OH … THE PLACES WE’LL GO!!!!

On September 15th your Greater Naples Board of Directors, Committee Chairpersons and committee representatives participated in one of two retreats to discuss ideas on Leadership, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, to set goals and look toward succession planning for the upcoming year. We are now developing action plans to guide our work.

The commitment, enthusiasm and rich discussion have energized us all and we look forward to sharing the plans with you at our Branch Meeting on November 13th.  However, this planning will only succeed if you add your talents and your energy to the many opportunities our Branch has to offer. Please consider offering your leadership, your knowledge, and your time to make this year an active and rewarding one for our Branch.

We are pleased to announce that we are planning a “face-to-face” comeback, with an option for virtual participation as well! We currently plan to hold in-person meetings for up to 30 people at the Collier County Education Foundation with our first meeting scheduled for October 2, 2021 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Additional information regarding safety requirements will be forthcoming in a separate email from us.  Additionally, a Zoom link will be sent to each member prior to the meeting.

Our membership has remained vital and active, even in the face of the pandemic and we saw one-third of our membership on our Zoom meetings. Thank you for staying with us throughout the past year and into the current one. We welcome our new members and look forward to providing opportunities for you to meet and connect with our veteran AAUW sisters. 

The Social Media Committee has committed a great deal of time and consideration to develop guidelines and processes that will protect our organization and guide best practices for the use of various types of social media. This information will be provided at the October 2^nd Branch Meeting.

Charmaine Klein has organized a dynamic committee to plan for our 25^th year of the annual STEAM experience for 5^th Grade girls. This program is designed to inspire girls to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. Your participation on this committee is needed, and your experience will be rewarding!! Please contact one of us or Charmaine directly if you are able to assist with this vital project.

On October 14^th, Joanne Grady Huskey will be presenting her exciting workshop, “The Third Act for Women,” followed by a luncheon at Heritage Bay Golf Lodge. You will be receiving additional information via News Bite. Since there are a limited number of slots remaining, we are asking you to sign up NOW. Please feel free to contact Jacky if you have any questions.

Finally, please be sure to log in to our website. Donna Walker and Laura Candris are to be commended for updating it and it is loaded with current information.

We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom on October 2, 2021, for our first Branch Meeting of the new season!

Jacky Territo and Karen Dempsey

1.There are two bylaws amendments. The branch board has approved the amendments and is now asking for your vote in support. The document includes rationale. If you have any questions or concerns, you may reach out, in advance of the meeting, to the AAUW GNB Bylaws/Policies committee at Susan Barley's email or phone in the Membership Directory. The bylaws amendments are being sent to you at this time to satisfy the requirement that any proposed amendments be sent to the members at least 2 weeks in

2. Attached is the 2021-2022 GNB budget. The budget has been approved by the board and is being sent to you for your review and questions. You may reach out to GNB Finance Director, Mary Schell in advance of the meeting, with any questions or concerns.

Thank you so much.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone, in person or via Zoom, at our first meeting on October 2, of the 2021-2022 season.

AAUW Greater Naples Branch Bylaws

Proposed Amendments

1.       Insert new bylaw: ARTICLE XV. ELECTRONIC MEETINGS and re-number the remaining Articles.

Any meeting of the membership, board, executive committee, committees, task forces or other AAUW Greater Naples Branch groups may be conducted in whole or part by electronic means as long as all persons participating, whether in person or electronically, may hear each other and communicate in real time. Participation in an electronic meeting constitutes attendance and any official actions shall be recorded in minutes.

Rationale: Currently our bylaws contain a provision for board meetings to be held electronically but not any other meeting. This article authorizes the ability to hold all meetings electronically. The newly published 2020 12^th edition of Robert’s Rules of Order states that electronic meetings must be authorized in the bylaws.

This amendment would allow for the deletion of:

Article XI. Section 5. Meeting Participation by Electronic Means.

One or more directors may participate in any regular or special meeting of the Board or of a committee of the Board by means of conference telephone or any other method of communication allowing all persons participating to hear each other. An officer’s participation in a meeting by such electronic means will constitute attendance in person for all purposes under these bylaws.

2.      Remove the AAUW Greater Naples Branch appointed position of School & Community Relations. (Article X. Officers. Section 1.b)

Rationale: The purpose of this office was to coordinate the branch’s community programs. It is felt that

this position is hard to fill and not necessary for the success of the programs.  The programs shall report directly to the AAUW GNB Board of Directors. Currently, the programs are the STEAM Conference, Reading is Fun, Scholar Bowl, AAUW Salary Negotiation Workshops, and AAUW Florida Tech Trek.

