AAUW Warner Robins, GA

The Branch offers our condolences to the family and friends of Mayor Donald Walker who died September 28, 2009. He and his wife, Paticia had been members of the AAUW Warner Robins branch for several years. The funeral will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Homer J. Walker Civic Center.

The first session of GRITS or Girls Read It Together in School started September 29 with 13 5th grade girls reading the Bridge to Terabithia. This is the first time for Shirley Hills Elementary. The girls received the GRITS lime green T-Shirt, their own copy of the book and refreshments to get them through the session. AAUW members are always welcome to attend and help the discussion leader and with refreshments.

Three new members have joined in September. Please welcome Mary Catherine Catrall, Cindy Conine, and Connie Cutlip. Check the newsletter for more details.

There will be a Warner Robins Mayor and City Council candidate forum on Friday, September 18 at 7:00 PM in the McIntyre Room of the Warner Robins Recreation Department, 800 Watson Blvd. The goal of the Forum is to allow public access to the candidates. It is being hosted by the Houston County Democratic Committee.

The City of Warner Robins will hold a General Municipal Election on November 3  to elect a Mayor, Council Post 1 (at large), Council Post 3 (district 3), Council Post 5 (district 5), with terms for all to beginning January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2013.

The October meeting will be held at Lowe Toyota, 375 South Houston Lake Road. They have a meeting room on the second floor. The Lions has raised the rent at their clubhouse so a new meeting space is needed. We will try the Lowe Toyota space to see if it meets our needs. Since the location is free, it is worth trying.

Bill Mibly and his son, William, owners of Visiting Angels, a living assistance services company were the speakers at the September 8 meeting. Bill offered an informative presentation on ICE: In Case of Emergency. The idea to store ICE in your mobile phone address book originated in Cambridge. England by paramedic Bob Brotchie. The newer cell phones have a template that can be used.

The entry should include the name of the person and a 1 if you have more contacts if case the first is not available. So  the entry would be ICE Heather 1 or ICE Mary 2. Some phone templates allow for personal information to add medical conditions, allergies and medications. It may save your life during that “golden hour.” Make sure the contact person agrees to be the ICE contact. They should also have information about your medical conditions that could affect any emergency care such as allergies and medications. It is also recommended to add a sticker on your photo idea with ICE so they will check for the information in your mobile phone.

GRITS will be served at Shirley Hills Elementary. September 29, October 6, 14, 20 and 27. Girls Read It Together in School is the reading and discussion group for fifth grade girls. This will be the first year at Shirley Hills. Helpers will be needed for snacks and to assist Jane Winston, the discussion leader. The book will be Bridge to Terabithia about two lonely children who create a magical forest kingdom. It won the Newbery Medal in 1978. Helpers are needed to assist with refreshments and just to be a presence.

It is that time of year for the Yearbook publication. If you have any address, phone number or email  changes, please contact Evelyn Merk by October 11. You must have paid your dues by October 1 to be included in the Yearbook.

The Executive board met Saturday, August 29 to review the proposed budget for the new program year, hear reports of activities and projects and to socialize with a cookout and pool party. Marlene and Stephen Humphry have hosted the annual event for over 20 years. Check the calendar for the programs for the monthly meetings.

How many members have updated their AAUW information online. This is the place you can change your mailing or email address. The Member Services Database does require an additional registration and password to access. As a member you can also access a list of the state and branch officer listing as well as a roster of all the branch members. There are several members that have outdated email entries. Please check the database and make the necessary changes. As the newsletter editor, I keep our local emails up to date, but I cannot update the AAUW database for you. Here is a document that provides instructions on how to do it. It is a pdf file which you can download and print out.

How to Access AAUW Member Services Database