Traditional news sources still convey women’s role as taking care of children and doing chores. Iranian women are encouraged to get an education with about 60% of the students women. The pay gap and limited job security resulted in Niloufar moving to the U.S. for more opportunities. Laura stated that universities are free and women can aspire professionally in Argentina, but the “glass ceiling” and “machismo attitude” still exist.
Kenya and Jamaica have hybrid health care systems with a public option for people unable to afford private insurance. The cultural practices vary in Kenya with 42 different tribes, and gender duties still exist, even with both spouses working. Sidonia spoke about “pseudo gender equality” in Jamaica, i.e., the government supports gender equity, but women assume more home responsibilities, even though they have jobs and are often more educated. In both countries, there is a strong emphasis on educating girls and the need for gender balance so men can assume more responsibility. Women’s salaries are comparable to men’s in the service sector, but the private sector has more pay disparity. The “head of household” is used to justify higher pay for Iranian men. “Love marriages” are the norm in panelists’ countries.
Women are well-represented in politics in the panelists’ countries; Argentina’s former female president and Jamaica’s female prime minister have helped pave the way for women in politics. Iranian women are involved at all political levels, except they can’t run for president. Their countries have good U.S. relationships, except Iran, but the negative U.S. propaganda isn’t widely believed. Racism isn’t an issue in the panelists countries, but there is some prejudice towards Argentine indigenous people. Rose and Sidonia didn’t view things through a “racial lens” before coming to the U.S. Niloufar discussed the job challenges for immigrants to obtain company sponsorships. All of the panelists would like to continue working in the U.S.
Mary Stamey thanked the panelists and announced that the book Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World will be donated to the Manhattan Public Library in their honor with an inscribed bookplate. Allana Saenger-Parker will talk on “The Woman’s Reason: A Look at the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Riley County” at the next branch meeting on April 12 at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit www.manhattan-ks-aauw.net or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, February 8, 2021
Members and guests were welcomed to the AAUW Manhattan Branch meeting via Zoom on February 8 at 6:30 p.m. by Mary Stamey. Speaker Fanny Fang was introduced by Susanne Siepl-Coates. Fanny was raised in Manhattan, attended MHS, and earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management from New York University. After experiencing a lack of social responsibility in the sports world, she returned home in 2018 to lead the transition of the family business into an international market. She serves on the Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice and was a 2020 candidate for a district 2 seat on the Riley County Commission.
Fanny’s talk focused on “The Experience and Vision of an Asian Entrepreneur.” Her parents immigrated to New York City from small villages in Fuzhou, Fujian. They met in NYC, got married, and then started a restaurant in Chinatown. Because of the oversaturation of Chinese restaurants, her parents relocated to Zanesville, Ohio, then to Salina, and eventually to Manhattan, opening up a Chinese buffet. After closing the family restaurant in 2010, they opened the Asian Market. Fanny’s technology skills were essential in transitioning the family business into an international grocery store with products from 50+ countries.
The COVID pandemic had a significant impact on the family’s Asian Market with concerns for health and personal safety. A COVID exposure temporarily closed the market, but they quickly uploaded their products online, and developed a successful curbside service. Their business was recently rebranded to Mama Fang’s Asian Market. Her vision for the market is to build it into a multicultural hub for the state.
In the Q&A session, Fanny commented that she would like the sports world to work towards a more “just culture” for athletes. Campaigning reinforced her positive thoughts about Manhattan and noted that many “white allies” helped to support their business during COVID. When asked about ways to support racial and ethnic diversity, Fanny suggested learning about why things are the way they are in our community, engaging with minorities, having conversations among yourselves, and supporting the black community (visit Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills on Facebook). Mary thanked Fanny for her excellent talk and announced that the book Girl CEO: Priceless Advice from Trailblazing Women will be donated to the Manhattan Public Library on her behalf.
The meeting opened with committee and officer reports. Susanne Sieple-Coates provided an update on the International Women’s Day plans for March 8, 7:00 p.m. with panelists confirmed from Argentina, Iran, Jamaica, and Kenya. Publicity flyers have been developed; sponsorship opportunities are available. The IWD committee will meet again on February 10. The community is invited to participate.
Chris Herald stated our new members are Lynn Ewanow, Barbara DeSanto, Olivia Collin. Mary reported a balance of $5,250.95, an IWD donations of $25, and $62.91 in Dillion’s Community Rewards. Tresa Landis announced that the State Board will be supporting three scholarships for women to attend AAUW’s National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) on May 25 and 26, 2021. Early Bird $95 registrations fees are due by 2/28. Please share the information with potential applicants. AAUW members are encouraged to review and vote in April and May on the proposed changes to eliminate the degree requirements for membership.
