AAUW Advances Equity for Women and Girls Through Advocacy, Education, Philanthropy And

Vol. 61 No.5 Oshkosh, WI Branch Newsletter February2014

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

Next branch meeting: Tuesday, March 4, 6:00 PM

Reeve Union Theater, Room 306 (UW Oshkosh campus)

Program: “Suffrage in Sawdust City” (a live reenactment, in period clothing, of the fight for women’s rights). Jessie Jack Hooper will be portrayed by Helen Bannan, and Doris Stevens by Geneva Murray, both AAUW Oshkosh members. This program is open to the public and has been heavily advertised. Bring a friend!

Some members are meeting beforehand at 4:45pm in the Reeve Union Marketplace to dine together. Just a little added camaraderie before a lovely program.

Elect Her–Campus Women Win!

Saturday, February 15th, 2014

Reeve Ballroom, UW Oshkosh

10.30am-3.30pm(lunch included with registration prior to February 10th)

UW Oshkosh is one of only fifty campuses in the US to have been selected to host the Elect Her! Campus Women Win training program. This collaboration between the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Running Start encourages and trains college women to run for and win student government positions on their campuses. Through Elect Her we want to provide more college women with leadership training, specifically the valuable experience of running for and serving on student government, because there is a clear connection between service in student government and future political service.

In addition to this, female-identified Oshkosh students who attend Elect Her! may also be eligible for an exciting scholarship opportunity. The Oshkosh AAUW branch, in conjunction with the Women’s Center and the Chancellor’s Office at UW Oshkosh, is pleased to offer a scholarship to a female-identified enrolled student at UW Oshkosh for attendance at the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) fromJune 5th-June 7th, 2014at University of Maryland, College Park.

So far fourAAUW volunteers have agreed to attendthat morning (9:45 a.m.) to assist with check-in and to provide basic logistical support to Geneva Murray and the AAUW facilitator Danielle Hagen from Washington D.C. If you are still interested in joining us, let MaryBeth Petesch or Geneva Murray know ASAP. We are all very excited to be able to host this unique workshop. As of 2/6/14 thirty students have signed up!

For more information on this workshop please read theannouncementon the UWO Women Center's website:

Money Conference 2014

AAUW has been asked to provide volunteers for registration and sessions during this year’s Money Conference - Saturday, April 5, at Oshkosh West High School.

Registration volunteers will help with check-in and direct attendees to the credit report table. Registration opens at 7:30 am, and volunteers are asked to be there by 7:00 am to assist with the set up. Registration will probably wind down by mid-late morning.

Session volunteers will be asked to introduce the presenters and speak to the participants. They will ask if some participants will complete evaluation forms and if they would be willing to be contacted a few months later. Conference organizers would also like AAUW volunteers to assist with some of the follow-up work. Sessions begin at 9am and end at noon.

The Money Conference will begin at 8:30 and the first session will start at 9:00. Lunch is at noon, followed by a quiz show program in place of a speaker. Please let Helen Bannan know if you would like to help and your preferred assignment.

—Peg Olson

Branch History, Cookbooks

Reminder no. 1: Our AAUW-Oshkosh Branch history is located in the Archives at Polk Library on the UW-Oshkosh campus. It is available to anyone for reading and research. Our seven scrapbooks, the eighth is in preparation, along with the archival materials of minutes, programs, etc. make for enjoyable reading. Just ask any of the Centennial History Committee: some of the utterances are: “I didn’t know that!” --- “Guess what I found” --- Did you know?”. The Archives is located on the 3rd floor of Polk in the South Building. Hours are: M-F – 9-12 –1-4. Joshua Ranger, UW-O Archivist is happy to answer any question because he knows the place inside and out!

Reminder 2: Our cookbook, “Stirring up Memories – Again” is selling well. We have only 52 copies remaining. If you need that perfect gift for a friend, family member, for an appreciation thank you, for a birthday, whatever, e-mail Sally Teresinski, , or call her at 582-7836. The cookbooks cost $15, and she delivers!
— Sally Teresinski, Interim historian

CENTENNIAL YEAR – 2014
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014 - 10:30
OSHKOSH COUNTRY CLUB
AN AMAZING DAY FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE
Remember to send in your reservation/money. (Check your invitation)

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE I LAST WROTE:

*January Program – Terrific. Thanks to Helen Bannan for introducing us to the Founding Members of the Oshkosh Branch. Loved hearing about them. What an energetic bunch of 10 women. Thanks to Jean Tondryk for arranging our tour of the Morgan House, which was most interesting. Thanks to Fran Garb and Bettie Harriman for seeing that we were well fed. A special feature was the dessert (in the cookbook by Susan Morrissey) and made by Fran. Try it. It was delicious.

