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American Association of University WomenOlympia Branch

90YEARS

1925 2015The Reigning City NewsAmerican Association of University Women

Is a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy, and measurable change in critical areas having

an impact on the lives of women.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015No Host Dinner at Panorama

Address: 1751 Circle Lane SE, Lacey, WA 985035:30 PM - Dinner

6:30 PM - Program with SpeakerHealth Tips for the Silver Tsunami

Important Health Tips for Our Aging PopulationSpeaker: Usrah, (pronounced Yousrah)

Usrah has long-time experience in Nursing Education and holds Masters of Science degrees in nursing AND education.

Volume 90 Number 4April 2015

Page 1April 2015 The Reigning City News

Please ReadApril Dinner & Program May Dinner & Program Thank You from SOS OfficeBooks & Brunch Co-Prez Report Port Townsend AAUW Invite

and education for all women and girls

Please ReadBoard Leadership Team Upcoming Events Play Reading Group Public Policy April Birthdays Next Board Meeting

p. 4p. 4p. 4p. 5p. 5p. 5

p. 1p. 2p. 2p. 2p. 3p. 3

Call or email Rose to RSVP by Saturday, April 17

Chambers House Restaurant Panorama

The Restaurant is on the second floor.order from the menu

1751 Circle Lane SELacey, WA 98503

Directions: Please notice the arrows on this map that Rose drew in to help you find parking close to and around Panorama Hall. Notice entrance on Sleater-Kinney Road, just past 14th. Turn onto Circle Lane and follow the arrows to the parking areas.

Page 2April 2015 The Reigning City News

Books & BrunchBooks and Brunch meets the second Saturday of each month. A potluck luncheon is coordi-nated by the host for the month. For information call or email Mary Alice.

SATURDAY, April 11 ~ Book: Where’d You Go Bernadette? ~ Author: Maria Semple ~ Host: Rose ~ Address: Panorama Chambers Restaurant:1751 Circle Lane SE, Lacey, WA 98503, ~ Facilitator: Joan

“Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she’s a fearlessly opinionat-ed partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she’s a disgrace; to design mavens, she’s a revolutionary architect, and to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply, Mom. Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette’s intensifying allergy to Se-attle--and people in general--has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic. To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, secret correspondence--creat-ing a compulsively readable and touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter’s role in an absurd world..” from Amazon.com

SATURDAY, May 9 ~ Book: Orange is the New Black ~ Author: Piper Kerman ~ Host: Judy F. ~ Facilitator: Marziah

“With a career, a boyfriend, and a loving family, Piper Kerman barely resembles the reck-less young woman who delivered a suitcase of drug money ten years before. But that past has caught up with her. Convicted and sentenced to fifteen months at the infamous federal correctional facility in Danbury, Connecticut, the well-heeled Smith College alumna is now inmate #11187–424—one of the millions of people who disappear “down the rabbit hole” of the American penal system. From her first strip search to her final release, Kerman learns to navigate this strange world with its strictly enforced codes of behavior and arbitrary rules. She meets women from all walks of life, who surprise her with small tokens of generos-ity, hard words of wisdom, and simple acts of acceptance. Heartbreaking, hilarious, and at times enraging, Kerman’s story offers a rare look into the lives of women in prison—why it is we lock so many away and what happens to them when they’re there.” from Amazon.com

Please RSVP to Rose

by Friday, April 17, for the

No-Host Dinner at Panorama(see page 1)

A Great SuccessMary Alice and Pat received the following thank you from the Office of the Secretary of State’s Director of Develop-ment Laura M., “I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to talk to you today, but I wanted to say thank you again for sponsor-ing these presentations — today’s had over 50 attendees! A great success. We’re so appreciative of AAUW’s support and wanted to let you know how grateful we are that your organization spon-sored these presentations. Thank you for attending the presentations and supporting these events. I hope our paths will cross again in the future!”

