Nineteen members of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the “Den” at Heritage Park in Cerritos, to enjoy an International Potluck and to make plans for the year. After members enjoyed trying the different ethnic food, Administrative Assistant Harriet Moses asked the leaders of the different Interest Groups to explain their group and encouraged new members to join. Members are asked to use contact information for the leaders of the groups in the Branch Directory that was distributed by Treasurer Marilyn Forsstrom at this evening meeting.
Gourmet Group Chair Joan Flax said that there will be three dinners planned for the third Saturdays of the month on October, January, and March, with a fourth one planned for the entire group and the end of the year. Contact Joan Flax for host houses, dates, times, and menus.
Great Decisions Chair Dorothy Edwards announced that there will be two more meetings this year, with the topic being “High Seas” in September, and “The Pandemic” in October. Meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m., at Dorothy’s home. A new series will begin in January.
Readers Theater Chair Esther Aronson announced that all the meeting this year will take place at her home on the first Thursdays of the month starting at 6:30 p.m. with reading of plays at 6:45 p.m. Members take turns bringing snacks and there are fees for membership in the group and for postage for the play booklets. The first meeting will be on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Contact Esther for more information.
Cover to Cover Chair Thea Siegel announced that this group will meet different locations for book discussions each month on the second Thursdays of the month, starting at 1:00 p.m. Member Mary Ann Quinn will be hosting the October 10 meeting in home. Contact Thea for the locations of future Cover to Cover meetings.
After the Interest Group leaders finished discussing their groups, Harriet announced that the October Program will feature Margo Reed, a speaker from the League of Women Voters, who will be giving information about the 12 propositions that will be voted on in the November elections. She then received reports from appointed committee chairs of the branches’ committees.
Public Policy Chair Sondra Cohen provided handouts for the AAUW California State Public Policy Priorities for 2023-205, the 2024 Ballot Positions which AAUW takes a stand, and a 2024 Voter Guide for the candidates running for the 45th Congressional District in which the majority of our branch member live. Sondra urged members to sign up for the online Action Alerts which addresses California AAUW issues, and also the online wo-Minute Activist which addresses AAUW National issues.
For the AAUW Fund, Gail Ross volunteered to serve temporarily as the AAUW Fund Chair. Gail and Thea Seigel said that there are several options available for fundraisers with different restaurants that can be arranged that will help raise funds. Gail said the Fundraising Cruise to Catlina and Ensenada in February will also raise funds for the AAUW Fund. Joan Flax said that her Jewelry Sale on November 9 will be a ”mini fundraiser” for AAUW Fund. Contact Gail or Joan Flax for more information.
Since there is no Membership VP, Joan Plyman volunteered to help with membership duties and helped members to sign the attendance sheet for this meeting.. She also helped to deliver to members the new Branch Directory which was prepared by Marilyn Forsstrom. Joan also volunteered to take charge of Falcons Nest at Cerritos Community College which helps provide students with personal needs. Joan will be collecting donations of cosmetics, lotions, sanitary supplies, other personal needs, and clothing, at the October 17 meeting. Contact Joan for more information.
Celia Spitzer did a great job of arranging for the meeting to be held at “The Den” at Heritage Park. She thanked Sue Carruthers for her hospitality and providing decorations, paper goods, utensils, and water for today’s meeting.
Administrator Harriet invited members to share a piece of good news about their families while donating $1.00 for the AAUW Fund. Five members responded and shared good news about their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren!
At the end of the evening, Harriet said that our branch meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month at the ABC Unified School District Adult School Auditorium at 20122 Cabrillo Lane, Cerritos, CA. with Social Time at 6:30 p.m. and guest speakers at 7:00 p.m. followed by business meetings. Her final announcement was that the January 16 meeting will be changed to January 15.
Members and guests are reminded to come to ABCUSD Adult School Auditorium on October 17, 2024, to come at 7:00 p.m., to hear Speaker Margo Reed from the League of Women Voters on the topic of the 12 Propositions that will be voted on in November.
For more information about the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the AAUW, contact Administrator Harriet Moses at 714-994-1487.