Branch History | Rochester (MI) Branch

Rochester AAUW members…

Scroll through the years with us to see all of our accomplishments as we celebrate our 60th anniversary on April 16, 2022!

AAUW of Rochester celebrated their 40th anniversary (1962-2002) on April 16, 2002. As a way of commemorating the many significant contributions of our branch over the last four decades, all of our past presidents were asked to contribute their memories of their terms in office.

In addition to recalling specific accomplishments, nearly all of the presidents voiced an opinion that Dr. Beverly Paurazas expressed so well: “I will say that some of my dearest friends are part of AAUW. Women with like interests can do many important things to foster camaraderie as well as serving their community. We not only accomplish much; we have fun doing it.” Several presidents also remarked on their conviction (often strengthened by participation at state and national conventions) that AAUW is a powerful organization with far-reaching influence, which begins at the local level.

AAUW OF ROCHESTER celebrated its 50th anniversary with many proud accomplishments. It is one of over 1,000 branches with 100,000 members of the American Association of University Women that are committed to advancing equity for all women and girls through advocacy, education and research.

The Rochester Branch, through the strong leadership of its members, has increasingly contributed to the impact of AAUW through its educational programs, community projects and local scholarships. Browse through over 50 years of service and see what the Branch has accomplished.

1961-64 — Margaret Slingerland
1964-66 — Dorothy Kindinger
1966-68 — Barbara Solverson

- At the time of Barbara’s term as president, the branch was still developing from its earliest form as a composite of members from Lake Orion, Troy, Oxford, Rochester, and Shelby Township
- By the late 1960s, portions of the membership broke away and formed new branches in their areas
- Our branch became more Rochester-oriented and involved in community events we were heavily involved in two major projects: Art & Apples Festival and the founding of a Children’s Theatre Series

1968-70 — Wilma Chapman
1970-72 — Gladys Corbin

- Our community was considering a merger of Rochester and Avon Township, so the branch did studies pertaining to local government and, with the League of Women Voters, cosponsored Town Hall discussions
- We also sponsored the annual art show at Oakland University and did a study of the recycling program used in the Clarkston area
- Promoting the educational institutions in our community became a main focus, a tradition that continues to the present

1974-76 — Nancy Rice

- Nancy’s board worked hard at increasing membership in the branch, achieving their goal of 100 members
- Another major project was the Children’s Theatre–a change from acting in the plays to having child actors meant a concentration on directing, building sets, sewing costumes, selling tickets, etc.
- We contributed assistance to the fledgling Art & Apples Festival and Pioneer Days (which became the Heritage Festival

1976-78 — Janet Heuerman

- Community involvement was a major focus during Jan’s term
- We participated in the Children’s Theatre Series and Career Day at Oakland University
- The Picture Lady Program, in which volunteers visited classrooms and presented information about artists, was initiated at the Rochester elementary schools
- A grant was written for funds to establish the Heritage Festival

1978-80 — Diane Ebinger

- The main focus of Diane’s term was membership and community action
- Many members were involved in statewide workshops and conferences
- We worked toward the conception and implementation of the first Heritage Festival, a significant community annual event

1980-82 — Deborah Griffis

- As Deborah began her presidency, the focus topics were “Families Facing Change” and “Taking Hold of Technology”
- A significant project was the growth of the Heritage Festival into a large-scale community project–AAUW assisted with a Branch Public Service Grant from the Educational Foundation, as well as many hours of service in planning, promoting and staffing the festival

1982-84 — Kristine Beckmann

- During Kris’s term, a main issue was equity and education for women, with specific focus on “Taking Hold of Technology” and “Money Talks”
- We held our first Women’s Workshop in 1983, which not only provided women with seminars on various topics by noted speakers, but became the branch’s major fundraiser for EF; Lt. Governor Martha Griffiths was the keynote speaker at the first workshop
- Kris was a member of the founding committee for the Paint Creek Center for the Arts and the branch supported the opening exhibits with volunteers
- We continued to be major supporters of the Heritage Festival and Picture Lady Program

1984-86 — Audrey Kowalak 1986-88 — Beverly Paurazas

- Bev began the local scholarship for high-school senior girls in our community to support the efforts of local young women. It has grown in the dollar amount awarded and now includes a scholarship given to a student from Adult Education as well as each of the high schools
- To fund scholarships, we began selling Entertainment books; this has continued to be a successful fundraiser for 15 years

1988-90 —Bonnie Fantini

- The main focus of Bonnie’s term was women’s (and girls’) equity issues and an effort to broaden our focus to include Michigan and national association issues
- We formed the Women in History and Herstory committee, which later produced the videos “Does a Scientist Live Next Door?” and a version of the same video for older girls and adults, “Women in Science: Personal Perspectives.” These films, completed in 1991, introduced girls to women with careers in math and science.
- We began to make larger contributions to EF and specify named honorees from our branch

1990-92 — Barbara Bonsignore

- During Barbara’s term, we focused on promoting individual liberties (civil rights, health rights, and international human rights) and critical and creative thinking skills, with emphasis on math and science careers
- We sponsored the Books for China/Asia Project after Opal Redman spoke of the need for English books in China in her presentation on women and education in China
- We hosted the Fall Workshop at Oakland University in 1991 (where our recently completed video on women scientists was first shown) and participated in a cluster meeting with five branches
- With the Grosse Pointe branch, we cosponsored a job search seminar at Wayne State University
- Our branch also assisted with an in-service workshop entitled “Women in Science and Technology: How Do We Change the Paradigm?”
- We were instrumental in the institution of March as Women’s History Month by declaration of the mayors of Rochester and Rochester Hills
- Barbara also introduced and established the Great Decisions program for our branch

1992-94 — Dee Fordree

- During Dee’s term, the Women in History and Herstory committee continued to do significant work for our branch–the committee marketed our video about women scientists and organized and directed a Women’s History Month bookmark contest in the local schools in which elementary students designed bookmarks to honor famous women
- We received the AAUW Women Agents of Change in Michigan award and a Gold Star Award for first place in branch newsletters, as well as five-star status for increasing membership by 5% and the 1993 AAUW Visibility Award from AAUW of Michigan
- We held an open forum for girls in our high schools to inform them about the findings published in the AAUW “Hostile Hallways–Sexual Harassment in the Schools”

1994-96 — Mary Ann Reidinger

- Mary Ann’s term saw a emphasis on the awareness of a lag in math/science achievement of girls, an increase in branch membership, and the effort to obtain a five-star branch award
- To bring middle-school age girls into familiarity with various careers and present hands-on projects, we initiated the Spring into Math, Science and Technology workshop, which became an annual event
- The Teacher Equity Award was originated during Mary Ann’s term to recognize teachers who advanced the education of girls in some special way

1996-98 — Sandra Everill and Barbara Rosalik

- Sandy and Barbara’s term was marked by a focus on “get out the vote” by registering voters, informing women of issues, etc. and a focus on fundraisers for EF
- We continued our involvement in the Spring into Math, Science, and Technology workshop and the Teacher Equity Award
- We participated in the 75th Anniversary of AAUW of Michigan Celebration we continued support of community events, contributing to displays at the library, a women’s history timeline video for Older Person’s Center, and working at the Handcrafter’s Fair and Art & Apples
- Several members contributed to the Media Star television survey on the portrayal of women in the media

1998-2000 — Jane Kelly and Jean Smetana

- The branch concentrated on several issues: Title IX (the federal statute prohibiting sex discrimination in education); Sister-to-Sister (a program to promote dialogue between middle-school and high-school girls); diversity in the branch; and mentoring for future leaders at the local, state, and national level
- We continued our Spring into Math, Science, and Technology workshop
- When Dr. Gibson, Jean’s professor at Wayne State University, began collecting books for a library in Romania, members of the branch generously supported the collection
- The Rochester branch started hosting a home as docents for the Holly Walk to benefit the Rochester Hills Public Library
- Our branch documented our accomplishments in a Star Report for AAUW at the national and state levels and we were awarded nine out of a possible ten stars

2000-2002 — Council Presidents

- Monthly council presidents replace two year president
- Teacher K-12 equity award expands to university level
- 2001 Sixth Annual Spring in Math/Science Career Workshops for Girls
- Dr. Diane Kasunic, The Corporate Cult, presents program
- 10 Star Branch Award from MI-AAUW
- “Give A Grad A Gift” program begins
- District 7 Coalition Meeting-Rochelle Riley of Detroit News speaks
- Members participate in “Hidden Treasures Sale” and “Holly Walk”
- 2002 Sundaes and Science – Mothers and Daughters Grades 5-8 – An Evening with Cranbrook at Avondale Middle School
- Designed March History display case at Rochester Hills Library
- Voter Registration of students at local high schools
- Three scholarships awarded at RHS, AHS & Adult Ed
- Branch 40th Anniversary (1962-2002) Dinner at Rivercrest