AAUW Florida approval: March 18, 2021

AAUW Greater Naples Branch Board approval: April 13, 2021

AAUW Greater Naples Branch Membership approval:



Click below for link to Budget

 Budget for 2021 - 2022

Donna Carty Buchholz

August 23, 1949 – August 29, 2021

 With great sadness we announce the death of Donna Carty following a long series of health setbacks. Donna died peacefully this recently at Naples Community Hospital.

Many of us will remember Donna for her tireless efforts on behalf of the causes and organizations that filled her with the most hope including, among others the American Association of University Women and Planned Parenthood.

After the loss of her youngest step-son Daniel to suicide, Donna launched The Surviving Suicide and Sudden Loss Project in 2014, a fabulous mental health project she created in partnership with the NAMI of Collier County. She was also dedicated to the United Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples.

Donna leaves behind her loving husband, Alan S. Buchholz; her son Dr. Matthew J. Carty, wife Dr. Marcy, granddaughters Madison and Mackenzie and grandson Mason; stepson Eric M. Buchholz, wife Suzanne, and step-grandsons James and Jacob; brother Mark Sebell, sisters Lisa Sebell-Nevins and Holly Freeman; several nieces and one nephew, and her dear fairy godmother, Dorothy Ludwig.

A celebratory service will be held at UUCGN later in the year. Notes and cards can be sent to Alan at 13418 Silktail Dr., Naples, FL 34109.



Each November, the Branch Board must appoint two Branch members to serve on the Nominating Committee with the Past President. The function of the Nominating Committee is to recommend candidates for election by the Branch the following March. If you are willing to serve the Branch in this important role, please contact Laura Candris, Past President & Nominating Committee Chair.

Reproductive Rights: Texas Abortion Law

On August 31, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, refused to stay the Texas order in Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson. The Texas law, effective September 1, bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as six weeks. In addition, the law allows any private citizen to file a civil lawsuit against anyone who “aids and abets” the pregnant woman to obtain an abortion and be awarded at least $10,000 in statutory damages. Other states, including Florida, are now looking to pass similar legislation

.

In a scathing dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the Texas abortion ban a “flagrantly unconstitutional law engineered to prohibit women from exercising their constitutional rights and evade judicial scrutiny.” She wrote, “It cannot be the case that a State can evade federal judicial scrutiny by outsourcing the enforcement of unconstitutional laws to its citizenry,” or create bounty hunters. She concludes, “Today, the Court finally tells the Nation that it declined to act because, in short, the State’s gambit worked.”

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in Austin to block the Texas law. The suit asserts that the ban violates the 14th Amendment and conflicts with the statutory and constitutional responsibilities of the federal government. These include Medicaid providers and prison administrators who must provide abortion services under federal contracts.

In a statement issued on September 2, AAUW strongly condemned the Court’s decision on the Texas case. Kate Nielson, AAUW’s Senior Director of Public Policy, wrote, “Curtailing reproductive rights is a seismic affront to all Americans and AAUW vows to ferociously fight to ensure quality, affordable, and accessible health care for all.”

For more information, contact Public Policy Committee co-chairs, Carol Light and Janet Welch

China and Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained what had been a positive economic and political relationship between China and Africa. As Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “Belt and Road initiative” continues to expand Chinese power, the response to the spread of COVID-19, as well as the African government’s growing debt to China, has seen pushback. What are some of the current economic and political issues between China and Africa? How might they affect our interests and policy?

The GNB Great Decisions group will meet via Zoom on Monday, October 4, 2021, 7:00-8:45 p.m. to discuss U.S. foreign policy regarding China’s relationship with Africa. Carol Light will be the discussion leader, and we will watch a brief video from the PBS Great Decisions series.

If you are interested in learning more about the group or ordering the 2022 briefing book, please contact Carol Light at her email address or phone number in the Membership Directory.

The next AAUW Cocktails and Conversation will take place at 4:30 PM on Monday, October 18, 2021, at The Pearl on Airport Road.

Members enjoyed two CCs during the summer at the Pearl and voted overwhelmingly to return  because of the location, food/beverage menu, and friendly service. CC is a wonderful experience for old, new, and prospective members. 

Reservations are appreciated via email to Susan Becker. Hope to see you there!



The Non-Fiction Book Club will meet viz ZOOM on October 25, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The book we will discuss is The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson.  Contact Karen Clegg for more information.

