Monmouth, Illinois
November 2009
Celebrating 85 Years of AAUW in Monmouth!
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President’s Report
Ronda Willhardt
"Dull November brings the blast, Then the leaves are whirling fast." ~Sara Coleridge
I think the leaves changed and came whirling past in a matter of days, similar to my swirl of thoughts as I stare at the word “November” on the calendar. Take time to slow things down for just a bit and join us at the November AAUW branch meeting on Monday, November 16 at 7pm in the social hall of Faith Church. Jane Pratt will present a program on Financial Fitness.
It seems we are all concerned about keeping our head above water and may feel that being financially fit is out of reach. Part of the definition of “fitness” is the extent to which an organism is adapted to or able to produce offspring in a particular environment (American Heritage Dictionary). Being adaptable is certainly a necessity, now more than ever. Raising (usually a much tougher job than producing) offspring is a costly process.
As families of all kinds adapt to our economic environment, our offspring are joining the work force at a younger age with a greater intensity. Sadly, the gender wage gap can surface for workers as young as fourteen. As our offspring become young adults, a growing number are relying on consistent financial assistance from their parents. Those in the know are concerned that this situation will damage the future financial fitness of parents.
The damage is compounded for those women who took years off to stay home with young children, worked low paying jobs for the bulk of their career, become single parents, turn out to be solely responsible for their own finances, and/or are one of many who live longer than their partner.
Even though we make resolutions to become fit, with our finances as with our health we often ignore our symptoms, put the health of others first, and procrastinate going to a professional for help. As the flight attendant tells you, you must put on your own oxygen mask before you can help others with theirs. Come to your branch meeting and become an active participant in your own fitness.
“''Now'' is the operative word. Everything you put in your way is just a method of putting off the hour when you could actually be doing your dream. You don't need endless time and perfect conditions. Do it now. Do it today. ” ~Barbara Sher
Inside this issue
Branch Meeting page 2
¡Adelante! Book Group page 2
AAUW Film Group page 2
Public Policy Update page 3
EF Fundraiser and Update page 3
Jane Addams Days Luncheon page 4
AAUW Fundraising Information page 4
Upcoming Events page 4
Branch Meeting:
Jane Pratt Speaks on
“Financial Fitness for Life”
November 16
Monmouth attorney Jane Hartley Pratt will speak at our branch meeting on Monday, November 16 at Faith United Presbyterian Church. A graduate of Franklin College in Indiana with a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University Law School in Bloomington, Indiana, Jane has practiced law in Monmouth for many years, focusing especially on estate planning and trusts.
A true community leader, Jane has served on the Hospital Board, the United Way Board, serving as president of each during her tenure. She is also a founding member of the Today’s Woman investment club. She taught Business Law at Monmouth College for several years as well. At the state level, Jane serves on the Illinois State Bar Association Probate and Trust Law Council, which follows and makes recommendations for legislation in those areas. She is an elected fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Jane is in demand statewide as a speaker on legal topics and has written many articles and has contributed the Estate Planning chapter in a book for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
Jane will discuss the way to get ourselves financially prepared with general legal documents such as wills and Power of Attorney and when it is more beneficial to use or to avoid probate court. She will touch on the importance of financial planning and the need for flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
Please consider bringing a guest or two to this stimulating program!
¡Adelante! Book Group
We will be discussing the Pulitzer Prize winning book, "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout.This will happenon Wednesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. at Amy Zesbaugh's home, 300 South B. Street and all are invited!
Quoting from Random House:
"At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town of Crosby, Maine, and in the world at large, but she doesn't always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance; a former student who has lot the will to live; Olive's own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and her husband, Henry who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.
As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life--sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition--its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires."
Following the discussion we will be choosing the selections for January through May. Weinvite and welcomesuggestions!
AAUW Film Group
Nancy Buban
The Visitor, a 2007 film, about a lonely widowed professor and two illegal immigrants from Syria and Senegal will be shown on Monday, November 23 at 7:00 at 207 S. 8th. The professor finds the couple living in his New York City apartment which he has not occupied for some time. Through a real estate scam, they were rented the apartment. He allows them to stay when they have nowhere else to go. His attempt to help these illegal immigrants gets him tangled in a maze of bureaucracy. It is a moving story of friendship. Richard Jenkins received a nomination for an Academy Award as best actor in this film. Please join us for popcorn before Turkey day.
Public Policy Update
Jan DeYoung
The role of the Arts in our community is a subject dear to the hearts of our AAUW branch members. Many of you know that state arts funding is one of the many areas negatively impacted by the serious financial difficulties of the State of Illinois. Here are some facts:
- State arts funding has declined by an average of 49% this year.
