Category Archives: Kingston AAUW

Read with the AAUW Kingston Literary Group

Book List for September 2022 to June 2023
3rd Tuesdays (in general) at 1 PM (on Zoom – email Susan H. for info)

September 20: Citizens of London (2011) by Lynn Olson
The acclaimed author of Troublesome Young Men reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how the United States forged its wartime alliance with Britain, told from the perspective of three key American players in London: Edward R. Murrow, the handsome, chain-smoking head of CBS News in Europe; Averell Harriman, the hard-driving millionaire who ran FDR’s Lend-Lease program in London; and John Gilbert Winant, the shy, idealistic U.S. ambassador to Britain. Each man formed close ties with Winston Churchill—so much so that all became romantically involved with members of the prime minister’s family. Drawing from a variety of primary sources, Lynne Olson skillfully depicts the dramatic personal journeys of these men who, determined to save Britain from Hitler, helped convince a cautious FDR and reluctant American public to back the British at a critical time.

October 18: Born with Teeth (2016) by Kate Mulgrew
Raised by unconventional Irish Catholics who knew “how to drink, how to dance, how to talk, and how to stir up the devil,” Kate Mulgrew grew up with poetry and drama in her bones. But in her mother, a would-be artist burdened by the endless arrival of new babies, young Kate saw the consequences of a dream deferred.

Determined to pursue her own no matter the cost, at 18 she left her small Midwestern town for New York, where, studying with the legendary Stella Adler, she learned the lesson that would define her as an actress: “Use it,” Adler told her. Whatever disappointment, pain, or anger life throws in your path, channel it into the work.

It was a lesson she would need. At twenty-two, just as her career was taking off, she became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter. Having already signed the adoption papers, she was allowed only a fleeting glimpse of her child. As her star continued to rise, her life became increasingly demanding and fulfilling, a whirlwind of passionate love affairs, life-saving friendships, and bone-crunching work. Through it all, Mulgrew remained haunted by the loss of her daughter, until, two decades later, she found the courage to face the past and step into the most challenging role of her life, both on and off screen.

November 15: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead (2019) by Olga Tokarczuk
In a remote Polish village, Janina devotes the dark winter days to studying astrology, translating the poetry of William Blake, and taking care of the summer homes of wealthy Warsaw residents. Her reputation as a crank and a recluse is amplified by her not-so-secret preference for the company of animals over humans. Then a neighbor, Big Foot, turns up dead. Soon other bodies are discovered, in increasingly strange circumstances. As suspicions mount, Janina inserts herself into the investigation, certain that she knows whodunit. If only anyone would pay her mind . . .
A deeply satisfying thriller cum fairy tale, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is a provocative exploration of the murky borderland between sanity and madness, justice and tradition, autonomy and fate. Whom do we deem sane? it asks. Who is worthy of a voice?

December: No meeting

January 17: Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey (2020) by Kathleen Rooney
From the green countryside of England and the gray canyons of Wall Street come two unlikely heroes: one a pigeon and the other a soldier. Answering the call to serve in the war to end all wars, neither Cher Ami, the messenger bird, nor Charles Whittlesey, the army officer, can anticipate how their lives will briefly intersect in a chaotic battle in the forests of France, where their wills will be tested, their fates will be shaped, and their lives will emerge forever altered. A saga of hope and duty, love and endurance, as well as the claustrophobia of fame, Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey is a tragic, yet life-affirming war story that the world has never heard. Inspired by true events of World War I, Kathleen Rooney resurrects two long-forgotten, yet unforgettable figures, recounting their tale in a pair of voices that will change the way readers look at animals, freedom, and even history itself.

February 21: The Promise (2022) by Damon Galgut
On her deathbed, Rachel Swart makes a promise to Salome, the family’s Black maid. This promise will divide the family—especially her children: Anton, the golden boy; Astrid, whose beauty is her power; and the youngest, Amor, whose life is shaped by feelings of guilt.
Reunited by four funerals over thirty years, the dwindling Swart family remains haunted by the unmet promise, just as their country is haunted by its own failures. The Promise is an epic South African drama that unfurls against the unrelenting march of history, sure to leave its readers transformed.