Tuesday, May 19, 201590th Anniversary Dinner

&15th Annual High School Scholar

Recognition ReceptionOlympia Country Club5:15 PM: No Host Dinner

7:00 PM Introducing Class of 2015 High School Math, Science & Technology Scholars

Another Upcoming Event Saturday, April 25, 2015 An Invitation to the 18th Annual Port Townsend AAUW Kitchen Tour 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Page 3April 2015 The Reigning City News

“A year of big dreams, big burns, and big politics, 1889 captured a place in Washington State history as a time of great prosperity and adversity. The face of Washington changed. Pioneers arrived and townsfolk rebuilt from rubble. Finally on November 11,1889, Washington rose as the 42nd state in the union.” Five members, Rose, Jeanette, Jane F., Pat and I joined over 50 people to pack the Secretary of State’s office to hear former Chief Justice Gerry A. talk about Washington’s march to statehood. AAUW Olympia was acknowledged for being a donor to make this presentation possible along with the Thurston County League of Women Voters. If you were unable to attend this presentation there is a wonderful exhibit on Washington becoming a state in the lobby of the Secretary of State’s office that you can see at any time. The Secretary of State’s office intends to have more of these programs and I would highly recommend them. If you are wondering about parking, you can park in the Farmer’s Market parking area and then take the Dash Bus right to the Legislative Building.

Scholarship Reading At TESCRose, Jeanette, and I spent the morning of March 19th reading scholarships at The Evergreen State College (TESC). This was Rose’s first time reading at Evergreen. AAUW has been doing this for over twenty years and it is quite an experience each year to see who is applying for financial aide and where they live in the United States. We sometimes think that only the people in Washington are aware of TESC, but such is not the case. I read scholarship applications from Wisconsin, Colorado and Rhode Island as well as Washington. If you would like to join us next year keep the third week in March open and join the group that now includes Rose.

Oly Branch Gives Equal Pay Legislation A BoostAAUW-Olympia is now on Representative Denny Heck.’s radar screen as we are being asked to review an op-ed article that his office is writing on equal pay legislation. If you are not aware of all the work that AAUW has done regarding information on how women are being paid less even right out of college, I suggest you go to the aauw-wa.aauw.org website. I look forward to seeing you at Panorama for the April Program, when we’ll learn more health tips and find out more about the challenges of aging. Mary Alice

Co-Prez Reportby Co-Presidents Mary Alice & Pat

State History, Scholarship Reading, & Equal PayAAUW Olympia Co-Sponsors Presentation

Many thanks to Peggy for hosting the Annual Business Meeting. If you weren’t able to come, you missed a delicious meal prepared by Mary Alice and Jeanette. Mary Alice prepared the corned beef, potatoes and cabbage. Jeanette had a wonderful recipe for Irish soda bread. Peggy had everything in tip-top shape to welcome us into her home. At the Annual Business Meeting, all was found to be in good order. However, we’re still looking for a Lobby Day Co-chair and a Program Chair. My phone isn’t ringing off the hook yet saying, “Yes, I’ll do it!” Please think about serving our Branch in either one of these capacities. Judy F. made the suggestion that we should have a tour of the State Capital Building. Ellen has graciously agreed to lead us. We’re now in the planning phase of determining the date and time.

April Program Offers Health Tips For Us AllPlease remember to RSVP to Rose if you plan on attending the no-host dinner at Panorama on Tuesday, April 21. For more com-plete details please refer to p. 1. Many thanks to Hope for garner-ing our speaker Usrah, who will address us with health tips for our aging population. Usrah has an extensive background as a nursing education advisor. Knowing there will be many questions, we hope to include a Q & A session as well. Celebrating 15 Years of High School Scholar Recognition The High School Scholar Recognition Program is in full swing now. All the schools have been contacted, letters have been written to those schools who have selected their top math, science and technology scholars. The letters to selected scholars have been sent out. Now we await their response and they will receive an invitation to our 15th Annual High School Scholar Recognition Reception. Of course, a delicious dinner with all of you attending will serve as the second celebration of our 90 years as the Olympia Branch. The cake and punch reception for the scholars will be held after dinner and before the scholars are introduced. Please save Tuesday, May 19, on your calendars as we celebrate and honor math, science, and technology scholars and give ourselves a pat on the back for helping to keep this fine Branch alive and well for 90 years! Pat

Let’s Keep AAUW Olympia Fully Functioning at 90! The Search Continues ~ Will You Be the One?

The theme of the 18th annual Port Townsend AAUW Kitchen Tour is MARROWSTONE “ISLAND” KITCHENS, and will be held on beautiful Marrowstone Island, just minutes outside of Port Townsend. Eight outstanding kitchens will be on tour, providing a wide range of designs to explore. The excellent craftsmanship and state-of-art appliances create “to die for” kitchens, perfect for inspiring ideas for a remodeling project or new construction design. The self-guided tour starts at the Hospitality Center located at 231 Garden Club Road, where you can attend seminars, buy raffle tickets for themed baskets, and pick up your passport/guide, which contains a map and descriptions of each kitchen. Free refreshment will also be provided. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the Hospitality Center on the day of the tour.

