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March/April 2020

Advancing equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. www.aauwstatecollege.org

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LET’S GET INSPIRED! A monumental time is upon us—perhaps it crept up

without our even sensing its presence. It has been 100 years since the Suffragettes’ hard-fought battle to ratify the 19th Amendment came to a climax of political persistence and courage nationally, and ultimately succeeded with a final vote in Tennessee. Those women, proudly called Suffs, gave up so much of their personal lives to travel across the country fighting for our right to vote. Today, it is really unimaginable. But it shouldn’t be. It took 45 more years with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for Women of Color to share the same right. That is only 55 years ago. Many members of our branch remember the time well; this is why we fight today. We cannot lose sight of their willingness to persevere in the face of tremendous opposition. Let’s take a lesson from the women at the helm of these movements.

Start by reading Journalist Elaine Weiss’ book The Women’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote. While you are reading, take a moment to savor the branch’s sponsorship of Ms. Weiss as the AAUW State College Centennial Speaker at the Penn State Forum on February 2, 2021. Put it on your calendar now. Next, get reinvigorated by attending the AAUW-PA State Convention April 24-26 in Harrisburg. Our keynote speaker Friday evening will be Rebecca Boggs Roberts, daughter of the late Cokie Roberts and author of Suffragists in Washington, D.C. Remember to wear white Friday evening in honor of our sister Suffs. Register today at https://aauw-pa.aauw.net/2020-state-convention/. There are options to attend one, two, or all three days. Rates increase after March 11. --Cindy Hall and Sally Kalin, Branch Co-presidents ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BOOK WORKSHOP CLOSES FOR SEASON MARCH 11

Book donations for the May 2020 Used Book Sale are on pace with donations last year, with an estimated 4,000 boxes of books to bring to the sale. The final day to donate books, either during workshop hours at the door (Mondays 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm) or in the outdoor bins, is Wednesday, March 11.

Thanks go to all who have donated books throughout the year and to the workshop volunteers. It’s the teamwork that makes us successful. Pictured: Sue Johnston and Susan Manyetera

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USED BOOK SALE VOLUNTEER SCHEDULING UNDERWAY Member Estelle Stroup is working with Nancy Eberly on scheduling Used Book Sale volunteers this year and is in charge of reaching out to branch members. Contact Estelle today to let her know your availability at Estelle.stroup@gmail.com, (812) 325-1028. The Book Sale Bulletin with volunteer schedule/orientation will be sent by May 1. Pictured: Judy Rockey at 2019 Move-in Night

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BOOK SALE CREDIT CARD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We need credit card volunteers for all four days of the May 9-12 Used Book Sale. To be a credit card volunteer, you’ll simply need a smart phone or tablet that is compatible with Square’s chip reader. Square is compatible with most Apple devices running iOS 10 and above, and Android devices running version 5 and above. Shifts are 9:00 am – Noon, Noon – 3:00 pm, 3:00 – 6:00 pm, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. If you can do a shift or two or have questions about your phone's compatibility, email Dina Liberatore, dina.liberatore@gmail.com. She will email you with set-up and training information.

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS HELP NEEDED Do you like to write? How about connecting with others to convey information about what we do? We also need some help with photography at our events.

Have some ideas on for marketing our Used Book Sale? They are many ways to lend a hand. Contact Marketing & Communications Co-VP Connie Schroeder at connieschroeder@gmail.com with your ideas and offer to help.

It’s not too soon to start promoting our May 9-12 Used Book Sale! Please share the book sale flyer at the end of this newsletter or forward this link to friends and colleagues: May 9 - 12 Used Book Sale flyer ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BRANCH T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE IN TIME FOR BOOK SALE Great news! By popular demand, we’re ordering more branch T-shirts, just in time for the Used Book Sale. We’re introducing a few new colors: Short-sleeved ($10) - antique sapphire and blackberry (shown here); 3/4 sleeve V-neck shirt ($12) – black, royal, and taupe; Long-sleeved ($15) – black, royal, and vintage smoke. The shirts are 100% cotton and preshrunk. Sizing is unisex; shirts come in S-M-L-XL-2XL-3XL. Email connieschroeder@gmail.com to order your shirt. Please specify style, size, and color(s) and send a check with your phone number and email, made out to “AAUW State College” to Connie Schroeder, 315 Hubler Road, State College, PA 16801. Order deadline: March 30. Shirts be ready for pick-up April 20 - May 6.