March 21: Lorraine Hansberry: The Life Behind A Raisin in the Sun (2022) by Charles J. Shields
Written when she was just twenty-eight, Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark A Raisin in the Sun is listed by the National Theatre as one of the hundred most significant works of the twentieth century. Hansberry was the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway, and the first Black and youngest American playwright to win a New York Critics’ Circle Award.
Charles J. Shields’s authoritative biography of one of the twentieth century’s most admired playwrights examines the parts of Lorraine Hansberry’s life that have escaped public knowledge: the influence of her upper-class background, her fight for peace and nuclear disarmament, the reason why she embraced Communism during the Cold War, and her dependence on her white husband―her best friend, critic, and promoter. Many of the identity issues about class, sexuality, and race that she struggled with are relevant and urgent today.
This dramatic telling of a passionate life―a very American life through self-reinvention―uses previously unpublished interviews with close friends in politics and theater, privately held correspondence, and deep research to reconcile old mysteries and raise new questions about a life not fully described until now.

April 25: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (2003, Penguin Classic) by James Joyce
The first, shortest, and most approachable of James Joyce’s novels, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man portrays the Dublin upbringing of Stephen Dedalus, from his youthful days at Clongowes Wood College to his radical questioning of all convention. In doing so, it provides an oblique self-portrait of the young Joyce himself. At its center lie questions of origin and source, authority and authorship, and the relationship of an artist to his family, culture, and race. Exuberantly inventive in style, the novel subtly and beautifully orchestrates the patterns of quotation and repetition instrumental in its hero’s quest to create his own character, his own language, life, and art: “to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race.”
This Penguin Classics edition is the definitive text, authorized by the Joyce estate and collated from all known proofs, manuscripts, and impressions to reflect the author’s original wishes.

May 23: The Lincoln Highway (2021) by Amor Towles
In June 1954, 18-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served 15 months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his 8-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction—to New York City.
Spanning just 10 days and told from multiple points of view, Towles’ third novel will satisfy fans of his multilayered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes.

June 20: Bewilderment (2021) by Richard Powers
The astrobiologist Theo Byrne searches for life throughout the cosmos while single-handedly raising his unusual 9-year-old son Robin, following the death of his wife. Robin is a warm, kind boy who spends hours painting elaborate pictures of endangered animals. He’s also about to be expelled from third grade for smashing his friend in the face. As his son grows more troubled, Theo hopes to keep him off psychoactive drugs. He learns of an experimental neurofeedback treatment to bolster Robin’s emotional control, one that involves training the boy on the recorded patterns of his mother’s brain…

10/1 at 2 PM: AAUW webinar on the future of the Supreme Court

AAUW Webinar Announcement:

Perspectives from the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund:
Justice Ginsburg’s Legacy and the Future of the Court

Thursday, October 1, 2020  2 p.m. ET

In the wake of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we invite you to join us for a webinar to learn about the accomplishments of this titan of justice and what the future holds. As evidenced by her honor as a 1999 AAUW Achievement Awardee, Justice Ginsburg was a champion for the rights of women and girls, and hugely instrumental in advancing AAUW’s priorities. But what does the future hold for her seat on the bench and how will it impact AAUW’s work? Join AAUW CEO Kim Churches and Director of Public Policy and Legal Advocacy Kate Nielson for a discussion of the past, the future, and your role in shaping history.

Register here today!…

Susan H.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Legacy of Leadership: Bailey Middle School Students Share Their “Dreams”

An important aspect of AAUW’s work is supporting leadership development and helping educate the next generation of advocates for equality and equity. Opportunities to hear young leaders speak for themselves are a rewarding part of our work. Taking time to listen to them encourages their confidence and growth as leaders and individuals. Plus, connecting with young leaders and hearing their perspective is crucial for maintaining our organization’s vitality.

Through the assistance of J. Watson Bailey Middle School administrators and faculty, we have the privilege of reading the thoughts and aspirations of several 11 and 12 year old students and sharing them on our website.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, their school counselors held special sessions on character. The students reviewed Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech and talked about the weighty issues he addressed and the courage it took for him to stand up for what was right, especially given the power of his opposition and the dangers he faced. Afterward, the students wrote their own versions of “I Have a Dream,” talking about the issues they see in the world and face in their daily lives.