If interested contact: Grace - Port Townsend AAUW Publicity Chair AAUW Kitchen Tour Committee

Page 4April 2015 The Reigning City News

Board Leadership Team2014-15

Co-President: Mary Alice

Co-President: Pat

Past President: Judy F.

Secretary: Peggy

Treasurer: Judy

Membership: Patti

AAUW Funds: Jeanette

Public Policy: Rose

Publicity: Sandra

Special Events: Hope

Reservations: Betty

Reservations: Joan

TRCN Editor: Pat

Webmaster: Cheryl

Play Reading Interest GroupThe Play Reading Interest Group meets on the second Tuesday from October through April at Reta’s home. The plays offer a chance for lively discussion afterwards as well as great entertainment while being read by members of the group.

The next play reading is scheduled for April 14, 2015.

Those participating in the play reading also have a chance to rate the play afterwards. This activity brings with it an enthusiastic vote.

For more information contact Reta by phone or email.

Upcoming Events2015

~ April 21 ~Women’s Health

& Wellness Program&

Dinner at Panorama~ May 19 ~

High School Scholar Recognition Reception

& Dinner

Olympia Country Club~ June 18-21 ~

Association Conventionin San Diego~ June 16 ~Movie Night Host: Ellen

~ July ~Olympia Branch Takes a Break~ August 18 ~Annual PicnicHost: Hope

Page 5April 2015 The Reigning City News

Happy April Birthdays Olympia Branch Board MeetingThe next Board Meeting is scheduled for

Tuesday, April 28, 201510:00 AM

We will meet at Panera’s on the West Side.

Please mark your calendars.

(If you’re the first one there please save our usual table.)

~ April 15 ~ ~ April 20 ~ ~ April 23 ~ ~ April 24 ~

Public Policyby Public Policy ChairRose

Equal Pay Day 2015 is Tuesday, April 14. In a calendar twist that even we couldn’t have planned, Equal Pay Day also falls on fair pay icon Lilly Ledbetter’s birthday this year. In accordance with AAUW’s new hashtag which says, “EqualPayNow”, there is a huge current momentum on equal pay all over the country. In Congress the Paycheck Fairness Act has been reintroduced in both houses by fair pay champions Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Senator Barbara Mikulski. In Washington State on Wednesday, March 11, the Washington State House passed the Equal Pay Opportunity Act (HB 1646), which would update the state’s 72-year old Equal Pay law to help close the gender pay gap. AAUW of Washington lobbied for the bill from the start and participated in a press conference in January announcing the bill’s introduction. The bill is now headed to the state Senate. As I write this, (Sunday, March 29, 2015), the Washington State Senate Commerce & Labor committee has scheduled hearings on the Equal Pay Opportunity Act, paid sick and safe days (HB 1356), and the minimum wage bill (HB 1365) on Monday, March 30. Part of the plan for the day is to have apress conference before the hearing (scheduled for 1:30) and a cookie booth with signs that indicate that cookies for girls cost $.77 and for boys $1.00 — to emphasize the wage gap. It will be a busy day. It is anticipated that Minimum Wage, Paid Safe and Sick Days, and Anti-Retaliation legislation

(HB 1354) will be debated on the House floor early next week (before this newsletter comes out.) If all of this passes, Washington State will be a leader in the national fight for Equal Pay.

AAUW Cheer of the WeekMicrosoft is now requiring all of its suppliers and contractors with 50 or more employees to offer at least 15 unrestricted paid days off, or tenvacation days and five sick days. The policy change was driven by questions from Microsoft’s own employees. Giving employees paid time off decreases worker turnover, keeps workplaces healthy, and helps businesses and families overall.

AAUW Jeer of the WeekNew research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that men executives reap the benefits when their companies do well while female executives suffer more financially when business goes south. The report discovered that incentive pay for executives (stock options and bonuses aligned with company performance) accounts for a great deal of the gender income gap. Conversely, when companies perform poorly, women’s wealth fails at a rate disproportionate to men’s. The report concludes that many factors, including gender stereotyping and an inhospitable corporate culture, make it more difficult for female executives to control the compensation they receive.

Equal Pay Gains Momentum

Betty Barbara Cheryl Peggy