The NonSequiturs are a group of interesting women, with a wide diversity of beliefs, even on the topic we are discussing!  We all want to hear what you have to say, and we know how to disagree without being disagreeable.  We learn from each other, and always have a great time together.  That’s what smart women do.  Check us out!  :-)

Contact Nancy Beights at her email address.

We will meet on October 14, 2021, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to discuss our summer reading, American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummings, with Susan Becker.             

             Location: TBA. Those who have registered by October 11 will be contacted directly. There is a limit of 12 at the meeting.

Please read the book, as this will be a participatory discussion, not a lecture or book review. Please bring a beverage or finger food to share. COVID vaccinated if possible.

Parking is limited.  Please share rides if it is convenient.

Want to support Scholarships for deserving local women, Reading is Fun!, the annual STEAM program for 5th-grade girls, and/or StartSmart? There is still time to double the value of your donation! Up to $5000 of donations made to the Greatest Needs Fund of the Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc. by December 31, 2021 will be matched dollar for dollar. See the below for details.

The Candris Matching Fund Drive 

To help support the Foundation’s scholarship programs and the community service programs of the Branch, Laura Candris will match dollar for dollar, up to $5000* of contributions made to the Greatest Needs Fund of the Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc. by December 31, 2021. 

To be eligible for the match, donations must be delivered to the Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc. on or before December 31, 2021, designated for the “Greatest Needs Fund.

” 

*Matching funds will be transferred from the Candris Charitable Trust, a Donor Advised Fund, periodically as eligible donations are received by the Foundation. 

Since its founding by the AAUW Greater Naples Branch in 2001, the Foundation has: • Provided academic scholarships to local women age 21 and over who are pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree at an accredited college or university and who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need; and  

• Supported the Branch’s STEAM program for fifth-grade girls enrolled in Collier County Public schools to expose them to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.  

The Foundation also:  

• Funds the provision of books to at-risk children through the Branch’s Reading is Fun! program; 

• Supports the AAUW StartSmart program, teaching woman salary negotiation skills to help close the persistent gender wage gap; and  

• Provides scholarships for deserving local women pursuing degrees in STEM

fields.  

Donations to the Greatest Needs Fund may be used to support any or all of these programs or other programs as well as operating expenses. 

The Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 59-3704754), regulated by the State of Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services pursuant to the Florida Solicitation of Charitable Contributions Act, Registration No. CH 13573. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA (1-800-435-7352), OR VISITING https://csapp.800helpfla.com/CSPublicApp/CheckACharity/CheckACharity.aspx. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

October is here and the holidays are close behind. Janet Ankiel, Susan Becker and Laura Candris are at work on this year's Holiday Luncheon on December 4th, 2021 at Bayside in the Villages at Venetian Bay. Once again, we plan a silent auction to raise money for the Branch. Judith MacGregor will donate one of her magnificent necklaces of semi-precious stones, Glenda Struthers is donating tickets for Gulf Shore Playhouse, Nancy Beights procured a $100 gift certificate for Bleu Provence, and we have a $100 gift certificate for a facial by Laura’s facialist, but we need more auction items. Consider soliciting a gift certificate from your favorite restaurant, store or salon. Or donate tickets for an event you will be unable to attend. Did someone give you a lovely gift you are unable to use? Donate that! If you have a talent or skill, consider donating lessons! Please contact Laura Candris with questions about donations. Please contact Janet Ankiel to register. Contact information is in the Members' Directory under the "Members Only" tab of the website. And thank you for helping us think ahead!

When Joanne Grady Huskey shared her insights with us at our January Branch Meeting, she introduced the “The Third Act”. In keeping with our theme of Leadership in 2021-22, 

WE WILL FOLLOW UP WITH A 1⁄2 DAY WORKSHOP AND LUNCHEON ON  OCTOBER 14, 2021 WHERE JOANNE GRADY HUSKEY WILL INVITE US TO EXPLORE THIS VERY INTERESTING AND TIMELY TOPIC. 



Please contact Co-President Jacky Territo at her email address in our Branch Directory to indicate your interest.

ENROLLMENT WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FIRST TWENTY PARTICIPANTS.

WE HOPE YOU WILL PLAN TO JOIN US.

SAVE THE DATE!

The AAUW Greater Naples Branch

 and The Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc. invite you

to join a Celebration of 20 Years of Advancing Local Women and Girls!

Saturday, November 6, 2021, 11:30AM, Luncheon at

The Naples Sailing and Yacht Club

Keynote Speaker, Barbara Rhodes-Melvin

Vice President

Community Relations Officer First Florida Integrity Bank

and President

Party Hearty for Charity