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BRANCH COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 1 The AAUW State College branch community grant application is available on the branch website. Grant requests must align with the AAUW mission of advancing equity for women and girls. Last year, AAUW State College awarded $73,430 in community grants and STEM projects. Grant applicants must be nonprofit organizations located in Centre County. Grant applications are due April 1. Learn more: http://www.aauwstatecollege.org/grants.html

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CULTURAL CONVERSATIONS, Thursday, March 12, 6:00 – 8:00 pm State College Borough Building Sponsored by the Community Diversity Group and Ten Thousand Villages, the evening includes short presentations on women’s work in Senegal, Peru, and Bangladesh and on women’s working rights around the world, and round-table discussions with women business owners.

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CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON SET FOR MARCH 23 The Community Diversity Group and AAUW State College will host the 20th Cultural Empowerment for Women Luncheon series on Monday, March 23, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. The title for the event is “Women and Mental Health: Taking Care of Yourself and Advocating for Others.” Panelists include Jessica Buckland, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist and Counselor in private practice; Dr. Seria Chatters-Smith, Director of Equity and Inclusivity, Department of Pupil Services, SCASD; Lesley Laing, Director of Adult Learner Program Services, Penn State. The cost to attend is $10, payable at door. RSVPs required by March 13:

CommunityDiversityGroup@gmail.com _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LUNAFEST- Wednesday, March 25, 7:00 pm, State Theatre LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival that celebrates, showcases, and champions women in film, also raising funds for local women’s causes. It promotes awareness about women’s issues and highlights women filmmakers. Tickets are $13.50. For details Contact Centre Safe, centresafe@centresafe.org.

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BRANCH PROGRAM – CELEBRATING WOMEN IN EDUCATION: SERIA CHATTERS-SMITH, Saturday, March 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon Foxdale Village Community Room (second floor) 10:00 am - refreshments; 10:30 am - program; 11:30 am - discussion & networking

Dr. Seria Chatters-Smith is the Director of Equity and Inclusivity in the State College Area School District and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Penn State in the Counselor Education Program. She

has provided training in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, mental health, and diagnosis for over a decade. She also chairs Penn State’s College of Education’s Diversity and Community Enhancement Committee. Dr. Chatters' research interests are centered on the intersection of bias, bullying, and harassment in K-Postsecondary settings. She will share her personal and professional experiences as an educator and her current work in equity and inclusion for the State College Area School District. RSVPs required by March 21: RSVP to March 28 Seria Chatters program or with cbishop@ccysb.com. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BRANCH PROGRAM – INFLUENCE OF COMMUNITY & CULTURE ON HEALTH & WELLNESS

Saturday, April 18, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, Foxdale Village Meeting Room 10:00 am - refreshments; 10:30 am - program; 11:30 am - discussion & networking Dr. Jasmine Mena, AAUW Fellow and post-doctoral student at Bucknell University, will discuss the influence of community and culture on health and wellness. RSVPs required by April 11: RSVP to April 18 Jasmine Mena program or with cbishop@ccysb.com.

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RECOGNIZING 2020 BRANCH AWARDEES

Join us as we recognize our 2019-2020 branch honorees. They provide a marvelous example of volunteerism and make the world a better place. Mark your calendar for our May 20 Branch Award & Scholarship Banquet. Details will be provided in the May 1 newsletter. --Chriss Schultz, Awards Committee Chair

OUTSTANDING WOMAN AWARD – MARY DUPUIS The Outstanding Woman Award is awarded to a member of the branch for meritorious service to the branch and to the community. Mary has been a stalwart of the branch, holding many front-facing officer positions. She brings a creative, organized, and well-informed approach to everything that she undertakes. Her expertise in education and public policy have been invaluable in guiding our efforts on public school funding, STEM, and more. The STEM program, which she has co-led for so many years, is impressive in its breadth and depth. Mary exemplifies leadership in bringing new members along and supporting their efforts.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD – ANN ECHOLS The Member Making a Difference Award is given to a branch member who has made a big difference in the branch by exemplifying the spirit of AAUW. Ann has far exceeded the traditional treasurer role. The implementation of credit cards at the Used Book Sale is probably Ann’s most obvious accomplishment. She also keeps our branch on-track with her thorough accounting practices, bringing an increased level of accountability. Ann has helped overhaul our membership process. In addition, she was instrumental in developing our three-year strategic plan, ensuring that evaluation became an

important component. Ann also is an active member of the branch education sub-committee.

