The American Association of University Women – Bradford Branch met Saturday using Zoom technology.
President Marietta Frank thanked members for attending and noted the passing of two longtime members: Joyce Jordan and Pauline “Boots” Higie. She highlighted their involvement with the organization and the community.
Frank reminded members to vote on the slate of nominated officers by May 23. She also announced that the next board meeting of the group will be on June 4 at 6 p.m. using Zoom. Since the group was unable to hold its annual meeting in May, the event will be rescheduled for Aug. 13.
She announced that AAUW annual dues should be mailed to Terri Leven, treasurer, no later than May 31. It was noted that the names of the recipients of the AAUW Outstanding Woman of the Year Award and the AAUW Gateway to Excellence Award have been sent to headquarters and will be announced at a later date.
Frank emphasized that despite the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Bradford Branch of AAUW has much to accomplish and much to celebrate this coming year. Frank mentioned the organization offers programs to support the self-development of its members, while providing scholarships on the local level and through the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She also mentioned AAUW’s ongoing support for the Bradford YWCA and for community events such as Empty Bowls and Baskets Dinner. Finally, Frank added that in 2021, the group will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Bradford Branch of AAUW.
The program for May was “Famous Women’s Reenactments” via Zoom with AAUW members portraying women in the arts, science, education, entertainment, and medicine. The famous women depicted were writer Maya Angelou, American journalist Nellie Bly, musician Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart, anthropologist Jane Goodall, researcher Marie Curie, writer J. K. Rowling, entertainer Julie Andrews, chef Julia Childs, school superintendent Ella M. Boyd, and Bradford physician Persis Straight Robbins.
The club reported that it was a fascinating session during which members learned that Ella Boyd was the first female superintendent in the United States when she began her duties in Bradford in 1887, and that “Nannerl” Mozart, who despite her musical brilliance, was forbidden by her father to continue to perform in public with her brother Amadeus when she approached her adolescent years because of her gender. A common theme that emerged in all their stories related to the hardships, barriers and prejudice that they faced as they pursued their goals and life’s work.
Eight members of Take Off Pounds Sensibly #1704 weighed in from home Monday evening, losing 12.4 pounds.
Stacy was the Best Loser in Waiting as well as the Officer of the Week.
Regular weekly meetings will resume Monday nights at the Hooker Fulton Building starting June 1. Weigh-in will be from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m., and the meeting will be from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Members are to steer clear of ice cream this week and are encouraged to take advantage of the pleasant weather and exercise for 30 minutes outside on each nice day.
