President’s Message:
Greetings,
I hope that you are staying warm and dry during these weeks of cold and wet!
Thanks to each of you who replied to my informal email survey on the time for our meetings. As a result of your responses, our February meeting will be at 3:30. We will be meeting at the BOLD office at the old train depot in downtown Jacksonville. The Bettering Our Local Downtown (BOLD) organization has been working to revitalize the downtown areas of Jacksonville. One of their staff members will present a short program on the current plans and objectives of the organization. Following the presentation, we will have a short business meeting. We will be “passing the hat” so that we can make a contribution to BOLD, so please bring a few dollars to contribute.
Our March program will be presented by Evelyn Lynge. She will be talking about STEM.
JoAnn
2010 State ConventionThe AAUW NC State Convention will be held at the Hilton University Place, Charlotte, Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17, 2010. The Tar Heel News will be in your mailbox in the next 10 days or so. It is the convention issue and will contain the convention reservation form, convention programs and detailed hotel information.
The Hilton is located at 8629 J.M. Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, next to the I-85 exit and just 6 miles from I-77. It’s a 100% non-smoking, lakeside property, whose meeting rooms and guest rooms have been recently renovated. The room rate is priced at $109 per night for double occupancy. You may book your reservation now. The number to call is: 1-800-HILTONS. Ask for “AAUW” and anyone answering can help you. You may also call the hotel reservation desk directly at (704) 547-7444. The deadline for making a reservation at the convention rate of $109 is March 17, 2010. Please book your room early to be assured of availability. If you have questions or need further information, please call Diane Schneider, Charlotte Branch President, weekday evenings, at: (704) 598-6268 or e-mail dmschneider@carolina.rr.com .
We’re collecting purses at our next meeting!We are gathering new and gently used purses, pocket books, totes, and wallets to benefit Onslow County Literacy Programs. Purses should be clean and good quality. They will be dropped off at The Daily News. At the Oh Baby Family Expo on May 22, those purses will be auctioned off to raise funds for literacy. Questions? Please contact Connie Gamble Ochse, (910) 346-8223, cgo@ec.rr.com.
Our next meeting: February 22, 3:30 p.m. (this is a change from our normal time) at the old train depot downtown (BOLD offices), 421 Court Street, Jacksonville. Program: BOLD presentation. Collecting purses for literacy.
Connie Gamble Ochse and Evelyn Lynge attended the Author’s Luncheon in January hosted by AAUW Twin Rivers. Seven authors spoke including two historians, a playwright and a screenwriter. The Twin Rivers Branch uses the monies raised from this event to fund their scholarships. A delicious lunch was served at the Chelsea Restaurant in New Bern and the speakers were most entertaining.
CALENDARFebruary 22, 3:30 p.m. Regular branch meeting at BOLD in the old train depot, 421 Court Street, Jacksonville. Bring purses.
March 22 – TBA. Program: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) by Evelyn Lynge
April 16-17, 2010 – AAUW NC Spring Convention, University Place Hilton, Charlotte. Convention is a time to connect with your fellow AAUW members from all over the state. This group is a rich source of knowledge on a multitude of topics. Don’t miss it! Details in the Spring Tar Heel News.
Heather F. Ochse, Editor*Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.*