Freedom Summer – Highlight video from the presentation on August 24, 2024
On August 24, at the Benicia Public Library a special presentation recalling Freedom Summer. Freedom Summer: 60 Years of Voting Rights, will link the struggles and achievements of 1964 to the realities and significance of voting in 2024. Linda Youngblood Wright will bring a character interpretation of Fannie Lou Hamer. I will tell my story of …
VOTING MATTERS
Annual Membership Outdoor Event
Sunday, Sept. 24 at 11 am Highlands Park in Vallejo
It’s September– must be time for—our annual membership get-together!
We will meet under the shelter area, for wonderful food and great conversation. This is the location where we usually have the membership event, on Regents Park Drive just off Columbus Parkway.
If you can, bring a dish to share, otherwise just bring yourself and enjoy. No need to RSVP if you are bringing a main dish, salad, fruit or appetizer. If you are bringing a dessert, please e-mail me, Christine Stevens at castevens51@yahoo.com to avoid duplications and excess. (Can desserts even be excess?)
Be sure to be there — it’s the start of our new AAUW season!
Alice and Alan Plutchok will again be hosting our wine and cheese pairing at their home from 3 – 5pm on July 30. The wine is being provided by Sendsips. Many thanks to Barbara Engdahl for coordinating this with them. One hundred percent (100%) of the ticket sales will go toward supporting Tech Trek. Tickets are $50, they can be purchased from Barbara E., Jan Leventhal, Barbara Houseman or Joan Eignor.
Join us that day and take a chance to enjoy a week of sunsets that can open new horizons for our branch’s Tech Trek scholarship winners.
Our star silent auction item features a six-night stay at a Hawaiian condo – donated by Barbara E. You can view the condo at: Airbnb/kailua-kona/sunsetandtradewinds -scroll down until you see the sunsets and tradewinds title. Can you hear the waves lapping on the beach and feel the seabreeze wafting through your hair? Take a chance on your ticket to paradise.
Other silent auction items include: a selection of Raymond wines; a quilt; a box of lavender goodies; a print; a gift basket of food and more items. If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, please contact Joan. joaneignor@aol.com
Buy your Fundraiser tickets now – enjoy fine wine, fine cheese and, best of all, fine friendships.
Tech Trek Potluck
November 9, 2022 at 6pm
Community Congregational Church
1305 W 2nd St, Benicia
Hear from our campers about their experience. Their stories and poise are
always very inspiring. Please show your support for this program and for the campers!
Let Janet Leventhal know what you’ll be bringing.
JanetBLeventhal@hotmail.com
Benicia-Vallejo AAUW Newsletter Announcement for October 2020
The forum will allow voters an opportunity to hear candidates, discuss issues face-to-face, and provide candidates an opportunity to answer questions from constituents. All candidates are invited to participate to stimulate public interest in their campaigns. For details please check LWVSolano.org.
Immediate Press Release – August 25, 2022
Contact: Suzanne Antone, Benicia-Vallejo American Association of University Women, 707-235-5341
AAUW hosts Fall Membership Event
11 am, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022 at Somerset Highlands Park, Vallejo
The Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), will host Fall Membership Event and Lunch at 11 am, Sunday, September 11, 2022, at the Somerset Highlands Park, 101 Regents Dr., Vallejo, CA.
AAUW founded in 1881, is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Membership is open to any graduate with an associate or equivalent, Baccalaureate or higher degree. Undergraduates qualify as student affiliates with full branch participation.
AAUW strongly condemns the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. AAUW believes everyone has the right to make decisions about their own reproductive lives without government interference. Abortion access is vital to women’s ability to control their lives, bodies and futures. Without reproductive freedom, there can be no equity. While the Court’s decision is a major setback for all Americans, AAUW remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting reproductive rights, a vital component of gender equity.
The local Benicia-Vallejo AAUW Branch is an active group of equity advocates. Group activities include a variety of opportunities: educational, social, cultural, and public policy related. Since 1998, branch activities have raised scholarship funds for a local project called Tech Trek. This program provides a one-week hands-on math and science camp for selected 7th grade girls that is held at a nearby university campus.
AAUW has a nationwide network of 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 local branches, and 800 college and university partners. For further information or to join the branch visit https://beniciavallejo-ca.aauw.net/membership/ or send an email to beniciavallejoaauw@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 4 – 11:30 Benicia Yacht Club
Annual June Luncheon & Installation of Officers
Let’s gather to show appreciation to the outgoing board and install our new leaders.
