AAUW-Long Beach VANTAGElongbeach-ca.aauw.net/files/2013/12/0_AAUW_Vantage_Jan_14_final.pdfwelcome Dr. Stephen Ward as our speaker for our January meeting. Dr. Ward is a chiropractor

AAUW-Long Beach VANTAGE

January 2014 Volume 43 Issue 5

Courtesy—Branch News 2

President’s Message 3

International Dining 4

Action / STEM 4

Tech Trek / News 5

Pub. Policy/Board Briefs 6

Interest Groups 7

Meeting information 8

Inside this issue:

Raquel Sanchez and Mary Ann Takemoto,

Co-Program Vice-Presidents

Happy holidays to everyone! We hope that you have a wonderful holiday

season! 2014 will start out with a very interesting program. We are pleased to

welcome Dr. Stephen Ward as our speaker for our January meeting. Dr. Ward is a

chiropractor in the Long Beach community who has been in private practice for

23 years. He specializes in the reduction of acute and chronic pain, as well as

other conditions. Dr. Ward has studied the connection between mind, body and

spine transformations. His presentation is entitled, “Your spine is talking, are you

listening?” Please join us for this fascinating presentation at our January

meeting. We look forward to seeing you at the Grand!

Happy and Healthy New Year! Saturday January 4, 2014

AAUW's Mission Statement: AAUW advances equity for women

and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

AAUW's Value Promise: By joining AAUW, we belong to a

community that breaks through educational and economic barriers

so that all women have a fair chance.

“Dr. Ward is a very up-beat, enthusiastic, compas-

sionate and very patient soul. His positive vibrations

are contagious to everyone who enters his office!

It is wonderful to see how many people he has and

continues to help. He has a special gift in being able

to connect with people of all ages, genders and

walks of life! It is so nice to leave every time feeling

better physically and extremely up-lifted!”

~~ Carolyn on YELP

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Branch News

COURTESY

Here’s to the New Year... Best wishes to January birthdays! Did you know it is also:

New Year’s Day— Jan. 1 Epiphany celebration— Jan. 6 Martin Luther King Day— Jan. 21 The Prophet’s Birthday—Jan. 24

Chinese New Year — Jan. 31

January brings the snow, makes

our feet and fingers glow.

~~ Sara Coleridge

FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS (Elected, appointed and other administrative are encouraged!)

All meetings are held on Mondays of the month from September to May at the Unitarian Universalist church,

5450 E. Atherton St—Room 2. Social time 6:30 p.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m. Dates: Jan 13, (second Monday at 6:30

for Social time at the Unitarian church), March 17

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS (Elected Board members)

All meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month at the Unitarian Universalist Church- Room 2.

Social time at 6:30 p.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m. Dates: Feb.17—Mar. 17— April 21

ANNUAL CHANGEOVER MEETING—May 19, 2014

Please send communication to Editor : Rebecca Low [email protected] or call 562 - 596-8832

CALENDAR EVENTS & NOTICES

Saturday, February 1, 2014

African American Topic

Grace Presbyterian Church

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Lily Goss for Women’s History Month

Lunch at the Long Beach Yacht Club

AAUW-LONG BEACH WEBSITE:

http://www.aauw-longbeach.org

AAWU email Address:

[email protected]

We're on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/aauwlongbeachca

Follow AAUW on

SAVE THE DATE: AAUW CA State Convention

April 11, 12, 13, 2014 Marriott—Los Angeles Airport South

Join in for learning, meeting candidates, making new friends, greeting

old friends, and having fun. All members deserve the opportunity to

attend. More information will be available soon!

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President’s Message Daphne Ching-Jackson – President

Recently I was at a luncheon and sat next to a man. I have so many women friends

that it was a bit rare for me to sit next to a man other than George at a social function.

George, incidentally, was on the other side of me.

During the course of our conversation this man happened to state that if we had

more women leaders in the political world, we wouldn’t have so many wars. Suddenly I

looked at this man with renewed respect. I started wondering about this man, what was

his upbringing? What was his DNA? To my left George affirmed the man’s comment and

added that women don’t feel the need to reinforce their testosterone.

