OUR NEXT EVENT: Installation Banquet, May 17th (Saturday), 3:30 p.m. at Connie’s house. Please bring finger food to share. We will be installing the new officers and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere of camaraderie before we part for the summer months. (Meetings resume the end of August.) Please let Connie know you are coming - 346-8223 or cgo@ec.rr.com .
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2008-2009 OFFICERS: A new slate of officers was presented to the membership and approved by unanimous vote at the March meeting. Your new officers will be JoAnn Hall and Judy Martin, Co-Presidents; Heather F. Ochse, Vice-President/Programs; Nelda Howell, Secretary; Katharyn Thayer, Treasurer. Vice-President of Membership remains open. These officers will be installed at the installation banquet on May 17th.
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CCCC Scholarship Fundraiser: Our fundraiser with partner Charlene Shearer of Tastefully Simple went very well in spite of torrential rain. Combined with funds left over from last year, we raised enough money to offer two scholarships at Coastal Carolina Community College. Thank you to everyone who attended, especially those who drove from Morehead City and Swansboro! Thank you, too, to Charlene for once again providing us with lots of delicious samples.
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AAUW/NC CONVENTION: Please go to aauwnc.org to view pictures and summaries of the meetings and activities at convention held April 18-20 in Greensboro. Thank you, Greensboro Branch, for your generous hospitality!
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CALENDAR
May 17 (Saturday), 3:30 p.m. - Installation Banquet, 107 Epworth Drive, Jacksonville. Please bring finger food for sharing. Call Connie at 346-8223 for directions or to tell her you are coming. Dues for the 2008-2009 year may be paid at this time.

NO MEETINGS IN JUNE AND JULY. The August newsletter will announce plans for the coming season of activities.
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Heather F. Ochse, Editor, hksalc@yahoo.com
*AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.*

See you there! -Connie and Evelyn
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OUR NEXT EVENT: Scholarship Fundraiser on Monday, April 28, 6:30 p.m., St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 711 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville. Bring guests and appetites! Contact Connie at 346-8223 if you need more order forms. Forms must be turned in with payment by April 28.
******************************************************

2008-2009 OFFICERS: A new slate of officers was presented to the membership and approved by unanimous vote at the March meeting. Your new officers are JoAnn Hall and Judy Martin, Co-Presidents; Heather F. Ochse, Vice-President/Programs; Nelda Howell, Secretary; Katharyn Thayer, Treasurer. Vice-President of Membership remains open. These officers will be installed at the installation banquet on May 17th at 3:30 p.m. at Connie’s house.
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROJECT: Our application to the state for a $300 mini-grant was approved! The school supplies have been purchased. Margaret and Heather were able to deliver two bags of supplies, books and educational videos to each of 7 Onslow County elementary schools. We have enough money left to provide supplies in the 2008-2009 school year. A big thank-you to AAUW/NC for their generosity!
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CALENDAR

April 18-19 - AAUW/NC Convention, Downtown Marriott, Greensboro, NC. See the Spring Tar Heel News or go to aauwnc.org for details. Carpooling encouraged.

April 28, 6:30 p.m. - Branch Scholarship Fundraiser at Parish Hall, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 711 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville. Fundraiser partner: Charlene Shearer of Tastefully Simple. Bring friends and relatives. Taste food. Have fun.

May 17 (Saturday), 3:30 p.m. - Installation Banquet, 107 Epworth Drive, Jacksonville. Please bring finger food for sharing. Call Connie at 346-8223 for directions.
*******************************************************

Heather F. Ochse, Editor, hksalc@yahoo.com
*AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.*

PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE: We are excited! We have applied for a mini-grant from AAUW/NC to support our School Supplies Project through March 2009. We will announce the results of this effort as soon as we know.

Author Dave Terry and his literary manager, Charlene Terry, were a hit at our February meeting. Dave told us what inspired him to write Carolina Bays and about his songwriting as well. There is no end to his talent; and we thank him and Charlene so much for coming to our meeting.

Heather has tailored our March program to the environmentally conscious. You won’t want to miss it.

