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The address is http://kingston-ny.aauw.net/

2011 -2012 AAUW Kingston Branch Board

Membership & National Contact– Ruth Bean

Meeting Facilitator – Vivi Hlavsa

Program Coordinator– Diana Chesmel

Treasurer – Jane Riley

Recording Secretary and PR – Adele Calcavecchio

Corresponding Secretary - Joan Reis

Trips - Vivi Hlavsa and Linda Gold

Communications - Ruth Wahtera

Directory - Sheila Beall

Diversity - Arlene Bruck

Educational Foundation - Doris Goldberg & Gloria Sender

Historian – Virginia Kohli

Hospitality Coordinator – Vacant

International - Vacant

Legal Advocacy Fund - Dolores LaChance

Public Policy – Susan Holland

Telephone Tree – Dot Henry

Board meetings happen on the second Tuesday of the month. All members are welcome to attend and participate.

2009 -2010 Kingston Branch Officers Elected

Congratulations to our new 2009-2010 AAUW Kingston Branch Officers and many thanks to those of you who completed your terms -- Garnette Arledge, Denise Springer, Liz Rosen

Image by lumaxart

2009 -2010 Officers
President - Bette Nitzky

VP, Programming - ViVi Hlavsa
Asst. VP, Programming - Beverly Sloane
VP Membership - Suki Kerr & Jean Semilof
Treasurer - Doris Licht
Recording Secretary - Susan Holland (June-Jan), Carole Leib (Jan.-June 10)
Corresponding Secretary - Joan Reis
Committees
Bus Trips - Vivi Hlavsa and Pat Whelan
Communications - Ruth Wahtera
Directory - Sheila Beall
Diversity - Arlene Bruck
Educational Foundation - Doris Goldberg & Irwin Rosenthal
Historian - Bernie Carpino
Hospitality - Pat Stedge and Ginger Yaples
Legal Advocacy Fund - Dolores LaChance
Publicity - Carole Leib, June - Jan.
Public Policy - Irene Miller
Telephone Tree - Virginia Kohli

Note: Thanks to Doris Goldberg and Susan Holland who co-chaired the board while Bette Nitzky was on-leave.

See your directory for phone numbers and email addresses. We'll be adding links as we complete more profiles.

Leaders from the Past

From Bernie Carpino, Historian:

While reminiscing about AAUW, women often mention other members with whom they worked. Some names came up repeatedly. I’d like to acknowledge a few of them who were still active when I joined in the 70’s.

Frieda Dingeel (President 1945-46) participated in many community organizations. A tireless worker, she became the first woman principal in the Kingston Consolidated School System and designed and supervised the district’s original remedial reading program. June picnics at her camp in Lake Katrine were often mentioned.

Betty LeFever (President 1946-48) was an active member until her death. Dedicated to education, she was instrumental in the establishment of Ulster County Community College. Because of her involvement, AAUW had a study group, which made recommendations.

Helen Ann Robbins (President 1957-59) used her connections to national AAUW to help the local College Women’s Club make the transition to the Association. Many remember her for her scholarly strong opinions and for Book Club Meetings at the Robbins Library.

Adelaide Van Wagenen, although never president of AAUW, was a vital part of the organization. Always quick to volunteer, her enthusiasm was contagious. As membership chair, she enrolled most of the faculty at Chambers School as branch members. Adelaide currently lives in an assisted living facility in Florida.

These are just four women among many who are part of Kingston AAUW’s history. We remember them fondly.

From the Past: Arlene Bruck, AAUW Scholarship Winner

We know Arlene Bruck as our capable Diversity chairperson. However, Arlene’s first contact with AAUW was in 1963 when she received an AAUW scholarship upon graduation from Kingston High School. After college, she joined the Kingston branch.

She has contributed time, talent, and expertise over the years since.

She coordinated fundraisers for the Educational Foundation by organizing puppet shows, an evening at the Nutcracker Ballet, cocktail parties, a Renaissance Fair and international programs. Arlene chaired a committee that wrote and produced More Than Books, a film widely shown in the community advocating for the Library.

In the 70’s, AAUW recognized a lack of reporting on child abuse in local hospitals and schools. Arlene chaired a project that increased awareness and led improved reporting.

As president, 1995-96, Arlene promoted the AAUW Women In Math And Science Study through a Saturday conference and the branch held a well attended public panel on the ERA amendment.