*Bookmark - Thanks, MaryBeth Petesch, for getting this into our books. As I am reading It is a great reminder of our wonderful organization and the support we give through our scholarships.

*Student Leadership Conference – Thanks to the UW Oshkosh Chancellor for matching the $400 raised by the branch to send a young woman from UW Oshkosh to this National Leadership Conference. Thanks Karen Parson for your $100 donation to support this project. The branch is thrilled that all of you found this an excellent way to support young women who are interested in developing leadership skills.

WHAT IS IN OUR FUTURE?

*MARCH 4 –6:00 pm. A special presentation at the UW Oshkosh Theatre by our own members, Helen Bannan and Geneva Murray. You will want to hear and see this. At 4:45 – 5:45 pm,those who are interested will dine together at Reeve Union. Several have already saidthey are coming. Come and join the table for a good time with friends. *March 18 – 5:00 pm. Planning meeting for Centennial Celebration at Evergreen in the Trellis Room. Even if you have not been involved yet, please come we will get you involved in the fun. Call or e-mail Barbara Cook, 312-8704, .

*Stirring Up Memories Again –Help us sell more cookbooks. We have sold 148 out of 200. You can help by promoting our books to friends. They will be on sale at Centennial Celebration. Or contact Sally Teresinski if you want books sooner.

*Giving Project – Our $100 donation for February has been sent to the Winnebago County Literacy Council.

*APRIL 12, 2014, 10:30 am – CENTENNIALCELEBRATION - WENEED YOU TO COME TO MAKE IT A PARTY. It will not be repeated until 2114.

I plan to be there in 2014 with Ken.
—Barb Cook

THROUGH THE DECADES WITH THE OSHKOSH BRANCH AAUW

In January we highlighted our Pre-History and from 1914-1919. Marching forward we feature the history of the 1920’s with our research by Peg Olson. So interesting to read what they recorded as important.

1920 – 1929

In 1920 – Miss Chase spoke on “the Oshkosh clinic, or the “Health Center” as they preferred to be called.” A decision was made to discontinue support for the French orphan. The National Women’s Party requested financial help with three statues to be placed in the US Capitol. Members were asked to contribute 25 cents each.

In 1921 – There was a treasury balance of $1.00. The President resigned.

In 1922 – At one meeting a discussion of a communication regarding “the agitation for federal aid for compulsory physical education for all children between the ages of 6 and 18.” Just as we do now delicious refreshments were served.

In 1923 – The treasury has now grown to $13. “Between the Soup and the Savory”, a one-act play, was delightfully read by Mrs. Abrahamson, Miss Pratt and Miss Hunt.” (Do you remember the Theater Group led by Ethel Heise that Oshkosh had in the 70’s and 80’s? Also, Neenah had one around the same time led by Susan’s Morrissey mother, Eileen ). Decision made to continue a $100 scholarship “for the high school girl.”

In 1924 – A rummage sale netted $11.00 and it was suggested to sell food during the Regatta.

In 1925 – A card party netted $55.06 for the scholarship fund and a May Day card party raised $47.75. In June a picnic at the Konrad’s on Oakwood. Then, “After supper, Mr. Konrad took several parties for a ride on his great lakes speedboat.” On a more serious note, a decision was made to compile a list of all local graduates or former students of all colleges and universities inthe US “to aid high school students with gathering information on colleges.” This was followed by “a charming travelogue about Miss Kelly’s experience in China.”

In 1926 – A speaker from Northwestern University gave a “very vivid picture of the lives of the immigrants and the work there is to be done among them.” During the summer Mrs. Konrad will attend the International Federation in Amsterdam.

In 1927 – One hundred seventy-seven children participated in the AAUW-sponsored art class at the museum (All but three AAUW members each paid 50 cents for supplies.) Museum auxiliary requested AAUW continue its support. The state organization considered the art class one of the most outstanding in the state. The branch voted to continue the program.

In 1928 – Mrs. George Williams outlined the work of the Visiting Nurses Association. She also made an appeal for book donations for the colored schools of the South.

