Happy Holidays

Whatever your holiday at this time of year, our AAUW Branch wishes you a safe and happy time.  See you in 2015!

Holiday Party Tomorrow

Find your 'going out' finery in the closet, and get your appetizer recipe ready.  We're gathering at Betty Owen's for appetizers and socializing at 5:30 tomorrow evening, before we head to the Old Log Theatre for a performance of Life Could Be a Dream.  It will be a fun evening.  See you there.

Qigong Was Something New

The audience picture above is a little blurry, but you can see that a large audience turned out to learn about Qigong.  Our speaker was Rhonda Battistol, a Spring Forest Master Healer and Certified Instructor who gave us some historical background about Qigong, and led us through some gentle exercises and meditations. Many in the audience found the experience very relaxing.

Remember to Vote on Nov. 4!

Understanding Recent Scottish Events

 

A large group of MetroWest members and friends gathered on October 16 to hear retired teacher, Terry Ruskins discuss the history behind recent events happening in Scotland.  He discussed the clan conflicts going back to ancient times as well as more recent events within the UK, and Scottish (as well as Irish and Welsh) representation in Parliament. A number of these factors came together to prompt the recent Scottish vote on independence. We also had a couple visitors at the meeting who had recently returned from a visit to Scotland, and they shared a few of their experiences.  Terry leads tours to Scotland from time to time, and he had information on the next tour for anyone interested.

Kickoff at Medina in September

Approximately 32 Metro West AAUW members gathered at the Medina Country Club on September 13 to kick off the 2014-15 program year.  We enjoyed a soup and salad luncheon and appreciated the presentation of C. Michael-jon Pease, Executive Director of Park Square Theatre.  He spoke about the history and growth of the theatre in recent years, and about the 2014-15 schedule.  Here are a few pictures from the event.

Cruising on Lake Minnetonka

A good group of Metro West members gathered on August 4 for a lunch and cruise aboard one of Al and Alma's cruise boats.  The report from one member was that 'the weather was great and the cruise was great!'  Here are a few pictures from the event.

May Salad Supper Concludes Year

Here are a few pictures from the salad supper on May 15.  A large group gathered at Ardelle's home to share supper and an interesting presentation by the authors of The Legendary Homes of the Minneapolis Lakes and The Great Homes of Summit Avenue and the Hill District.  The weather was chilly, so we couldn't eat outside, but there was good warm fellowship inside.

 

State Convention Delegates

A number of MetroWest members attended the State Convention in Minneapolis April 11-12.  Here are a few pictures.  If others have pictures to share, send them my way, and I'll add them.

Minnesota History Featured in April

Matt Horstman, a sales representative for Educational Services at the Minnesota History Center was our speaker at the April branch meeting.  He had sample copies of the new Northern Lights (Minnesota history textbook) for us to look at and presented information on a number of other educational  programs and services provided by the History Center.  (As an aside, he feels a connection to AAUW because his mother was once a Branch President in Michigan.)

Helping Paws Show Their Stuff

 

Picking up dropped items, giving hugs and smooches, opening doors, turning lights on and off...these are just a few of the activities performed by service dogs for the disabled.  MetroWest met on March 20 at the Minnetonka Community Center to watch dogs in training and their instructors from Helping Paws demonstrate some of the skills the dogs must learn.  Helping Paws is a nonprofit organization based in Hopkins that breeds, raises, and trains golden and black labs to be service dogs.  The program which was founded in 1988, is entirely volunteer-operated. They have placed over 150 dogs in Minnesota.  Although it may cost over $20,000 to raise and train a dog, applicants for a dog must pay only a modest application and equipment fee. Dogs are carefully matched with their new human companion, and once in service, the dogs promote self-sufficiency, confidence, and self esteem, allowing the clients to live more independently.

Kiva Loans Was February Program

It was a snowy day in February (the 15th to be exact) when MetroWest gathered at Meridian Manor in Wayzata for a delicious lunch of fruited chicken salad, soup, pie, and more.  The program was presented by Judy Johnson, a local supporter of the Kiva Loans program.  She described how she got started in the program and demonstrated (using her own account) how easy it is to get involved.  She said that she generally supports groups of women in Africa. She believes that when you help women, you also are helping their entire family.

Appologies first...

I've gotten so far behind (boo! hiss!) that the blog has almost fallen off my radar.  This post is to say--I'm going to catch up now.

The Weather Gremlin Strikes Again

That old mean gremlin has been playing a nasty game with Minnesota this winter.  He forced us to cancel our January meeting; and we missed a program on horticultural therapy that might have warmed our spirits.  Here is a link to speaker Jane Larson's website, where you will find a number of articles about horticultural therapy. (http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/our-experts/jean-larson-ma-htr-ctrs)

Now, to help everyone think warm thoughts, here are a few pictures snagged from the web.  Think Spring!

Holiday Festivities

Approximately 27 AAUW members, spouses, and friends gathered at Summit Place on December 14 for our annual Holiday Celebration. We feasted on delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and played a challenging round of trivia. Team 3, led fearlessly by Barbara Cohen, won the contest, and each team member received special ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ mints as their prize. It was an evening of good food, good conversation, and quite a bit of brainwork; but was definitely enjoyed by all who attended. And we’re looking forward to next year, and the next challenge!