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Our May 2014 Brunch included awarding scholarships to local high school seniors and tech trek middle school girls, as well as honoring several of our members. Special thanks to Becky Pheng, owner of Lemongrass Restaurant, for providing corsages to the Local Scholarship recipients. Congratulations to Elena Noble for receiving the yearly Barbara Newacheck Award. Another lovely event to end this year's acitivities. Good food and good company.

















At our June 2013 Brunch, we awarded scholarships to local girls and honored several members. Family members supported and honored the Local Scholarship and Tech Trek camp girls.

























2012 June Brunch 2012 photos.













Festa Italiana 2014. This annual event is our Fall Fundraiser at a local winery. Proceeds from this event go to AAUW educational funds which provide local and national academic scholarships for women based on achievement and need.





















Festa Italiana 2013.





































Festa Italiana 2012.
































Programs

At our April 2014 meeting, Dr. Helen Benjamin, Chancellor of the Contra Costa County Community College District, spoke to our members about the current state of funding and how it affects programs and education in our community college district. What a lively, informative evening.



Panelists Becky Pheng, Connie Jamison, and our own Katrinka March spoke to us at Lemongrass Restaurant in downtown Martinez at our 2014 March Program about the challenges and rewards of being women entrepreneurs, doing business in our local communities. We enjoyed a fabulous Thai buffet lunch and a stimulating discussion.











Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (D-Concord) explained the new Common Core Curriculum and other education issues at our November 2013 Program. Ms. Bonilla received high marks from the audience for her informative talk and her achievements thus far on strengthening education funding in California. She represents the 14th Assembly District which includes northern and central Contra Costa County and southern Solano County. Holding many important committee assignments, she is also chair of the Select Committee on increasing the Integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in Education in California k-14 schools.







Branch member Vivian Boyd treated us to a historic night at Concord's Galindo House and Gardens for our October 2013 Program. Vivian recounted the history of the Galindo family followed by a tour of the grounds. With the full moon shining brightly, members were transported back to Spanish California and the settlement of Diablo Valley. A wonderful night was had by all.


At our April 2013 Program, we learned about Joan Morris' experiences as a journalist for the Countra Costa Times. Her Pets and Wildlife column is read by many of our members, and it was interesting to hear about the Contra Costa Times' educational garden that helps feed the hungry. She was humorous and informative about the direction of the newspaper industry. Congraulations to Elizabeth DiPietro for winning our donated bag of goodies from Wild Birds Unlimited. And special thanks to Laurel Gaiser, our hospitality Chairperson, for arranging coffee, tea, and cookies.














Meet the Mayors was quite a success for our November 2012 Program. We learned historical information about Pleasant Hill and Martinez, as well as future plans for both cities. A lively discussion followed. Congratulations to Marge Munger for winning the Century Pleasant Hill theater tickets, and George Mendonsa, the winner of the Contra Costa Cinema tickets in Martinez.





At our October 2012 Program, Lesley Stiles prepared two Thanksgiving side dishes and discussed sustainable gardening and cooking. What an entertaining and educational speaker. Congratulations to Jeanne McGinnis for winning the drawing for a Farmers' Market gift certificate.











Crime scenes. Finger prints. Dead bodies. That was the theme of our March 2012 Sisters in Crime Program. Authors Penny Warner, Ann Parker, and Carole Price intrigued us with their tales of writing mystery books. Thanks to Carole Larson, our decorations were fabulous. A great meal and a good time was had by all.























The January 2015 Soup Supper event was popular as always. Great soups and desserts. Thank you Marilyn Thelen and Elva Valli for coordinatoring this fabulous event. Our speaker, Dianna Vanni Matthias, shared her hilarious stories about when she was assigned to the Soviet Joint Venture Fishing Fleet in Alaska’s Bering Sea.













Thank you Marilyn Thelen and Elva Valli for coordinatoring the 2014 Soup Supper. Great soups and desserts. Weren't Carole Larson's hand painted polar bear decorations just perfect? Martinez teacher, Dr. Rona Zollinger, who was chosen Contra Costa Teacher of the Year, shared her adventures in the Arctic. We felt like we were right there beside her.













Many thanks to Eileen Bordenave, our 2013 Soup Supper Coordinator. Elena Noble's 1939 Treasure Island, Golden Gate Exposition presentation was extremely interesting to everyone.























The January Soup Supper event is always so popular. Great soups and desserts. Photos from the 2012 Soup Supper.






Gayle Miner hosted the 2014 September Brunch in her beautiful yard, and the Tech Trek girls shared their interesting camp experiences with us. Delicious food was provided by our generous members. A good time was had by all.























Our September 2013 Brunch was as lovely as always. Marilyn Thelen, we especially appreciate you opening your beautiful backyard and garden to us. We all enjoyed hearing from the Tech Trek girls about their camp experience. Special thanks to those who donated handmade or carefully selected items for the Tech Trek Raffle -- Suzanne Salter, Reba Siero, Bea Ball, Margi Alkire, Joy Barden and Shelley Jacobson, Carole Larson, Gayle Garrison, and Sherrie Moore.

























What a beautiful day for the September 2012 Brunch. A great way to catch up with friends and meet new members.

























Baby gifts are generously donated for the Hillcrest Church Social Service Program at our Annual Layette Shower . We receive so many beautiful items-- hand-made quilts, afghans, receiving blankets and hats, and adorable baby clothes---sleepers, newborn outfits, saques, sweaters, booties, socks, and undershirts. Toys and diapers as well. We send a big pile of newborn necessities for happy babies and grateful Moms.

December 2013















January 2013





December 2011








As always, the 2014 Summer Social was entertaining and enjoyable. Overlooking the golf course, everyone enjoyed the food and the band. A great job by the committee.











A great time was had by all at the 2013 Summer Social. Muriel Fry's home was the perfect setting for this event. Suzanne Rheingruber and company really know how to host a fabulous party. Sandy Wolfe's spare ribs were just delicious. Did you see that cake?















Check out the fun at the July 2012 Summer Social.
























Our 2014 Winter Wonderland was a grand event. Tasty appetizers, wine and sparkling cider, a delicious, catered meal, and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. George March' Clarinet Fusion entertained us all. Happy Holidays to everyone.

















Our 2013 Holiday Extravaganza was a gala event. Tasty appetizers, wine and sparkling cider, a delicious meal, and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Trivial Pursuit followed by singing concluded the evening. Happy Holidays to all.

















The 2012 Black and White Ball was fabulous. Sandy Wolfe and company transformed the Brookview Club House -- beautiful table decorations, great food, entertainment and games. What a gala event.







































Members are enjoying Game Day of Bridge and Mah Jongg to support our scholarship programs.



Members are enjoying Game Day to support Tech Trek, a math/science camp for middle school girls.