Reservations are required because this is a catered event!
Luncheon Menu
Napa Salad – mixed greens, grapes, caramelized walnuts, blue cheese,
Porto wine vinaigrette
Chicken Marsala and sautéed mushrooms Pork Tenderloin with Apple Pear Sauce Potatoes au gratin
Seasonal roasted vegetables
Dessert: Brownies & ice cream
Non-alcoholic drink table with coffee, teas, and iced tea Wine available for purchase $6-$9 per glass.
For COVID safety, we will be seated in the yacht club’s lovely outdoor lower deck with a view of the harbor.
2022 Benicia Women’s March
May 14 rally in Benicia for Women’s Right to Choose
Annual Luncheon at Benicia Yacht Club
AAUW Outing: Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art and Sculpture Garden on Sunday, May 15, 2022, 12:30-5:30
Located on 217 acres in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art and Sculpture Garden houses the foremost collection of contemporary Bay Area art, with nearly 2,000 works by 800 artists. A wide range of styles, media, and subject matter provide an overview of the creative energy and freedom to experiment that characterize this region of California.
Join us to carpool (masks to be worn) to this nearby location where we will be learning together on a docent-led tour. Wear comfy shoes! We will also view the artwork independently. Bring a snack (and liquids) as it’s a long day!
We will meet up in Benicia at 12:30 and depart at 12:40 sharp to go to the Center. Kindly RSVP so we know you plan to join us! Meeting location: 1300 Drolette Way, Benicia, next to Mary Farmar Elementary School
Are you willing to drive? Let us know and the indicate the number of passengers you can take.
We will arrive in time for a 1:30 p.m. guided public tour of two hours. Tickets costs are $17 (seniors), $20 (general). All are welcome!
Kindly email coordinator, Susan Cohen Grossman, susancg13@gmail.com, or send her a text (707-319-1053) by May 6 (before sunset) if you wish to attend.
The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art and Sculpture Garden features multiple galleries, a sculpture park, and a 35-acre lake. The di Rosa originated as the vision of Rene di Rosa (1919-2010), a prolific collector whose famed vineyards enabled his development of a world-class art collection. Together with his wife Veronica di Rosa (1934–1991), he used the sale of his vineyards to build an “art park” for the greater public. The di Rosa is now a nonprofit public trust. Works of famous California artists including Robert Arneson (from Benicia!), Bruce Conner, Jay DeFeo, and William T. Wiley are on display.
Join us for an enjoyable social afternoon on May 15, 2022.
Free program:
AAUW Sponsors Public Zoom Poetry Reading: Living, on Earth – Here – Now
3 p.m., Sunday, April 10
The Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host a free, public Zoom program, Living, on Earth: Poetry on what it means to be alive. Here. Now. Participants may sign in starting at 2:30 pm; the program starts at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2020.
This AAUW program will feature 20 Vallejo and Benicia poets and members of the branch. They will share unique perspectives on struggle, joy, companionship, loss, trees, ocean, birds, babies, injustice, peace, beauty, want, need, anger, sorrow, delight, fear, fun, drudgery, impatience, power, wonder, and more.
The program will be moderated by current Benicia poet laureate and AAUW member, Mary Susan Gast. It is held as an event celebrating the importance of and the pleasure from listening to each other and forming community.
Individuals may join the Zoom meeting by copying the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/s/84744224407?pwd=czk3RVc1Q2RLdzlVYm0wQ2xjUjZQQT09
The meeting ID is: 847 4422 4407 and the password is: 513347.
Leading off the program will be past and present Poets Laureate from Solano County. These will include Mary Susan Gast, Lois Requist, Johanna Ely and Tom Stanton. Other laureates are D.L. Lang, Genea Brice, Juanita Martin and Ronna Leon.
Also, among the readers presenting are Mary Eichbauer, Nina Serrano, Diane Murray Ward and Frances Hillyard. Additionally, Aqueila Lewis-Ross, Claire J. Baker and Dan Williams will present.
Poets Sheryl Goldwasser, Dorothy Gilbert, Aline Soules, Tony Bellotti, Melody Anderson-Brumidis and Tricia De Jesus-Gutierrez will additionally share their original work.
The AAUW branch is looking to form a working group for poetry writing and reading as a monthly event.
AAUW puts its mission – to support equity and education for all women and girls – into action.
