September 2025

All aboard for the coming year!

In August, the Board convened for the Branch year, and much to our advantage, we have dedicated ongoing Board members that serve, sometimes year after year, for the benefit of our Branch.
I want to give a special nod to the new Board members: Lani Howard, Membership Officer, who worked throughout the summer to ensure our membership stays robust; returning Co-Finance Officer, Peg Flanders, who now has the assistance of the capable Karen Smith, who has proven to be a fast learner, no small feat when talking about accounting systems. In addition, we welcome Pamela Hertzler as Facilities/Hospitality Chair. Pamela’s upbeat energy and capacity to organize, has been put to use immediately. Karen Hull returns to the Board as the Program VP. Karen has a knack for assembling intriguing Branch programs to include topics on the judiciary and our local forests. Not new, but certainly newish, we welcome Lisa Turlo as the Local Scholarship Chair. Lisa assumed this role in the spring of 2025, so she begins her first full year. Likewise, JoAnn Shilling assumes her first full year in the role of AAUW Fund Chair. JoAnn and Lisa initially participated as part of a committee, eventually moving into leadership roles on the Board. Teams and committees, while sharing the work, also develop a skilled ‘bench’ for future leadership.
Branch teams and committees are fast at work. The Public Policy team follows the state and national news to keep us informed on issues related to our mission. The Programs team has planned intriguing mission-based Saturday general meeting programs (see article below). The Branch Communications team continues to diligently get the word out about our work. Meanwhile, the Interest Group Coordinators (no Board meetings required) met this summer to fine tune how we support member participation in these fun, vital groups.
Individuals also significantly contribute such as Database/Directory maintainer/producer Bonnie White (past several years) and now, Emily Frost, diligently working this summer to ensure your directory is ready at our first general meeting.
Jennifer Wilkerson has assumed responsibility for procuring Program Sponsors that support our monthly general meetings. Nancy Jeffery and others proofread the Lodestone, and Nancy also helps with event planning, and pitches in when needed. Susie Monary-Wilson, ever ready, generously and regularly offers her home to hold Branch events.
In the limited space allotted, I can mention only a few, but there are many more to thank; please know that your volunteer endeavors are valued and appreciated. As part of the September ‘Welcome Back Brunch’ we will have a ‘help wanted’ sign-up board. If you have time or talent to share, let us know. You will find a group of dedicated women as your volunteer partners. Come join us!