In this Newsletter:

• Upcoming Events
• President's Message
• Branch Business
• Connecting with Our Members

Wednesday, November 1st at 7:00 pm 

Textures of Terror: The Murder of Claudina Isabel Velasquez and Her Father’s Quest for Justice 

A discussion with the author, Victoria Sanford 

• Learn about a father’s search for justice for his murdered daughter and the pervasive violence against Guatemalan women that drives migration. 
• The Granary, 17500 Depot Street 
• Open to the public. No RSVP required.
• For flyer details, click HERE.
• Contact: Janet McElroy, dei@aauwmh.org 

Tuesday, November 28th at 7:00pm

Birds, Bees and Butterflies: Welcome to Morgan Hill, Your Pollinator Haven

• Climate change—rising temperatures and extreme weather-- is a major threat to pollinators.
• Learn why we need pollinators and how to create a safe habitat for them in your own backyard or patio.
• Morgan Hill Library Program Room
• Contact: Climate Education and Action Committee, CEAC@aauwmh.org
• For details, click HERE

Sunday, December 3rd, Holiday Party and Buffet Lunch

• Old City Hall Restaurant, 7400 Monterey St, Gilroy
• Watch the Sunday weekly emails for details and RSVP instructions

Contact: hospitality@aauwmh.org

President’s Message

Read Suman Ganapathy’s year-end message, as she looks back at recent events and reflects on what we share as members of AAUW Morgan Hill. She also expresses her gratitude for being selected as our branch’s 2023 Philanthropy honoree.

Out to Lunch Bunch Returns!

After a long hiatus, the Out to Lunch Bunch is starting up again, beginning November 7, 2023, when we meet at Rosy’s at the Beach at 11:30 am. This group will meet the first Tuesday of the month at local restaurants, to socialize and have fun getting to know other members over a casual meal. RSVP to Patti Trantow , the group organizer.

For more details, click HERE

Where Do Your Fundraising Dollars Go: AAUW MH Allocations

The branch Wildflower Fund includes all our fundraising dollars: member donations, Wildflower Run sponsorships, and run registrations. After the 2022 Run, we allocated over $70,000 for the following year. An additional $20,000 in directed donations and grants has enabled us to give back more than $90,000 in support of AAUW’s mission of gender equity for women and girls.

Read about the Allocations Process and Priorities.

GET INVOLVED!

Would you like to be more involved with AAUW MH? Support the branch, meet others, and have fun! We are looking for members, both new and longtime, who are interested in a board position, committee chair, or joining a committee. There are many opportunities available with varying responsibilities and time commitments. To learn more and to discuss options, contact Marian Sacco, Leadership Development Team chair.

AAUW Morgan Hill Showcase

The first AAUW MH Showcase was held at the library in September. Starting with an entertaining demonstration by the Ukuladies, the program included presentations and displays by various committees, interest groups, and other activities, showing ways that members could connect with each other and support the mission. President Suman Ganapathy reported that several new members stated that they were glad that they had attended.

41st Annual Wildflower Run - March 24, 2024

Best performances are always a result of planning, resources, practice, and flawless execution. The annual Wildflower Run brings all these elements together. Each year the WFR contributes significantly to support AAUW and our philanthropic activities.

We encourage all members to be a part of the Wildflower Run on March 24, 2024.

Click HERE to learn how you can get involved.

Remembering Jean Pinard

April 17, 1928 – September 24, 2023

Jean Skeels Pinard, a longtime member of AAUW and a lifetime resident of Morgan Hill, died in her home after suffering a stroke the previous week. She was 95 years old. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 12, at 4:00 pm at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center.

Read about Jean’s long and fulfilling life.

2023 PHILANTHROPY HONOREE 

Congratulations to Suman Ganapathy, our Branch’s 2023 MH Community Foundation Philanthropy Award honoree!

Read how she has supported AAUW MH and why she deserves this honor.

Join the celebration at the Philanthropy Awards Night Gala on Friday, November 10, at the CCC. When purchasing your ticket, note that you want to sit with AAUW. Deadline is November 6.

MEMBER NEWS

Congratulations to the Smart eGals interest group celebrating its 10th anniversary. Over the years, they have shared iPhone tips and tricks and developed great friendships. Joan Ensign is the dedicated leader, and Jan Conrey regularly hosts. New members are always welcome.

(Fun Fact: The number of iPhone users has more than quadrupled since 2013.)

An interview with longtime member Carol Holzgrafe was part of the  Morgan Hill Historical Society’s  2023 “Stories from the Past.” The film was premiered at the Founders Dinner in September that many members attended. Margo Hinnenkamp and Kathy Devine, co-chairs of the event, were among the numerous AAUW volunteers. 

The annual Leadership Morgan Hill LEAD (Leadership Excellence Award Dinner) event relied on branch members (and LMH alumnae) volunteers. These included event chairs, Darcy Foster (L) and Cinda Meister (R); silent auction and fundraising support from Harpreet Vittal, Amy Martinez, and Tammy Parker; and photography by Elizabeth Mandel.

Elizabeth and Peter Mandel recently spent two weeks on a whirlwind tour of some of the most spectacular cities of Europe: Paris, Venice, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. Highlights were a 10-course tasting menu in Paris, pretty much everything about Vienna, and the astronomical clock and old city in Prague. 

Community Action Grants

AAUW MH offers Community Action Grants for local non-profit organizations to fund programs that align with AAUW’s mission. In 2023 we supported the library project at Jackson Academy of Math and Music. Read how our grant of $1000 allowed the school to purchase new, diverse books to replace those that were 30-40 years old. This year, CAG has $8500 available from the Wildflower Fund. 

AAUW California's Priority Legislation: 2023 California Legislative Sesson Round-Up

After at least nine months of writing, researching, amending, and lobbying, the legislative session drew to a close. So how did AAUW California’s priority legislation fare?

Read HERE.