Connie and Evelyn
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OUR NEXT MEETING: Monday, March 31, 6:30 p.m., Onslow Memorial Hospital Education Building, Jacksonville. Program: Environmental Conservation by Peggy Garner, County Extension Director, NC Cooperative Extension Service. As always, guests welcome. NOTE NEW DATE!
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BRANCH FUNDRAISER: We will once again be partnering with Charlene Shearer of Tastefully Simple for our branch fundraiser. The funds we raise go to our scholarship at Coastal Carolina Community College. We were so successful last year that we were able to offer two scholarships. We will be at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church on Henderson Drive in Jacksonville. This fun event involves very hard work: We must sample delicious offerings from Tastefully Simple and decide what we would like to order for our own families! Our branch earns a percentage of the sales and we get simple, tasteful food to prepare at home. More details in the April newsletter.
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ELECTIONS: It is not too soon to consider serving your branch in an elected position. In May we will vote and install the new board and your help is needed. Please consider enhancing your resume by taking a leadership role in your branch.
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROJECT: Pending the results of our mini-grant application, deliveries will be made soon.
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CALENDAR

March 31, 6:30 p.m. - Branch meeting. Onslow Memorial Hospital Education Bldg., Jacksonville. NOTE DATE CHANGE. Program: Environmental Conservation by Peggy Garner, County Extension Director

April 18-19 - AAUW/NC Convention, Downtown Marriott, Greensboro, NC. See the Spring Tar Heel News or go to aauwnc.org for details. Let’s take a carload!

April 28, 6:30 p.m. - Branch fundraiser for scholarships. Parish Hall, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Henderson Drive, Jacksonville. Fundraiser partner: Charlene Shearer of Tastefully Simple.
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Heather F. Ochse, Editor, hksalc@yahoo.com
*AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.*

Connie and Evelyn
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OUR NEXT MEETING: Monday, February 25, 6:30 p.m., the Old Parsonage House, First Baptist Church, Hwy. 24, Swansboro. Program: David Terry, author, songwriter, singer. As always, guests welcome.
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROJECT: Please bring any school supplies you may still have. Deliveries will be made soon.
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NC SCIENCE BLOGGING CONFERENCE: Co-President Evelyn attended this 2nd annual international science blogging conference on January 18 in Research Triangle. She will share her lessons and experiences with us at our February meeting. Evelyn says she learned a lot about science blogging and about blogging in general. She encourages educators, scientists, engineers, and journalists to get involved in the blogging process. **See Evelyn at the conference in the attachment.**
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ONSLOW COUNTY COUNCIL FOR WOMEN: A handful of us also belong to this worthy organization. OCCW is celebrating 30 years of promoting activities of benefit to the women of Onslow County. Your are cordially invited to attend the Feb. 21 Social/Business meeting, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., at the MCAS New River Family Services Center. Please contact Connie if you would like to attend (346-8223 or cgo@ec.rr.com).
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CALENDAR

February 25, 6:30 p.m.-Branch meeting. Old Parsonage House (behind Bank of America), First Baptist Church, Hwy. 24, Swansboro.

March 13, 11:30-1:30 p.m.-Onslow County Council for Women/Women’s History Luncheon, Onslow County Museum, Richlands.

March 24, 6:30 pm.-Branch meeting. Jacksonville.

April 18-19 - AAUW/NC Convention, Downtown Marriott, Greensboro, NC. See the Spring Tar Heel News or go to aauwnc.org for details.

April 28 - Branch fundraiser for scholarships.
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Heather F. Ochse, Editor, hksalc@yahoo.com
*AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.*

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January 28, 6:30 p.m. will be our next meeting. We will be in the Board Room of Onslow Memorial Hospital. Our program will be Diversity: Other Cultures. Joanne Whitney Hill will tell us about her summer in Spain and former member, Carol Thomson, will tell us about growing up in Cuba. This is a unique program and not to be missed. We will also decide in what direction to take our School Supplies Project, so please come to give us your feedback.

Connie and Evelyn

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OUR NEXT MEETING: Monday, January 28, 6:30 p.m., the Board Room, the Education Building, Onslow Memorial Hospital on Western Blvd., Jacksonville. Program: Diversity-Other Cultures by Joanne Whitney Hill and Carol Thomson. Guests welcome.

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SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROJECT: Heather and Connie presented 22 book totes imprinted with “northwoods elementary school” to that school. They will be used by students who cannot afford bookbags. Principal Peggy Kelley was overwhelmed by the gift and said the bags will be put to immediate use. The school sent our branch a Christmas ornament as a thank-you.

Please bring any school supplies you may still have to the next meeting. Heather is ready to make deliveries.