2002-2004 — Council Presidents

- “Afghanistan: A Perspective” and “Child Labor is Not Cheap” programs presented at the Branch’s general meetings
- Public Policy Issues: pay/health equity and vouchers/charter schools
- Fundraisers: Spring Garage Sale, Monet Garden Walk, Tea Thyme
- 2003 Sundaes and Science – Polymers
- Branch dresses an “AAUW Scarecrow” for Village of Rochester Hills
- www.rochesteraauw.org becomes Branch website
- Pay Equity Day – Women are paid 67cents for every dollar men make
- Money Matters – financial study group begins
- “Faces of AAUW” video available for membership recruitment
- Vouchers ballot proposal defeated
- Book Clubs reads Nickel and Dimed: (not) Getting By in America ( Plight of minimum wage women)
- Auburn Hills Library hosts Sundaes and Science/History Month displays
- 2004 Sundaes and Science – Exploring Space
- Lynette Brown (MI-AAUW) portrays Elizabeth Cady Stanton
- 8th Grade Essay Contest: “A Woman of Significance to Me” begins
- Branch sells diversity pins by Lucinda at home and on the web
- By-laws updated by Branch committee
- Presentation of Sundaes and Science at MI-AAUW Convention

2004-2006 — Council Presidents

- Dialogue begins on changing degree requirements for membership
- Apple Walk, Parisian Charity Sale and Garage Sale Fundraisers
- “What Schools Can Do: Success with Science and Sundaes” article published in magazine MIDDLE MATTERS
- “Meet Mother Jones” aka Gladys Mc Kenney speaks about our foremothers fighting for the right to vote
- AAUW public policy ranges from Title IX to judicial nominees
- 2005 Sundaes and Science – An Evening with Animals
- Rochester Branch hosts the hospitality suite for MI-AAUW convention
- $35,000 AAUW National Research Grant completed by Rochester Branch
- Members assist at registration for “Women in Transition” conference
- Women who have associate degree now qualify for AAUW membership
- 2006 Sundaes and Science – Exploring Engineering
- Co-sponsoring RCH’s “It’s Your Deal” card party earns free meeting room

2006-2008 — Council Presidents

- Membership Luncheon at the “new” Royal Park Hotel in Rochester
- Great Decisions participate in “Building Bridges to Islam” at the Arab American Museum in Dearborn, MI
- Fundraisers include Entertainment Books and Dutch bulbs
- Members attend Oakland Univ Women’s Film Festival on “Self Image”
- 2007 Sundaes and Science – Exploring Earth’s Energy For the Future
- Local author Nancy Marchenia On SevenMile Road visits book club
- Barb Rosalik, member, donates women history books to local libraries for Women’s History Month
- Branch members support One United Michigan’s affirmative action plan
- Tech Babes and Chix Flix interest groups form
- “Feminism in Film” presentation at September Potluck meeting
- Dinner and a Little Night Music hears 1st Rochester Symphony Concert
- Kaleidoscope sees “Respect”- a musical about women over the ages
- AAUW Juniors start for Branch members under 40 yrs
- Rochester AAUW has membership table at RHPL’s Organization Fair
- AAUW celebrates its 125th birthday
- Discussion on “What Do AAUW Members Value?”
- Romeo/Rochester AAUW hold joint meeting at Brabb House in Romeo
- First woman to become Speaker of the House – Nancy Pelosi
- Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm wins second term
- Library Directors – Christine Hage (RHPL) and Karrie Waarala (AHPL) present 8th grade essay awards to winning students
- “Walk in These Famous Women’s Shoes” history display designed by Branch members for Auburn Hills Library
- Evening Book Club participates in “Everyone’s Reading – 2007” Arc of Justice – (Black doctor/race issues/Detroit 1930’s)
- Gladys McKenney nominated by Rochester Branch for “Our Fabulous Foremothers” award for her portrayal of women fighting for right to vote
- “Fresh Faces of AAUW” (DVD) presented at MI-AAUW convention
- Golf interest group has first outing
- AAUW National Convention in Phoenix proposes to combine the Educational Foundation and AAUW into one organization
- Barb Bonsignore, member and former MI-AAUW president, serves on convention panel: “Running campaigns on ballot measures/initiatives”
- District 7 & 8 host conference/Sundaes and Science highlighted
- Cruisin’ Cruisine hosts a Rochester Junior Women’s Lobster Fest
- For 1st time girls win top awards at Siemen’s Science Contest
- LAF adopts new plaintiffs re: sexual harassment/unequal pay
- “Me Run for Office” hosted by MI-AAUW
- 2008 Sundaes and Science – The World of Water
- Mind, Body and Soul magazine article “To Work or Not To Work” features AAUW Junior members
- AAUW Educational Foundation turns 50 years
- Branch’s monthly NEWSLINE goes online (1/08)
- MI AAUW President and Vice-President visit member luncheon
- AAUW’s “Beyond the Pay Gap” report on NBC Nightly with Brian Williams/ B. Bonsignore’s – “Pay Gap Problem” editorial in Rochester Eccentric
- Kim Enders receives the First Annual Young Leader’s Award/Branch receives the 21st Century Bridge Award at MI AAUW Convention(Detroit)
- Kroger money cards sold as fundraiser for local scholarships
- Annual Garden Party – “Victorian Rose Rhapsody”

2008–2009 — Council Presidents

- Judge Julie Nicholson speaks to “Women in the Courts”
- AAUW proposes changes re: open membership, sending dues directly to AAUW, one member, one vote and optional conventions
- Bulbs, Entertainment Books, Parisian Charity Sales, Diamonds and Divas /Harvest Hearts card parties – Branch fundraisers
- Kaleidoscope visits Plymouth Historical Museum to see “First Ladies Inaugural Gowns” and sponsors “Gone With the Wind” speaker
- AAUW wins $249,000 grant to study “Why Female Participation in Science, Math and Engineering is Low”
- 2009 Sundaes and Science – Exploring Medicine
- Great Decision’s presents: Women for Women International “Changing the World, One Woman at a Time” at general meeting
- Equal Pay Day – “Keep the Change Until Women Have Real Change”
- 8th Grade Essay Contest Co-Sponsored with local libraries/schools
- AAUW 2009 Convention votes on proposed organizational changes in St Louis
- Rochester Branch’s web page re-designed by member, Mary Anne Kennedy Haney, as www.aauw-rochester-michigan.org

2009-2010 — Council Presidents

- JULY 2009
  - “Lavender and Lace” Garden Party hosted by Sylvia Gallagher and chaired by Joanne Blaszkowski and Rebecca Oetjens.
- SEPTEMBER 2009
  - Potluck dinner with AAUW-MI speakers discussing the AAUW DVD -“Breaking Barriers”.
  - Cruising Cuisine takes a culinary tour in Royal Oak.
  - “Hidden Treasures” garage sale for Branch activities at Linda Pasternak’s.
  - Rochester and Pontiac/Waterford Branches share lunch and author Sue Carter & her book-Ordinary Women:An Arctic Adventure.
- OCTOBER 2009
  - Kroger cards, spring bulbs & entertainment books are Branch fundraisers.
  - Oktoberfest Card Party held at Streamwood Clubhouse.
  - Tech Babes meet at Best Buy to enhance technology knowledge.
  - Maureen Esther presents “Great Women in History” at general meeting.
- NOVEMBER 2009
  - AAUW-MI’s Fall Conference – “Ready or Not” held for members.
  - Branch celebrates Eleanor Roosevelt’s 125th Birthday (1884).
  - Fall and Spring Parisian community sales for Branch scholarships are coordinated by Scholarship Chair Dr. Beverly Paurazas.
  - AAUW calls for passage of Paycheck Fairness Act.
  - President Obama signs his first bill –“The Lily Ledbetter Act” to end pay discrimination for women.
- DECEMBER 2009
  - Holiday Party with “Santa” theme at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
  - AAUW sponsors “Give a Grad A Gift” = free membership for one year.
- JANUARY 2010
  - Women in Transition Conference held at Baker College hosted by AAUW Birmingham Branch. AAUW Rochester members assist.
  - Five women win Nobel Prizes in Economics, Lit, Chemistry & Medicine.
  - Members tutor at Will Rogers Elementary School in Pontiac.
  - AAUW supports issues not candidates, be politically active!
  - Member Brunch at Auburn Hills Library with Director Karrie Waarala presenting the workshop “Write in the New Year”.
- FEBRUARY 2010
  - Lunch/Evening Book Clubs/Bridge, Money Matters and Great Decisions continue as study groups.
  - Members support Career Dress (Lighthouse in Pontiac) with women’s clothes and accessories for job interviews.
  - “Pain Free and Fit for Life” program presented by Branch members.
  - Great Decisions sponsor an Afghan woman through Women for Women International.
- MARCH 2010
  - Sundaes and Science: A Mother/Daughter Evening Explores Health and Wellness at Avondale School.
  - St. Pat’s Pot of Gold Card Party at Streamwood Clubhouse.
  - Branch sends contributions to Pennies for Peace – Central Asia Institute.
  - Kaleidoscope goes to see “Enchanted April” at Meadowbrook Theatre.
  - Branch does “Her History” display at AHPL for Women’s History Month.
  - 8th Grade Essay Contest winners read their “A Woman of Significance to Me” winning essays at the Branch general meeting.
  - Barb Rosalik donates, yearly, a woman’s history book to both libraries.
- APRIL 2010
  - Equal Pay Day – When women’s yearly pay catches up to men’s.
  - Dinner and a Little Night Music study group attends RSO concerts.
  - Detroit’s University Prep School inspire members with its presentation “Detroit’s Great Hope” at general meeting.
  - Branch bylaws revised to coordinate with national AAUW’s bylaws.
- MAY 2010
  - Annual Branch May Dinner at La Sala Banquet Center with speaker Denise Coughlin’s “Journey into Light: A Project for Peace”. Four local Scholarships and a memorial scholarship to honor member Mary Ann Naito are given.
  - “Tosca” matinee and “Lavender Tea Tour” are Kaleidoscope events
- JUNE 2010
  - “Hidden Treasures” garage sale at Mary Anne Kennedy-Haney’s to benefit Branch activities.

