Dear branch members,
Info from an AAUW National email from Tremayne Parquet:

AAUW’s annual art contest is officially under way, and we invite members to submit a high-resolution image of their original painting, photography, sculpture, collage, or other artwork. We will be accepting submissions through  January 31, 2024. Your work could be among the winning entries!

Starting in February, AAUW members will select their favorite entries via ranked-choice voting. The winners will be featured on a collection of notecards sent to all members this spring. The back of each card will include the winning artist’s biography, a fact about AAUW and a highlight of the artist’s local branch affiliation when applicable.

Please spread the word to your state and branch! We know from past years’ entries that there is a lot of talent out there!

For more information on submitting artwork, or to peruse last year’s art gallery, please visit the AAUW Art Contest page:
https://www.aauw.org/resources/member/initiatives/art-contest/

We hope to see your work soon!
Happy New Year,
Tremayne Parquet
Deputy Director of Advancement & Partnerships

Branch members,
Check your email for a recent note from Shannon Wolfe (memberinfo@email.aauw.org, Subject: Deadline Approaching! Your Vote Needed for AAUW Bylaws Change) and make sure you click on the Review & Comment on the Proposal to Open Membership button in Shannon’s email to submit your comments by 5 PM ET on 1/26!

Here’s what Shannon Wolfe says in her email:
As a valued member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), your participation is crucial in shaping our future.
The deadline to cast your vote on the important amendments to the national bylaws is fast approaching, and we need your voice to be heard!

These amendments, recommended by the AAUW Board of Directors and Governance Committee, aim to open membership and bring fresh perspectives
to our organization. Remember, as a member, you hold the power to influence these changes.

Comments can be submitted until Friday, January 26 at 5:00 pm ET.

Here are the key dates you need to keep in mind:
January 26 | Comment period closes at 5:00 pm ET
April 3 | Voting begins (online voting is highly recommended)
May 15 | Online voting concludes at 12:00 pm ET with results to be announced online.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your opinion count. Your comments and vote are instrumental in guiding the direction of AAUW.

Your involvement is what makes AAUW a powerful community. Let’s work together towards a brighter future for our organization.
We eagerly await your input and appreciate your prompt response.

Best regards,
Shannon Wolfe
Managing Director and Chief of Staff

Branch Meeting and Annual Holiday Party
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
3 PM to 5 PM
Marbletown Community Center
3564 Main Street, Stone Ridge
Ground-level, handicapped-accessible, parking in rear.
RSVP to Lynn Gore (lynngore54@gmail.com) for this event.

Come enjoy the holiday spirit! All are welcome!
Free event! Food! Music! 50/50 drawing! Old and new friends! Door prizes!

Bring a savory dish, finger food, or dessert. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided.

Please bring donations for the Washbourne House for the women and children sheltering there: toiletries, full-sized shampoos, conditioners, personal items such as nail files,
hygiene products, diapers, and gifts for children.

AAUW Kingston scholarship donations are also gladly accepted!

Featuring Chris Jackson for your entertainment!
“Singer/songwriter Chris Jackson has been playing piano since he was 6 years old and guitar
since the age of 15. Songwriting and live performance became a regular part of his life, as well.
Jackson formed and fronted the band, Nice Guy Eddie, in Florida and later took himself and the band (in name only) to Los Angeles, where they were a popular staple on the live music scene for many years. In 2013, he relocated to New York where he plays both solo and with others regularly.”

The women from the SUNY Ulster New Start program have been invited. Please invite others –
daughters, granddaughters, and friends! Let us celebrate all women!

2023 General Election Information
Election Day: Tuesday, November 7
Please get out and vote.
Encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to vote too.
For more info, see: https://www.vote411.org

We have state, county, and local races, and 2 state propositions.
Ulster County has 2 propositions and 6 towns have propositions.
For Ulster County sample ballots, see:
https://elections.ulstercountyny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023GESampleBallotsCombined.pdf

Turn Your Ballot Over!
There are some important propositions on the back of the ballot.
There are 2 proposals to amend the NYS Constitution.
In addition, there are 2 proposals to amend the Ulster County Charter.
For Ulster County info, see: https://elections.ulstercountyny.gov/sample-ballots-2/

Polls are open in our area from 6 AM to 9 PM.
Call or text me if you or someone you know needs a ride to the polls.
Susan H., 845-389-3961, susan-holland@usa.net

Board of Elections websites
– NYS: http://www.elections.ny.gov/
– Ulster County: https://elections.ulstercountyny.gov/
– Dutchess County: https://elections.dutchessny.gov/

It’s not too late! The reservation deadline is this Friday, October 27, 2023.
If you would like to sponsor a student attendee, please let Lynn Gore know: 845-687-9210 or lynngore54@gmail.com

Saturday, November 4, 2023
11 AM to 2 PM

Reginato Ristorante
34 Leggs Mill Road
Lake Katrine, NY

Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Allison Buckley
President of SUNY Ulster

Women in Leadership in Higher Education

Dr. Buckley earned a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership Studies from Northeastern University in Boston, MA; a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland, College Park in College Park, MD; a Master of Philosophy in Women’s Studies from the University of Dublin, Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland; a Master of Arts in History and a postgraduate certificate in museum studies from the University of Delaware in Newark, DE; and a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and History from Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA.