GATEWAY TO EQUITY AWARD – FAIR DISTRICTS PA CENTRE COUNTY This award honors an individual, group, or organization that has shown by action and philosophy

support for AAUW’s mission. Fair Districts PA Centre County is a nonpartisan coalition with

leadership from Common Cause PA and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. Fair Districts

supports creating an independent commission to ensure transparent, impartial, and fair redistricting.

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Fair Districts’ efforts are directed toward citizens and legislators residing and/or working in Centre County and

surrounding areas. They work to reform redistricting rules to promote competitive elections and partisan fairness.

Programs that Fair Districts has provided for branch members have raised our awareness of the issue and encouraged us

to work for equity and transparency to correct current districting practices.

CENTRE COUNTY COUNCIL FOR HUMAN SERVICE VOLUNTEER of the YEAR – SHERRY CRASSWELLER and SUZANNE KERLIN Suzanne Kerlin and Sherry Crassweller, Book Workshop Coordinators, are jointly being recognized for the CCCHS award. This recognition is for their tireless work at the book workshop. The volume of time that they both spend at the workshop is tremendous. Their long-term leadership to the processes and procedures of keeping the Used Book Sale operating keeps our sale alive. They lead with quiet determination and with a “boots on the ground" philosophy.

Sherry and Suzanne will be recognized at the CCCHS Volunteer Dinner, held Monday, April 27 at the Penn Stater. The cash bar opens at 5:45 pm with dinner served at 6:30 pm. We will have our own AAUW table. The meal costs $30 and the choices are chicken with mushrooms and vegetable ravioli with grilled vegetables. To attend the dinner, contact Branch Awards Chair, Chriss Schultz, cschultz8g@gmail.com, (814) 280-8180 by March 25. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ABSENTEE VOTING RULE CHANGES Heads up that changes in absentee voting rules make it much easier to obtain a ballot for the April 28th primary election. Because this is a presidential election year, we expect the lines will be long. Anyone who finds that much standing in line a challenge should consider applying for an absentee ballot. More: https://centrecountypa.gov/452/Voting-by-Absentee-or-Mail-In-

Ballot Stay tuned for the details. As we write this, the list of candidates is still forming. We will email you that information closer to election day. --Dianne Gregg and Mary Dupuis, Public Policy Co-Chairs _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PROPOSED LAW ON CYBER EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS The education sub-committee met on January 14 and discussed legislation drafted by the House Education Committee, HB 1897, which attempts to remedy flaws inherent in the current (cyber) charter school law. I also attended a public hearing in Harrisburg on January 22 to hear the testimony of the state's major educational organizations and entities.

Under this proposed law, school districts will be required to establish their own cyber education programs, thus eliminating the cyber charter schools that are the biggest source of budgetary pressure on districts. HB 1897 provides school choice, and reduces costs of current cyber charters with improved accountability and transparency. In addition, the state's 14 cyber charter schools will be able to become nonprofit corporations. These new nonprofits may contract with districts as cyber education providers. The education sub-committee supports the Paid Leave initiative of MomsRising. See Sue Spicka’s editorial in the 2/17/2020 CDT: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/reformpacharters/ -- Carol Hodes, Education Sub-committee Chair

Congratulations go to Susan Spicka, Executive Director, Education Voters of Pennsylvania. She has been named the 2020 AAUW Pennsylvania Gateway to Equity Award recipient. More: Sue Spicka, AAUW-PA Gateway to Equity Awardee _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FAIR DISTRICTS UPDATE There is still time to have an independent citizens commission to draw congressional and legislative districts after the 2020 census but we will all have to push hard for this. The bills must pass both houses by summer recess to influence 2021 redistricting.