Arlene was behind many of the recognition awards the branch received at the AAUW State Conventions -- raising child abuse awareness, the film, More than Book, the 1991 high school course Arlene and Mary Leonard wrote covering topics like Gender Equity, Women’s History, and the Holocaust. She receive a grant to study with the NYS Gender Equity Project.

Arlene has seen AAUW change from an organization of “white glove” sophisticates to one more liberal and feminist. Locally, we’ve aged.

Today, under Arlene’s leadership, the Diversity Committee works closely with the KHS Guidance and ESL Departments. Our focus includes:

• Making refurbished computers available to needy students
• Providing holiday gift certificates to families
• Awarding an annual scholarship to a KHS graduate to recognize their work promoting understanding and camaraderie among diverse community groups

Arlene and notes that AAUW’s contributions have contributed to an improvement in both the graduation rate and the number of students going to college.

Does anyone know where there’s a copy of the library film More Than Books?

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Pat Whelan - Trip Coordinator

[We haven't taken a picture of Pat yet.] Pat recently joined AAUW and jumped right into the fray as trip coordinator. She knew our wonderful trips would be a great addition to retirement.

Pat retired this spring from Family of Woodstock. She graduated from the College of New Rochelle and got her Masters from Pace University. Before moving back to the Hudson Valley she worked as as a computer analyst dealing with the Year 2000 changeover.

Pat supports Amnesty International, Family of Woodstock, and the Nature Conservency. She enjoys bridge and attends our book discussion group.

Year One of Our Blog

Our first year blogging has flown by. We've covered lots of territory and had more than a few challenges. We hope you have enjoyed our efforts. We intend to keep on blogging, so don't be shy about telling us what we can do better.

From the Past: AAUW in 1980

From the Past by Bernie Carpino, Branch Historian

Louise Flood unearthed a 1980 copy of Graduate Woman (AAUW’s national publication at that time).

A quick look provides some interesting observations:

1. Passage of the Equal Right Amendment was a major AAUW goal
2. Feature articles covered these topics: the need for more monetary support for foster families; non-sexist books for older children; an interview with Turkey’s first and only woman cabinet minister (she resigned a few weeks after the interview because needed reforms weren’t being carried out); job and salary sharing by two teachers.
3. Projects reported by local branches: an ERA rally; conference “Menopause Out of the Closet;” a TV program honoring women; workshop on Families Facing Change; an arts and crafts fair; sponsorship of an operatic concert, and sale of pecan.
4. The magazine was much smaller and far less glossy.

Thanks for the memories, Louise!

Bernie Carpino Looks Back

From the Historian, Bernie Carpino:

I joined AAUW in the early 1970’s when Pat Johnson was President. Adelaide Van Wagenen, a neighbor, invited me to a membership tea and then to several meetings as a guest. Impressed, I decided to join. There have been 19 presidents sinse then – different personalities, different styles, but all concerned with AAUW’s goals.

Fundraisers have varied from sponsorship of the Nutcracker Ballet, a bicentennial quilt project, cocktail parties, tote bag sales, raffles, bridge luncheon, and trips.

AAUW has made a difference locally – support of the library, commitment to establishment of Ulster County Community College, a groundbreaking study on child abuse, local scholarships, diversity programs, and a study of the local justice system.

A nucleus of hard working members has helped the organization survive. It’s encouraging that there are newer members who are enthusiastic, creative, and willing to take responsibility.

Branch Historian Interviews Mary Gelhaus

This month Bernie Carpino interviewed Mary Gelhaus. Mary has been a member since 1963 and has served in a variety of capacities including branch president from 1989 to 1992.

Mary Gelhaus is a wonderful source of AAUW information. Mary’s mother had been an AAUW member so Mary was quick to join the Kingston Branch when she moved here. She has been a member of our branch since July, 1963.

Adelaide Van Wagenen gave her rides to meetings which were then held at the YWCA.

In her second year of membership, Mary was asked to be Treasurer. She remembered that National began using spreadsheets to track membership dues during that time.

Communication also underwent changes. The newsletter was originally churned out on a mimeograph machine. In the 80’s it was done by a non-member for a nominal fee until Mary began doing it on the computer. Due to postage costs, it was decided to print bi-monthly rather than monthly. Among other contributions, Mary did the Directory for three years, finding it often difficult to get all the necessary information.

In the late 80’s leadership became a problem – younger women were not joining and some members had dropped out because of National’s very aggressive pro-abortion ads.

Jean Guzewich agreed to be president to keep the organization alive. (1987-89) Next Mary took over the position (1989-92) with Veronica Rafferty helping with programming. Mary instituted Saturday morning membership coffees; membership gradually increased and new leaders emerged.