- This year’s $7.8 million is the lowest level since 1988.
- The Illinois Arts Council has cut staff by 10%, curtailed travel (with a more serious impact on rural areas like Warren County) and suspended artists’ fellowships.
As you know, Buchanan Center for the Arts depends heavily on Arts Council funding. And our own AAUW Art Presenter Program, which relies on Arts Council re-grant money through the BCA Art$ Dollar$ program, is expecting to receive significantly less money this year for our grant application.
As most of you also know, Governor Quinn restored MAP grants without indicating a source for the revenue from which to pay these grants. These grants are very important for assisting Illinois college students to attend college. Many other important programs in social and educational services have been cut or reduced as well. It should be clear to us that restoring all of these important services requires additional revenue.
What does this mean to us? During the General Assembly recess until February we need to contact both Senator Sullivan and Representative Rich Myers to emphasize our support for restoring arts funding as well as overall tax reform, including an increase in the state income tax in order to provide necessary services to the citizens of Illinois. If you can meet either (or both) of these men face-to-face, that would be ideal. If not, a letter or a phone call from every one of us would be helpful.
For your convenience, here is the contact information:
The Honorable John Sullivan
417 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone (217) 782-2479
Macomb office:
440 North Lafayette, Suite 100
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone (309) 833-5526
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The Honorable Rich Myers
200-7N Stratton Building
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone (217) 782-0416
Macomb Office:
331 North Lafayette Street
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone (309) 836-2707
AAUW-IL has long worked in coalition with other organizations to promote tax reform for support of public education and social services. Support for the arts is an important component of this necessary reform. Please call or write today!
EF Fundraiser
Jonalyn Heaton and Donna Sproston
The branch is selling Rada products again this year. All products are made in America and keep 120 people employed in Waverly, Iowa. If you need a Rada catalog, please call Donna Sproston at 563-6782. Orders are due by November 16th and will be here in time for Christmas giving.
Please send order sheets to Donna Sproston, 1376 200th Ave., Monmouth, or bring them to the meeting on the 16th. Payment is due with the order (no tax or shipping) and checks should be made payable to AAUW Monmouth Branch. Orders may also be placed on-line at www.HelpOurFundraiser.com. The internet ordering number is #500207, and the password is aauw. On-line orders will have shipping charges.
Illinois News
To AAUW-IL Branch Presidents,
The Jane Addams Commemorative Holiday will be celebrated on December 6, 2009 at Bowen Park, 1917 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL. This is the site of the summer camp that Jane Addams ran for children from the city of Chicago. Lilac Cottage, where Jane Addams lived during the summer, and the Historical Farm House will be open for tours from 9 AM to 3 PM. A Buffet Lunch is scheduled at the Jane Addams Center at 11:30 AM. The program will be presented by Ellen Frew of the Waukegan Historical Society and Ty Rohrer, Director of the Waukegan History Museum. Come and help AAUW-IL celebrate Jane Addams at a unique and lively location. Join us at camp for a festive holiday celebration of the life and work of Jane Addams.
Linda Henning Cohen
AAUW-IL President
AAUW Fundraising Information
AAUW Funds: Many AAUW members are struggling to find appropriate terminology to use when fund-raising or presenting programs (or updating bylaws) related to what we used to know as the Educational Foundation. While we no longer use the name Educational Foundation, we still have all the programs it encompassed. Our national leaders ask that donations be made to AAUW Funds, as a name that covers all the former programs of the Educational Foundation and more. A useful summary of these charitable funds and projects is available at: http://www.aauw.org/contribute/upload/supportingAAUWPrograms.pdf.
Please consider sharing this document with your members to help them better understand the many programs which are included in the work of AAUW. Donations are made to AAUW Funds, but they can be directed to any specific program of AAUW as described on the website.
Branch Meeting: Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Faith Church
AAUW Film Group: Nov. 23, 7 p.m., 207 S. 8th
¡Adelante! Book Group: Nov. 18, 7 p.m., 300 South B St., Monmouth
Mission Statement: AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.
Vision Statement: AAUW will be a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy, and measurable change in critical areas impacting the lives of women and girls.
Value Promise: By joining AAUW, we belong to a
community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.
Association Web site: www.aauw.org
AAUW-Illinois Web site:
www.aauw-il.org
Monmouth Branch Web site: http://department.monm.edu/aauw/
AAUW Initiative Editor: Sharon Gilbert,
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