To join the American Association of University Women, please visit the website https://beniciavallejo-ca.aauw.net/. Questions about the program can be emailed to poetlaureatebenicia@gmail.com
What Can I Do to Protect Voting?
6:30 pm, Wednesday, March 16th on ZOOM
Geri Kahn, immigration attorney and branch member, will be our featured speaker. She practices both in Benicia and San Francisco.
The program will describe efforts to ensure every eligible citizen can vote in the United States. It will review current voter suppression campaigns in the country and describe efforts to fight for voter reform.
The program is free; adults and students are encouraged to attend the presentation.
Individuals may join the Zoom meeting by using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85259881099?pwd=M2dDTmxYQ3RJSXZqbmxIbVpwTFVhdz09#success
Alternatively, users may go to the link www.zoom.com and enter the following information: The Meeting ID is 852 5988 1099. The Passcode is 796667.
Following the presentation a question and answer session will be held. Members are encouraged to bring examples of actions they have taken or concerns they feel need more formal attention.
BRANCH EVENT: public
WHEN: October 14, 2021 @ 6:30 pm
WHERE: Zoom Webinar – Meeting ID: 813 3867 2544 – Passcode: 274495
COST: Free
CONTACT: Suzanne Antone
Email Event website
To join the free, public program open Video Conferencing, Cloud Phone, Webinars, Chat, Virtual Events | Zoom.
Click Join Meeting. Enter Meeting ID: 813 3867 2544 – Passcode: 274495
The program will review data shared in the Solano County Commission on Women and Girls (SCWG) Status Report from May, 2020. It states, “Prenatal and birth risk factors in Solano County vary by race or ethnicity, with Hispanic/Latina and African American women being the least likely to access prenatal care within the first trimester. Asian/Pacific Islander and African American children are the most likely to be born preterm and with low birth weight.”
Featured co-speaker will be Dr. Shandi J. Fuller, Solano County Deputy Health Officer, who advocates and administers equitable care so that all children and families live to their greatest potential.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
Benicia-Vallejo AAUW presents “Birth Justice – Maternal and Infant Health in Solano County”
AAUW International Women’s Day Program
Benicia-Vallejo Branch AAUW 2020-2021 Programs
Monday, September 21
Tech Trek Virtual Potluck
Our Zoom ‘Pot Luck’ will be held on Monday, September 21, from 7-8pm.
(Zoom address will be mailed on Friday)
The ‘Pot Luck’ will be moderated by Marty Stockard, who has served on all 3 selection committees.
We will highlight 3 alumni campers.
2017 – Caitlin and her parents Cheri and Brett. (Caitlin was selected to be a junior counselor this year).
2018 – Allayh and her parents Kim and Rod.
2019 – Gillian and her parents Alex and Terrill.
Also joining us will be the teachers who nominated these campers – Ken Tosch from Hogan Middle School, and Andrea Jenest from Benicia Middle School.
I’ve invited our major sponsor, Soroptimist International of Vallejo to participate.
ZOOM Invitation
Topic: Tech Trek Virtual Potluck
Time: Sep 21, 2020 06:45 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4435328434?pwd=TEhLTmRaWm1qMnNSWE1mU0tTcmlkdz09
Meeting ID: 443 532 8434
Passcode: AAUW
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Meeting ID: 443 532 8434
Free program:
AAUW Sponsors Public Zoom “We Demand the Right to Vote” – 100 years since the 19th Amendment.
1:30 p.m., Sunday, August 30
The Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host a free, public Zoom program “We Demand the Right to Vote” – 100 years since the 19th Amendment.
Participants may sign in starting at 1:30 pm; the program starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020. Contact: Suzanne Antone, Benicia-Vallejo American Association of University Women, 707-235-5341
Topic: 19th Amendment Celebration-Bring your own Cheese and Crackers!
Time: Aug 30, 2020 01:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Some of us are reading “We Demand the Right to Vote” by Meneese Wall and we’ll report on the Suffragist Heros that she describes!