For an instant I felt so privileged to be sitting between two insightful and

enlightened men!! How lucky can a woman be?! The conversation continued and before

we knew it the man talked about his mother in extremely affectionate and respectful terms.

We also found out that she was an immigrant and came to the United States to start a

new life and raise her children. Obviously a positive parental role model for him.

The experience prompted me to think about my many women friends who are

extremely empowered, excellent parents and positive role models. This brought my

thinking back to AAUW and its educational equity mission. I wish that people in greater

numbers could join our Branch to advocate for educational equity.

I recently read an article that stated that education is important for everyone, but it

is especially significant for girls and women. Education opens up opportunities. More

important, educational achievements for women can have ripple effects within the family

and across generations. An investment in educating girls is one of the most effective ways

to reduce poverty the article went on to say. Furthermore, girls who have been educated

are likely to marry later and to have smaller and healthier families. Education helps girls

and women to know their rights and to gain confidence to claim them.

AAUW Long Beach continually supports equity in

education for women and girls whether it’s through financial

contributions from members to AAUW Funds – EO and Tech

Trek, or by volunteering and contributing for/to the STEM

Conference. In our own way we are contributing in ways that

should make us proud. Perhaps ultimately the percentage of

educated women in politics will bring about a shift that many of us would like to see that

will lead to a better, peaceful world, in which human life is valued! And one in which the

enlightened wisdom and intelligence of women is very much embraced and integrated into

our daily lives!

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Carol Smith,

Membership VP

SAVE the DATE …… Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The International Cuisine group will be going to

Malarkey’s Grill (formerly Buster’s) 168 No. Marina Dr. phone # (562) 598-9431 on Wednesday, January 22

nd at 6:30 p.m.

The menu includes Irish dishes such as Irish stew, Shepherd’s pie or how about Irish nachos?

For reservations, contact Joan Gustafson, (562) 439-3130, [email protected] or JoAnn Kuroda (562) 429-6923 [email protected]

WE WANT YOU! - STEM CONFERENCE VOLUNTEERS

We are looking for volunteers to assist at the 11th AAUW Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Career Conference. At this yearly Conference, women with careers in math, sci-ence, technology and engineering present workshops to middle-school girls to excite them about the pos-sibilities of such careers and encourage them to attend college. Volunteers for this event are needed to take on tasks like facilitating speakers, helping with registration, preparing bags and refreshments, and, this year, we are looking for more photographers!

At this printing, the final logistics are still in progress but more information will be included in future Van-tage newsletters.

If you are interested in being a volunteer or have any questions about assisting at the STEM Conference, please email Darlene Daclan at [email protected] or call at 562/673-6909.

JANUARY IS NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING MONTH

January has been designated by Presidential Proclamation as "National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month". California is one of the nation's top four destination states for traf-ficking of human beings according to a report from the California Attorney General's Office. Nation-wide, human trafficking is a $9.8 billion industry and at least 100,000 children with an average age of 13 are exploited for prostitution each year, according to Shared Hope International. Human traf-ficking endangers the lives of millions of people around the world and it is a crime that knows no borders. Trafficking abuses disproportionately affect women and girls. AAUW members nationwide are leading efforts to fight human trafficking by starting petitions for legislation, raising awareness and working to prevent sexual trafficking during the 2014 Super Bowl, which has been called the single largest human trafficking venue in the US. AAUW believes that effective action against this issue requires national and international policies against human trafficking, and therefore AAUW National supports the federal "End Sex Trafficking Act" (HR 2805/S1354) which will strengthen federal law on the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for human trafficking. Our April 2014 Branch meeting will be a dinner meeting during which our speaker will ad-dress the issues and prevention of human and sexual trafficking. These issues are central to ef-forts to protect women and children from exploitation and violence and they speak to the core of

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Tech Trek Pat Ferrer

Tech Trek Co-Chair

JANUARY IS TECH TREK MONTH!

