Volume 73 Issue 5

May/June 2026

Calendar of Coming Events

Wednesday, May 6 - Hike - Marks Ranch, leader Anne Albano

Friday, May 8, 9:00 am - RTC - Point Lobos Guided Trail Walk

Wednesday, May 20 - Hike - Point Lobos, leader Kathy Greenwald 

Saturday, May 30, 2:00-4:00 pm - May Annual Meeting and Fundraiser, Casa Serrano, 412 Pacific Street, Monterey

Wednesday, June 3 - Hike - Hatton Canyon, leader Nancy Coss-Fitzwater

Wednesday, June 17 - Hike - Old Town Monterey, leader Nancy Soulé

Thursday, June 18, 11:00 am - RTC - Tour and Lunch at Gizdich Ranch

Tuesday, June 30, 2:00-4:00 pm - Bocce, City of Monterey Bocce Courts adjacent to Custom House Plaza

Wednesday, July 1 - Hike - Fort Ord Dunes, leader Ardith Peck

Wednesday, July 15 - Hike - Hike TBD, leader Randy Clark

Wednesday, August 5 - Hike and leader TBD

Wednesday, August 19 - Hike - Hike TBD, leader Andrea Madsen

Presidents' Message

Report from Anne and Debbie...

On April 15, volunteers from local non-profit organizations were recognized by United Way of Monterey County for their significant impact in our community. We are excited to share that our own Caryl Rojas, long-time Newsletter Editor and AAUW-MCB Board Member, was a recipient of the prestigious “Lifetime of Service Award.”

This award acknowledges the unwavering dedication of volunteers who have consistently contributed their time and skills over a significant period of time. 

As an Honorary Lifetime Member of our branch since 1966 (60 years), Caryl has, for the past 11 years, volunteered as our Communications Director; she has been responsible for publishing newsletters, eblasts, and other communications to our members too numerous to count. Caryl’s role finds her working late into the evening gathering information from committees and individuals, synthesizing, and publishing the information, always in a timely manner.  

Caryl has also volunteered in many other organizations through the years, including the Bach Festival and the Concours d’Elegance, and has played handbells in her church choir. For five years, she drove seniors for ITN (Independent Transportation Network). 

We at AAUW-MCB are so honored and truly fortunate to acknowledge such a stellar individual of exceptional character, intellect, and dedication as one of our bright stars.

Anne Albano and Debbie Hobbs, Co-Presidents

MAY BRANCH MEETING

 Local Scholarship Celebration and Fundraiser

Date: Saturday, May 30

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: Casa Serrano, 412 Pacific Street, Monterey (Click here for a map.)

Please join us for our annual Local Scholarship Program where you will meet and celebrate this year’s scholarship recipients. We will hear from several of our 2026 scholars who will share how our scholarship is making it possible for them to achieve their goals. It’s also a chance for them to meet inspirational women (that’s all of you) and thank you for making their scholarships possible.

We encourage you to bring a friend so they can see how our work directly benefits women in our community. Our venue is the historic Casa Serrano in Monterey, and docents will be available for a brief tour. Parking is available on the street and nearby city lots. Light appetizers, wine, and other beverages will be served.  

If you joined us last May for our scholarship fundraising program, you know it’s a celebration that you won’t want to miss. We hope you can join us.

Please RSVP by May 29 to Maggie Pedersen (713-206-6507 or maggiep52@hotmail.com).

If you are unable to attend the fundraiser and would like to make a donation to the Local Scholarship Program, please make your check payable to

"AAUW-MCB Local Scholarships" and mail to Kathy Poulson, 1092 Presidio Road, Pebble Beach, CA 93953-3124. The Local Scholarship Program is a 501(c)(3) program. You may also contribute through your IRA and DAP programs. Tax ID number is: 81-0567656.

Due to your generous donations and two grants in the past year, we were able to award $36,000 in scholarships this year to students attending CSUMB, MPC, and Hartnell. Thank you so much.

Maggie Pedersen and Maureen Vieth, Co-directors, Local Scholarship Program

Bocce in the Park

Date: Tuesday, June 30 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: City of Monterey Bocce Courts adjacent to Custom House Plaza. (Click here for a map.)