2010-2011 — Council Presidents

- JULY 2010
  - “CHOCOLATE CHERRIES, BERRIES, BLOOMS & DELIGHTS” GARDEN PARTY HELD AT ROCHESTER COMMUNITY HOUSE. CHAIRS: JOANNE BLASKOWSKI/REBECCA OETJENS
- SEPTEMBER, 2010
  - “HATS OFF TO AAUW” POTLUCK DINNER; LEAGUE OF WOMEN’S VOTERS AS SPEAKERS
  - MONEY MATTERS HAS GUEST PORTFOLIO MANAGER, MARISA LENHARD OF SIMA INVESTMENTS.
  - NEW LUNCH BOOK CLUB, “PAGE TURNERS” BEGINS
  - AAUW OF MI RECEIVES IMPACT GRANT FOR 2010-2011 TO INCREASE PUBLIC POLICY ACTIVISM IN THE STATE.
- OCTOBER, 2010
  - AAUW GARAGE SALE HELD AT JODY SHEVIN’S
  - MARIE’S HAIR SALON HOLDS “HAIR-A-THON” FOR AAUW LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
  - 2011 ENTERTAINMENT BOOK REACHES HALF-WAY GOAL OF SELLING 130 BOOKS FOR THE AAUW EDUCATIONAL FUND
  - DIA SPEAKER PREVIEWS THEIR EXHIBIT, “MYSTERIES, FAKES AND FORGERIES”
- NOVEMBER/DECEMBER , 2010
  - ANNUAL BRANCH “ROYAL” HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AT ROYAL PARK HOTEL
  - MEMBERS SHOP THE PARISIAN’S COMMUNITY DAY SALE FOR AAUW LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS.
  - DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN TUTORING A CHILD AT WILL ROGERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN THE PONTIAC SCHOOL DISTRICT.
  - ANNUAL HOLLY WALK HOME TOUR, BENEFITING THE ROCHESTER HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY, IS STAFFED BY BRANCH MEMBERS
  - AAUW LEADS COALITION TO PASS THE PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT.
  - DINNER AND A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC STUDY GROUP SUPPORTS THE ROCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT AT ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH
- JANUARY, 2011
  - MEMBERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULED A TOUR OF THE ROCHESTER HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH DIRECTOR CHRISTINE HAGE FOLLOWED BY LUNCH AT THE SHEHRZAD MEDITERRANEAN GRILL.
- FEBRUARY, 2011
  - “SOCIAL MEDIA 101” PRESENTED BY SALLY DOTY, PRESIDENT AAUW-MI AND JANET WATKINS, WEBMASTER, AAUW-MI
  - GREAT DECISIONS STUDIED “REBUILDING HAITI.”
  - PARISIAN COMMUNITY DAY SALE WHICH BENEFITS AAUW LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP
- MARCH, 2011
  - KALEIDOSCOPE ATTENDED “ANNE OF GREEN GABLES” AT THE MACOMB CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
  - SODAS AND SCIENCE, “DESIGN IT!”, FOR MOTHERS AND MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS AT VAN HOOSEN MIDDLE SCHOOL. PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY DEB FORDREE AND DIANE KOSUDA
  - MEMBERS ATTENDED LUNCHEON ON THE AISLE AT MEADOW BROOK THEATRE TO SEE “SHOUT@ THE MOD MUSICAL”
  - 8TH GRADE ESSAY CONTEST, “ A WOMAN OF SIGNIFICANCE TO ME” CO-SPONSOSRED BY AAUW LINDA PANNUTO AND ROCHESTER HILLS AND AUBURN HILLS LIBRARIES. WINNING ESSAY BY SOFIA POKRZYWA
  - WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH DISPLAY CASE, “HATS OFF TO FAMOUS WOMEN,” AT AUBURN HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY
- APRIL, 2011
  - “CRUISING THE DANUBE” PRESENTED BY SCOTT HUNTER AT GENERAL MEETING
  - NAMED HONOREES – KAREN CRAVEN, KATHY MCCOSKEY, AND CAROLINE TAYLOR.
- MAY, 2011
  - “HATS OFF TO MICHIGAN WEEK” – MAY DINNER MEETING AT GREAT OAKS COUNTRY CLUB; PRESENTED FIVE LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
  - KALEIDOSCOPE ATTENDED “RIGOLETTO” MATINEE AT DETROIT OPERA THEATRE.
- JUNE, 2011
  - “HIDDEN TREASURES” GARAGE SALE AT PAULA PETERS’ HOME.
  - ANNUAL POTLUCK PLANNING MEETING AT SHARON POSTNIEKS’ HOME.
  - SHARON POSTNIEKS AND PHYLLIS RELYEA ATTENDED AAUW NATIONAL CONVENTION, WASHINGTON, DC “BREAKING THROUGH BARRIERS” “ONE MEMBER, ONE VOTE”
  - ROCHESTER BRANCH PARTNERS WITH OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

2011-2012 — Council Presidents

JULY 2011
- Birds and Blooms Garden Party in member Judy Garrett’s yard.
- Lunch at Rochester Community House with Birds Unlimited speaker.
AUGUST 2011
- Entertainment 2012 Books chaired by Carol Quintal/Sharon Postnieks.
SEPTEMBER 2011
- Welcome Potluck at RCH with Mary Lynn Kowalczak (RCH) speaker.
- Member Barbara Bonsignore receives Wonder Woman Award (May 24, 2011) from the Women’s Official Network Foundation as AAUW-MI Public Policy Chair and advocate of women’s rights.
- Kaleidoscope attends Sound of Music at Avon Players.
- Money Matters discusses “The Last Ten Years of A Woman’s Life” Led by Kim Enders, Member/Financial Analyst and chair I. Walter.
- Page Turners Lunch Book Club reads Cutting For Stone by A.Verghese.
OCTOBER 2011
- AAUW’s 130^th Birthday Workshop with Kym Worthy and Heather Catallo speaking.
- Branch Birthday Club begins on monthly Saturdays at 10 am.
- Branch partners with Oakland University/free student affiliate dues.
- Jo Reger and Grace Wojcik of the Women & Gender Studies Dept are OU sponsors & R. Johnson, S. Krumrei, S. Postnieks, AAUW.
- Kim Enders, member/financial investment manager presents “Smart Women & Investing”at October General Meeting.
- Thirty One Purses Fundraiser hosted by Jean Smetana.
NOVEMBER 2011
- Autumn Cards/Games Party Fundraiser
- AAUW members host Holly Walk house for RHPL fundraiser.
- Chix Flix goes to the movies.
- Evening Book Club reads Still Alice by Lisa Genova.
- Dinner & A Little Night Music – dinner and RSO music.
- Parisian Community Sale for Scholarships – Bev Paurazas, chair
DECEMBER 2011
- Holiday Party Fundraiser “Making Spirits Bright” at Royal Park Hotel.
- Chaired by Mary Anne Kennedy and committee.
JANUARY 2012
- Membership Luncheon hosts author Nancy C. Johnson- Her Last Letter.
- Brown Bag Lunch Book Club reads “First Mothers by Bonnie Angelo.
FEBRUARY 2012
- “Vision for Clean Water” presented by Eileen Heasley at Feb. meeting.
- Great Decisions meet to discuss world issues, chair Jill Greimel.
MARCH 2012
- Women and Gender Studies Dept at OU sponsor the 28^th Annual Film Festival with a showing of MissRepresentation.
- Sundaes and Science: Test It! is held at Van Hoosen Middle School
  Chairs: Sharon Postnieks and Diane Kosuda
- 10^th Annual 8^th Grade Essay Contest “A Woman of Significance to Me”.
- 1^st Annual Oakland University Contest “A Woman of Importance to Me”.
- Rochester AAUW joins Waterford AAUW-Sarah Bernhardt on Broadway.
APRIL 2012
- Equal Pay Day April 17- When women’s wages catch up to men’s wages.
- OU Professor Cornelia Pokrzywa speaks about “Your Oral History” at April’s general meeting.
- Josetta Wood given Diversity Champion Award by Birmingham Task Force.
MAY 2012
- AAUW-MI Convention in Lansing. Get Out the Vote Training Program.
- 2012 Branch Named Honorees: Diane Kosuda, Priscilla Leach, and Shirley Sikov honored at May Dinner along with four Rochester area high school students who won college scholarships.
- Branch’s 50^th Anniversary (1962-2012) celebration, May 17, is a dinner at Great Oaks Country Club with twelve past presidents attending.
- Membership V.P. Jody Shevin and Secretary Mary Anne Kennedy-Haney are installed for 2012-2014.
JUNE 2012
- Hidden Treasures Garage Sale held at Paula Peters’ house.
- Branch Potluck on Sharon Postnieks’ deck.
JULY 2012
- “Great Estate” Garden Party held at Meadow Brook Hall with tour of the mansion and gardens. Mary Anne Kennedy-Haney/Shirley Sikov Chairs