The AAUW Microintervention Workshop webinar will be discussed via Zoom on February 22 at 6:30 p.m. The Nominating Committee will present an officer slate at the March board meeting on March 1. The AAUW of KS Annual Meeting will be held virtually on April 17, 2021 (visit https://aauw-ks.aauw.net/. For more information about AAUW visit www.manhattan-ks-aauw.net or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, January 10, 2022
Mary Stamey welcomed attendees to the AAUW Manhattan Branch virtual meeting on January 10 at 6:30 p.m. Usha Reddi introduced Sonya and Dave Baker, Director of the Frederick Douglass Recreation Complex in Manhattan who spoke on the history of the three building that comprise the complex: Douglass Community Center, Douglas Annex, and Douglass Recreation Center. Dave, a Manhattanite, left for a coaching position and retuned in 2011. He noted Manhattan has significantly changed and little remains that reflects what it was like in the 50’s and 60’s. Sonya works in K-State’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Dave discussed how the descriptors for people of color have changed more than any other ethnic group: colored (40’s-50’s), negroes (60’s), black (70’s – 80’s), and today African-American. Yuma Street was once the “main street” for the African-American people. Few blacks lived past Yuma Street until the early 60’s, and most things they needed were available. The construction of Fort Riley Blvd. (1987) along the corridor of the Rock Island railroad, resulted in significant changes on the southside (1st to 14th Streets).
The Douglas Center was originally built (1942) as a USO recreational facility for “colored soldiers.” (The Community House on 4th Street was the USO for white soldiers.) It was the only recreational center in the town for many years. The Douglas Annex (formerly Douglass School, 1904), was one of the three Manhattan grade schools until it was closed (1962). The city bought the building from USD383 (1945/46), expanding the space in the Center for activities and making it the “heart” of the black community.
The new Douglass Recreation Center was built in 2021 along with two other recreation buildings attached to schools. because a centralized space was unavailable. Considerable community effort was required to obtain city funds to build the Center after the HUD loan fell through. It was approved for city funding, based in part on an equity issue of serving the south side’s recreational needs. Located on the former Douglass Pool site ran by Dave’s mom for 30 years, it has fitness equipment not found at the other centers and hosts a variety of activities.
The Bakers have also focused on preserving the history of the area and are working on the development of historic displays. The community should be proud that the Bakers are good stewards and have a rich family legacy. Dave’s father founded youth baseball in City Park, was a pillar of the community, and is the namesake of Baker Field Park. Dave concluded by saying “please come down and participate. Once you come, you’ll come back.” Mary Stamey announced that the book Our Community Center will be given to the Manhattan Public Library on the Bakers’ behalf.
Susan Glymour, USD383 Committee Chair for Diversity and Inclusion will speak at the AAUW meeting on February 14th. Usha announced that our International Women’s Day event will be held on March 7 with a focus on refugees. For more information visit or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, December 13, 2021
AAUW Manhattan Branch dinner meeting was held at Meadowlark Hills on December 13, 2021. Program Co-VP Usha Reddi introduced Deb Kluttz, founder and executive director of Homestead Ministries who spoke on “One Solution to Human Sex Trafficking.” The Homestead facilities in Manhattan and Salina provide long-term, transitional care for women who are survivors of the sex trafficking industry. She shared a poem “Lost Souls of the Night” written by a survivor that gave a bleak picture of sex trafficking victims and their uphill battle to survive.
Human sex trafficking is defined as a commercial sex act that is induced by force, fraud, coercion, or when the person involved is not 18 years of age or older. More women (45 million) are employed in the sex trafficking today than in any time in history. It is the #1 crime in the world (a $150 billion industry), and America is the #1 destination for victims with an estimated 100,000 – 300,000 individuals trafficked in our country each year. In Kansas, 2,300 underaged youth fall into sexual exploitation annually. Interstate 35 and 70 are the main corridors for sex trafficking, predominantly through the trucking industry, and Kansas City and Wichita among the top cities. Contributing factors are poverty, low education, physical and sexual abuse, broken homes, foster care, and drugs. Victims have higher rates of substance abuse, rape, STDs, and mental health issues.
As Pastor of the Westview Community Church, Deb was motivated to start Homestead after attending a seminar in 2009 on sex trafficking and learning about the nationwide need to help thousands of victims. With a monetary gift to get started, a donated house, furniture from Feldkamp’s, and contributions from churches, families, and local businesses, Homestead opened in July 2012 with offices in the Westview Community Church. A duplicate facility opened last April in Salina through the initiative of the First Covenant Church.
Homestead’s four-pronged approach is: #1 prevention and community awareness, #2 rescue, #3 restoration, and #4 reintegrate with a focus on the latter two. To qualify for Homestead, the woman must be 18 or older, speak English, have existed the sex industry, and is ready for a life change. Homestead provides a holistic network of free support for 9-24 months, ranging from medical/mental health services to school, jobs, and/or career training. Homestead Plus provides host homes for women with children. In 2019 Homestead Ministries received the Outstanding Victims Service Organization Award by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General for improving the lives of Kansas crime victims.
Deb addressed questions about strip club attitudes toward onsite outreach, community awareness efforts, demographics of victims and johns, impact of legalizing prostitution, and community support. Expanding the number of survivors in Homestead’s care would be difficult because of the cost per month ($250 @) and limited pro bono services. To donate or learn about Homestead volunteering opportunities, call 785-537-7173 ext. 115 or visit www.homesteadministry.org. AAUW members donated supplies and money. The book What Unbreakable Looks Like” will be given to the Manhattan Public Library on Deb’s behalf.
