Tryon Area Program ChairThe Tryon Area Branch of AAUW in 2008 presented a four-part series on the “Strengths of Democracy.” In January, the former Assistant Historian of the US Senate, Dr. Jo Quatannens discussed “The Separation Of Powers.” Paul Reid, formerly a staff writer with the Palm Beach Post and chosen to finish the final volume of Manchester’s biography of Churchill, presented “The Power of the Press” in Feb. In March, Jennifer Furrow , Director of the Spartanburg Historical Society and Museum talked on “The Purpose of Public Education.” Joe Epley, Chair of the Polk County Visioning Committee closed the series speaking of the role of the committee as it relates to the broad subject of “The Power of Participation.”

Lois Merrill, Vice President for Programs, was excited by the enthusiastic response to the timely series. Her committee is currently working to develop another series for 2008-9.