Message from Laura Wimmer

Dear friends and AAUW colleagues,  

As my term of four years as co-president for AAUW Virginia comes to an end, I am filled with mixed emotions.  Each of you knows what an enormous job it is and how much work, but it is one that fills me with great pride as well.  This has been an incredibly challenging time for AAUW—not just with the issues of equity that we work on all the time, but with our internal changes and challenges as well.  The one thing constant these days is change and so we move forward … with renewed vitality for our combined branch here in the Greater Richmond area to continue to add to our combined 126 years of working on issues that impact the lives of women and girls.  I thank you all for the time, energy and resources that you put into AAUW and look forward to working with you in the future.  Thank you for your support and for the honor of being a named honoree for EF this year. 

Happy spring to all—I hope to see you soon!! 

Laura Wimmer

President’s Message

What a year we’ve had for AAUW in the Greater Richmond area!.  And now we’re only days away from the long-anticipated end-of-year luncheon on Saturday, May 15, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts..  As we celebrate accomplishments of the past year and over a century of breaking down barriers for women and girls, we’ll be looking to the future with installation of officers the coming year.  We will also have the opportunity to tour some of the museum with Pat Mallahan, our own resident VMFA docent.

As I’ve said before, I personally feel very fortunate to be a part of AAUW in Richmond at this historic time.  Your 2010-11 officers have already begun planning for another year of interesting programs, fun social gatherings, and opportunities for community service.  We will be seeking members to fill several volunteer (non-elected) positions; please consider ways in which you want to contribute in one of these roles.  We also always want to hear from you with suggested program topics, speakers, and activities the Branch might become involved in. 

Have a great summer!

DeAnn Lineberry, President
AAUW Greater Richmond 

Book Group 

The next Book Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 7:30 p.m., at DeAnn Lineberry’s home.  Please let DeAnn ow you’re coming by email to deann.lineberry@yahoo.com or phone 233-5352.

This month’s book is The Bookmaker’s Daughter:  A Memory Unbound, by Shirley Abbott (1991).  This deeply felt memoir is a journey through family history, feminist insight, and Southern mythology, as a daughter reflects on the complicated and volatile love she and her father shared.  Shirley Jean Abbott grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the 1940s and 50s, the beloved daughter of Alfred Bemont Abbott, affectionately known as "Hat."  Hat wasn’t a bookmaker in the obvious sense, even though he allowed Shirley’s mother to believe as much while they were dating.  Rather, his craft was gambling, and his business was horse racing.  Despite the corruption – which put food on the table and rabbit coats in the closet – Abbott remembers the kind and attentive father who spent nights reading to her.  He alone is responsible for opening the door to a world of language and literature for her.  And she ran with it.  Against her father’s wishes, after graduation she headed for New York City.  In the end, the girl he had nurtured into an independent and intelligent young woman had outgrown the small town where she grew up. 

Summer Reading:

·       June 17 – Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout, Winner of 2009 Pulitzer Prize.  Tiny Crosby, Maine, may seem like nowhere, but it’s in essence the whole world, and the lives that are lived there are filled with all of the grand human drama – desire, despair, jealousy, hope, and love.  Retired schoolteacher Olive Kitteridge deplores the changes in her little town and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her.  As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life – sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty.  Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition – its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.  Hostess – Gina Turner.

·       July 15 – Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll (1865).  Interest in new film related to Alice in Wonderland prompted us to choose this classic fantasy for light summer reading.  We’re looking forward to revisiting as adults a story we know from childhood.  Hostess:  Cheryl Kapec.

·       August 19 – Summer Social – time for fun!

Book Group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m.  All Branch members and their guests are welcome.  Contact DeAnn Lineberry for more information: deann.lineberry@yahoo.com or phone 233-5352.

DeAnn Lineberry
Book Group Chair