Anne Supple, my co-chair, and I will be asking you to contribute for Tech Trek camperships

at our January Branch Meeting. For 2014, we have six spaces reserved at UC Irvine. We

have targeted two Title I area schools for candidates: Muir School and Hamilton Middle

School. A donation this summer by Saris-Regis Group (developers of the Douglas Aircraft

property) and your overwhelming generosity over the years has given us a good start for

funding this year’s campers. However, we still need over $3,400 to fund all 6

camperships. Each campership is still $900. If you wish to donate to Tech

Trek and have a tax deduction for this year, please mail to arrive on or before

December 31, 2013, made payable to AAUW CA SPF, to Pat Ferrer, 365 Ul-

timo Ave, Long Beach, CA 90814. Any checks received after that date, will

be a tax deductible donation for Tax Year 2014. Hope to see you at our first

branch meeting in 2014!

There’s Still Time to Apply for an AAUW Fellowship or Grant AAUW’s fellowships and grants programs provide vital funding for women in the United States and around the globe at critical stages in their careers. Do your part to help these women by spreading the word about AAUW’s fellowships and grants. Need 2014–15 recruitment brochures? Visit ShopAAUW. Application deadlines run from November 15 to January 15.

It is the time of year to give. So give me $20.00 for GREAT DECISIONS booklets!

The following are the group leaders and the day and time each group meets. Their telephone num-bers and email address are given below. You may contact them if you need further information and let them know if you are joining their group. Norma Grady, Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. 562-596-2819 [email protected] Deloris Mayuga, Friday from 1-3p.m. 562-596-8902 [email protected] Flo Pickett, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. 562-421-5348 [email protected] My thanks for the wonderful response at the Wassail. Your payment for the booklets makes my task so much easier. For the members who did not attend the Wassail, please send your check to Adele Brown 12300 Montecito Road #10

Seal Beach, CA 90740 (562) 594-6443 [email protected]

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Flo Pickett, Public Policy VP

New news for public policy...Shelly Arnold, a newer AAUW member, is com-

ing on as the official public policy director. I will be working with her. Meetings will

continue to be held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at my house. We will not meet

in December but will be back on Jan 16, 2014. Come out and welcome Shelly.

Wishing you all happy Holidays!

Board Briefs Darlene Declan,

Secretary

Public Policy Note

The regular meeting of the Executive Committee met on Saturday, De-

cember 7, 2013 at the Bayshore Community Congregation Church. Regu-

lar Executive Committee business was transacted. The following motions

were passed:

Darci Fersch moved that, by direction of the Finance Committee, the

Executive Committee approve the Endowment Fund CD held at One West

Bank, roll over at the best rate offered for a one year term when it matures

in January 25, 2014 unless Bank of America CD rates are higher. If Bank

of America CD rates are higher than One West Bank, the CD will be

moved to Bank of America for a one year term so the higher interest

earned on the CD can be setup to automatically transfer into the general

fund when the CD matures on January 2015.

Darci Fersch moved that, by direction of the Finance Committee, that

we ask Spectrum's opinion on whether we should change our Policies and

Procedures to reflect a different ratio of Equities and Fixed income invest-

ments. Since they advise non-profits, they may have a "best practices"

guideline for allocations for non-profits.

Flo Pickett moved that Shelley Arnold be appointed Public Policy Direc-

tor for 2013-2014 effective December 7, 2013. The motion was seconded

by Mary Ann Takemoto.

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BRANCH INTEREST GROUPS Joining an interest group (or many) is a great way to get to know other members on a more personal level. Make friends while participating in fun, informative and educational activities. To start a new interest group, submit a description to the President and it will be passed to Ellen Mathis, Interest Group Coordina-

tor for help with implementation.

Antiques and Collectibles, led by Judith Kaho, meets several times a year to share their love and appreciation of beautiful/interesting antiques, historical family items and collectables. Light refreshments are served by the hostess, sharing and conversation ensues; held at various homes or at a local retailer. Contact Judith at 562-429-2790.

Book Chat Plus Group members present the most interesting book they have recently read, film they have seen or the most exciting travel experience they have had. If time allows, all three! Light refreshments are

served along with the intriguing conversation. Contact Helen Sebring at 562-596-0180.