2012-2013 Rochester AAUW Branch History

AUGUST 2012
- “Membership & Margaritas Evening” at Diane Kosuda’s home equals three members.

SEPTEMBER 2012
- Potluck dinner speaker Tim Greimel, MI State Representative for Auburn Hills/Pontiac, discusses November election proposals at Rochester Community House.
- 2012-2013 Branch directory distributed by editor Judie Wurges.
- Happy Birthday Breakfast Club meets 2^nd Saturday & chaired by Sylvia Haikio.
- Members register students to vote at Oakland.University’s “ROCK4RIGHTS” night.
- Page Turners, Brown Bag and Evening Book Clubs start up.
- Branch website – rochester-mi.aauw.net – is activated through AAUW.
- MI-AAUW Public Policy Chair for 2013-2015 is member, Barbara Bonsignore.
- NEWSLINE editor, Lucinda Sabino, e-mails September issue.

OCTOBER 2012
- Wendy Evans, WSU art professor, presents “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Women in Art” at October general meeting.
- Entertainment Books 2013 sold as branch fundraiser for AAUW Educational Funds.
- MI-AAUW Fall Conference “If I Had Only Known…moments that changed history- women who create change” at the Charles H. Wright Museum in Detroit.
- Kaliedoscope: Regis Philbin at Andiamo’s Celebrity Showroom.
- 2012-2013 Branch Budget presented and voted on at general meeting.

NOVEMBER 2012
- Parisian fall community fundraiser for local scholarships chaired by Beverly Paurazas.
- Great Decisions discusses “Energy and Geopolitics”.
- AAUW’s public policy focuses on “Get Out the Vote”.
- Branch members tutor at Will Rogers Elementary school in Pontiac.

DECEMBER 2012
- Holiday Party – “Sparkling Christmas Luncheon” at Royal Park Hotel.
- Rochester AAUW members serve as docents at RHPL’s annual Holiday Home Tour.
- Dinner and a Little Night Music branch group attends Rochester Symphony concert.

JANUARY 2013
- Membership/New Member Lunch at Penny Black Restaurant, Rochester.
- Showing of “MissRepresentation- women and media” at member’s home.
- Money Matters meets at Panera Café – “Taxes and You”.

FEBRUARY 2013
- Joanna Van Raaphorst speaks about “Politics as a Second Career” at general meeting.
- Oakland University student teachers experience science lessons for Sundaes & Stars.
- Teacher/Astronomer, Carrie Zaitz, signs on as Sundaes and Stars workshop presenter.
- College University Committee meets to plan NCCWSL student sponsorship.

MARCH 2013
- General Meeting – “Pilates After 50”.
- Sundaes and Stars: Mothers and Daughters Evening at Van Hoosen Middle School.
- Chairs: Sharon Postnieks (AAUW) and Diane Kosuda (AAUW/RCS).
- Women’s Fund of Rochester contribute $400 to pay for Oakland Parks Star Lab.
- Oakland University “A Woman of Importance To Me” essay winners receive awards at Oakland University’s annual Film Festival showing of “Bully”.

APRIL 2013
- “A Woman of Significance To Me” 8^th Grade winners receive awards at general meeting and librarians Kricket Hoekstra (RHPL) and Devan Green (AHPL) speak. Barb Rosalik, member, presents Women A-Z books to both libraries.
- Kaleidoscope attends Meadow Brook theatre’s “On the Aisle” lunch and play.
- Chix Flix goes to see “42-Story of Jackie Robinson”.
- Branch’s 2^nd Diversity Champion- Joanne Stroebel- 14^th annual breakfast in Birmingham.
- “April Showers Bring May Flowers” branch card party at RCH – chair Jody Shevin.
- MI-AAUW Convention held at Weber’s Inn in Ann Arbor, MI with speakers Senator Carl Levin and AAUW Executive Director Linda Hallman. Kori, EF plaintiff in “Invisible War” documentary shown at convention, shares her experience.
- Equal Pay Day -When women’s salaries catch up to men’s – is April 9, 2013.

MAY 2013
- Annual May Scholarship Dinner held at Royal Park Hotel with speaker Donnaleen Lanktree, Nat’l President of the American Rosie the Riveter Association.
- 2013 EF Honorees are Nadine Harvey, Linda Pannuto & Arlene Wanamaker.
- Election of VP of Programs,Bev Paurazas and Treasurer, Sharon Postnieks.

JUNE 2013
- Branch Potluck /End of the Year Meeting held on Diane Kosuda’s deck.

Rochester AAUW Branch History — 2013-2014

July, 2013

Branch Garden Party – Author Kathryn Crawford -Two Broads Abroad speaks at Rochester Community House Luncheon.
Secret Cinema – Members meet to enjoy appetizers and a film in June, July and August as fundraisers for OU college scholarships.

September, 2013

“Summer’s End Escape” tour of Cranbrook House and Gardens w/lunch.
- Branch potluck dinner w/ NCCWSL-OU scholarship winners, Samantha and Bria speaking about their experiences at the Leadership Conference in June at the University of Maryland.
- Members participate in a NCCWSL donation campaign.
Kaleidoscope attends “Little Women” at Avon Theatre.
AAUW-MI Conference –“ AAUW Advocacy Alters Lives”. Lansing
Birthday Breakfast Club meets monthly 2^nd Saturday at Nick’s Country Oven Restaurant at 10 am celebrating members’ birthdays. (In 2014-2015 birthday cards will be sent instead of meeting.)
Branch Directories, for the upcoming year, are given to members.

October, 2013

Entertainment Books 2014 are $25 – last year of selling.
Great Decisions discusses: “China: Historical involvement in Africa”.
Page Turners Book Club reads: My Beloved by Sonia Sotomajor.
Member Gladys Holdemen McKenney is inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in Lansing, MI (Women’s voting rights).
AAUW-MI Southeast Consortium meets at Novi Sheraton. Rochester Branch presents talk on Kaleidoscope/Sundaes & Science.
General Meeting- Travis Walter, Meadow Brook Theatre plays.

November, 2013

Barnes & Noble book fundraiser raises $800 for OU scholarships.
NCCWSL (Nat’l College Conference for Women Student Leaders) celebration luncheon at U of M-Dearborn attended by Branch committee members/planning for 2014.
Brown Bag Book Club reads: Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker .

December, 2013

Dinner and a Little Night Music goes to the Rochester Symphony.
RHPL’s Christmas Home Tour docented by Branch members.
Gift wrapping at B&N raises $200 for Branch scholarships.
Holiday Luncheon “White Christmas” held at Royal Park.

January, 2014

General meeting held at Mitchell’s Fish Market with speaker from The Lorenzo Center presenting “The Roaring 20’s –Riches to Rags”.
Farewell to longtime board member, Jody Shevin, to Florida at Cruising Cruisine’s Holiday Brunch.
Evening Book Club reads Round House by Louise Erdrich.

February, 2014

Storyteller Gwen Lewis portrays Coretta Scott King celebrating Black History Month at the general meeting.
Evening and Day Bridge compete in members’ homes.

March, 2014

Jane White, of the Human Trafficking Task Force, speaks at RHPL with Rochester AAUW co-sponsoring.
“Cupcakes and Crime” delves into forensic science at Van Hoosen Middle with middle school girls and their moms.
The 8^th Grade Essay Contest “ A Woman of Significance to Me” has four middle school students collecting monetary prizes.
Money Matters discusses “How To Lease A Car” at Panera.

April, 2014

Judy Holmes, author, discusses her experiences writing a book about John Cardinal Dearden at April General meeting at RCH.
Secretary and membership VP choices are announced for 2014-16.
Rochester AAUW hosts CORE breakfast at RHPL.
Kroger’s Reward Card renewal time/Equal Pay Day-April 29.

