LOCKLETTER

AAUW  Lock Haven Chapter

Lock Haven, PA

Editors:  Nell Carnein & Bobbie Way

Dear Members:

It is with sadness that I mention the passing of Joan Enger.  She gave us so much of herself because she believed in our mission. Joan loved the beauty of nature and sought to experience it for herself and to make opportunities for the rest of us to share it with her. Joan appreciated art and craft in many forms and particularly sought to help others understand the nuances of her multi-cultural perceptions. We will all miss Joan. We will remember her with love.

Prodigal Summer will be an interesting book to discuss in our group. I am anxious to hear about other's opinions and to tell about my reflections on it.

We will need to discuss using some book sale proceeds for a contribution to the Ross Library at this meeting, also.

Exciting plans are underway for the Branch 35th Anniversary Luncheon at the April meeting with our guest speaker, AAUWPA President, Linda Tosier.

Looking forward to seeing you all Thursday evening!

Love and Peace,

Laura

March Meeting

The book discussion this month should be very interesting. Prodigal Summer is about nature and life in the breadth of one summer. We anticipate a lively discussion then a business meeting and homemade refreshments. It would be appreciated if you could bring a batch of cookies for the troops in Iraq. They will be collected at the meeting for your convenience.

 Andy Bennett, Program Vice President

Book Sale

Our book sale is fast approaching.  Please sign up to help set up, sell and/or pack up the books and treasurers.  Contact Toni and Nell to get your name on the schedule.  When the weather cooperates, our faithful group of ladies are getting together on Tuesday mornings for price and sort.  Please come and help when you are able.  Thank you.   

Minutes

An abbreviated meeting was held during lunch at Ruby Tuesday’s following the program.  No minutes were taken.

A Thank You Note

February 12, 2004

Dear Lock Haven Branch Members:

On behalf of the American Association of University Educational Foundation, thank you for your gift of $750 on 12/31/03.  Your gift was designated to unrestricted Educational Foundation support and credited to Pennsylvania State.

At the Educational Foundation we work to promote education and equity for all women and girls.  Donations such as yours allow for the continued success and expansion of our fellowships, grants, research, and outreach programs.  We are very grateful for your support of our efforts to promote positive societal change.

Your gift is a powerful demonstration of your commitment to improving educational opportunities for women and girls across the globe and we look forward to keeping you up to date on all of AAUW’s upcoming activities.

Once again, thank you for your generosity.

Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Smyth
Education Foundation President

Questions to consider while reading/discussing Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

1.   Deanna is the self-appointed protector of coyotes and all predators.  Is she disturbing nature's own ways of dealing with upsets? What about Garnett and his quest for a blight-free chestnut tree -- is this "good" for nature?

2.   How does the relationship between Deanna and Eddie Bondo change them both? Should Deanna have told Eddie about the pregnancy? Do you think already knew and that was one of the reasons he left when he did?

3.   When Nannie and Garnett hug, a huge barrier between them drops and they both gain a basic understanding of each other's humanness and vulnerability. Do you think a romantic relationship between them will ensue?  How much does Garnett's unrecognized longing for love and human contact account for the shift in his perception of Nannie and the greater world around him? What else influences the shift in Garnett?  Does Nannie change as well?

4.   The three major story lines are named "Predators," "Moth Love," and "Old Chestnuts." Why, besides acknowledging her respect for coyotes, spiders and other predatory creatures, are Deanna's chapters named "Predators?"  Does her love of predators make her the "natural" lover of Eddie Bondo? How does Lusa's life mirror the life cycle of her beloved moths? How does her love of insects lead to her emergence from her cocoon of grief (i.e. her relationship to Crystal)? How do Garnett and Nannie remind you of "old chestnuts?" Are they extinct? Are they the few lone trees left alive after a blight?

AAUW DIVERSITY POLICY

In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.