To buy the book go to: https://meneesewall.square.site/home or contact the author at meneese@meneesewall.com
Meneese Wall, who will attend our 19th Amendment Celebration, is a graphic artist and writer whose creations focus on American women’s history. Her recent collection of artwork and accompanying illustrated book highlight women’s 18th and 19th century struggle for social and political equality as they fight for the right to vote. Inspired by historical events, people, quotes, and memorabilia, Meneese awakens our attention to women’s pivotal influence on our past and their consequential effects on today’s reality. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Juanita J. Martin is Fairfield’s First Poet Laureate, 2010-2012. She was a longtime member of Redwood Writers, 2007-2017, and is a current member of Napa Valley Writers, Benicia Writers Salon, Ina Coolbrith Circle, and Benicia First Tuesday Poets. Juanita is listed in Poets & Writers Magazine, Directory of Poets. Her poetry book The Lighthouse Beckons was accepted in Solano County Library. Her poetry appears in Blue Collar Review, SoMa Literary Review, Rattlesnake Review, and others. She contributed non-fiction to Sonoma Discoveries Magazine. Juanita reads all over the Bay Area, and has been a featured reader at Beat Poetry Festival, Petaluma Poetry Walk, Berkeley Poetry Festival, and 100 Thousand Poets for Change. When she is not writing or volunteering, Juanita reads on Vallejo Ozcat radio’s ARTbeat or with Benicia First Tuesday Poets. www.jmartinpoetwriter.com
Free program:
AAUW Sponsors Public Zoom Poetry Reading:
Listen – Make a Difference
2 p.m., Sunday, July 19, 2020
The Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host a free, public Zoom program Listen to Make a Difference. Participants may sign in starting at 1:30 pm; the program starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2020.
This AAUW program will feature two Benicia poets and members of the branch, Johanna Ely and Mary Eichbauer. Both poets have new books for 2020 and will be sharing from them. Ely’s book, Postcards From a Dream is published by Blue Light Press 2020. Eichbauer’s first book of poetry, After the Opera, will be published by Random Lane Press in August 2020. Both books additionally can be purchased from Bookshop Benicia.
Click here for more information
Benicia-Vallejo Branch AAUW 2015-2016 Programs
|
Date/Time |
Event |
Location |
| 9/13/15 | Membership Kick-off Event | Member’s Home |
Benicia-Vallejo Branch AAUW 2013-2014 Programs
|
Date/Time |
Event |
Location |
|
9/22/13 |
Membership Event |
Member’s Home |
|
10/9/13 |
Tech Trek Potluck |
Heritage Presbyterian Church |
|
10/17/13 |
WET: an artistic, poetic view of California Delta water issues |
Benicia Public Library |
|
11/6/13 |
Affordable Care Act |
First Baptist Church |
|
11/14/13 |
Board Meeting |
Member’s Home |
|
12/8/13 |
Holiday Party |
Member’s Home |
|
1/9/14 |
Board Meeting |
Member’s Home |
|
1/25/14 |
Bunco |
Senior Center |
|
1/26/14 |
Interbranch community program on sexual assault |
Lafayette Library |
|
2/9/2014 |
Creative Women’s Symposium |
Arts Benicia |
|
3/6/14 |
Board Meeting |
Member’s Home |
|
3/11/14 |
Mystery Writers Program (Click here to view photos from the event!) |
Benicia Public Library |
|
March 2014 |
Women’s History Month Concert – The Best Intentions |
The Empress Theater |
|
4/10 – 4/13 |
AAUW State Convention
|
Los Angeles Airport Marriott |
|
April 2014 |
Dean Lesher group outing – “Play” date |
Walnut Creek |
|
4/26/14 |
Annual Meeting, Potluck |
Member’s Home |
|
5/1/14 |
Board Meeting |
Member’s Home |
|
5/21/14 |
Bay Area Senior Women’s Housing Options |
First Baptist Church |
|
6/21/14 |
Installation Luncheon |
Union Hotel, Benicia |
Benicia-Vallejo Branch AAUW 2012-2013 Programs
| Location | ||
| 9/9 | Membership Event | Member’s Home |
| 10/16 | Poetry Reading | Benicia Public Library |
| 11/7 | Tech Trek Campers — Potluck Dinner | Heritage Presbyterian Church |
| 12/2 | Annual Holiday Party | Member’s Home |
| 1/26 | Bunco Night | Benicia Senior Center |
| 1/29 | Human Trafficking Program Interbranch Council |
Lafayette |
| 2/13 | Human Trafficking | Benicia Public Library |
| 3/7 | RVing Across America Solo | Member’s Home |
| 3/16 | AAUW LAF Luncheon | Embassy Suites, Burlingame |
| 4/26 | Annual Meeting | Member’s Home |
| 5/22 | Container Gardening Made Simple | Southampton Swim Club |
| 6/15 | Annual Membership Luncheon | Union Hotel, Benicia |