The resulting speeches were stirring and painted a very promising future for the next generation of leaders and advocates. In brief passages of poetry and prose, the students wrote about a wide range of deep topics, including gender identity, poverty, the environment, bullying, body image issues, war, and education.

AAUW Kingston, NY proudly gave certificates of achievement to the students featured on our website in recognition of their excellent work, leadership, and writing. Please take a few minutes to read and share their “Dreams.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Dream Speech from Wikipedia Commons

Dr. King delivering the original “I have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington

“I have a dream that this nation will let woman like whatever they want without being weird or that men will be able to like whatever they want without being called sissy or other names.
I have a dream that one day girls can like football and video games and hate pink and be accepted. I have dream that one day boys can like pink and hate football and not like violence and still be accepted.
I have a dream that we can wear whatever we want without being judged. I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day we can like whatever gender we want and not be made fun of or judged. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day bullying will stop and all sadness caused by peers will stop. This is my hope and faith with this faith we will be able to do what we want and like what we want without being judged.”

—Madelynn Bigler, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will accept differences in other people. I have a dream that one day people will accept different opinions and styles in other people. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day people won’t be scared to leave the comfort of their homes or families because they are afraid they will be judged. This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to express ourselves without being hurt. This will be the day when we stand up and not be judged.”

—Jay Lynn Stover, age 12

“I have a dream to be the first woman to become president and help the illegal woman and man, families in the united states that are separated from each other to become together and not suffer. I have a dream to all the illegal to have their dream come true. I have a dream today, I have a dream for all states to stop war. And be together as a nation. I have a dream to help the people in need, and help the ill. This is my dream.”

—Katherine Mirefuentes-Aguilar, age 11

“I have a dream that the world will be in peace. I have a dream that people will keep out world clean. I have a dream that people won’t judge each other. I have a dream that everyone will be happy and thankful for what they have. I have a dream that everybody will respect each other. I have a dream that everyone will have food, clothes, and shelter. I had a dream that everyone in the world had something to be happy about and everyone was happy.
I have a dream that one day we could make the whole world better by having more peace. Sometimes I think in the world we fight over things not worth fighting over things not worth fighting for. Some of the things we have wars about aren’t really worth what we do. I have another dream that people someday will stop judging people by what they look like. They should like somebody for who they are. Everybody knows not to judge people but they do it anyway.”

—Elizabeth Hakim, age 11

“I have a dream that we will not be judged. That we can walk down a hallway and not be judged by the color of our skin or the clothes on our body. I have a dream that someday I can go out in public and not worry of what people think. That when I do get judged, or when you judge me, you will judge me by what’s in my heart—not what’s on my body. I hope my children do not worry about their hair and nails. That they can just be themselves. I have a dream today. Girls will stop killing them self because people making them feel insecure. That they can walk around proud of them self and not be judged. I have a dream no matter how wealthy or poor you are you may feel good about yourself in your body. That is my dream.”

—Jayla Laster

“I have a dream too!
I have a dream that in this world there will be no bullying. Bullying has an utterly crucial effect on the lives of those being bullied. Bullying can feel very harsh on the person being bullied and can lead to many hurt feelings and problems. I have a dream that students will be able to be taught with their own personal learning style. Personally I don’t think that standardized testing is necessary. Students learn better by having open opportunities and experiences, working at their own grade level. Students who are taught that way have an endless amount of opportunities, and their learning style is continuously thriving, prospering, and flourishing by the second. I have a dream that one day gadgets will stop being utterly desired and in such high demand because all of this leads to major damage and pollution to our environment. We are taking in more materials than we are gaining. When will this stop? I have a dream that people will just be pleased with what they ALREADY have and not always need the newest latest iPhone 100. Really, it’s not necessary.”

—Indira Delacorte, age 12

“I have dream that one day this world will have no childhood hunger. I have a dream that one day no human being will starve. I have a dream that there will be no more suffering. I have a dream that everyone will have shelter. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day everyone will have clothes. This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to end those horrible sad commercials about childhood hunger! . . . about no shelter! This will be the day when everyone will take everyone in the same and not take anyone in for being too poor.”

—Victoria Quick, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation’s people will not be afraid to show who they really are.
I have a dream that one day people will find someone who likes them for who they are instead of changing themselves for someone.
If you change who you are, people are liking someone else, not you. You are not being yourself.”