President Dr. Buckley said, “Community colleges are well-positioned to set students on a trajectory for higher education I share the goals of the SUNY Ulster community to provide a safe and welcoming academic experience and will focus on ensuring students enroll and stay on track to get their college education. I look forward to working with the campus’s faculty and staff to create educational opportunities for our students and will look to mitigate any barriers in their path.

House salad: choice of dressing
Sorbet

Choice of:
Eggplant Rollatini
Chicken Parmesan
Fish Almondine
Chicken Francese
All come with a side dish of pasta.

Cake or ice cream
Coffee or tea
Cash bar

Food orders will be taken in the restaurant.
Come catch up with old and new friends!
50/50 drawing and door prizes!
This is a fundraiser event for our student scholarships. Donations are welcome.

Cost: $40 for members, $45 non-members

Please send a check made out to AAUW Kingston by 10/27/23 to:

Dorothy Draper-Silberg
7 Garden Court
Saugerties, NY 12477

Last Call! Limited openings! Sign up today!
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Kimberly Akimbo
The Booth Theatre, 222 West 45th Street, NYC

A wonderful show with rear orchestra seats – no stairs.
If you need a handicapped seat, please call Lynn immediately (845-687-9210).

Hunter Coach Lines
8:30 AM Departs Kingston Plaza
9:00 AM New Paltz Thruway Park & Ride pickup
11:30 AM Drop off near Booth theatre
2:00 PM Show at 222 West 45th Street NY NY
4:45 PM Pick up near the theatre
7:00 PM Drop off in New Paltz
7:30 PM Return to Kingston Plaza
(Return times depend on traffic conditions)

Cost:
AAUW Members: $160
Non-Members: $170
Bus only: $50

1. Email your reservation to lynngore54@gmail.com
2. Send your check right away
3. Include contact information: phone, and email for you and your guest ASAP

Send checks (made out to AAUW Kingston) to:
Lynn Gore, 400 Chestnut Hill Road, Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Questions? Email lynngore54@gmail.com or call 845-687-9210

Kimberly Akimbo
The winner of more Tony Awards than any other show this season!

Kimberly Akimbo is the Tony Award-winning Best Musical about growing up and growing old — in no particular order. It features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize and two-time Tony Award winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), music by two-time Tony Award winner Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen), and direction by award-winning director Jessica Stone.

Kimberly (two-time Tony Award winner Victoria Clark) is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush, and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.

Lunch: On your own or join the group lunch.
Restaurant near the theatre to be determined and paid separately in the near future.

Saturday, December 9, 2023
10 AM To 4 PM
AAUW-NYS Late Fall Regional Meeting
Open Books – Open Minds
A Public Panel on Book Banning

Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL)
The Hotel Ithaca
Cornell Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

For more information and to register, see:
https://kingston-ny.aauw.net/files/2023/10/Open-Books-Open-Minds-NYS-Regional-AAUW-Meeting.pdf

The AAUW-NYS Executive Board
is looking for a member who would like to
step up and take a very important role in
Public Policy at the state level, a position
that is the foundation of the AAUW Mission.

The Vice President of Public Policy position is a one-year term.

Please contact Carol Griffith (cag2002@roadrunner.com),
AAUW-NYS President, with any questions.

Wednesday, June 14, 4 to 6 PM
Robert E. Post Memorial Park, 515 Park Road, Kingston

Come join us for the June branch meeting and annual picnic at the Post Park Pavilion at Ulster Landing. This year, we are returning to the potluck picnics of the past.

The Kingston Branch will provide quality sliced meats, rolls, condiments, and bottled water.
Members are asked to bring salads, finger foods, or desserts to share.

Entertainment will be provided by the Dempsey/Nelson Way, featuring fan favorites Barbara Dempsey and Dewitt Nelson playing jazz, pop, blues, and original music.

RSVP to Lynn Gore (lynngore54@gmail.com) if you plan to attend.

The next AAUW-NYS Lobby Day in Albany is coming up soon!
Please plan come to Albany, if you are able to, on Tuesday, May 23.
AAUW branch members from across the state will meet on the Capitol steps at 1 PM.

The Lobby Day theme on 5/23 is AAUW supports higher pay for Home Health Care workers.
Nan Scinta, AAUW-NYS Public Policy Chair, will have signs available to carry as you march
with other AAUW branch members, and possibly other Home Health Care agency advocates.

After the one-hour march, you can arrange to meet with your legislators to advocate for our aging AAUW population. The group will also have opportunities to meet with State Office of the Aging personnel. The Adirondack branch Home Health Care advocacy group is in contact with Al Cardillo, Roger Noyes, and Kathy Febraio, who might be able to see the group and give them a detailed picture of the New York Home Health Care situation.

Remember: New York State is 30th in low pay in Home Health Care wages!
If we choose to stay in our homes as we age and need help from time to time, there might
not be any help available, because the work force has moved into other occupations.
With a higher wage and a work force that wants to work variable hours, there will be a much
greater chance to receive the care we need when we need it.

Please let me know if you’re able to go to Albany on 5/23…Susan H., susan-holland@usa.net