The November program speakers offered very good information for caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Karen Kinsler, Development Director Central Georgia Alzheimer’s Association, discussed the many services that are available for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Jimmy Hall, husband of women with the disease, told his story of the difficulties caring for his wife. He urged caregivers to seek help early. He currently serves as a support group leader. A listing of the local services and locations of the support groups is available for download. Contact http://alz.org/Georgia/ for more information.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. AAUW Women on the Move is the Memory Walk team that walks in Perry. It is not too late to contribute so we make the team goal of $500. Click here to contribute.

The book sale was a success; we made a little over $7000, before expenses.  There seemed to be a significant increase in customers, which we hope means that our advertising efforts paid off.  We always meet interesting people at the sale; this year one man came from South Carolina to shop, and we also gave out dozens of membership applications.  As for the most expensive book, I believe there was one priced at $75 which was not purchased; we put it in a box along with other rare books to either sell on E-bay, or put out again next year. As always, the sale couldn’t be pulled off without the help of the membership; many thanks to everyone who helped with advertising, set-up, sales, and/or take down!!

The first Lindsey RIF Distribution of the year was October 21. I believe the following pictures of the children speak volumes for the importance of RIF. Thank you to everyone who helped with the distribution.

Stephanie Hays and Margaret Mathews

The fundraiser for the AAUW branch in Houston and Peach counties starts next Thursday, October 28 with thousands of used books for sale. To let the local community know about the sale, the roving red truck will hit the streets with the AAUW USED BOOK SALE sign in the truck bed. Be on the lookout for the sign and let us know where you see it.

Margaret Mathews and Jane Winston

Dr. Karen Glendenning, AAUW branch member and professor of psychology at Fort Valley State University, gave an informative talk about the brain and her experience as the first female professor at Florida State University. She had actual brains to demonstrate the various parts of the human brain. There was a lively discussion and questions.

Members gave Stephanie Hays a send off with a cake and best wishes for your move to San Antonio at the end of the month. Stephanie will continue to do  the email newsletter long distance.

Evelyn Merk distributed the 2010-2011 Yearbook to members. Members not present will get them in the mail.

Ann MacKay, reporting on Public Policy suggested these websites to get information to make decisions about the qualifications of candidates especially the judge positions.

• http://www.thevoterguide.org/v/ajc10/ (The Atlanta Journal Constitution and the League of Women Voters)
• http://sos.ga.gov/mvp/ (The Secretary of State Election Guide for My Voter Page)
• http://www.houstoncountyga.com/residents/board-of-elections/ (Houston County Board of Elections with links to a sample ballot and summary of amendments.)
• How to Decide on Judges is the first of a three column series on principles to consider in the judges elections written by a local attorney, Jim Rockefeller.

Life-time member, Claire Dixon is moving to the Hermitage in Alexandria, Virginia after 45 years of membership in the Warner Robins Branch. She joined shortly after moving to Warner Robins with her husband in 1965. Several of her friends joined her for a farewell lunch at Benson’s on September 29.

Claire has been a big part of AAUW over the years serving as President for two terms in 1974 – 1976, as a Mary Deal 5-Star Member and a named Gift Honoree.  Two charter members of the branch joined her for lunch, founder and first President, Eleanor Granum and Barbara Asbell. Past Presidents, Mathilde Dougan (1970 – 1972) and Mary Mantiply (1978-1980) also attended. Mary Alice Holland presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the branch to Claire.

Not only was Claire active in AAUW, she was an active member of the local DAR chapter, the Central Genealogy Club, Trinity Methodist Church, and was a charter member of the Middle Georgia Democratic Women’s Club. She also wrote the book, detailing the 25 year history of Warner Robins. We will miss her dry wit and her “tell it like it is” attitude.

The program for our September meeting was a game called “Member Match.” We walked around the room asking each other questions and collecting signatures. Carolyn Schomer won by a landslide!

Photos from our September meeting:

According to a report from the Washington Post on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, more women than men earned doctorates last year for the first time. Men still dominated in the STEM fields, though.

Click here for the full report.

Back: Mary Scarborough, Ann MacKay, Jane Winston, Evelyn Merk, Carrie Smith, Front: Laurie Shaw, Marlene Humphry, Rosella Cooper, Stephanie Hays.

President Marlene Humphry hosted board members at the annual pool party and meeting August 28. Plans are reviewed for the year along with good food and an opportunity to get in the pool.

Jane Winston was elected to the V.P. Program position which became vacant when Marlene became president.

Sharon Dawson with backup by Carolyn Schomer were appointed to the Recording Secretary position vacated by Wilhemenia Sibley who now is working Tuesday evenings.

Although the branch has adopted bylaws to change the name to Houston-Peach Branch, the change must be approved by the AAUW Georgia board which meets October 16. The national must also give approval.

Reading is Fundamental distributions are set for October, March and January. The books have been ordered. The dates will be finalized soon.

As we start the new year, Jane Winston and Stephanie Hays have planned a “getting to know you” session using the results of the survey that you were asked to complete. Come to Lowe Toyota September 14, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments followed by the program at 7:00 p.m. It is always good to see everyone after a summer off from monthly meetings. By the way, it’s time to pay your dues if you haven’t already. Carrie will be happy to take your money. The dues are $77 for the year with $46 now tax deductible.