—Thea Kovaleski, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will charge less money for the gas.
I have a dream that one day people won’t have to charge lots of money.
I have dream that one day people will live a better life.
I have a dream that no one have to leave there houses because of they don’t have money to pay taxes because the paid lots of money on the gas.
This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to pay less money for the gas.”

—Muhammad Kashan, age 11

“I have a dream that war would end and that the army wouldn’t have to risk their lives. I have a dream today! This is my hope and faith. With this faith we can end war and save the lives of the fighters in the war. This will be the day when all armies will stand down and we can make peace with everyone else in the world! I will have hope till’ the world is at peace. No more weapons, bombs, etc. No more theft and killing.”

—Jason D. Blampied, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will have more jobs.
I have a dream that one day people won’t be homeless.
I have a dream that one day people won’t die of thirst.
I have a dream that people won’t die of hunger.
I have a dream that one day everyone will get a good education.
I have a dream that one day everyone will have good health.
This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to thrive as a great country.
This will be the day when war ends.”

—Madison Hammerle, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will banish war and the nation will be peaceful.
I have a dream that one day that we will find tons of gas so the price will go down.
I have a dream that one day the sun won’t explode on earth.
I have a dream that alcohol will be less powerful.
I have a dream that one day no matter the name of the person, nor the name of the place they live in, all humans will be treated as equals.”

—John Prizzi

“I have a dream that one day this nation will end world hunger. I have a dream that those who sit starving wondering if they’ll ever eat will finally eat food. I have a dream that the needy will get some resources. I have a dream that all people can get food.”

—Zion James Kennedy, age 11

“I have a dream that one day this nation will have better jobs.
I have a dream that people will not die from cancer.
I have a dream that people won’t die from thirst.
I have a dream that people won’t die from hunger.”

—Kiyle Thomason Jr, age 12

“End bullying. Although the miseries in Pandora’s Box will be hard to recapture – we can! Even though the miseries have sunk into the human nature, WE CAN! People will roam the world without being afraid to be themselves. Destroying bullying to its very roots will be hard, but at least try! No one should have tears in their eyes for being themselves. We should not be torn from ourselves.
I have a dream . . .
– that we will not run in fear
– That we will be free to be ourselves
– Society will not label people outcasts.
– People can talk and not be hurt and not hurt others.
– That equality will reign.
– People will not die of distress, rather than live in the cruelty.
I have a dream”

—Caroline Regan, age 11

JWBLogo

AAUW Kingston FB 2

Registration Deadline Extended for the 2013 CTAUN Conference

The registration deadline for the Committee on Teaching about the United Nations (CTAUN) conference has been extended from December 28 to January 7. The conference, titled “Advancing Social Justice: The Role of Educators,” will be held on Friday, 18 January 2013 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm at the UN Headquarters in Midtown Manhattan (map). The admission fee is $65.00, CTAUN encourages all educators and other interested citizens to attend. Click here to register.

One of the keys to achieving lasting positive change in the world is reaching the youngest generations and to empower a new class of well-informed citizens. The problems facing the world community are incredibly complex and resolving them requires leaders with intelligence and a depth of awareness. Education is paramount to the creation of activists with the knowledge, skills, and empathy needed to tackle the world’s issues.

Accordingly, this year’s conference looks at the role of educators in advancing understanding of social justice issues. CTAUN believes that promoting social justice will foster greater “economic equality and political stability for the world’s citizens,” which is one of the UN’s most central goals. The conference will explore issues of social justice and human security, including human trafficking, forced labor, environmental justice, food security, and immigration/forced migration.

The keynote speakers are Thomas Pogge, author, Director of the Global Justice Program, and Leitner Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs at Yale University, and Rachel Lloyd, founder of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS), author, and advocate for trafficked youths. Panel presentations will include representatives from the International Labor Organization (ILO), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UNICEF (Child Protection), and the US State Department, and other organizations.

For those interested in staying in Manhattan for the weekend, discounted hotel rates are available at ONE UN New York (formerly the Millennium Plaza) for $199 per night for a room with 2 people or $239 per night with 3 occupants. The special rates for conference participants are valid from Wednesday (16th) to Sunday (20th).