May, 2014

Kaleidoscope attends “Luncheon on the Aisle” at Meadow Brook and “Turandot” by Puccini at the Detroit Opera Theatre.
May Dinner becomes May Lunch at RCH with Beate Ludecke, member/concert pianist playing Cole Porter and Gerswhin.
AAUW-MI Convention/125 yrs Detroit Branch held in Detroit.
Rochester AAUW EF Honorees honored are Carol Quintal (EF Funds/Entertainment Books), Lucinda Sabino (Newsline/Night Bridge) and Irene Walter (Hospitality/Money Matters).
2014 Branch Diversity Champion–Sharon Postnieks (Sundaes & Science co-chair and developing the Will Rogers Library-Pontiac).

June, 2014

Branch send five OU female students with full scholarships to NCCWSL at the University of Maryland. Chelsea Clinton speaks.
Branch Potluck Picnic held a member’s home to plan for next year. Branch will try to alternate general meetings am/pm.
Secret Cinema starts up for the summer and has an Italian theme w/ lasagna and salad served for dinner followed by the movie.

Rochester AAUW Branch History — 2014-2015

July, 2014

“Fairy Fantasia with a Cherry Twist” – Garden Party at
Cherry Creek Golf Club

August, 2014

Board Meeting and Casserole Picnic

September, 2014

5 NCCWSL Scholarship winners at Potluck General Meeting
Brown Bag Book Club (third Tuesday with brown bag lunch)
Page Turners Book Club (second Thursday with brown bag
lunch)
Evening Book Club (third Monday at 7 p.m. with beverage
and dessert)

October, 2014

Kaleidoscope-“Motown, the Musical” at Fisher Theatre
Branch sends letter to members asking for support of NCCWSL
2015.
Radford Jones-U.S. Secret Service at General Meeting in RCH

November, 2014

Barnes & Noble Book Fair and Gift Wrapping Fundraisers forNCCWSL
Great Decisions Breakfast Group discusses “China’s Foreign Policy”

December, 2014

“Glitz and Glam” – Holiday Party at Royal Park Hotel
Volunteered as Docents for RHPL Holiday House Tour

January, 2015

NEW Great Decisions Evening Group started
CORE (Community Organization Resource Exchange) reactivates
involvement with 33 other non-profits
Meadowbrook Hall Membership Luncheon with curator, Madelyn
Rzadkowolski

February, 2015

Sgt. Jennifer Miles spoke on “Self-Defense Awareness” at 3 p.m. at Rochester Community House supported by a $50 mini grant from AAUW
Oscar Night – Social event hosted by a Cruising Cuisine
member

March, 2015

“Twister & Treats” with WDIV meteorologist, Andrew Humphrey
at Van Hoosen Middle School
Eighth Grade Essay Contest co-sponsored with RHPL and AHPL
with monetary prizes
Oakland University Women and Gender Studies Film: “American
Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs”

April, 2015

Continued to participate in Kroger Rewards
“Memoir Writing” Dominique White, Oakland University at 3 p.m. General Meeting

May 2015

“Bridging Relationships in Diverse Geographic Environments” Michigan AAUW at Escanaba
AAUW Rochester Branch Facebook page established
May Luncheon at Rochester Community House with DIA speaker
on Frida Kahlo Exhibit
EF Honorees are Regina Lawler, Karen Hyre, and Sharon Bazoian
Supported 8 Oakland University students to NCCWSL (National Conference of Women Student Leaders) at University of Maryland
National AAUW Convention in San Diego with all members using online voting
2015 Diversity Champion, Irene Walters, honored at Breakfast at Birmingham Community House

June, 2015

End of the Year Branch Potluck Picnic with initial planning for monthly presidents and Board Meeting hostesses for 2015-2016

Rochester AAUW Branch History — 2015-2016

JULY 2015

Belle Isle Garden Bus trip to Belle Isle with lunch at Riverfront Andiamo

AUGUST 2015

Board Meeting and Brunch
Two delegates (Sharon Postnieks and Diane Kosuda) attended AAUW National
Convention in San Diego’
“Murder, She Wrote!” Mystery Authors Luncheon at Avery’s Tavern Fundraiser
for Oakland University Student Organization

SEPTEMBER 2015

Eight NCCWSL students from Oakland University attended Potluck; Lt. Nicole Thompson, Speaker on Campus Security
Brown Bag Book Club (second Tuesday of each month) in member’s homes
Evening Book Club (third Monday at 7 p.m. with beverage and dessert)
Page Turner Book Club (second Thursday of each month) meets
Cruising Cuisine Lobster Boil
Members continue to volunteer at the Pontiac School’s Will Rogers K-6 School(8th year)and Library(4th year)

OCTOBER 2015

AAUW Rochester won 2015 Sunrise Pinnacle Award for Diversity at Royal Park
Hotel Breakfast sponsored by Rochester Chamber of Commerce
AAUW State Conference at Detroit Novi Sheraton on “Leadership Essentials”
Continued to participate in Kroger Rewards for NCCWSL

NOVEMBER 2015

Barnes and Noble Book Fair Fundraiser for NCCWSL
RHPL Library Home Tour Branch Members Docents
Kaleidoscope Event, Macomb Lorenzo Cultural Center, DIA Film Curator, Elliot
Wilhelm

DECEMBER 2015

“Silver Moments” Holiday Luncheon at Royal Park Hotel with Nuclassica and
Raffles, Baskets, and Drawings Fundraiser
Great Decision (Morning and Evening Groups) discussed “Brazil in
Metamorphosis”

JANUARY 2016

AAUW Student Organization at Oakland University Bake Sale/Members donate
$500 Grant from Women’s Fund of Rochester to present $tart $mart Salary
Negotiations Workshop at OU
Membership Luncheon Meeting at Meadow Brook Hall with Fashion Show
“Modelling MeadowBrook Theatre Costumes”

FEBRUARY 2016

4th Annual Oscar Night hosted by Cruising Cuisine
CORE (Community Organization Resource Exchange) – third Thursday of
each month meets at RHPL

MARCH 2016

“Escape from the Science Lab” STEAM Event at Van Hoosen Middle School
Oakland University Film Festival on “Girls Gaming”
Wine, Wit & Wisdom Member Docents at RHPL

APRIL 2016

5 delegates attend AAUW-MI Convention at Somerset Inn
Eighth Grade Essay Contest – “A Woman of Significance to Me”
$tart $mart Salary Negotiations Workshop for AAUW-OU Student Organization
Luncheon on the Aisle-Kaleidoscope at Meadowbrook Theatre

MAY 2016

Named 2015 EF Gift Honorees – Judy Garrett, Anne Kucher, Claudia Mullen
2016 Diversity Champion – Barbara Rosalik honored at Birmingham Community
House Breakfast
Annual AAUW Luncheon at Filippa’s – Julie Dawson, speaker and artist
Membership Table at Heritage Days in Downtown Park

JUNE 2016

Julie Dawson Home and Studio Tour
Members Picnic and Plant Sale Fundraiser for OU Student Organization
Sent 8 Oakland University students to NCCWSL at University of Maryland
Indian Village Home Tour – Travelling Gourmet Group, formerly Cruising Cuisine
Revised Branch Policies and Procedures
Updated and Amended Branch Bylaws

Rochester AAUW Branch History — 2016-2017

JULY, 2016

Garden Party Bus Trip to Eleanor and Edsel Ford home in Grosse Pointe with lunch at the Ford Estate

AUGUST, 2016

Participated in Kroger Rewards Program for Greater Rochester Community Foundation
Seven businesses advertised in the NEWSLINE for 2016-2017

SEPTEMBER, 2016

Sponsored seven women from Oakland University to attend NCCWSL who were invited to speak at Potluck General Meeting with Dr. Valerie Palmer-Mehta, AAUW Oakland Student Advisor
Brown Bag Book Club (3rd Tuesday at 11:30 am at members’ homes)
Evening Book Club (third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at members’ homes)
Encore Book Club (4th Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Panera’s Restaurant)
Page Turner’s Book Club (1st Thursday at 11:30 am at members’ homes)
Afternoon Bridge ( 4th Wednesday of the month at members’ homes)
Evening Bridge ( 3rd Wednesday of the month at members’ homes)
Diamonds in the Rough (monthly when partners decide on time and date)

OCTOBER, 2016

Great Decisions (3rd Wednesday at 9:30 am at members’ homes)
Evening Great Decisions ( 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 pm at members’ homes)
Attended Meadow Brook Theatre Guild’s “BeWitched & BeDazzled”
Kaleidoscope Lunch & Learn at Victoria’s Reserve in Goodison
General Meeting, “20th C. Presidential Elections,” speaker, Bruce Zellers, OU Professor

NOVEMBER, 2016

Barnes & Noble Book Fair Fundraiser for NCCWSL
Members are Docents for RHPL Home Holiday Tour
Members volunteer at Will Rogers Elementary School Library every Tuesday for tutoring and book checkout