Bridge Group plays at the Petroleum Club in Long Beach on the second Friday from 9:30 - noon. To inquire about

a seat at the group meeting, contact Cathy Cunningham at 562-424-3166; [email protected].

Cultural Adventures Group plans trips to museums and other points of interest. It is usually a mid-week tour & lunch scheduled several times a year. Join a group that enjoys checking out museums and cultural inter-ests. Contact JoAnn Kuroda at 562-429-6923 or email at [email protected]. The next trip is being planned now!

Great Books Group reads from an anthology published by the Great Books Foundation. It includes philosophy,

poetry and fictional writing of prize winning and world renowned authors. Contact Linda Patten at 562-402-6831

Great Decisions Groups meetings are held in February and March. Members prepare by reading one chapter of the Great Decisions book; published by the Foreign Policy Association, about a situation of world impor-tance. The self-moderated group meets to discuss the pros, cons, and issues of important topics. Each participant is encouraged to bring other sources of information. Everyone gets a turn/or pass, no one is "wrong" and all opinions are respected. One of the groups meets year round to discuss foreign policy.

Each person pays for a copy of the book when available. Contact Adele Brown at 562-594-6443

International Cuisine Group meets and dines at restaurants of different ethnicity in the local area. It is usually scheduled every few months on a Wednesday within an easy drive of LB. Car pooling is an option Come join a group who enjoys unique flavors of the world. Contact Joan Gustafson at 562-439-3130

Literary Ladies Group meets to discuss and compare thoughts on a selected novel, fiction or non-fiction. Each member takes a turn recommending and leading the group on a recently published book. The ladies come together to hear the thoughts and insights of others in the group. They meet at Jean Aldrich’s home on the 2

nd Monday at 1:00 pm. There is a maximum of 12, but maintain a waiting list. Contact Sharon Westafer

at 562-493-4749 if needed about the January book The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Public Policy meetings, explore, discuss and support the active legislative issues of AAUW, which underscore our mission of promoting equity and education for all women and girls. The group passes on knowledge and informa-tion to all branch members and encourage them to become involved with AAUW issues. Meetings are on the 3rd Thursday. Contact Flo Pickett - an assistant leader may be needed!

Residential Rentals Discussion Group meets the 3rd

Wednesday of the month year round, from 10:00–11:30 am. Anyone with an interest in residential rentals is welcome. We often have a topic, share recent landlord ex-periences and work to keep our knowledge current. An email/call to Joan Gustafson or Ellen Mathis will ensure there is a chair at the table for you.

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AAUW Long Beach Branch In principle and practice, AAUW values and

seeks a diverse membership. There

shall be no barriers to full participation in

this organization on the basis of gender,

race, creed, age, sexual orientation,

national origin or disability.

P.O. Box 15-023

Long Beach, CA 90815

Periodicals

U.S. Postage PAID

Long Beach

USPS 361-850

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT: AAUW Vantage (USPS 361-850) is published monthly except in July and September by the Long Beach Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), P O Box 15023, Long Beach, CA 90815. Periodical postage paid at Long Beach, CA. Postmaster: send address changes for AAUW Vantage to: P O Box 15023, Long Beach, CA 90815.

RESERVATION RETURN

Send your registration and check payable to AAUW LB

to Joan Gustafson, 221 Bennett Ave, LB, CA 90803

Member(s)

_____________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________

Guest / Note _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

No. of Reservations ____________________________

Amount Enclosed ______________________________

I would like to make _______ reservations for the meeting and program ONLY.

RSVP by Dec. 30th Those making a meal reservation have made a financial commitment and refunds shall not be made.

AAUW BRANCH MEETING

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Social Time 9:30 am

Business Meeting 10:00 am

Program 11:00 am

Lunch 12:00 noon Place: The Grand 4101 E. Willow Street Long Beach Free parking in the parking garage

Meal: Sandwich Buffet California Croissant: Choose Turkey or Ham and Cheese or Chicken or Tuna salad on a croissant. Pesto Pasta salad — Fresh fruit platter Chef choice of dessert Coffee, Iced Tea, Water Price: $ 23.00

RSVP by Monday, Dec 30th, 2013

Questions: Fay Denny