We had a great time at our last Bocce gathering, and hope you will join us in June. No experience is necessary as we have rules and guidance to help you as needed.

Please contact Claire Scalzo at claireascalzo@gmail.com if you will be joining us. We can accept only 24 people, so please sign up early.  

Deborah Stern and Claire Scalzo, Coordinators - Bocce

Hiking Group

The Hiking Group has planned a robust schedule.

May 6 - Marks Ranch, leader Anne Albano

May 20 - Point Lobos, leader Kathy Greenwald 

June 3 - Hatton Canyon, leader Nancy Coss-Fitzwater

June 17 - Old Town Monterey, leader Nancy Soulé

July 1 - Fort Ord Dunes, leader Ardith Peck

July 15 - Hike TBD, leader Randy Clark

August 5 - Hike and leader TBD

August 19 - Hike TBD, leader Andrea Madsen

For more specifics about each hike, please contact the leader.

Chris Parmentier and Ardith Peck, Coordinators - Hiking Group

JoAnne Cross, Nancy Coss-Fitzwater, Sharon Armbrust, Meg Walker, Crystal Wittich, Melody Pfingsten, Linda Wheeler, Kayden Murphy, Pat Fletcher, Kathy Greenwald, Fatima Diaz, Pat Gotch, and Allyn Donigian

Romancing the Coast

May: Point Lobos State Reserve Guided Trail Walk

Date: Friday, May 8

Time: 9:00 am

Location: Point Lobos State Reserve (Click here for a map.)

Peter Fletcher, a Point Lobos docent, will lead the group in a 1.5 to 2-hr walk covering 1.5 to 2 miles. We will take advantage of whatever is happening that day: potentially baby harbor seals and/or spring wildflowers or nesting birds. Bring binoculars and your phone/camera. Walking will be at a slow pace as we stop and learn about the different flora and fauna. Dressing in layers is advised.

To carpool, meet at 8:40 am behind Starbucks in the Crossroads shopping center at Hwy 1 and Rio Road in Carmel. We will meet up at 9:00 am in the Piney Woods parking lot to start our walk. Entrance to the park is $9/car for seniors. Bring your State Park pass, if you have one, to avoid those costs.

Please RSVP to Pat Fletcher by Thursday, May 7 at 408-373-5800 cell/text or pfletcher02@gmail.com. Let her know if you plan to carpool from Starbucks.

June: Tour and Lunch at Gizdich Ranch

Date: Thursday, June 18

Time: 11:00 am

Location: Gizdich Ranch, 55 Peckham Road, Watsonville (Click here for a map.)

Romancing the Coast is going to the country for a freshly packed boxed picnic lunch, tour of Gizdich Ranch by the long-time owner Nita Gizdich, and then your chance to pick fresh berries in season.

Our day of delight will start with lunch after the scenic drive through roads of berry farms, which takes about 50 minutes from California Pizza Kitchen and 50 minutes from Toro Park Salinas. For about $20 you get a sandwich, chips, cookie, drink (can be their fresh pressed apple juice), and an apple grown right on the ranch. You can add a slice of homemade pie of various flavors to enjoy before or after your sandwich.

While we are eating, Nita Gizdich will give us the history of the ranch and her role in this successful business that began in the 1930s. She will talk about the Antique Store, Gift Shop, and Juice Room.

Since 1965, PIK-YOR-SELF offers seasonal picking for apples, strawberries, olallieberries, boysenberries, and blackberries. There are 10 kinds of apples ready to be picked in September or you can purchase apple juice and pies now. If you don’t wish to pick your own, you can buy fresh picked or frozen berries.

Please RSVP to Julie Smith (text preferred 831-500-1785) by June 10 so they can be told how many of us to expect. Carpools will be arranged if you can’t find your own. This is a fabulous way to start the summer.

Romancing the Coast Visited Rancho Cielo - March 11

Thirty-six women and men attended the Rancho Cielo tour and lunch. It was a stunning success and impressed us all, especially as we learned that it has partnered with leaders of our local industries (construction, culinary, automotive repairs and restoration, and solar) who provide leadership, internships, and opportunities of employment for the students.