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VOTING NEWS: Voter registration for the N.C. Primary is April 11. Voter registration deadline for faxed originals - April 16. Absentee voting by mail begins March 17. Absentee ballots must be returned to Board of Elections by May 5. One-stop voting begins April 17 and ends May 3. The primary election is May 6.

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HEAR IN AMERICA: This is a program designed to give a significant discount on hearing aids to teachers who are teaching or have taught in state registered schools. Check with your local hearing aid provider to see if they are a participant. For more information: HearInAmerica.com. Doris Bernlohr of Chapel Hill Branch had success with this program. Connie can put you in touch with her if you wish.

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CALENDAR:

January 28, 6:30 p.m. - Branch meeting in the Board Room, Onslow Memorial Hospital, Western Blvd., Jacksonville. Program: Diversity - Other Cultures.
February 25, 6:30 p.m. - Branch Meeting. TBA.
March 24, 6:30 p.m. - Branch Meeting. TBA.
April 18-19 - AAUW/NC Convention, Downtown Marriott, Greensboro, NC. See the Spring Tar Heel News for details.
April 28 - Branch fundraiser for scholarships.

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Heather F. Ochse, Editor, hksalc@yahoo.com

*AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.*

Also, at this time of year we pause to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. Among them are all of you, our dedicated AAUW members. We are a small branch but we accomplish amazing things locally and outside our region.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Connie and Evelyn
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OUR NEXT EVENT: Holiday Party and Auction, Sunday, November 18, 2 - 4 p.m.; the Board Room, Onslow Memorial Hospital. Please bring two dozen cookies for exchange and eating and a gently used or new item for the auction. Guests welcome! Attire: festive casual.
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SCHOOLS PROJECT: Please turn in your school bags as soon as possible!! Delivery is this week! Call Heather (910) 455-6284 or Connie (910) 346-8223 if you cannot meet this deadline!
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FESTIVAL OF TREES: We were invited to participate in this year’s Festival of Trees to benefit Onslow Caregivers Inc. By online vote, our branch approved supporting this worthy cause. This event takes place December 1 - 3 at the American Legion Building, Broadhurst Road, Jacksonville. We are purchasing a tree and decorating it in an “Equity in Education” theme. We need volunteers to decorate the tree on November 30 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. We need decorations in a white and teal-ish theme, especially a tree skirt. Do you have any little books you can donate? Also, we need lights. Contact Heather at hksalc@yahoo.com or Sue at suecurrie@charter.net.
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CALENDAR: November 18, Sunday, 2-4 p.m. - Holiday Party and Auction, in the Board Room, Onslow Memorial Hospital. See above for details.

December 1-3 - Festival of Trees, American Legion Building, Broadhurst Road, Jacksonville. Supporting home health and hospice care in Onslow County.

December - NO BRANCH MEETING. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Heather F. Ochse, Editor, hksalc@yahoo.com
*AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.*

(more…)

By the time you read this, Evelyn and I will be spreading the AAUW message at the New River Officer’s Spouse Club Open House on Sunday, September 16 from 2-5 p.m. We are eager to share AAUW with our military connected friends. Be sure to tell your friends about it too.

Connie and Evelyn

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OUR NEXT MEETING: Monday, September 24, 6:30 p.m., the Board Room, Onslow Memorial Hospital Education Bldg. Program: “Organizing the Clear and Simple Way” by Lauren Halagarda, The Organization Connection.

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TREASURER’S REQUEST: Treasurer Katharyn encourages those of you who have not yet paid your dues for the 2007-2008 fiscal year (started July 1), to please send your check for $69, made out to AAUW/Jacksonville Regional, to Katharyn Thayer, 203 Hodges St., Morehead City, NC 28577. If you wish to add a voluntary contribution of $30 for the Legal Advocacy Fund and Educational Fund, you may do so. If you have questions, please contact Katharyn at kgthayer@clis.com .

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CALENDAR

September 16, 2-5 p.m. - New River Officer’s Spouse Club Open House, Staff NCO Club, New River Air Station. AAUW information table.

September 24, 6:30 p.m. - Branch Meeting, the Board Room, Onslow Memorial Hospital Education Bldg. Program: “Organizing the Clear and Simple Way”.

