Volume 73 Issue 3

Jan./Feb. 2026

Calendar of Coming Events

Wednesday, January 7 - Hike at Garrapata

Friday, January 16 - RTC: Guided walking tour of Carmel

Wednesday, January 21 - Hike at Fort Ord Monument

Saturday, January 24, 2:00 pm - January Branch Meeting, The Monterey Center for Spiritual Living, 400 W. Franklin Street, Monterey

Tuesday, January 27, 1:00-3:00 pm - Bocce, City of Monterey Bocce Courts adjacent to Custom House Plaza

Wednesday, February 4 - Hike at Devon Ranch

Wednesday, February 18 - Hike at Carmel town walk

Wednesday, February 25 - Hike Planning Meeting

Presidents' Message

Greetings from Anne and Debbie...

Many of us have spent the last month reveling in the renewing powers of love and camaraderie as we gathered in the presence of loved ones and dear friends. We hope that you feel renewed and replenished, and ready to take on the possibilities and challenges of a new year.

Our AAUW Public Policy chairs on all levels - from Branch to State to National - have been busy planning and scheduling so that we might find it easier to support efforts that are essential for AAUW to realize the milestones of its mission. It has never been more clear, at least in our lifetime, that our participation and focused energy are necessary to safeguard, preserve, or, alas, even to rescue the democratic principles that are now threatened.

Our AAUW National, and State websites, as well as our stellar Branch newsletter, inform and encourage us to recognize our right and our responsibility to actively engage in our democracy. When we pursue our mission collectively our power grows exponentially.

Robert Reich, former Secretary of Department of Labor and esteemed university professor, urges us to muster the courage to speak up and counter misinformation with facts, to raise our voices, and respond to the many calls to action all around us.

And many of us remember Gloria Steinem, prominent American feminist, journalist, and social political activist empowering us with the words that still are true today: "You are the leader you've been waiting for." 

We look forward to engaging with every one of you in the coming year!

Best,

Anne Albano and Debbie Hobbs, Co-Presidents

January Branch Meeting

Date: Saturday, January 24

Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Location: The Monterey Center for Spiritual Living, 400 W. Franklin Street, Monterey. (Click here for a map.)

California Condors

Restoring California Condors to

the wild since 1997

Ventana Wildlife Society has made remarkable progress - rebuilding a wild population from zero to over 100 condors in Central California. Yet every year, condors face devastating losses, mostly from ingesting spent lead ammunition. Lead poisoning remains the leading cause of death for California condors, but it’s a preventable threat - and it’s a problem we can solve.

This program will be presented by Joe Burnett, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Condor Recovery Program Manager for the Ventana Wildlife Society. 

Joe received a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries – focusing on birds – from West Virginia University in 1994. He began his field studies of birds as an undergraduate in 1992 and now has over 25 years of experience working with a variety of bird species. He is currently a two-term Monterey County Fish and Game Commissioner. 

Please RSVP by January 19 to Joanne Webster, jwebster2717@gmail.com. 

Chris Parmentier and Joanne Webster, Co-Directors - Program Committee

The image on the left is Dr. Ginger Chih, our speaker for the October meeting, enlightening us on the power of compassion, and the Dalai Lama.

The image on the right is Dr. Petra Dekens of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories at our November meeting. She explained how MLML provisions the ocean scientists of the future with a hands-on, field-oriented approach to addressing serious ocean issues.

Our annual Holiday Party was a huge success with over 60 guests in attendance. Sincere thanks to Pat and Peter Fletcher for opening their lovely home to us. Because the event happened to occur on the first day of Hanukkah, we were able to join Deborah and Peter Stern in celebrating the lighting of the first candle of the Menorah.

DEI Update

Diwali, a new California State Holiday

California has become the third U.S. state to designate Diwali — the Hindu “Festival of Lights” — as an official statewide holiday. Pennsylvania and Connecticut were the first two states to do so.

The law goes into effect on January 1, 2026 and will authorize public schools and community colleges to close on Diwali. State employees could elect to take the day off and public school students will get an excused absence to celebrate the holiday. The new law recognizes that Diwali is celebrated by followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhists.

Diwali is derived from the word “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” Celebrants light rows of lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The holiday is celebrated with festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer.

As with many Hindu festivals, Diwali follows the lunar calendar, so the date changes from year to year, usually between October and November. In 2026, Diwali will fall on November 8.

Social Justice/Advocacy

Many members have asked if there is something they can do to support the AAUW mission. If you have not signed up on the national AAUW website for the TWO MINUTE ACTIVIST, take a moment to do that. It is painless.  

You will receive emails from National that you are asked to forward, if you are in agreement with the message. They will already be pre-addressed to your Senators and Congresspeople. The messages, of course, support the AAUW strategic plan and policy objectives.

Sharyn Siebert - Public Policy and Gov Trek Liaison, Director

Bocce in the Park

Date: Tuesday, January 27  

Time: 1:00-3:00 pm

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

We had our first fun games in September and everyone seemed to have fun. The future gatherings will be Monday, April 27; Tuesday, July 28; and Monday, October 26. 