DECEMBER, 2016

Holiday Luncheon at Royal Park Hotel with Nuclassica performing and Holiday Basket Drawings
Holly & Ivy Tea Fundraiser for Rochester Community House

JANUARY, 2017

Membership Luncheon at Loccino’s Italian Grill with speakers, Gail Kemler and Colleen Barkham, “Unmentionables”
Two members attended National Women’s March in Washington, DC

FEBRUARY, 2017

CORE (Community Organization Resource Exchange) meets 3rd Thursday of each month at RHPL
General Meeting, 3 p.m. speaker Lori Grein, Director of Community Relations for Rochester Community Schools

MARCH, 2017

Diane Kosuda named 2017 Diversity Champion
STEAM Career Exploration at Rochester High School, “CSI Lab”
Galloping Gourmet Lunch and Feather Bowling at Bath City Bistro
AAUW Affiliate Revised Bylaws and Policies and Procedures were approved
General Meeting, “Petticoat Surgeon,” Maureen Thalmann, author,

APRIL, 2017

8TH Grade Essay Contest – “A Woman of Significance to Me” with monetary
Awards for winners and honorable mention
Kaleidoscope members attended Luncheon on the Aisle at Meadowbrook Theatre
$tart $mart Salary Negotiations Workshop for OU Students sponsored by Branch and AAUW-OU Student Organization on April 4 “Equal Pay Day”
Gladys McKenney inducted into Rochester Community Hall of Fame for dolls that represented women’s suffrage movement
Affiliate celebrates 55th anniversary on April 16 (1962-2016)

MAY, 2017

Named EF Honorees – Kim Enders, Mary Mazure, and Dody Machnee
Diversity Champion Breakfast at Birmingham Community House
Luncheon at Great Oaks Country Club with speaker, Wendy Evans, “The Real Downton Abbey”
Magnetic Membership Badges are ordered by individual members from AAUW Shop
Annual dues are $71.00 for 2017-2018

JUNE, 2017

Six members attended 95th AAUW-MI Convention, “Charting a Course Toward Equity” in Port Huron, MI
Branch receives Awards for “Mission Matters” and AAUW Funds contribution.
Seven Oakland University students were sent to NCCWSL at University of Maryland through Branch and National AAUW Scholarships
AAUW National Election and Convention held in Washington, DC
Annual Branch Picnic and Meeting – Membership totals 100 for 2016-2017

ROCHESTER AAUW BRANCH HISTORY — 2017 – 2018

JULY, 2017

Garden Party at Meadowbrook Hall and Gardens, Madalyn Rzadkowski, Curator

AUGUST, 2017

Participated in Kroger Rewards Program for Greater Rochester Community
Foundation for NCCWSL Leadership Scholarships
Six businesses advertised in the NEWSLINE for 2017-2018

SEPTEMBER, 2017

Sponsored 6 women from Oakland University to attend NCCWSL. They spoke at the Potluck General Meeting along with Elaine Taylor, OU graduate and former AAUW-OU President
Brown Bag Book Club (3^rd Tuesday at 11:30 am at members’ homes)
Evening Book Club (3^rd Monday at 7 pm at members’ homes)
Encore Book Club (4^th Wednesday at 1:30 pm at Panera’s Restaurant)
Page Turners Book Club (1^st Thursday at 11:30 am at members’ homes)
Afternoon Bridge (4^th Wednesday at members’ homes)
Evening Bridge (3^rd Wednesday at members’ homes)
Diamonds in the Rough (monthly when partners decide on time and date)

OCTOBER, 2017

AAUW-MI Fall Leadership Conference in Taylor, MI
Great Decisions (2^nd Wednesday at 9:30 am at members’ homes)
Afternoon Great Decisions (2^nd Wednesday at 1:30 pm at members’ homes)
Attended “Bewitched & Bedazzled” sponsored by Meadow theatre Guild.

NOVEMBER, 2017

Barnes & Noble Book Fair Fundraiser for NCCWSL
Members are Docents for RHPL Home Holiday Tour
Members volunteer at Will Rogers Elementary School Library for tutoring and Book checkout
AAUW-MI Elizabeth Haynes, Chair, AAUW Governance Committee and Bylaws Director met with Rochester Branch about fundraising and collaborative Policies

DECEMBER, 2017

Holiday Luncheon, “Power of the Purse” at Wyngate Country Club with Holiday Drawings and Diane Boyer, speaker from K. Carroll Accessories
Holly & Ivy Tea Fundraiser for Rochester Community House at Twin Lakes Country Club

JANUARY, 2018

AAUW-OU begins year with Lakaysha Mitchell, President, and Anna Palim, as Student Advisor on the AAUW-MI Student Advisory Council (SAC)
Member Luncheon at Lino’s Restaurant, “Out of the Rubble” by Alicia Winget
Branch orders Magnetic Name Badges for interested members

FEBRUARY, 2018

CORE (Community Organization Resource Exchange) meets 3^rd Thursday at RHPL
No Board or General Meetings due to inclement weather

MARCH, 2018

STEAM Career Exploration “Forensics” at Rochester High School with PTSA
Kaleidoscope – Morley/Sanders Factory Tour
Members attended OU Women and Gender Studies Film Festival
STEAM Workshops at Rogers Elementary School for Second Graders in Auburn Hills

APRIL, 2018

8^th Grade Essay Contest, ”A Woman of Significance to Me” with monetary awards
for winners and honorable mention
Kaleidoscope attended Luncheon on the Aisle at Meadowbrook Theatre
Three members attended 96^th Annual AAUW-MI meeting and Convention atCanton, MI which honored Gladys McKenny who received the Martha Griffiths Equity Award
Start Smart Workshop at Oakland Univesity sponsored by AAUW-OU and AAUW- Rochester
General Meeting on 4^th Thursday at Rochester Community House, Patrick McKay, Speaker from Rochester Hills Museum

MAY, 2018

Named EF Honorees are Kathleen Hearne, Lynn Standfest, and Linda Thomas
Diversity Champion is Regina Lawler, Breakfast at Birmingham Connumity House
Luncheon and Garden Party at Twin Lakes Country Club, Nancy Szerlag, speaker
AAUW membership dues increase from $71.00 to $81.00
Newsline Ad is $50.00 per year

JUNE, 2018

Branch Picnic and Planning Meeting
10 Students were sent to NCCWSL at University of Maryland
Galloping Gourmet – Jiffy Mix Factory Tour, Lunch at Common Grill,

“Willow Run” at Purple Rose Theatre

Barnes & Noble Book Fair Fundraiser
“Girls of the Crescent” Diversity project to buy books for RHPL and School Libraries
Branch membership totals 99 for 2017-2018

ROCHESTER AAUW BRANCH HISTORY — 2018-2019

July, 2018

Galloping Gourmet- Jiffy Mix Factory Tour and “Willow Run” at Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, MI
Girls of the Crescent Diversity Book Project

August, 2018

Participated in Kroger Rewards Program for Greater Rochester Community
Foundation for NCCWSL Leadership Scholarships
Five businesses advertised in the NEWSLINE for 2018-2019

September, 2018

Sponsored ten women from Oakland University to attend NCCWSL who spoke at the Potluck General Meeting along with Jo A., Director of Community Foundation of Greater Rochester
Brown Bag Book Club (3^nd Tuesday at 11:30 am at members’ homes)
Evening Book Club (3^rd Monday at 7 pm at members’ homes)
Encore Book Club (4^th Wednesday at 1:30 pm at Panera’s Restaurant)
Page Turners Book club (1^st Thursday at 11:30 am at members’ homes)
Afternoon Bridge (4^th Wednesday at members’ homes)
Evening Bridge (2^nd Wednesday at members’ homes)
Diamonds in the Rough Card Club (monthly when partners decide on time and Date)
Pinochle Card Club ( members decide on time and date)
Kaleidoscope Event at Avon Theatre, Steel Magnolias to honor Janet H.

October, 2018

AAUW-MI Fall Leadership Conference in Albion, MI
Great Decisions (2^nd Wednesday at 9:30 am at members’ homes)
Daytime Great Decisions (2^nd Wednesday at 1:30pm at members’ homes)
Galloping Gourmet attended “Bewitched & Bedazzled” at Palazzo Grande
October General Meeting with “Eleanor and Franklin” presented by Dore Productions
Treasurer presents 2018-2019 Branch Budget

November, 2018

Barnes & Noble Book Fair Fundraiser for NCCWSL
Members volunteer at Will Rogers Elementary School Library for tutoring and book checkout “Backyard Birds” – science event for 5^th graders at Will Rogers Elementary School
Branch sponsors Elli’s House with small toiletries for trafficked girls
Branch finances reviewed by AAUW-MI Treasurer and Birmingham AAUW Branch Treasurer

December, 2018

RHPL Holiday Home Tour with AAUW docents
Holiday Luncheon at River Crest, “Jingle and Mingle”
Branch donates $5 per member for LAF and $10 per member for EF

January, 2019

Member Luncheon at Lino’s Restaurant with Paul Vachon, Lost Restaurants of Detroit
AAUW-OU begins year with Lakaysha M., President, and Anna P., as a Student Advisor on the AAUW-MI Student Advisory Council (SAC)
AAUW fights to close pay gap

February, 2019

CORE (Community Organization Resource Exchange) meets 3^rd Thursday at RHPL at 8:00 am
Valentine Book Party, “Blind Date with an Author” at Alibi Restaurant
No Board or General Meetings

March, 2019

STEAM Career Exploration, “Forensics” at Rochester High School with PTSA
St. Patrick’s Day “Tip of the Hat” Book Party at Hamlin Pub in Shelby Twp.
Kaleidoscope Event “Eating Healthy at Vince & Joe’s”
Work Smart (salary negotiations workshop online) is available to members.