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Two bills have been reintroduced in the PA House and PA Senate, HB 22 and HB 23 and SB 1022 and SB 1023. The bills ending in 22 are to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to redraw legislative districts; bills ending in 23 refer to congressional districts and do not require a constitutional amendment. Presently, HB 22 and 23 are the top two co-sponsored bills in this session. Representatives Rich Irvin and Scott Conklin are co-sponsors. Representatives Benninghoff and Borowitz are not sponsors. Senator Corman has not signed on as a co-sponsor for SB 1022 and 1023. Please thank Representatives Irvin and Conklin and urge Representatives Benninghoff and Borowicz as well as Senator Corman to sign on. It also would be helpful to urge them all to campaign for the bills. --Sue Johnston, Branch liaison to Fair Districts PA Centre County _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING FOR CHILDCARE WORKERS Branch member Betsy Manlove, a Lock Haven University Professor of Early Childhood Education, recently helped secure $5.9 million dollars in federal funds to aid in the

professional development of early childcare workers attending LHU, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, and Shippensburg Universities. Kudos, Betsy!

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SUSAN CHYCZEWSKI – chyczewski@yahoo.com

Susan returns to State College after spending 15 years inspiring students to explore science through inquiry and the organized chaos of the middle-school classroom in New York and

Florida. Ready for new adventures, Susan is searching for just the right position to leverage her diverse experiences which include serving in the Peace Corps as a teacher trainer and Women in Development Coordinator, researcher in prevention, and volunteering in digital organizing to make a difference in the world. Credibly accused of being a cynical optimist, Susan also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and romantic walks through the grocery store.

JENNIFER DeCECCO - jendececco@yahoo.com Jennifer is originally from New York, but

graduated from Penn State in 1990. After several years of working as a field biologist she completed graduate school at the University of Memphis in 1997. About 20 years ago, she returned to State College with her husband and now has two children ages 13 and 16. Her current position is as an academic adviser for the World Campus. Jennifer has held several volunteer positions, including president of the PTO, and is excited to help further the mission of AAUW.

ANDREA RAGONESE – amj108@psu.edu Andrea graduated from Penn State with a BS in

Engineering and a minor in Engineering Leadership Development. She has over 15 years professional experience working in engineering and six years as a Patent Examiner. She earned her MBA teaching math and physics to 6-12 graders. In 2018, she returned to Penn State as a faculty member in SEDTAPP (School of Engineering Design, Technology, and Professional Programs). Andrea and her husband Mike are now settled in State College with their three teenage boys and two (rescued) Labs.

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Congratulations to Salua Kamerow on her recent appointment as editor-in-chief of Proteus, the magazine of the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Carol Ann Marboe who died on January 17 at her home in State College. Her mother, Evelyn Marboe, was president of this Branch in 1965-67. Carol worked for Skills of Central Pennsylvania and volunteered at Schlow Centre Region Library.

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HUMPHREY FELLOWS LUNCH PROGRAM A HIT About 50 branch members and guests from co-sponsoring groups attended the January 23 Lunch with the Humphrey

Fellows: International Perspectives on Women in Society, which was held at the Nittany Lion Inn. The featured panelists brought their own unique perspectives on life for women in their countries. Pictured: Penn State Humphrey Fellows Cerita Buchanan (Jamaica), AAUW State College program moderator Charlene Harrison, and Sumaila Memon (Pakistan).

BRANCH FUNDS AFTER-SCHOOL CSI STEM PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE-SCHOOL GIRLS

Led by three SCASD teachers and assisted by AAUW State College volunteers, the annual Challenging Science Investigations (CSI) program was held in February over six sessions at State College Area High School. Over thirty energetic middle-school girls were introduced to the wonders of science in a fun-filled way, working first on a roller coaster project and then in teams on chemistry and Rube Goldberg projects. The culmination of the program, the CSI Showcase, was held on February 20, when the girls demonstrated the projects to parents and teachers. Three judges then recognized teams for design, engineering efficiency, and overall excellence. Great job, everyone!

FEBRUARY 27 WOMEN FACING THEIR FINANCIAL JOURNEY PROGRAM

Presenters Nina Cowart and

Cynthia Karcher from Merrill

Lynch Wealth Management

(left) engaged participants in a

lively conversation about the

importance of women being

actively involved in securing an

independent financial future.

They emphasized the need for

women to establish an independent credit record for themselves and provided tips and

tools to help participants prepare for retirement as well as other financial planning

resources. Above right: Branch members Leslie Laing, Naana Nti, and Pat Kephart

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