Additional information will come out before each outing. We may need to cap the number of attendants at 24 so sign up once this is announced. Hope to see you there. Please contact Claire Scalzo for additional information at claireascalzo@gmail.com.

Deborah Stern and Claire Scalzo, Coordinators - Bocce

Hiking Group

January 7 - Garrapata, leader Kathy Greenwald 

January 21 - Fort Ord Monument, leader Chris Parmentier 

February 4 - Devon Ranch, leader Anne Albano

February 18 - Carmel town walk, leader Pat Fletcher

February 25 - Hike Planning Meeting, the details of which will be provided later.

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

Chris Parmentier and Ardith Peck, Coordinators - Hiking Group

Romancing the Coast

Walking Tour of Beautiful Carmel

By the Sea

Date: Friday, January 16

Time: 10:30 am

Location: Pine Inn Courtyard, Ocean Avenue, Carmel

(Click here for a map.)

Join Jane, our tour guide, on a stroll around lovely Carmel By the Sea. We will discuss some history, visit an art gallery, and then weave our way through many of Carmel’s delightful hidden courtyards and secret passages. The tour will last about 70 minutes.   

We will meet at Crossroads behind Starbucks at 10:00 and car pool from there. The cost will be $20 payable to Anne Albano in check or cash by Tuesday, January 13.

Nancy Edwards, RTC Coordinator

Gourmet Lunch/Dinner Group

Gourmet Groups Still Forming



There are a few remaining spots at this time to join a gourmet group.  Please contact Ann Donaldson 831-372-4251 ann@wjdonaldson.com or Julie Smith 831-500-1785 smith.julie333@yahoo.com to sign up or for more information.

This is a chance to get together with other members and partners to share in the love of cooking and especially eating.

Cheers and Bon Appetite.

Ann Donaldson and Julie Smith, Co-Coordinators - Gourmet Groups

Tech Trek 2026 Is Underway

Tech Trek already has begun recruitment and reserved slots for next year’s camps. School liaisons Phyllis Jordan, Lorraine Mas, Suzanne Schmidt, and co-directors Fatima Dias and Gail Widener have been in touch with their respective schools to solicit nominations. 

Our campers will once again attend Camp Carson at UC Santa Cruz, Fresno or Virtual camps next year.  Several members mentioned that they’d never volunteered to help with camp because they did not have STEM backgrounds. Do NOT let that stop you! For most adult volunteers the job is to keep students safe and support them as they figure out amongst themselves how to accomplish a task. 

Thanks to your vote to incorporate Tech Trek into our local education 501c3, Treasurer Noelle Hetz is busy making sure that everything is set up to streamline our donation process. 

One of the things we’ve dreamed of starting is a local alumni group to support our girls toward college and beyond. The Santa Cruz branch also has been working to achieve this so stay tuned.

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

Membership

Directory Updates

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

New Members

Laura Febus  

Dr. Leslie Foote 

Laurie Hambaro 

Linda Wheeler

*****

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

Laura Febus 

Laura graduated with a BA from the University of Redlands in 1971, followed by a K-12 credential and MA in Education Administration from Cal in 1972. She is a retired educator who served in the Martinez Unified School District for 32 years as a teacher and administrator. She and her husband moved to Pacific Grove in 2021. Laura loves to cycle, golf, cook, garden, read…and being a grandmother. 

Dr. Leslie Foote 

Leslie is a well-regarded physician who practices family medicine in Salinas and is affiliated with CHOMP. She received her BS from UC San Diego in 1982, and her MD from Brown in 1986. She is most interested in our Branch’s Great Decisions, and Tech Trek programs. Leslie is also the daughter of Branch member Donna Foote. 

Laurie Hambaro 

Laurie rejoined our Branch after living in Hawaii for several years. She graduated from UC Davis in 1972 and earned an advanced degree from JFK University in 2005. She looks forward to reconnecting with Branch members and enjoying a variety of Branch activities. 

Linda Wheeler

Linda graduated from California State University (CSU) Stanislaus with a BA in English in 1993, and secured a Masters degree in School Administration from the same institution in 2007. She is interested in our Branch's Book Groups, Great Decisions discussion group, hiking outings, and Romancing the Coast activities.  

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

Board Meetings

Jan. 8 at 1:00 pm

CFMC, 2354 Garden Rd.

Monterey

Feb. 5 at 4:00 pm

By Zoom

Websites

AAUW-MCB

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

==========

AAUW-CA

http://aauw-ca.org

March/April

Messenger

Please email articles for the January/February newsletter to

Caryl Rojas and

Bonnie Lockwood by

February 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 31st 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-CA SPF"

with "Tech Trek, Monterey Peninsula"

in the memo line.

Send to Noelle Hetz,

200 Hawthorne St.,

Monterey, CA 93940.

(Tax ID # is 68-0463071)

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 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