October 19-20 - AAUW/NC Fall Meeting, Radisson Hotel, High Point. Please make your hotel reservation directly with the hotel. Meeting registration form is in the Fall 2007 Tar Heel News.

October 22, 6:30 p.m. - Branch Meeting, Swansboro. Program: TBA.

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Heather F. Ochse, Editor, hksalc@yahoo.com

-AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.-

Thank you to our new and returning officers - Katharyn (Treasurer), Judy (Secretary), Joanne (VP Membership), Heather (VP Programs) and Connie and Evelyn (Co-Presidents) - for stepping up to the plate and taking a leadership role in the branch. Heather already has a number of great possibilities for programs and would welcome your input if you have a particular area of interest.

We do have one slot that needs to be filled immediately, our Publicity Chair. We need someone to submit our meeting information to area newspapers every month in a timely fashion. If you are available to do this, please contact Connie (910/346-8223).

Connie and Evelyn

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OUR NEXT ACTIVITY: This is a fun activity just to spend some time together and enjoy a picnic lunch at the North Carolina Aquarium at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 25. We will wander through the newly expanded and remodeled exhibits and then have a leisurely picnic on the grounds. There is a snack bar that serves typical snack-bar fare, or you are welcome to bring your own lunch.

The Aquarium is located five miles west of Atlantic Beach on NC58, Mile Marker 7. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors age 62 and over. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and your AAUW pin. Please contact Connie for carpooling possibilities (910/346-8223 or cgo@ec.rr.com ).

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(more…)

On a sad note, we know all of you will want to express your sympathies to Katharyn Thayer on the sudden passing of her son-in-law. Inspite of this trying time for Katharyn and her family, she has been unwavering in her AAUW duties. She stands as a model of strength to us all.

Evelyn and Connie

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OUR NEXT MEETING: Saturday, May 19, 3-5 p.m. - Installation Banquet at Duck’s, 1207 Gum Branch Rd., Jacksonville. PLEASE NOTE THIS SPECIAL DAY AND TIME. We will be ordering from the menu. Connie needs a head count for the restaurant. Please call (910-346-8223) or e-mail (cgo@ec.rr.com) to let her know if you and your guest will be attending. She needs the count by May 14th.

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SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2007-2008: We will vote on the following slate at the May banquet -

Treasurer - Katharyn Thayer

Secretary - Judy Martin

Vice-President of Programs - Heather F. Ochse

Vice- President of Membership - Joanne Whitney Hill

Co-President - Evelyn Lynge

Co-President - Connie Gamble Ochse

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DUES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008: You are encouraged to pay your dues for the next year at the installation banquet. They are $47 for national + $11 for state + $11 for branch dues = $69. (If you wish to pay a voluntary contribution to the Education Fund and the Legal Advocacy Fund, you may add $30. This is totally voluntary.) If you cannot attend the banquet, please see that Katharyn receives your dues by June 30 for your membership to remain current. Make checks payable to AAUW/Jacksonville Regional and mail to 203 Hodges Street, Morehead City, NC 28577.

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GREEN NEWS: Country Home Magazine recently published an article entitled “2007 Best Green Places”. Jacksonville was listed as #163 out of 379! Twelve North Carolina cities made the list, and out of those, Jacksonville placed 6th! Good news like this rarely makes the newspaper, so lets celebrate this great piece of news about the place many of us call “home”.

Also on the environmental front, last month our co-president, Connie, received the Sarah Humphries Onslow Pride Award “in recognition of outstanding efforts to care for our public lands and help educate others to increase their awareness and responsibilities in keeping Onslow County beautiful”. Congratulations, Connie!

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER: Sue Currie, welcome! You will remember Sue as our outstanding speaker at the January “Women in Technology” meeting. We look forward to including Sue in our AAUW activities.

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CALENDAR

May 19 (Saturday), 3-5 p.m. - Installation Banquet, Duck’s, 1207 Gum Branch Rd., Jacksonville. Guests welcome. (Connie needs a head count by May 14th.)

June and July - NO BRANCH FUNCTIONS.

June 29-July 2 - AAUW National Convention, Phoenix, AZ.

July 13-14 - AAUW NC Summer Conference, Gastonia, NC.

August 25 - Mark your calendar for a fun AAUW event to kick off the new year. More later…

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Heather F. Ochse, Editor, hksalc@yahoo.com

Connie Gamble Ochse, Assistant Editor, cgo@ec.rr.com

-AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.-