April, 2019

Equal Pay Day is April 2
Luncheon on the Aisle, Meadowbrook Theatre, The Marvelous Wonderettes
8^th Grade Essay Contest, A Woman of Significance to Me” with monetary awards for winners and honorable mention
General Meeting at 3pm at the Rochester Community House, The Orphan Train by Al and David Eicher

May, 2019

May Luncheon at DaFrancesco Ristorante with speaker, Elizabeth V. from
Viviano’ s Flowers. Named Honorees are Marilyn B., Judy H., and Donna M.
AAUW-MI “Online” Convention attended by 3 members
Diversity Champion Breakfast at Birmingham Community House with Rosemary M., AAUW Rochester Branch Diversity Champion

June, 2019

Branch Picnic and Planning Meeting at member’s home.
Five OU women attended NCCWSL at University of Maryland
Branch Membership totals 102 for 2018-2019
Summer Garden Party in the garden of Judy G. and luncheon at RiverCrest

ROCHESTER AAUW BRANCH HISTORY — 2019-2020

July, 2019

Galloping Gourmet went to Libby Glass and Art Museum in Toledo.

AUGUST, 2019

Participated in Kroger Rewards Program for Greater Rochester Community Foundation for NCCWSL Leadership Scholarships
Four local businesses advertised in the NEWSLINE for 2019-2020

SEPTEMBER, 2019

Sponsored 6 women from Oakland University to attend NCCWSL. They spoke at the Potluck General Meeting with AAUW-OU President, Maya F. and Advisor Valerie P-M
Brown Bag Book Club (3^rd Tuesday at 11:30 am at members’ homes)
Evening Book Club (3^rd Monday at 7 p.m. at members’ homes)
Encore Book Club (4^th Wednesday at 1:30 pm at Panera’s Restaurant)
Page Turners Book Club (1^st Thursday at 11:30 am at members’ homes or local restaurant
Afternoon Bridge (4^th Wednesday at members’ homes)
Evening Bridge (3^rd Wednesday at members’ homes)
Diamond in the Rough (monthly when partners decide on time and date)
Kaleidoscope attended Mamma Mia at Avon Players

OCTOBER, 2019

AAUW-MI Fall Leadership Conference, “Women on the Rise” at Sajo’s Restaurant with guest speaker, Kelley K., Channel 4 Producer
Great Decisions (2^nd Wednesday at 9:30 am at members’ homes)
General Meeting at Rochester Community House with guest speaker, Honorable
Julie N., Judge in the 52^nd District Court, 3^rd Division on “Opiods”
Pinochle Group meets monthly at members’ homes.

NOVEMBER, 2019

Members are Docents for RHPL Home Holiday Tour
Members volunteer at Will Rogers Elementary School Library for tutoring and book checkout
Approved 2019-2020 Budget for AAUW Rochester.

DECEMBER, 2019

Holiday Brunch, “Holiday Cheer” at West Wynd Golf Grille with guest speaker, Kelley K., Consumer Producer at Channel 4
Rochester Branch EF and LAF donated $15 pp. to AAUW Greatest Needs Funds

JANUARY, 2020

AAUW-OU begins year with Maya F., President who won the Oakland University Keeper of the Dream Award
Member luncheon at Luciano’s Restaurant with Joe Grimm, author of The Faygo Book
Chix Flix meets on the First Tuesday afternoon at Emagine Theatre

FEBRUARY, 2020

CORE (Community Organization Resource Exchange) meets 3^rd Thursday at RHPL
No Board or General Meetings

MARCH, 2020

All events cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions.
Officers elected by electronic voting were Nancy M., Recording Secretary and Suzanne D., Membership Chair
Watched Webinar with Kim C., AAUW CEO

APRIL, 2020

ZOOM Board Meeting with Instructional Technology Manager, Josetta W.
All local events cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions

MAY, 2020

Named EF Honorees –Sharon Postnieks, Rosemary Myers, Dr. Beverly Paurazas Diversity Champion, Dody Machnee
AAUW membership dues $81.00; (AAUW $59; AAUW-MI $12; Rochester AAUW
$10; Online payment is encouraged
Newsline Ad is $50.00 per year
All events cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions, but ongoing through ZOOM

JUNE, 2020

Branch Social on the deck of Diane K. wearing masks and social distancing
Membership totals 102 for 2019-2020
Branch received three stars – Communications, Greatest Needs Financial Support, and Programs – in the 5-star program for 2019-2020.

ROCHESTER AAUW BRANCH HISTORY – 2020-2021

July, 2020

            European Garden Stroll at the home of Colleen P planned by Ways and Means
                        Chair, Sharon P.

AUGUST, 2020
            Participated in Kroger Rewards Program for Greater Rochester Community
            Foundation for NCCWSL Oakland University Leadership Scholarships
            Two Local businesses advertised in the NEWSLINE for 2020-2021
            Rochester AAUW Board Meetings scheduled for the 2^nd Thursday of the month
                        except December, February and July.

SEPTEMBER, 2020
           General Meeting via ZOOM featured Deb K. speaking on “Five Star Program” and            Women’s Equity
           Brown Bag Book Club (3^rd Tuesday at 11:30 am) on ZOOM meeting, Dr. Mona H-A.            spoke on her book,” What the Eyes Don’t See”
           Evening Book Club (3^rd Monday at 7 p.m. on ZOOM
           Encore Book Club (4^th Wednesday at 1:30 pm on ZOOM
           Page Turners Book Club (1^st Thursday at 11:30 am on ZOOM
           Kaleidoscope toured Troy Historic Village, “Resilience on the Homefront”

OCTOBER, 2020
            Great Decisions (2^nd Wednesday at 9:30 am on ZOOM)
            Several members participated in the Suffrage Parade in Grosse Pointe to celebrate
                        the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th Amendment
           Sent out AAUW Member Survey regarding interest in helping with
                       Elementary/Middle School/College Programs
            Proposed Bylaw amendment to allow ZOOM platform for Board and General
                        Meetings was passed
            ZOOM General Meeting with Kim E., Certified Financial Planner, “Economic
                        Security for Women”

NOVEMBER, 2020
Approved 2020-2021 Budget for AAUW Rochester.
            AAUW Oakland University Student Organization with Maya F. as president
            Doris B. and Phyllis R. serve on the AAUW-Michigan Bylaws Committee

DECEMBER, 2020
ZOOM Holiday ParTEA, “Tea and Tea Etiquette” presented by Ms. Barbara G.
            Branch sent $1400 contribution to the Greatest Needs Fund

JANUARY, 2021
           ZOOM Meeting with Joe G., author of “The Coney Island Detroit”
           ZOOM Meeting with Telva M., Chair of Board of Directors for the Girl
Scouts of SE Michigan

FEBRUARY, 2021
CORE (Community Organization Resource Exchange) meets 3^rd Thursday on ZOOM
No Board or General Meetings
Editor Kathleen H. published NEWSLINE by email September-May

MARCH, 2021
            ZOOM Meeting with Maureen T., “Fidelia Wooley Gillette”
            Officers elected by electronic voting were Nancy M., Recording Secretary and
                        Peggy P., Membership Chair
            Watched Webinar with Kim C., AAUW CEO
            In honor of Women’s History Month, members wrote article about a woman of our
                        own history who influenced our life for Newsline.
            Pauline W. and Cathy V. participated in “Mentoring Mondays”

APRIL, 2021
            ZOOM Board Meeting with Instructional Technology Manager, Josetta W.
            Kaleidoscope ZOOM meeting with Joe G. “The Chicken Story at Zehnder’s”
            STEAM Project via ZOOM with Girl Scouts of SE Michigan for “Special Agent”
                        Badge
            AAUW-MI Regional Conference/webinar held via ZOOM and supported ERA
                        Amendment
            Held 8^th Grade Essay Contest “A Women of Significance to Me: via Zoom.