In 1929 – Each member was taxed 50 cents for “standing expenses.” A September meeting was a discussion of a forthcoming talk on “Women in the Field of Education.” At the November meeting Miss Gertrude Johnson of the University of Wisconsin presented a most delightful program, “Readings from the Irish Poets.”

What will happen in the 1930’s? Find out in March.

______

TELL ME ABOUT AAUW AND YOU

MY AAUW FRIENDS, YOUR HELP IS NEEDED. I HAVEANOTHERREQUEST OF YOU FOR OUR APRIL 12 CELEBRATIONAND I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN GETTING IT ACCOMPLISHED.

On the tables at our celebration, we want to have quotes from our members and former members about AAUW and themselves.

Some suggestions to get your brain cells sparking

*A memory of something special for you during your time in AAUW

or

*An event or program you particularly liked

or

*What AAUW means to you

Or

*Other- something about AAUW I have not suggested

PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMMENTS TO 3 TO 4 LINES IF POSSIBLE. CAN BE SLIGHTLY LONGER IF NEED BE.

THANKS TO CAROL CONWAY - GERHARDT AND JEANNE LILLY BREDFIELD FOR COORDINATING THIS PROJECT.

BY MARCH 15 SENDQUOTES TO: BARBARA COOK, 1655 LAKE BREEZE ROAD, OSHKOSH, 54904

Example:

I loved the International Relations Study Group! It was very popular with a waiting list. In order to stay in, I had to take my turn for a report. It was hard for me to read books, being legally blind with macular degeneration at an early age (45). So, I bartered with a friend to read to me while I ironed her husband’s shirts and also offered to pay my high school daughters to read while I took notes.

Vivian Womaski - 1948

COOKINGUPMEMORIESRECIPEOFTHEMONTH (FEBRUARY)

NEIL’SSPAGHETTISAUCE by ? Answer in next Check.
1 lb. extra lean ground beef
2-3 ribs of celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
4-6 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
2-3 buds of garlic, minced
1 large can whole tomatoes
6 oz can Hunt’s tomato paste
Salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to taste. (Use lots of basil and oregano, not much salt)

Brown beef in large skillet or dutch oven, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add celery, onions, green pepper, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until vegetables are no longer crisp. Add mushrooms, cook until they wilt; add tomatoes, breaking them into small pieces. Stir and add about ½ C. water. Add tomato paste, stir. More water can be added for thinner sauce. Add seasonings to taste. Simmer 30 minutes. Serve over any style of pasta, with tossed salad and garlic bread.
This was a recipe that Neil created and told me about when we married. It has become the “comfort” giving recipe in our house. It’s the first meal I cook whenever we have been in a new home, or when I want to feel better. It’s easy to eat too much at one time. It freezes well. Even good over vegetables.

ANSWER TO JANUARY RECIPE: Homemade Noodles contributed by Virginia Scoville, past president. 1982- 1984. Virginia spoke enthusiastically about AAUW and brought many members into the Branch.

OPPORTUNITIES

Lunch Bunch: The AAUW Lunch Bunch meets the second Monday of every monthfrom 11:45 – 1:00. A table is reserved under the name Lunch Bunch.Contact Bettie Harriman (233-1973 or ) for reservations.Lunch Bunch will meetFeb. 10 at Gardina’s, Oshkosh; March 10, The Weathervane, 186 Main St., Menasha.

AAUW Morning Book Group: Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 9:30 AM.Contact Barbara Cook at 312-8704 or . Please notify hostess if you are a regular member and cannot attend. Feb. 11:Wild by Cheryl Strayed; home of Nancy Elsberry; March 11:River of Doubt by Candace Millard; home of Carol Sheehan.

AAUW Evening Book Group: Meets the 2nd Wednesday evening of each month at 7:00 PM. Contact information: Brenda Wilusz – 232-8080 se notify the hostess if you would like to come as a guest. If you are a member and cannot attend notify hostess. Feb. 12:Gone Girl by Gillian Gill; home of Fran Garb.March 12:The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan; home of Brenda Wilusz.

Treasurer’s ReportJanuary/February

Checking

Checking Balance $2766.43

—Susan Morrissey, Treasurer

Oshkosh Branch

Rachel Krubsack, Editor

1004 Mason St.

Oshkosh WI 54902