Mary recalls AAUW’s involvement in community affairs.

• As an advocate for the Library, a film was made to be shown to community groups at the time the library was moving to its present location.
• Members assisted Ulster Literacy with a project in which members would rewrite a news story so it could be used as a teaching aid.
• A panel and study on child abuse chaired by Edna Vickers was a catalyst for awareness and change.
• Members visited the homeless shelter and prepared and served a meal to the residents.

Social connections are important to AAUW members and Mary is no exception. She speaks fondly of June picnics, the Christmas potluck dinners with spouses attending and doing the clean-up. Fellowship was generated in attending performances at UPAC and other venues.

Mary feels AAUW is doing well locally. Nationally membership has dropped and Mary thinks there is too much emphasis on a mission-based approach.

What do you think?

Claire Knickmeyer -- Finding Fellowship

Most important in Claire's life is family. She has ten grandchildren and two great-grandsons that fill her life with meaning.

She joined AAUW in the 1990's "for the fellowship of interesting and vital women -- not for the politics," she says.

Claire is our by-laws chair and also edits the annual membership directory -- that invaluable tool that sits by our phones and computers.

AAUW members are a creative bunch. Claire's no exception. She channels her creativity into a passion for watercolors and pastels.

Louise Flood - Volunteer Extrordinaire!

Sixty-four years a Girl Scout; 33 years in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Historian of the Kingston Rotary, and board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ulster County. AAUW for eight years, 1950-58; rejoined in 2004 to make a contribution in support of women's causes -- the Educational Foundation and the Legal Assistance Foundation.

Louise just compiled a 90 year history of the Kingston Rotary and keeps up the local Girl Scout Council's archives, as well. She reads in every spare moment -- always has.

Always there when needed, Louise has served in many leadership positions. Most recent include --

• 2008-09 Hospitality Chair
• Past Regent and current trustee and board member of DAR
• Secretary of our AAUW branch until this September, 2007

Louise has four children and five grandchildren spread from the Hudson Valley to California. She says "The ultra-sound of my carotids is my only flattering photo."

In Memory of Dick Hlavsa

Vivi has asked me (Garnette) to let the AAUW membership know the following. Sorry if this duplicates previous emails to you.

"I know all of you would want to know our sad news: Dick Hlavsa died yesterday of injuries sustained during a car crash. He was able to tell the police our phone number, so I got there in time to see and comfort him at the scene of the accident before he was airlifted down to Westchester Trauma Center. When I finally arrived there, I found out that the internal bleeding had been massive, and by the time they had that under control, his heart stopped around 7 PM. David is here now and Lisa and Benjamin are coming later this week.

We are planning a memorial service for him this coming Saturday, September 22nd, from 3 to 5 PM at the Unitarian Congregation on Sawkill Road in Kingston. If you can't make it, I know you will be there in spirit. Please, no flowers. Contributions may be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Love--ViVi"

We all share ViVi's grief. We have lost a friend.
Freeman article

Photo by David McConeghy

Jeanne Townsend, Liaison with the World

Jeanne Townsend keeps the branch up-to-date on AAUW's international work.

Traveling must be in her blood. She has served as the Trip Treasurer for some time.

She hails from upstate New York and attended Cornell University.

Garnette Arledge, President, 2007-2008

Garnette Arledge, M.Div., keeps many balls in the air. Not only is she branch president for the second year, but she's a published author, volunteer, and passionate advocate. You will be able to watch her on Woodstock cable and internet TV in our branch program slated to start in September, AAUW Conversations. The initial series will focus on Why Vote?.

Garnette authored Wise Secrets of Aloha and On Angel's Eve, two books on savoring the joy of living with the Aloha Spirit. (links below).

She's especially interested in literacy and has taken the initiative to involve the branch in Lisa Libraries.

She retired as a hospice chaplain and volunteers for Woodstock Meals-on-Wheels and the Seva Foundation. She loves roses and Hawaii.

Three things Garnette would like us to know about her:

• Writing since age nine
• Native of Western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains
• Love dearly to read

Garnette joined AAUW in 2003. Branch leadership activities:

• President, 2008-09; 2007-08
• Vice President for Program
• Newsletter Editor

Visit Garnette's website or Contact her

To learn more about her books:













The Secrets of Aloha and On Angel's Eve

Garnette also invites you to visit one of her favorite websites -- Gratefulness.Org