MAY, 2021
            Named EF Honorees are Jean S., Joanne B., and Josetta W.
            Diversity Champion, Dody M.
            AAUW Membership voted NOT to open up membership to all women.
            AAUW membership             dues $84.00;             (AAUW $62; AAUW-            MI $12;            Rochester AAUW
            $10); Online payment is encouraged
           Newsline            Ad is $50.00 per year
           ZOOM Kaleidoscope            with Gladys M. (longtime AAUW Member) in collaboration
           with Rochester-           Avon Historical            Society and Van Hoosen Museum.
           NCCWSL ZOOM Conference with 6 OU women attending plus Josetta W. and
           Valerie P-M
           General Meeting via Zoom “Getting to Know You”

JUNE, 2021
            Branch Social and Picnic on the deck of Diane K. catered by Grand Traverse Pie
                        Company
            Membership totals 90 for 2020-2021

ROCHESTER AAUW BRANCH HISTORY 2021-2022

July, 2021
            Participated in Kroger Rewards Program for greater Rochester Community
                        Foundation for NCCWSL Leadership Scholarships
            Inside/Outside Garden Party with catered lunch 11:30 am – 3 pm at
                                    Van Hoosen Museum, with speaker, Judy G. Gardens of the World
                                    Power Point Presentation
            Financial Budget meeting via ZOOM

August, 2021
Three businesses advertised in the NEWSLINE for 2021-2022
AAUW Rochester Board Meetings scheduled for the 2^nd Thursday except
December, February, and July via ZOOM at 7:00 pm.

September, 2021
            Sponsored six women from Oakland University to attend NCCWSL one student    spoke at the Potluck General Meeting at Rochester Community House Installation
of Branch Officers along with Janice V, President of AAUW-MI
            Brown Bag Book Club (3^nd Tuesday at 11:30 am via ZOOM)
            Evening Book Club (3^rd Monday at 7 pm via ZOOM)
            Encore Book Club (4^th Wednesday at 1:45 pm via ZOOM)
            Page Turners Book club (1st Thursday at local restaurant)
Afternoon Bridge (3rdWednesday 12:30 pm at Red Ox Tavern)
Pinochle Card Club (3^rd Monday 1:00 pm at Red Ox Tavern)
Kaleidoscope attended Fancy at Meadowbrook Theatre

October, 2021
            Great Decisions (2^nd Wednesday at 9:30 am at members’ homes)
            Great Decisions (1^st Tuesday at 1:30pm via ZOOM)
            October General Meeting with speaker, Edward G, Women and Stocks
            Treasurer presented 2021-2022 Branch Budget
            STEAM Project with Girl Scouts at Downtown Municipal Park Forensic Science

November, 2021
Branch finances reviewed by AAUW-MI Treasurer and Birmingham AAUW
Branch Treasurer
50^th Anniversary of Title IX

December, 2021
Holiday Luncheon and Fashion Show by Rebecca’s at Wyngate CC 11:30 am
Branch donates $5 per member for LAF and $10 per member for EF
Book discussion of We Demand: The Suffrage Road Trip with AAUW-MI via
ZOO

January, 2022
            Kaleidoscope Member Meeting via ZOOM at 11:00 am with speaker, Joe Grimm,
                        Windjammer: Songs of the Great Lakes Sailors via ZOOM
            AAUW-OU begins year with President, Olivia

February, 2022
            CORE (Community Organization Resource Exchange) meets 3^rd Thursday at
                        RHPL at 8:00 am via ZOOM
            No Board or General Meetings
            Members submitted articles to March NEWSLINE on Women of our Histor

March, 2022
            General Meeting with speaker, Pat M., Historic Women in the Rochester Area
                        at 3:00 pm
            Work Smart (salary negotiations workshop online) is available to members.

            March 15 is Equal Pay Day in Lansing
            Sent representatives to Southeast Michigan Consortium luncheon in Livonia
            Attended AAUW-MI meeting of Presidents via ZOO

April, 2022
            AAUW –MI Convention attended by 5 members in Midland. MI to celebrate 100^th                            Anniversary of AAUW-MI
            Elected new Treasurer and VP Membership for 2022-2024
            Contributed 100 pairs of shoes to Northville AAUW Projec

May, 2022
May Luncheon at DaFrancesca Ristorante with Judy G, travelogue to Ireland, .
            Spain and Portugal
Branch Honorees are 50 Year members, Phyllis R., Nancy R., and Marge S.
Eighth Grade Essay Contest via ZOOM with 4 awards given for winning essays,
            A Woman of Significance to Me
            Sponsored six OU students for National Conference for Women Student Leaders,
                        Empower Your Life via ZOO

June, 2022
Branch Picnic and Planning Meeting with box lunches from Grand Traverse Pie Co. at member’s home.
Kaleidoscope at Avon Theater, 2:00 pm to see Evita.
Branch Membership totals 90 members
Member presented a Power Point on Mentoring Mondays with Girl Scouts

ROCHESTER AAUW BRANCH HISTORY 2022-2023

JULY, 2022
Four advertisers purchased ads in NEWSLINE

AUGUST, 2022
            Participated in Kroger Reward Program to raise funds for NCCWSL
            3 members attend Women’s Equality Day at St. Mary’s Cultural Center in Livonia
            Rochester AAUW Board Meetings scheduled for the 2^nd Thursday of the month
                        in members’ homes except July and December and on ZOOM during
                        January, February, and March
            Victorian Luncheon with the Suffragists at Royal Park Hotel with visitors from
                        Battle Creek, Grosse Pointe, Lansing, and Port Huron

SEPTEMBER, 2022
            General Meeting featured “Fabulous Foremothers” presented by
                        Dr. Gladys McKenney and two volunteers from Rochester Hills Museum
                        using dolls created by Dr. McKenney
            3 students from Oakland University attended General Meeting and told of their
                        experience at National College Conference of Women Student Leaders
            Brown Bag Book Club (3^rd Tuesday at 11:30 am) ZOOM meeting
            Evening Book Club (3^rd Monday night) in member’s homes except ZOOM during
                        January, February, and March
            Encore Book Club (4^th Wednesday at 2:00 pm) at RHPL Meeting Room
            Page Turner’s Book Club (1^st Thursday at 11:30 am) at local restaurants
            2022-2023 AAUW Rochester Directory was published and distributed

OCTOBER, 2022
            Great Decisions (1^st Tuesday at 9:30 am) on ZOOM
            Great Decisions (2^nd Wednesday at 9:30 am at members’ homes)
            AAUW Bridge (3^rd Wednesday at 12:30 pm at RHPL Conference Room
            Pinochle (2^nd Monday at 1:00 pm at Red Ox Tavern)
            Kaleidoscope- 2:00 pm Historic Tea at Van Hoosen Museum Farmhouse
            60^th Anniversary Luncheon at Loccino Italian Grill chaired by Diane K.
            CSI Workshop (STEAM) with Girls Scouts at RHPL Library Multi-Purpose Room

NOVEMBER, 2022
            Approved 2022-2023 Budget for AAUW Rochester
            Phyllis R. served on AAUW Michigan Bylaws Committee
            60^th Anniversary Scholarship Committee chaired by Nancy M. to raise funds for a
                        $6,000.00 scholarship and to select winning applicant

DECEMBER, 2022
            Holiday Party with Fashion Show from Chico’s at Great Oaks Country Club
Rochester Branch sent $1,275 contribution to the Greatest Needs Fund
Several members volunteered for RHPL Holiday Home Tour docent

JANUARY, 2023’
            Kaleidoscope with Terry Herald on ZOOM “A Career in Film Scoring”
            Linda P. was representative to CORE (Community Organization Resource
                        Exchange) which meets on the 3^rd Thursday at RHPL

FEBRUARY, 2023
            No Board or General Meetings
            Editor Kathleen H. published NEWSLINE and distributed by email September-
            May

MARCH, 2023
            Officers elected were Linda P. Program VP and Sharon P. Treasurer
            In honor of Women’s History Month, members wrote article about a woman of our
            own history who influenced our life for NEWSLINE
            AAUW Regional Leadership Virtual Conference ”The Changing Role of Branch
                        Leadership”

APRIL, 2023
Online AAUWMI Voting for “one member, one vote” replaces “delegate” method which will go into effect at the 2024 Annual Meeting and to do away with
Resolutions

May, 2023
            Kaleidoscope Tea at Van Hoosen Farm, “Celebration of the 200^th Anniversary of
                        Stoney Creek Village
            Awarded $6,000.00 Anniversary Scholarship to Victoria S. Oakland University
                        Undergrad Student
            Two OU Women Students attended NCCWSL at University of Maryland, “Engage,
                        Learn, and Lead”
Named Diane K. , Judy G. and Nancy M. who were honored for outstanding
            Leadership in celebrating Branch’s 60^th Anniversary
Chix Flix attended movie, “Book Club: The Next Chapter”

JUNE, 2023
Membership totals 88 for 2022-2023
End of Year Picnic with box lunches from Whole Foods hosted by Diane K

ROCHESTER AAUW BRANCH HISTORY
2023-2024