The construction group recently helped in the design and construction of a tiny home, which we toured, that had been entered into a college competition. They were the only high school group, and they earned first place! 

The students have great success stories, some of which we heard over our lunch prepared by the Rancho Cielo Drummond Culinary Academy. (See photo above.) 

Rancho Cielo is open for dinners on Friday evenings and offers occasional jazz evenings for the public. To learn more about it and opportunities to help, visit  https://www.ranchocieloyc.org/

A Stellar Year for Tech Trek

Thanks to you, 15 (yes 15!) seventh grade girls have been chosen to attend Tech Trek STEM camps this summer. The field of candidates was impressive, and we have wait-listed the girls for whom we did not have space. These budding STEM professionals are eager to explore various fields and push outside their comfort zones. 

We encourage you to check out Tech Trek as a volunteer this summer. Beyond the week-long placements such as Dorm Monitor, there are many opportunities to volunteer for a day or an afternoon. You DO NOT NEED A STEM BACKGROUND to volunteer. Your job basically is to ensure the girls are safe – that they are wearing safety equipment, have an escort whenever they leave the group, etc. – and to assist instructors with such tasks as distributing materials. Click on this link to learn about the many volunteer opportunities: https://www.aauw-ca.org/documents/2024/11/tech-trek-volunteer-roles-no.pdf/. Please consider volunteering for this wonderful event. You’ll leave with a glow, knowing that you helped nurture a girl’s STEM ambitions.

Tech Trek is a 501(c)(3) so you may donate through your IRA or Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), or by sending a check. Our Tax ID # is: 81-0567656. If you write a check from your regular checking account, please make checks payable to: "AAUW MPB" and it’s critical you include "Tech Trek, Monterey County" in the memo line. Mail checks to: Noelle Hetz, 200 Hawthorne Street, Monterey, CA 93940.

A sincere THANK YOU to all you fabulous members.

Fatima Dias and Gail Widener, Teck Trek - Co-Directors

 CELEBRATING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI)



AAUW seeks to promote inclusion and awareness for all members to create an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive membership reflective of today’s world. 

May:

·      Asian-American and Pacific Islander History

·      Jewish American Heritage Month

·      Mental Health Awareness Month

June:

·      Juneteenth

·      LGBTQ+ Pride

·      National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

Joanne Webster, Coordinator - DEI

MEMBERSHIP

Welcoming New Members

Date: Wednesday, May 13

Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm

Location: Community Foundation Board Room, 2354 Garden Rd, Monterey (Click here for a map.)

The Membership Committee is hosting a gathering to welcome and introduce new members to AAUW. Leaders of our interest groups are particularly encouraged to participate. Coffee and treats will be served. Please RSVP to Judy Nejasmich at janejasmich@icloud.com.

Betty Ann Wilson            1939-2026

We recently learned of the passing of long-time AAUW Member, Betty Ann Wilson.  Betty, better known as Ann, was a member of the Monterey County Branch for over 30 years.

During her younger years, Ann was very involved and served as President for two years from 1994-1995 and was an active participant in Great Decisions. She and her husband were early members of the gourmet supper group, and they hosted our annual Holiday Party.

In honor of Ann’s memory, the family has suggested that donations may be made to AAUW Monterey Peninsula Branch (mpb-ca.aauw.net/donate) or the Monterey Bay Aquarium where she was a volunteer as well.

Thank you, Ann, for your years of work for AAUW-MCB. You will be missed. Click here to read the obituary.

Directory Updates

If there are errors or changes in your directory listing, please tell us so corrections can be made. - Editors



Cheryl Moore is now Cheryl Gindhart and has a new address.

Georgia Jo Van Dam has a new email address and no longer has the 4100 phone number.

New Members

Jennifer Garbarino

(returning)

Melody Pfingsten



Susan Stempson

*****

See the online directory.