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Mayfield at jennifer.a.mayfield@gmail.com or 914-388-2937

Celebrate Human Rights Day

The Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Center at Val-Kill and the United Nations Association, Southern New York State Division (UNA-SNY) are holding an exciting event in honor of Human Rights Day.

“Whose Human Rights?” will be held on Tuesday, December 11, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park (map).

The featured speaker is Gillian Martin Sorensen, Senior Advisor and National Advocate at the United Nations Foundation. The event will also honor the memory of Margaret K. (Molly) Bruce, a United Nations staff member from the time of its founding in 1945 until 1977, when she retired as one of the highest ranking women in the UN Secretariat.  Ms. Bruce was also a friend and colleague of Eleanor Roosevelt, a human rights activist, and an advocate for women around the world.

Please RSVP as soon as possible to Maureen Benedict at 845-229-5302 or mbenedict@ervk.org.

This is a free event. Coffee and tea will be served, but unfortunately it is too late to order lunch, participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Mayfield at 914-388-2937 or jennifer.a.mayfield@gmail.com.

Miss Representation Education Committee Meeting

The Miss Representation Education Committee will meet before the open board meeting on December 6, at 3:15 PM at the Kingston Library. All Branch members are more than welcome to attend. We will be discussing ways to bring the movie Miss Representation and its messages into area schools. The movie examines the way women and girls are represented (and under-represented) in our media and the impacts those depictions have on society.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Mayfield at jennifer.a.mayfield@gmail.com or Adele Calcavechhio at adeleacts@gmail.com.

The International Committee to Meet on November 11

The International Committee is set to meet at 2:00 PM, on Sunday, November 11, at the Olympic Diner in Kingston (map).

The committee hopes to carry forward the momentum of the influential New York State AAUW international program, My Sister’s Keeper (MSK), which wrapped up earlier this year. We will discuss ways to continue working toward the goals of MSK, as well as potential new directions that the Branch can take in our international advocacy.

Please join us to talk about ideas for programs, charities to support, potential areas of focus, and more.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Mayfield at jennifer.a.mayfield@gmail.com.

International Women

10/20: Hear about Clean Elections & Move to Amend at Kingston Library

Saturday, October 20
1 PM
Kingston Library
2nd Floor, Community Room
55 Franklin Street, Kingston

Irene Miller will talk to us about Clean Money, Clean Elections and Maggie Williams will speak about the fast-growing Move to Amend initiative to overturn the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision.

Bring a friend or two and join us!

http://www.facebook.com/events/443688779001181

Susan H., 845-389-3961
susan-holland@usa.net

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Learn about Planned Parenthood, Regionally and Nationally, Oct. 16

Ruth Ellen Blodgett

Ruth-Ellen Blodgett is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley, which extends from Albany to Rockland County.She is familiar with the issues specific to health care in New York State, having worked in health care administration in upstate New York . She is known for her clarity as a speaker and her knowledge of the issues affecting Planned Parenthood.

 Ruth-Ellen Blodgett’s talk on “Planned Parenthood, Locally and Nationally” is scheduled for Tuesday, October 16 at 5 PM in the Kingston Library Community Room, 55 Franklin Street.

The talk and discussion is part of the Kingston Branch of AAUW’s Public Policy Committee meeting and is open to the public, with special invitation to members of the Ulster County Activist Council of the Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley Action Fund.

 

After the discussion with the audience, all are invited to Keegan Ales, located around the corner from the library at 20 Saint James  Street. All are welcome.— Doris Goldberg    

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Have You Taken Steps to Prepare for an Emergency?

September is National Preparedness Month. Severe weather causes the most frequent emergencies, but there are other emergencies, too. Have you taken steps to prepare for an emergency?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), three elements of good preparation are: 

  • FEMA | Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA | Federal Emergency Management Agency (Photo credit: Inventorchris)

     Being Informed— Learn about the potential emergencies that can happen where you live and know the appropriate ways to respond to them. 

  • Making a Plan
      — Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan what you would do in different situations. How would you get to a safe place? How would you contact one another and get back together? 

  • Building a Kit — Find a list of suggested items to include in an emergency supply kit.

These links will connect you with great material to help you prepare. Thanks to branch member Marj Roberts for providing this reminder of the importance of preparing.

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