The next branch meeting will be held on January 10 at 6:30 p.m. David and Sonya Baker will give a talk on the Frederick Douglass Activity Center. For more information visit https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, November , 2021
President Marlene VerBrugge welcomed members and guests to the AAUW Manhattan Branch hybrid dinner meeting in the Meadowlark Event Center on November 8, 2021 at 6 p.m. Usha Reddi introduced Shari Crittendon who was appointed to lead K-State’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) in June 2020. Shari spoke on OGC’s role at a public university and her proactive, mission-oriented approach to providing counsel on K-State’s campuses.
Shari earned a law degree from the Carey School of Law, University of Maryland and has 25 years of experience in handling complex legal issues in private practice and in tax-exempt, higher education institutions on issues related to employment, governance, and compliance matters. She has provided stellar leadership in enhancing OGC’s status as a valued and trusted strategic partner, establishing core values, and expanding services and resources.
A general counsel is basically a generalist lawyer or legal team that provides counsel or advice on complex issues, often requiring critical thinking to formulate solutions. K-State’s five-member OGC general counsel team advises faculty/staff/students on legal/conflict resolution issues, develops and reviews policies and contracts, gives presentations on legal issues, and is involved in litigation and external proceedings. Shari noted that higher education is the most highly regulated industry sector and trying to keep up with all the laws is a big task. The OCG is responsible for providing guidance on implementing federal and state laws, e.g., EO14720 Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, which requires all University employees to be vaccinated by December 8, except for those with religious or medical exemptions.
Innovative OCG pathways moving forward are strategic use of technology, greater client outreach, website for online access to information, access to portals, development of boilerplates/templates, and greater collaboration to preserve the interests of the university.
Shari addressed questions on the scope of faculty and staff issues handled by OGC, Title IX under the Biden administration, vaccination requirement complaints, and concealed gun carry on campus. Mary Stamey announced that the book, Know Your Rights and Claim Them will be donated to the Manhattan Public Library on Shari’s behalf.
Marlene circulated a basket for AAUW National Fund donations and will be sending out the printed portion of the AAUW Yearbook. Chris Herald announced that November 8 is National STEM Day. A special webinar commemorating the 140th anniversary of AAUW will be held on November 17 with recognition of some of the 100-year-old branches, e.g., Manhattan Branch.
Deb Klutz, will speak at the December 13 branch meeting on Homestead, a long-term facility for survivors of human trafficking. Help celebrate December as the Month of Giving by donating needed supplies or funds to Homestead. For more information visit https://manhattan-ks.aauw.net/ or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.
American Association of University Women
Manhattan Branch Meeting, October 11, 2021
The AAUW Manhattan Branch held a hybrid dinner meeting with the Riley County League of Women Voters on October 11, 2021 at 6 p.m. in the Meadowlark Event Center. Usha Reddi introduced speaker Rich Vargo, Riley County Clerk and Election Official. Rich addressed questions on voter registration, voting procedures, and changes in Kansas voting laws. Paper ballots were used in Riley County prior to the Help America Vote Act of 2002, requiring at least one electronic voting machine at each polling place. Advanced voting has made it easier to vote, whereas voting by mail has increased voter participation and is the trend nationwide.
Because the COVID pandemic caused a significant loss of workers and increased safety concerns, all registered voters in Riley County were sent a mail-in ballot in the 2020 Presidential Election. Rich is working on a mechanism to enable all voters, not just sick or disabled, to fill out only one application to receive a mail-in ballot in perpetuity, if residing at the same address. The turnout at local elections for school board members and county/city commissioners is considerably less (22% in 2017) than Presidential Elections.
The primary role of an Election Official is to register people to vote and hold a fair election. It is the responsibility of political parties, election groups, and candidates to get people to register and vote. These groups should specify their affiliation on campaign materials. Non-Riley County students must cancel their registration in their home county to vote in our election. The 2021 Kansas Election Laws are still in litigation and will have no impact on the current election. Some of the laws’ components are unrealistic.
Advanced voting runs October 13 – November 1, and General Election Day is November 2. Ballots can be dropped off at the Riley County Office Building or at any of the 30 polling places. All school districts and cities in Riley County will have elections, and the county has a 0.2% sales tax option. Any person can fill out a provisional ballot if there are any discrepancies in their registration or previous balloting. It is a great tool to ensure registration for the next elections.
Riley County’s procedures ensure the integrity of poll workers with yearly training and registration, and numerous safety checks are done on the election machines. State laws prohibit poll watchers from interfering with the voting process. Sample ballots can be obtained on-line, in person, or by calling the Riley County Clerk’s Office.
Mary Stamey announced that the book Thank you for Voting Young Reader will be donated to the Manhattan Public Library on Rich’s behalf. President Marlene VerBrugge closed the meeting by thanking the LWV for joining us and will send out announcements by email.
The next branch hybrid dinner meeting will be held on November 8 at Meadowlark. Shari Crittendon will speak on the roles and responsibilities of the general counsel for K-State. For more information visit www.manhattan-ks-aauw.net or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.