Online Directory

The password to our protected online directory on our website in the Member Center is on the second page of your pink membership directory. (If you cannot find it or do not have a directory, call Judy Nejasmich at 831 238-2280.) This is where all members' contact information is readily accessible:

http://mpb-ca.aauw.net

New Member Bios

Jennifer Garbarino

Jennifer graduated from the University of Houston in 1992 with a BS in Social Sciences and earned a Masters degree there in Counseling in 1994. She continued her education at Texas A&M, earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology in 1999. Jennifer lives in Carmel. She looks forward to joining a daytime book group and participating in the hiking group, Romancing the Coast, and the Local Scholarship Committee. Some members may know her as she is rejoining our Branch, with the encouragement of Jane Sink.

Melody Pfingsten

Melody earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic from the Life Chiropractic College West in 1987. She was able to retire early and fairly recently moved from the East Bay to Pebble Beach, where she lives with her partner and Zen, a lively mini-poodle mix. She is very active and loves nature, often enjoying it through hiking, biking, kayaking, and, more recently, ocean swimming. She volunteers at Sunset Center in Carmel and loves to travel. "I am game for just about anything...at least once" is her motto.

Susan Stempson

Susan is a retired Human Resources professional and owner of a consulting firm, Stempson & Associates. She had a 40-year career in training and development, human resources management, and executive coaching. She was one of the first thousand employees at Apple Computer, a living experiment in how teams form and achieve goals together. After 13 years at Apple and many diverse roles in the field and corporate, she became director of HR at Ziff Davis Publishing & Technology, and later joined Excite as vice president of Human Resources. Her consulting company was established in 1993 and she consulted with many technology, education and healthcare clients in Silicon Valley. Upon retirement, she has enjoyed time as an active grandmother of five, a docent at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and board member of MY Museum, the local children’s museum. She is an avid ceramics potter, taking ceramics classes and working on clay projects in her studio, along with mixed media art projects. She has become a regular MahJongg player with a local group twice a week. She and her husband, Ken, live in Pacific Grove, enjoying walks along the ocean with their two bichon dogs, Coco and Zoey, and activities with their family.

Nancy Coss-Fitzwater and Judy Nejasmich, Co-VP - Membership

Board Meetings

May 7 at 1:00 pm

Retreat, June 4 at 1:00 pm

Sept. 3 at 1:00 pm

Oct. 1 at 1:00 pm

==========

All are held at CFMC

2354 Garden Rd., Monterey

Websites

AAUW-MCB

https://mpb-ca.aauw.net/

==========

AAUW-CA

http://aauw-ca.org

Sept./Oct.

Messenger

Please email articles for the Sept./Oct. newsletter to

Caryl Rojas and

Bonnie Lockwood by

August 15.

AAUW Deductible Donations

The full amount of National dues you paid is tax deductible as a charitable donation. (This does not include State and Local dues.) In addition, any donations to our charitable funds will be tax deductible for a tax year if paid by December 31 of that year and if you itemize deductions. Note that a donation to any of these three areas can also be made in honor or in memory of a friend or family member. More information and a donation form (optional) may be found at this link to our website. If making a donation directly from an IRA as a qualified charitable donation (QCD), consult your tax advisor or www.irs.gov for more information.

Tech Trek

Make check payable to "AAUW MPB"

with "Tech Trek, Monterey County"

in the memo line.

Send to Noelle Hetz,

200 Hawthorne St.,

Monterey, CA 93940.

(Tax ID # is 81-0567656)

AAUW Fund

Donate at aauw.org, or write a check payable to "AAUW."

Send your check to Gabriele Simbriger-Williams,

1822 Links Drive,

Seaside, CA 93955.

Local Scholarships

Make check payable to "AAUW-MPB Local Scholarships."

Send your check to

Kathy Poulson,

1092 Presidio Road,

Pebble Beach, CA 93953.

(Tax ID # is 81-0567656)

Newsletter Schedule

Newsletters are published around the 1st of the months of September, November, January, March, and May. There also will be short "eblasts" containing reminders or special announcements. If you do not receive a newsletter, please contact us so we can fix it. Please note that newsletter content will relate only to AAUW and branch matters, a policy of AAUW National.

Bonnie Lockwood and Caryl Rojas, Co-Editors - Newsletter