AAUW (National) is the oldest women’s organization in the USA. The AAUW mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. The Somerset Hills AAUW branch has general meetings and various interest groups. Our major fundraiser is our annual used book sale.
All members, even new ones, are encouraged to participate as board members, group chairs, convention attendees, and book sale workers in order to get the most out of the AAUW experience.
BRANCH PROGRAM: Tue, May 11 6:45 – Zoom – “Watershed Friendly Living – What You Can Do To Protect Our Environment” presented by Hazel England, Great Swamp Watershed Association, Director of Education and Outreach – Land Steward.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: AAUW National has increased annual dues by $3 starting in 2021. Annual dues for our 2021-2022 year are: National $62 + State $10 + Branch $26 = $98 Total.
However, for renewing members, dues are:
· $95 if postmarked between May 1 and June 30th
· AAUW Life members pay $36 Branch and State dues.
· Friends of the Branch pay $55.
Checks are to be made out to “AAUW Somerset Hills” and mailed to Bonnie Gould, 4 Valley View Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Yearbook information updates (i.e. telephone/email/address changes), can be included with your check.
There is also the option to pay your annual dues (for National, State and Branch) by credit card on the AAUW.org/Membership web page and logging into the Membership Services Database – Renew My Membership option. Call Bonnie if you want assistance using this online option.
BOOK SALE: Book Sale Committee members met on April 29th to discuss possibilities for holding a 2021 book sale, but no decisions were reached. Next meeting June 24, 10:00 AM – Contact: Teri Passarello
AAUW NJ NEWS: For more information and to register for the programs on the calendar go to the AAUW NJ website: https://aauw-nj.aauw.net Check out the monthly Newsletter for information on the AAUW NJ programs listed in our calendar above, as well as the great programs being shared by other New Jersey branches each month.
GREAT DECISIONS: Chair Brigid Coakley, annisbear32158@aol.com – Those in the group will be emailed the link the day before the meeting.
FOR A MORE JUST SOCIETY: Chair Becky Hughes, beckyh@enter.net – This discussion group meets every Friday at 9:00 AM.
RECYCLING CORNER – ENVIRONMENTAL TIPS: At our April meeting, Becky Hughes encouraged the non-use of plastic utensils when eating out. She suggested bringing metal utensils wrapped in a cloth napkin or dishtowel, tied together in a bundle using a piece of string, yarn, or clean shoelace, to the restaurant and storing them in the car for future trips.
Here’s a summary of our environmental tips to date:
“Soda” can pop-tabs – Collected by Bonnie Gould, for Ronald McDonald House
Styrofoam packing material (large, solid) – No longer collected. Foam Pack Industries does not accept from the public, no known place to recycle in New Jersey.
Prescription bottles (usually brown, plastic type) – Collected by Brigid Coakley, for Matthew 25 Ministries
Disposable utensils – Refuse them, and carry your own reusable with you in a cloth napkin.
DAYTIME BOOK GROUP: Chair Ginny Pasternak ginp@verizon.net – Books:
May 17 Book Selection for 2021-2022
June 21 The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson reviewer: Nancy Boney
EVENING BOOK GROUP: Chair Ginny Pasternak ginp@verizon.net – Books:
May 3 Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister by Jung Chang reviewer: Mary Lee Waldron
June 7 Book selection for 2021-2022